Star Wars OPEN War of the Galaxies: Fist of Fire - an Episode XII Story

Double post approved by @Sinrebirth

IC: Supreme Sun Guardian Darth Mascon, Military Executor of the First Order
Sovereign-class Star Dreadnought Avarice
A Feast for the Vain

Before arriving at Exegol, Mascon would address the holonet, for the first time as Executor.

"Greetings, denizens of the Galaxy. You may have seen me here before, but under a different role."

"I am Supreme Sun Guardian Darth Mascon. Military Executor of the First Order. This is a new position I do not take lightly. As such, I began my work immediately."

Images of the carnage at Kashyyyk would be shown, forests burning and Wookiees dying. Next, Trandosha, of one scene in particular showing a pile of reptillian bodies at the center plaza of its capital city. Then finally, images from the genocide of the Mandalorians, specifically showing just how effective a solar ionization bolt is against a Mandalorian in beskar.

"I do not apologize for the graphic nature of these images," he began, "It is not my duty to appease your sensibilities. It is my duty to protect the Galaxy."

"To protect the Galaxy, it is necessary to maintain order. To maintain order, one needs an iron fist. To have an iron fist, you must strengthen it by crushing those who seek to introduce disorder."

"As such, I give you not a warning. Not a threat. A promise: Anyone who aligns themselves against the First Order or their allies shall be destroyed. Just like the Mandalorians, Wookiees and Trandoshans seen in the footage I just showed you, their deaths will be swift and brutal, with no mercy and no quarter given."

The feed cut, and then the Avarice arrived at Exegol, accompanied by the following fleet:

10 Duellator-class star destroyers
15 Twisuns-class battle carriers
20 Sun Guard refit Interdictor-class cruisers
100 Wraith-class corvettes
100 Derriphan-class battleships
100 ShaShore-class heavy frigates
100 Durame-class star destroyers
100 Guardsman-class frigates

"Milord," said an officer from the bridge, over a comm line to Mascon's throne room, "Darth Malleus wants to speak to you."

"Send the feed to my throne room viewscreen."

"Yes milord," he replied with a bow, then patching the comm line through to Mascon's personal viewscreen.

Malleus bowed back, polite, for they were both Dark Councillors.

Others appeared, those he had been told of.

Absent was Darth Wyyrlok III, and seemingly Darth's Eranikus and Lumiya II. So too was Darth Rikis, though Darth Nihl joined via hologram.

Perhaps he would be introduced at a later date.

Nihl quipped at Mascon. "The Battle of Kinooine did not go well."

"But the fall of Kashyyyk and Mandalore did," pointed out Malleus. A scuttle of chuckles, some for Nihl, some for Malleus.

"We are here to, what? Receive our Emperor?"

"The armada will arrive soon enough."

But it was very clear, most of the Dark Council was aboard that ship.

"The Battle of Kinooine did not go well for you," Mascon replied to Nihl with a wry smirk, "My forces at Kinooine are still fighting. The dreadnought I have there still has it's shields up, and there's a great deal of blood still yet to be shed."

"Such is the way of the Sun Guard. Victory, at any cost. Whatever it takes."

Nihl sniffed. "My Xyston-class Star Destroyers were lost propping up your blockade of FireFist, and half of my fleet is now lost holding back the Tof until you can reinforce." A pause. "Presumably you will be reinforcing?"

"We will, at least until our plan to seal off the pathways to Firefist for good come to fruition," Mascon blabbed, possibly revealing too much, but still being incredibly vague, "Not to worry though, this won't interfere with the grand plan to conquer all Galaxies, as there are ways for us, and only us to still get through."

He paused briefly and then continued. "But the goal, you see, is to bookmark per se, Firefist until later, choosing to lock it off and let the Tof get fat, comfortable and overconfident while we flood it's entry points with invasion fleets to pour into Firefist, catch the Tof off balance, and decimate them."

"Admittedly, it's quite the ambitious plan. One that will not work without all of your cooperation. If we are to fulfill the Emperor's goal of extra-galactic domination, we will need to learn to coordinate our forces together better than our enemies. Currently, I regret to inform you that they are beating us at that."

Mascon continued, trailing on into a monologue.

"Our enemies have united against us, and turned what was a few nuisances scattered across the Galaxy here and there, into a single, verifiable threat to our very existence. If we are to survive, then thrive, and go on to achieve extra-galactic dominance, we must work together. We must move beyond petty squabbles and infighting. We must move beyond fulfilling personal glory or vendettas, and look to the bigger picture. Our mission is universal in scale. We cannot afford to narrow our vision. For if we do, we shall surely perish."

There was a rumbling of agreement. "We're here," pointed out Malleus. "We have committed, and the armada will be here, at Exegol, soon enough. We shall rally, assemble our marshalled might, and conquer."

Darth Nihl nodded slowly. "As long as the Tofs suffer, I don't care."

His eyes yellowed. "No more strikes against Nagai worlds, though, Lord Mascon."

Mascon nodded and then chuckled at Nihl.

"The Nagai's ferocity in battle and stubborn resilience has earned the Sun Guard's respect, while the Tof's incompetence and drunken antics has earned our hatred. The best allies are battle tested, needless to say."

Nihl smiled uncharitably. "You clearly don't know Darth Rikis."

Malleus sniffed. "Let us fine-tune our strategy. The Emperor has issued threats to a thousand worlds, and we shall be committing the armada to each world in simultaneity." A thousand ships to a thousand targets.

"We've had a smattering of surrenders from systems inside Confederate Space, including Sluis Van, many couched secretly, and a few unaffiliated Hutt worlds, cut loose, have also done so - Runaway Prince, Toydaria, Kessel, Teth among them." A galactic map rose up among them. "Those systems will simply be garrisoned, as will those within the Borderlands that have sent missives." Disparate planets such as Akiva, Phindar, Celanon and Desevro lit up. "We also, of course, have the Sun Guard territory and remainder of the First Order." Coruscant, Anaxes, Champala, Ktil, Antemeridias, most of the Centrality, Kashyyyk and Wild Space portions of the map lit up. "Let alone the Deep Core." The heart of the galaxy turned red for them.

It wasn't a tremendous amount of worlds, and none from the New Republic, Adumari Union and Fel Empire had committed. "With many of them being secretive, clearly they don't intend to honour their word if we lose another Battle of Exegol, so it behoves us to secure them as swiftly as possible." A snort from behind his mask. "It is my intention to have the ships sent to FireFist, Peridea, the Rishi Maze, and Yuuzhan'tar to be grouped into single forces initially." Fifty Xyston-class Star Destroyers were earmarked for the three less well defended outer-most galaxies, and a hundred for the Tof, leaving seven hundred and fifty for the main galactic disc.

"The enemy cannot protect them all, and we shall simply devastate the galaxy and re-provision the rest."

One of the Sith opined. "When we destroy so many worlds, many more will surrender, and we shall have a mountain of resources to use, and the losses we will have taken will be merely apart of the distraction."

Nihl nodded slowly. "Where will our secondary forces be expected to go."

"Wherever a particular resistance is formed, they will be sent as a second wave." Malleus regarded Mascon. "Your forces are thus to prepare for offensives on Eshan, Adumar, Tof, Bakura, Tiboulen and Bastion."

"Understood," Mascon replied, pausing as his mind flashed to his forces at Thyrsus forming up alongside the Dark Nagai fleets of Darth Rikis, his attention directing itself towards Nihl as he did, "I will need some time to gather resources and build fleets, but forces are being gathered for at least one of those offensives as we speak."

Nihl scoffed. "The defenses of those worlds are formidable, and you intend to send a single Xyston to each?"

Darth Sashal, the Keshiri female, chuckled. "The Lost Tribe fleet will assist."

"A single battle cruiser and a few dozen frigates," scoffed Darth Bataal Bandu.

"Your Sith Corsair Cruisers are hardly impressive," opined Darth Eranikus as he joined, via hologram, for he was not yet present at Exegol, like Wyyrlok III, Rikis and Darth Lumiya II. "The Wrath is more impressive than both of your contributions."

"A single Eclipse-class won't change anything," rumbled Darth Graush. "We must be cautious with our personal forces."

Darth Valorum interrupted. "But it's better than naught..." her eyes turned to Darth Malleus, who growled.

"Not all of us were resurrected years ago," Malleus looked back to Graush. Both they were the incarnations of ancient Sith Lords. Malleus, of Adas, and Graush, of Dathka Graush.

"Nor have you delivered the Infernal Fleet," replied Valorum.

Nihl watched for a moment. These were all minor Sith Lords, save for Mascon, it seemed, and given greater roles.

A hologram shimmered, and Darth Traya III - Vergere - joined the conversation. She was hooded in a Black Coat, and glowered at the Dark Council. "The Emperor's Voice speaks."

Nihl threw a glance at Mascon. "The Dark Council listens," intoned Malleus, and the chant was taken up.

Mascon, for his part, for the sake of unity at a time where it was most necessary, would join in with the chant.

"Lord Sidious is in the process of assimilating the bodies of Jaina Solo Fel, Ben Solo and Rey Skywalker." The Fosh spat the remaining words. "At his order, you will take the armada and strike all worlds."

She seethed. "Grand Admiral Thrawn is defending Starkiller Base from the Resistance and Imperial Remnant, as well as the Jedi and One Sith. Once they are crushed, his fleet will deploy to Anaxes; it is the strongest location we have besides Coruscant, which will require ample subjugation or policing..."

Darth Traya III regarded Lord Mascon. "Our spies have suggested several hundred capital ships are en route to the Unknown Regions. Your Sun Guard appears to have failed to divide the enemy... and instead they unify against us." She discounted his successes in breaking the Confederation into pieces, or enmeshing the various enemies of the Empire at Kinooine, Kuat and Serenno. "What say you?"

Mascon smiled as Traya levied her criticism at him.

"Oh, that may be so, but while they struggle to gather enough resources to build fleets, I have solved that problem with just a few short engagements. As we were deliberating here, Sun Guard forces have shut down the Verpine hive mind and forced them into a surrender at Roche, and I have acquired some new mindslaves in the form of the Mandalorians and... the Gree."

Mascon added emphasis to that last one, an enemy who was notoriously slippery to the Sith. Of which he was the first to conquer in known Galactic History.

"Lord Sidious' Sith Alchemy techniques are quite effective, you see. Especially when combined with Yuuzhan Vong biotechnology."

A chuckle went through the Dark Council. Darth Traya glowered. "So be it."

"Well," Darth Valorum said, drily. "Shall we get on with it?" He looked around. "The data, the scientist, and the blood, it's all on the surface with the Sentinel Droids and 11-4D, no?"

"We're not all here," pointed out Darth Bandu.

"We don't need them to be!" Darth Sashal said, the short Keshiri clearly excited. "Lumiya, Rikis and Wyyrlok can catch up. Lord Traya isn't, too. Darth Nihl, you're en route, no?"

"I am, yes," Darth Nihl, via hologram, looked curious. Darth Eranikus and Graush eyed each other, a slight grin to both their auras.

"Lord Mascon," Darth Traya said, with a degree of reverence. "Please join the Dark Council on the surface of Exegol."

A dark malevolence fell upon them. "We shall be rebuilding the Throne of the Sith to fulfil it's original purpose..." The Fosh's coloured patterns went dark, murderous, blood red. "As the Throne of the Sith Eternal."

Mascon would nod to Traya in affirmation and then shortly after he would make his way down to the surface in the Sanguine Beacon, of which its minor Force Sensitivity granted by what was essentially the prototype to the meditation chamber aboard his flagship, alongside the powerful Dark Side presence created by both the world they were located at as well as the large number of Sith Lords present, would help him maintain his connection to the Avarice, and thus maintain his telepathic clairvoyance and control over his forces, both eager followers and unwilling puppets.

Tag: @Sinrebirth , @darthbernael , @Mitth_Fisto , @Kahn_Iceay , @adaml83

 

IC: Nadia ke Mattino
Leaving Ord Mantell

Nadia was doing last-minute checks, could see the losses come through from both Serenno and Kinooine. Three Group Admirals were dead. Not something that would be easy to replace. The ships and people? Neither were replaceable right now.

The ships would be classified into roughly five categories, from worst condition to best. First would be scrap. These ships were destroyed, or they were effectively destroyed.

Second would be the ships in need of an extended stay in a shipyard. These ships would be patched up to make it to nearby friendly shipyards. After further repairs, the ships would then make the jump to the Charon Galaxy where there would hopefully be resources to restore them to full action. From this group, these ships would form some of the first droid controlled larger ships.

The third category were ships that only required a brief shipyard stay. They would likely miss Exegol, but it would require even less time to repair to the extent to make it to Charon. These ships would likely bring pilots without home ships to await reassignment. Those ships would likely be a portion of the hit and hype portion of the Adumari forces at Exegol.

The fourth category were ships that could patch themselves up at the location and then go to the locations where they'd be servicing fighters. A lot of the carriers were in this situation.

The last category were the ships that were fine, these ships wouldn't stay long and move, at least initially, to the waypoints, but would probably ultimately join the rest of the forces at Exegol, after reloading their weapons.

Nadia sent requests to both find the bodies of the deceased Group Admirals and bring them to Charon. Adumar would be better, but the people needed to see their heroes. She also requested that Terek Rogriss write something for his protégé, Admiral Elsayr.

Nadia looked at her chrono, she needed to go, her doppelgänger would be here soon, she boarded her shuttle and launched for her ship the Perator, destined to take her to Charon. Whether she would be back as Perator was a good question in her mind. Perhaps, Carrie was ready.

-----

Main Forces

3 Full Groups

TF Hammer

75 CC-7700 Mk IV frigates
900 DP-25 Frigates
225 Liberator- class Mk 3 Cruisers
15 Mon Mothma class Star Destroyers
12 Endurance-class Mk 3 Fleet Carriers
6 Maxima-class Mk 2 Heavy Cruisers
9 Procusator- class Mk. 2 Star Destroyers
600 Ardent class Mk.2 Fast Frigate
6 Republic class Mk 3 Star Destroyer
9 Tector-class Mk 2 Star Destroyer
Flaghips

3 Venator-class Mk. VI Star Destroyer (360 starfighters active plus spares)

Starfighter totals
28,296 starfighters ~2358 squadrons

TF Anvil
75 CC-7700 Mk IV frigates
2200 DP-25 Frigates
525 Liberator- class Mk 3 Cruisers
30 Turbulent- class Mk 2 Star Destroyers
18 Endurance-class Mk 3 Fleet Carrier
12 Maxima-class Mk 2 Heavy Cruisers
15 Procusator- class Mk. 2 Star Destroyers
900 Ardent class Mk.2 Fast Frigate
15 Republic class Mk 3 Star Destroyer
15 Tector Mk II- class Star Destroyer
Flaghips

12 Secutor- class Mk. III Star Destroyer and 3 Bulwark Mk V Battlecruisers

57,636 starfighters ~ 4803 squadrons

Starfighters

1200 squadrons E-wing Mk VI
1200 squadrons T-85Ad,
1200 squadrons TIE Venerer (Predator)
1200 squadrons TIE Nullifier (Neutralizer)
1161 squadrons Clawcraft-S
1200 squadrons K-wing Mk III

Hit and Hype Groups

Initial (way point leading to Adumar)

1400 squadrons TIE Nullifier
1400 squadrons K-wing Mk III

Incoming (1 to same as initial another to make it seem they’re jumping from Tiboulen)

1900 squadrons each of E-wing Mk VI, T-85Ad, TIE Venerer, TIE Nullifier, and K-wing Mk III

486 Liberator Mk III Cruisers
964 Ardent class Fast Frigates
1310 DP-25s
10 Endurance-class Mk. 3
6 Maxima-class Mk.2
4 Secutor
1 Venator-class
Their job is to rearm and refuel bombers from Exegol and send them back.

 

OOC: The combined voices of myself and @Sinrebirth bring this combo to you.
IC: Nadia ke Mattino, Nas Choka
Multiple locations

Choka felt a sense of positivity, which he bluntly crushed. He had falsely felt hope before, after all. But the Warmaster triggered his ozzgil and began speaking to Nadia. “This is Choka,” he said gruffly, but it wasn’t sharp. “A World Healer, you say? I’m not one to count my ngdin’s before they hatch… but there are several worlds which could do with a hand.”

Nadia smiled, as it wasn't an outright refusal. "I do not know if the report specifically mentioned it, but that brought Tiboulen to around 50 percent of its original resources. I also want to let you know the of the next two produced. Your galaxy will receive one. Lwhekk will receive the other. We did some things we are not proud of to that planet, and we would like to repay the P'w'eck for what we did."

Nas Choka was suspicious. “In exchange for?” He knew altruism was a thing, but the Yuuzhan Vong did not have many concepts of ‘the enemy of my enemy is a friend’. Nas Choka believed in the Sekot Accords, and honouring them. This… this was more.

The Warmaster reflected that at some point the Imperial Remnant must have realised how to develop from merely former enemies to allies in truth and belief. He would have liked to have spoken to Pellaeon. Was this Nadia going to take him through this process?

Nas hadn’t even reached the point where he would ask about the means of the restoration of a world. His fleet, small as it was, had recently fought aside Lord Sabel and Imperial designs. The technological differences simply did not bother Nas Choka…

Nadia merely shrugged, "Right now, nothing. In the future, we may ask to see your galaxy to learn from it. I hope you would consider our aid in that decision."

She continued, "I suppose the decision-making process hinges on two major areas, the logical and the emotional. Logically speaking, it would be in our best interests if the Yuuzhan Vong were strong. We cannot predict how Exegol will go, so it is necessary to prepare contingency plans. Rapidly improving your resources would do that."

"Emotionally speaking, Adam gave you his word. I intend to keep it. Second, we understand what it is like to lose one's home. You are in a better place than we are for you to get your home back."

Nas Choka nodded. "I shall make this Scut my proxy while I lead the fleet. The various Domain heads and caste leaders will follow his direction for a time without objection, of course. If we lose at Exegol, it'll be moot, anyway."

"I accept your gift in the hope it was given. I shall take the Yuuzhan Vong to war against this Palpatine, and we shall indeed see how the Domains would have done against his Empire." A gruff-ness to his voice. "We shall so begin. Do ro'ik Vong pratte!"

Nadia hit a button, "I am forwarding you plans for a massive bomber strike in three waves. We can coordinate it so the last wave has finished its run right before you arrive. I can also forward it to Jagged Fel and Connix for better cooperation."

"I appreciate you allowing us to do this. I have a question though. Do you have any planets that were destroyed? Not ecologically destroyed, but like Alderaan or Rothana?"

Nadia sent a brief message telling Voort what Scut was doing. She figured he would be proud.

"Ygziir," replied Nas Choka. "Millennia ago, the first usage of Yo'Gands Core - what we did to your worlds of Kalarba and Sernpidal. It destroyed our enemies and ended the Cremlevian War."

He otherwise regarded the qasha attached to the ozzgil and the data of timings. He would need Lord Sabel on-board to commit the Executor-class dreadnought in his possession, and soon.

Nadia committed the world's name to memory, though she didn't dare say it out loud. She was never adept at Yuuzhan Vong pronunciations. "With your permission, we would like to see if we can fully reconstruct the world. In fact, for any of the projects, if Scut or any of the domain heads or caste leaders would like to watch, then I would encourage they do so."

The forces were gathering at their respective way points and they could conceivably launch soon, but Nadia wanted to get the timing right. She needed a when from Jag.

Nas Choka was speechless - warmed, even. To rebuild their second homeworld, when they became not children of Zonama's parent, but the true Yuuzhan Vong -

"Yes, Nadia," he nodded, a chop of agreement. "That would be incredible."

This would heal the Yuuzhan Vong people forever more. Not just the sector of colonies around Mobus. A true future.


Nadia smiled, "Then we will do our best. Do you want it to move to the highest priority, or do you want us to fix other worlds first?" She was thinking Yuuzhan'tar first, Ygziir could easily be next.

"Y'gziir was where we fell to destruction. It will be a tremendous unifying point." Nas Choka cast his mind to the matters at hand. "I shall move the fleet towards Exegol, and when signaled, start the assault." He used the qasha to send data. It was a small fleet of ten Mataloks, but with the Imperial reinforcements, it would be more.

He would speak to Eleodie about matters now.

Nadia nodded, "Then it shall be our priority. We will also find out when Jagged wants to move, so you can time your assault on that." She offered a smile, "Good hunting. There is plenty for everyone."

TAG: @Sinrebirth, (mentions for) @Mitth_Fisto, @darthbernael, @Kev-Mas_Colcha, @Kahn_Iceay

 

IC: Trec ke Mattino, Carrie ke Mattino, Iella Wessiri, Black Coat, Briana Odan, Kael Swiftflight, Rachel Nezuma-Lyons
COMBO Post Charon - Part 1 of 2

Initial deployment
100 CC-7700 Mk IV frigates
1100 DP-25 Frigates
300 Liberator- class Mk 3 Cruisers 21600 Starfighters
15 Turbulent- class Mk 2 Star Destroyers 720 starfighters
10 Paelleon class Star Destroyers 480 starfighters
15 Endurance-class Mk 3 Fleet Carriers 1800 starfighters
15 Maxima-class Mk 2 Heavy Cruisers 3240 starfighters
2 Dauntless-class Mk. 4 Heavy Cruiser (96 starfighters)
3 Majestic-class Mk. 3 Heavy Cruiser (180 starfighters)
10 Procusator- class Mk. 2 Star Destroyers
1000 Ardent class Mk.2 Fast Frigate (12000 starfighters)
10 Republic class Mk 3 Star Destroyer (720 starfighters)
11 Tector-class Mk 2 Star Destroyer

Flaghips
7 Secutor- class Mk III Star Destroyers and 2 Venator-class Mk VI Star Destroyers 1728 starfighters
100 capital ships ideal
42564 starfighters ~ 3547 squadrons
Starfighters
E-wing Mk VI 650 squadrons
T-85Ad 650 squadrons
TIE Venerer (Predator) 650 squadrons
TIE Nullifier (Neutralizer) 650 squadrons
Clawcraft-F 297 squadrons
K-wing Mk III 650 squadrons


Additionally

An increasing number of civilian ships

The shipyards from Tiboulen along with the baby Star Forge along with an unactivated full size Star Forge

A World Healer

Representatives of what may be the last of the Mandalorians

Representatives of the Tearmann

Representatives of the P'w'eck and of the Senex Sector

Trec was looking at the tactical display, pleased to see everything show up. He heard in from everyone except...

"Sorry, I was working on the Blade prototypes. Everything here is in the green." News on the Blade 38s Space Superiority and 40 Heavy Bomber was promising, especially that they were working with the AI well in simulations. They just needed to set up and start building prototypes.

Trec smiled, "It is good to hear. We just need to find somewhere to set you up."

Mega Fleet Element One

55 Bulk Cruisers -Capital Vessel
-165 Blastboat Squadrons (1,980 fighters)
-55 Heavy Bomber Squadrons (660 bombers)
-990 Assault Longboats
25 Nagai style Brute Star Destroyers -Capital Vessel
-75 Blastboat Squadrons (900 fighters)
-25 Heavy Bomber Squadron (300 bombers)
-250 Assault Longboats
20 Shining Spider Battleships -Capital Vessel
-No Fighter nor Bomber Squadrons
40 Yulari-class Medium Cruisers
-40 Blastboat Squadrons (480 fighters)
-40 Heavy Bomber Squadrons (480 bombers)
-320 Assault Longboats
30 Tof Destroyers
-30 Blastboat Squadrons (360 fighters)
-240 Assault Longboats
80 Sabertooth Assault Frigates
-640 Blastboats in 8 per sub-squad formations
160 Royal Fortune Light Clippers (frigate analogues)
-1,120 Blastboat Fighters in split four and three ship squads
-640 Assault Longboats

Mega Fleet Element Two

25 Bulk Cruisers -Capital Vessel
-75 Blastboat Squadrons (900 fighters)
-25 Heavy Bomber Squadrons (300 bombers)
-450 Assault Longboats
55 Nagai style Brute Star Destroyers -Capital Vessel
-165 Blastboat Squadrons (1,980 fighters)
-55 Heavy Bomber Squadron (660 bombers)
-550 Assault Longboats
20 Shining Spider Battleships -Capital Vessel
-No Fighter nor Bomber Squadrons
40 Yulari-class Medium Cruisers
-40 Blastboat Squadrons (480 fighters)
-40 Heavy Bomber Squadrons (480 bombers)
-320 Assault Longboats
30 Tof Destroyers
-30 Blastboat Squadrons (360 fighters)
-240 Assault Longboats
80 Sabertooth Assault Frigates
-640 Blastboats in 8 per sub-squad formations
160 Royal Fortune Light Clippers (frigate analogues)
-1,120 Blastboat Fighters in split four and three ship squads
-640 Assault Longboats


IC: Fleet Admiral Serr, Fleet Admiral Jones
Entering Cheron Space

Sipping a mug of synth-ale and singing over the over the comms was a splendid method of keeping morale and unity up in the fleet. Hearing the chaos of their fleets comms as they moved en-mass to Charon was a heartening way as every element re-read their pairings and orders. For something this size, fleet element commands as relays to the sub fleet elements and ships had been plotted and planned. A mass confrontation was thought to be eminent with the Sun Guard, but putting those drills and plans to use on the offensive was even better in their books. Instead of taking turns as to who was attacking and defending a world, they now got to be on the same side and use those countless simulations as a basis for short-hand and familiarity as they invaded Charon. The fleets in preparation had been building where Yuth once had been, and when the Tof League gave the orders via their King, they had wasted no time in forming up and making the jump.

Coming into the system their song would jam all comm lines, they would dive in aiming their cannons at whatever they found of the Charon fleets, defenses or Nagai. On a choral moaning, if they hadn't been fired upon, they would pause suddenly to a silent stillness. "Surrender, or all die!" Would come one voice, "You stirred the waters and tried to flee, but only under our banner or our boots is left to thee! So claims the King! So stand and deliver! Or to Tillotny's bosom in the hereafter we send thee!" the first voice reposed, as if the cannon's weren't enough already."

From the surface a wave of Charon bio-fighters flew up, tens of thousands, but really, in reality, a paucity of numbers compared to their enemy. No communications flew from the Prophet to the enemy.

The Gods had answered their prayers.

With a test!

The Tof and Adumari armadas - for describing each host as a fleet did them a great disservice - were currently at odds, but would they remain so? Could they be potential allies at Serenno, and then enemies here? Would words be exchanged before arms?

Would the War of the Galaxies enter a truly monstrous and new stage on the eve of the Second Battle of Exegol?

"Are these the people who are perpetually drunk? " A youthful voice asked.



One twin messing with the filter, obviously

Trec looked somewhat surprised at Carrie, though he ultimately knew that the sass was strong with her. He could hear Briana snickering.

However, the tactical display signaled an alarm, "Launch the starfighters! Hold the bombers back. Let the Mandalorians, Tearmann, the P'w'eck, and the Senex troopers know we will need them. DP-25s, Deploy forward against the bishops and deploy your mines in aleph formation. Ardents backup the DP-25s. Rachel, we will need you to protect the civilians."

Another voice came over the comms through the music, "Leave the Star Forges to us, and I will try to get through to the Tof." Beathag Aiton, a Tearmann elder, only Medb knew much about her among the decision makers with the Adumari, and she was in the smaller Star Forge."

Beathag meanwhile started searching in the Force for the leader, or leaders in this case of the Tof. She picked one, moved in through the Force. She gently placed an ethereal hand on their chest, crawled it and gently strangled them.

I suggest you identify the ships you see. We can be friends and discover the wonders of this galaxy together. Or if you insist on fighting us... the next thing, your crew will hear is the snap of your neck.

Trec monitored the tactical display, he hoped the Tof would see what he was doing, concentrating on the Charon forces. However, he needed someone to handle the politics.

In a seemingly strange move, Nadia picked Carrie. Now she had a look on her face that reminded him of Carrie's mother, Nadia. Others saw a young Leia Organa. "Just what do you think you are doing? Help us beat these ships and then we can talk."

The concern wasn’t the military ships; it was the civilian ships. So these Charon ships needed to be beaten fast."

Fleet Admiral Jones directed his armada via his Supremes directly under him into a fire blossom formation. His armada had come out closer to the planet and so would deal with the threats from that front primarily. The Fire Blossom was so named and developed for the main ship of the line of his armadas fleets, namely the Brute Star Destroyers design. This dagger like craft made up the central portion of the flower with their points aimed at the enemy, interspersed among them would be support ships and their Skipray Blastboats acting like stationary anti-starfighter emplacements. Around this central seed cluster, the Tof Bulwarks sat with sails out like the sparse radial petals, with the Shining Spider Battleships as the ocular clusters between those petals. Once more the Clippers, Yulari-class', and starfighters were acting as set anti-starfighter emplacements. As the last capital ship formed up in position, they opened fire - every vessel having a radial view for their most destructive amount of weapons to create a literal firestorm toward the approaching enemies of the Charon Bioships. The Fotia's Fire saw to making that firestorm a literal situation as the entire flower would slowly turn following his vessels guidance from the very front runner craft and back down the line, aiming was less a notion than pure area denial with the amount of Fotia's Fire creating a small plasma storm and cloud washing over the enemy starfighters. "That is not how you stand and deliver!" He barked out over the comms at the Charon, "Surrender. I would recommend it."

Fleet Admiral Serr with his Armada One being more classically filled, chose the standard Tof Shieldwall approach to facing the Adumari vessels. Which he flicked from blue designation to orange as an ethereal sensation went from his chest to his throat, constricted and voices intruded his mind. This meant they had a broadside for the Adumari and, if needed, one for the Charon as well. Kicking the deck twice, he gave a signal which would see his armada be tankards free. It would make them braver, keener, and slower, but they would be better protected from enemy spots. "Assaulting a Fleet Admiral is an act of war. Deploying mines and threatening an active retaliatory operation can be seen as acts of aggression. If you wish to assist, limit yourselves, and cease hostile actions." He was writhing in his chair, his voice a worried growl as he twisted and moved without success of freeing himself. "NOW!" he bellowed through the pressure, the orange indicator blinking - if his finger depressing, the button dropped, like from death, that showed would turn to red. The truth relayed throughout the fleets.

Carrie looked exasperated, "Admiral, have you even seen how we deployed against the planet the moment the bioships launched?" Whether she knew it, Trec already had the Tof fleets on a neutral standing on their IFF transponders. It happened automatically when they placed the civilian ships in peril. What she knew were the complaints. There were a lot of them. "If... whatever the Tearmann Elder is doing is an act of war, then so is placing people who have lost their homes not once, but twice in the last year is more than enough reason to see what you did as an act of war on our end. We can avoid fighting, but we demand reparations."

"FOOLS! ALL OF YOU!" Beathag raged over the comms, she already had the one Tof Admiral, so she spread her focus to the Adumari leadership, and the second Tof Admiral, she drew their consciouses down to the planet, down to the darkness. "Fight this first, then argue about the spoils! Do that and I will help you." Beathag then brought in all three forces into her consciousness and then into a Tearmann Battle Meditation urging them to fight against Charon.

The Adumari didn't need the help, but welcomed it as the 26,964 starfighters, already engaging the starfighters moved to the edges of the Tof bombardment to attack the fringes of the Charon formation. Tectors, Turbulents, Mon Mothmas, and Dauntlesses bombarded the location where the bioships had launched from while the DP-25s concentrated fire on any bioships that got close to their formation.

Anyone looking in on the conversation could see, at least on the Adumari end, could see their leaders feel the coldness of the Dark Side for the first time, and see them shiver, at least a little. The pressure around the one Tof Admiral's neck lessened, but if they followed the urging, it would all disappear.

There were ways to speak to the Tof, and the Adumari hadn't helped with them.

It was a miscommunication, but one where war was ongoing, and allies were merely that of convenience - or so it seemed. Perhaps Lord Barbosa, or the monarch himself, King Nivic, or even Nadia or Adam, they would get word, and bring this to a stop. Perhaps - reports would flow back to Skyriver and Firefist, of course. Would they reach the Battles of Serenno and Kinooine? One hoped not.

Otherwise, it would spiral, and the hundreds of Tof and Adumari capital ships present - a sizeable percentage of either polity's Navy - would turn on each other.

The Charon fighter craft, for their part, burned, and the Prophet of the Void simply cackled.

What divinity! What a providence!

Across the planetary comms (signals the Tof and Adumari would have access to), the Prophet televised his location, and his chant.

"THE OLD ONES DELIVER US! OUR FOES FIGHT AND DIE FOR THEIR PLEASURE! STAND FAST, AND WE SHALL MAKE A FEAST OF THEIR CORPSES!"

Beathag wanted that....thing to shut up, now. She'd rather listen to an unending record of drunken Tof Sea Shanties. She searched out through the Force for that creature.

Got you...

Beathag sent out the location to every person who was a part of the Tearmann Battle Meditation. She nudged through the Force, this is who you are looking for, your common enemy.

Adumari fire shifted to the new location, bombers launched to start runs against the target. Troop transports containing P'w'eck, Mandalorians, and Tearmann peoples were preparing to launch.

Fleet Admiral Serr growled at the abuses they were being put through. He looked at his crew and saw that none of them were being drawn into this situation and so removed his finger touch in the proper sequence so that the Adumari remained demarked as nominal - unless they made a move against the Tof League they would not be fired upon. Although the comment about civilians was not one to let pass unanswered despite the pressure finally fully having left his throat, although the mental pressure was still unwanted by attempted coercion. "Tof League sends and secures with forces before sending civilians into known enemy zones. You won't get sympathy from us for being idiots, but mind your actions and the King may trade technology to help restore a world. Your proper world." His armada kept up firing at half strength at any Charon that came into range, keeping the potential enemy of the Adumari within half of his fleets weapons clusters ranges without targeting them directly. More than a lot of heavy weapons aimed at that patch of empty sea just ahead of their prows.

Fleet Admiral Jones was humming along, bringing death to these bugs and making sure they never even got close to doing anything when his mental attention was drawn down forcibly. Depressing a button, he made it casks free for command levels, but not full crew yet. Taking a swig before he opened the comms - "Somebody get that witch under control! Tof League does not recognize your authority to grab us by the rings and direct our war!" Reaching aside, he also for his armada switched the Adumari to nominal unknowns, a step down from clear enemies. Still, the command was sent and a flotilla of a thousand Long Boats launched escorted by sixty Light Clipper frigates and five hundred Blastboats to slide around the engagement and to the source on the planet. Each Longboat was loaded with power armor wearing shock troops, and if need be, they would drop from the Assault Longboats to the planet below to push the assault if there was a risk of their vessels being destroyed. A simple message would be boomed from the Longboats once they entered the atmosphere: PROSTRATE YERSELVES TO THE TOF LEAGUE AND THE ONE TRUE KING! OR WE WILL ENJOY OURSELVES THIS BATTLE!

Beathag sent the message to the rest of the fleet. The message was obvious, no agreement. Also, the incomprehensible screaming from whatever it was on Charon had stopped, so had the Adumari fire. What was going to be an occupation was now just an investigation... if it wasn't all destroyed.

Trec looked at Carrie and she looked back, "Send them. We need the time. Nor is the Tof to be trusted with anything." The civilian ships jumped towards the coordinates of a dozen worlds relatively close to each other. No scans showed any intelligent humanoid life on them, though Carrie wondered if certain aquatic mammals or shape shifting rodents were more intelligent. The World Healer jumped to a particular planet that was designated to be the new Mandalorian homeworld. Perhaps it could add beskar to the world. If not, one could be found.... possibly. A world similar to one of the Adumari colonies was spotted. The remaining Zaltin family would move in with the required Vratix in order to produce bacta. A world was set aside for the P'w'eck and another for people fleeing from the Senex Sector. One would be the home for the Adumari, while another would be for others. Nothing so far could replace Dac, yet. Scouts went out to see if they could find a world like Dac, and confirm if one contained beskar. The Tearmann had apparently found a world, along with one that would apparently work for Kan Mandeen's organization. The Star Forges left for two separate systems as more World Healers were required. One would be needed for Yuuzhan'tar, assuming Nas Choka would accept it.

The shipyard moved to leave. Perhaps they would need one or two more of these, especially if they were to return to Skyriver, depending on the results of Exegol. Escorting ships left with each group. Scout starfighters and smaller scouting ships left to see if they could find any requirements. If Charon, once they figured out what was going on here, there was little reason to stay. The only question was whether the Tof would interfere. If so, that would pose grave consequences for them.

The Charon fighters, essentially, died.

Then, the continent that the Prophet of the Void had stood upon cracked under bombardment.

There were two other continents, of course, but a disproportionate amount of the Charon lived on the one which had just been destroyed, closest to the warm equator. The Northern Continent and Southern Continent each had a tenth of the Charon population on them, but that still numbered in the millions.

The Tof landed on the Southern Continent by diving under the engagement. The enemy had a variety of plasma-based weapons, which they peppered landing craft with. But the Charon clearly weren't giving up.

The Northern Continent became the target of the dispossessed Mandalorians, P'w'eck and Senex troops. They launched largely at their own volition, committing to their own occupation.

The Adumari ships departing could head to a few targets - the Coremost being Zoth, homeworld of the technically minded Yevetha and their shipyards; close to Kragut, homeworld of the Vagaari; Kabus-Debah, in the Inner Rim, the Sephi-Sith planet, Tingrippa the Inner Rim world of the Assemblers, shielded by their organic battle stations, the Charon Outer Rim was the place of the Leech Legion of Lugabraa, the mechanical world of Nastuonodon with its replete factories, and on Malmourral, where the Frangawl ruled and worshipped dark magicks.

Which worlds would the Adumari refugees head to?

In orbit, Tof and Adumari fighters were far too close, baiting each other to shoot.

One hothead could start a war.

Fleet Admiral Jones glared at the scope as he saw the Adumari fleets leave, whilst leaving ground occupying forces landing on Charon. A world they should have been leaving alone. Knowing the political situation but being engrossed in his corner of this conflict meant he had not been paying attention to the other Fleet Admiral's conversation. Instead, he was giving orders for the fighters and landers to stick to their continental section of the South. Until he knew better, the old rule of the sea would apply of first come, first claim. Southern half would be the Tof's by this virtue, and the North would be whatever Skyriver rats had just landed. A directed communication was sent to the northern hemisphere open comms for the landers and bugs there. "If you need help, ask. Otherwise, you'll be on your own. Supreme Arnol with stay on station for any requests." Seeing as the other Armada was engaged, he sent a question about 'Sea Lice?'

To the Southern Hemisphere he saw the Longboats shedding power suited troops as they took shots. Their escorts blasting any firing location, while the landing squads had the Longboats perform constant vigilance sweeps to maintain air support of their positions as they began a sweep of population centers. Still broadcasting their message to surrender, and adding resistance would be met in kind. Of course the Maccabree were leading the military effort meaning it was very organized, still some Tof young adults of thirteen and fourteen in larger groups would be seen and heard confirming kills with headshots, head stomps, and stomping on chests while ripping off limbs of the downed large insects that had resisted. Laughing audibly, often at the stupid bugs that seemed to beg to be killed as they did so. Still, orders were such that those encountered that did not fire on them would be ignored as non-combatants or stunned prior to a peaceful search to disarm. The fact the bugs were nearly Tof sized was immensely pleasing to all ground troops involved, as despite the disparity created by power armor, it felt somehow more fair and a proper adventure and battle that many of the youths had dreamed of when they had signed up. Only thing missing would be loot if they could find any the Maccabree leaders would let them keep. With their power armor power packs, the insectoid style of building and using less stairs to raised entrances was not seen to be much of an issue, especially for the Maccabree and droid fighters who had enough fuel for atmospheric retreat if need be.

Fleet Admiral Serr and his fleet at seeing the Adumari, flee like invading sharks into Charon, ordered his Armada to move and blockade the shipyard and whatever of their fleet they could from leaving. "Adumari Union, we have not given clearance nor agreement to anything yet! You will stand down!" he looked as he saw responses on his console from the Home Galaxy and Barbosa on his secondary secure comm station. Despite having weapons ready, he did not fire as the civilian ships or large weirder ships jumped out of system. "Remove your mines. We have called for arbitration, until a response we will ask you hold here."

Noting the message from other Armada Fleet Admiral he simply sighed and after taking a swig of ale responded 'Yes.' This would show a fleet detachment from Fleet Admiral Jones remaining on station to guide the planetary efforts, and a fleet from Fleet Admiral Serr's formation moving to join the other Armada before jumping to secure the first location which their maps indicated was the Outer Rim regions of the Lugabra Legions.

Part of the fleet jumped out, the Adumari had a head start, primarily the ships that jumped for Zoth, but conversely, part of the Tof forces jumped for Lugabra.


TAG: TBC @adaml83 , @Sinrebirth

 

Part two of the epic combo with @Mitth_Fisto, @Sinrebirth and myself
IC: Trec ke Mattino, Carrie ke Mattino, Iella Wessiri, Black Coat, Briana Odan, Kael Swiftflight, Rachel Nezuma-Lyons
Charon

Iella Wesseri-Antilles stormed to a comms display aboard the ship she was aboard, input her override, and keyed into the channels. "Alright, enough testosterone or else we'll start a war nobody here wants to fight. This is Iella Wesseri-Antilles, Director of Union Intelligence, and unless you want Nadia or Adam to kick your shebs - and I say this to my captains as much as the Tof - you will cease operations against each other now."

Her voice was all durasteel.

"I'd rather partition the Charon Galaxy than risk us getting our backside kicked at Exegol. Maybe we should have telegraphed our intentions here to Tof, but the League could have told us of their plans too."

So far, nobody had shot at each other.

So far.

Carrie leaned over to her father and whispered, "I see why mom is such a fan of her."

Trec smirked, "You seem to forget the times she and Aunt Rachel played good cop/bad cop when dealing with all of you."

Carrie thought about a time when it had happened. While she knew it had happened, she had also been in enough briefing even at that point when the two adults had to play their 'game' sometimes she wished that the younger siblings and on occasions, Adam and Rachel's children would just grow up a bit.

Then again, she had also seen complaints from a couple of Adumari Blade manufacturers who were more than slow at catching up to current galactic standards. They were also lax in following Rachel's exacting mechanical requirements. Perhaps they knew where and when to play their roles.

Trec stepped forward, "Recall all fighters not involved in ground operations on the Northern continent. We need to find out what led to the attacks down there, if it survives. Otherwise, continue finding our respective homes in the deep Core of the galaxy. We also have a lot to learn here." He knew there were a couple of locations that Rachel was interested in, and that the Force users had a couple of locations they were interested in.

Carrie spoke up, "We have no desire to take over any already inhabited worlds, though we would like to learn from several. We have no intention of messing with Tof's interests as long as they do not mess with ours. Oh, and if at any point that the Tof think to send Barbosa to negotiate with us, send someone else."

Fleet Admiral Serr grunted at that with a smile. "Iella Wesseri-Antilles? I like you. We already withdrew our fighters away from yours - stay and talk is all we want. Partitioning is acceptable - if we can talk and agree to it. You keep Nadia and your sea witch out of this, I will see to keeping Barbosa out as well. They get involved again and the Tof League will send Spots like Barbosa or worse - nobody wants that," he said with a shake of his head and slight shudder.

"Now, my charter was to defeat the enemies that have attacked us here, so there be none at our backs when we join the Exegol mission. Opposite of yours it would seem if you did not send landers. Secondary be securing much needed raw resources, so the home fronts can be mended and continue to prosper despite the Dark Nagai, Sun Guard, and your cold jesters attacks. We have excess food we will trade - I saw you have the forges of the stars in your civilian fleet. We want no tech and no part of them, be ye allayed of that fear, but if they could turn out raw resources and we in turn deliver food in exchange? That might settle some fears we being short changed by ye of our needs. Especially in letting you take uninhabited resource systems." he stated. Hopefully this talk, without a witch pressing on his throat would go more smoothly.

Beathag searched out to find Fleet Admiral Serr, caressed their neck through the Force and spoke directly into his head, "Aww, you care..." In an instant she stopped and switched to her Comms, "The Tearmann would like to learn from the peoples of Malmourral, and Kabus-Debah. We may have a settlement in those two planets for Force Users friendly to us to stay and learn from them as well, but we have no territorial ambitions other than to find a home safe from the predations of the First Order and the Sun Guard."

Trec snorted quietly as he had figured quickly that Beathag loved her mind games. "Some... friends, both old and new, have supplied their own ground forces, as we lack much of our own. Their mission is to investigate primarily, but ultimately, we have no interest in Charon itself. We have identified systems Coreward which could provide homes, though we have not identified a good option for Mon Calamari and Quarren refugees."

Trec paused, "Have you come up with plans for if we lose at Exegol? We plan to deal quite a lot of damage, but a thousand Xystons is a lot. Do you believe we could turn this into a galaxy that we can return from?"

Fleet Admiral Serr shuddered visibly at the witches’ caress and mental uttering. Shaking his head with a look of gross distaste. "Keep. Her. Away." he gritted out with a look of fearful fury at the comm pickup. Raising a hand with a single finger raised and a heavy sigh.

Taking a few breaths to center himself, he turned aside and pulled on a tablet the maps the Tof League had to work with. "We are prepared to offer the Quarren and Mon Calamari refugees homes in Rishi. They may settle on Kamino if they wish, but will have to go through proper screening and understand their freedom to leave Tof space or comm outside will be heavily restricted due to the war. We offered to the Rebel Alliance before we were bottled up by the Sun Guard and were going to be sending food supplies until that act prevented it. Not sure as the food shipments couldn't get through if the offer was ever passed along to them." he stated, looking at a separate document. "It's not listed in the records for that species’ name."

Setting the document aside, he looked at the screen again. "So you want all unpopulated and two of the most dangerous population centers?" he raised an eyebrow at this, "Conquer those two at your own risk. We will not defeat them for you. If you have not by the time we work our way to them - depending on what we find, we may postpone your request pending a Tof League investigation of the locals and their practices. If you settle with them, we would settle for non-witch and witch written reports." A sniff, "If I don't have to deal with or face them, that's one less barnacle on my hull to deal with." Another twitch.

"As for Exegol? I have no clue. This is my commission, and that's all I need to know about unless something affects it. Like a ruling by the arbitration committee of Skyriver. Although if this keeps up and the witch doesn't talk again and makes my sanity be a question best answered with barium bombs, we might not need that ruling after all," he stated with a firm nod.

Trec shook his head, "At most we would want establish embassies at those two locations, our peoples prefer to find uninhabited systems for the moment." he was looking at his maps, "From what we've seen there are plenty of worlds like the ones we're looking at in the Core if you want to establish some of your own. We don't want all the uninhabited worlds."

He looked at the Tof Admiral, "I only ask because if we lose, and if they can recover, then it would certainly affect us here. Probably in Rishi and Firefist as well."

The Tof League Fleet Admiral shrugged as he took a more relaxed swig of ale as he finally had an interaction without the witch butting in. "That's a problem. See for the King and Tof League reps, and a problem for future me. I go where my commission grants, and I do what I can with it." A small burp escaped his lips as he sat forward and put down his mug, "Really, only two choices. Last all out fight to destroy weapons abilities - or bend the knee. My gold piece be on a last struggle, if we have the resources to finish preparations. If we are lacking and cannot finish our ships and gears of war? Then knee. So hopefully I succeed here," he stated with a shrug.

Iella nodded along. Thank the Force. "I was afraid this was going to spiral," she said to herself, mostly.

"You and me both," muttered the Black Coat, and he turned to leave her.

Reactivating comms. "So we take the Deep Core and those two systems, and then leave the rest to the Tof League? Food would be appreciated, supplies too, and we reserve the right to develop uninhabited worlds we discover, where possible, and set up embassies somewhere neutral between us." She looked at Charon. "What with the only current way in and out of this galaxy being the world before us, shall we take the two continents we have separately targeted, and treat this as Neutral Space. It's a waypoint."

A slight smile. "Perhaps we can jointly build a space station to act as a commerce ground. Deep Space 5 or something." A wise-crack of a smile.

Trec shrugged, "Anything we have here would need to be highly defensible, given that if we know how to get here, then they should theoretically as well. Which means mines, defense fleets, and plenty of starfighters."

Rachel spoke up, "Once we have the shipyard set up, that will be less of a problem, even for escorts and capital ships. The only problem would be the K-wing. Regenerative will take time, though. Time and research."

Carrie nodded, "Ms Iella, I believe we do not want to actually take those two planets, but learn from them. Would it be agreeable with the Tof delegation to leave worlds open if we both have interests on the same planet? Our primary interest is finding homes for our peoples."

Medb sensed Black Coat and spoke into his mind, "Come here, you..."

Fleet Admiral Serr nodded, "We were planning to mine the paths. We will let you mine the ways to Skyriver, we will mine the ways to Rishi and Firefest. If you're willing to share your mine access, and how to foil Sun Guard or First Order mines - we can add interdictor mines in your mine fields." he stated raised brow and grin. Pulling out a scroll of parchment from the side of his chair, he began unrolling it. "For this station idea, I be taking it ye mean a Port of Trade? Fuel, goods, and entertainments shared between our peoples and what we find of these people's galaxy as well? It would need a good name. Deep Space number be seemin' a tad lackluster such a thing," he stated contemplatively.

Leaning back, he gave another hard sigh. "If a world surrenders we both have interest in, aye, we can see letting it be open so's the both of us can do what we need there. They wanna fight, we gonna be needing a more closed stance. For a time." he made a note that they would need to search the blasted continent as soon as it was orchestrated between them and the Adumari so no trigger fingers flinched, and see if a contributing population of the Charon could be fostered as they began a lights campaign with luminous plants from Kamino to enrich the locals lives.

Trec shrugged, "We can show you, though we could also provide them once we are settled in. They are not that resource intensive." He sent two files, "The first file is how we capture them. The second contains blueprints and how we reprogram them. I suggest you try to capture them on your side of the galaxy in Skyriver, as we have pretty extensively gone after the fields on ours."

"I also do not know if we will need to conquer any of these worlds. They lack the defenses and with the battle here, they should know that we're serious. Their best move is to probably cooperate with us." Trec didn't know for certain, but he knew how to put on a show, and this case certainly was it.

Fleet Admiral Serr tapped a few keys on his comm station and scrolls with microprinting would be made. These would be taken out and reviewed by the fleets experts before allowing a droid to transcribe and encode them with proper Tof League system edits before sending it back to Firefest and Rishi for evaluation and usage. Using air and processing gaps, it was hoped security precautions could prevent any malicious code from corrupting their systems. Something the Adumari had shown themselves to have a proclivity for.

"Much appreciated. It be heartening to see you able to make the gestures of your own accord." A tip of his head in thanks. "As for the conquering. If ye not be wanting populated worlds, ye may not need the warning, yet I be giving it anyways for the good faith we be building here away from our respective leaders and their foibles. Charon, where we be, was stripped bare by a Nagai battle planet we chased out of Firefest. What we faced here, be the crumbs they couldn't grab before they left for Skyriver - your home galaxy. So, we take this be not a good rule of thumb for this galaxy. Our scouts and fleets seek now that truth, that measure, now. I'm curious what yours who raced ahead might of unthinking ran into the arms of if they be taking this as the level of this galaxy." With that he sent the commands and his armada backed off. Clearing the way and leaving the Adumari shipyard and fleets able to go on their ways if they so chose - albeit with a healthy scanning having been performed leading up to now as they had been on weapons edge and ready, now that lessened.

Carrie whispered into her father's ear, "Their orders were to only jump into the outer Zoth system before heading deeper into the Core, not make diplomatic contact." Trec nodded.

"Our Intelligence shows most of the fleets here have joined with a Nagai Sith....whose name escapes me at the moment." Trec watched as the shipyard, the two Star Forges, and a sizable escort jump towards the deep Core. They wouldn't stop by Zoth, but it would be impossible to hide forever. "Now we believe that they might have planetary defenses as we saw here, but anyone fleet of our forces could handle it."

"Now are you staying here or are you leaving for... Lugabraa with the rest of your forces?" Trec was genuinely curious, as both sides had apparently found what they wanted, and both would arrive with enough force to cause a concern among any locals.

Glancing over a scroll before rolling it up and passing it on, Fleet Admiral Serr shrugged. "Seems we are using the same maps? Eh?" He stated with a smile to himself. Once the scrolls were passed out and second sets were printing, he tipped a now empty mug with a look of consternation. "Never lasts," he muttered.

"Since you shared a bit there, we would not want to be being remiss and not tip the cap in kind. So, youse see, one Armada is enough, but as we move unless some join, our forces will have to thin as we go. Until we are sure in our position and their acceptance and their integration. So, I'll be going Nastuono-don-don way. A fleet lighter as we hold and mine the ways here, unless we get a new commission to leave." he stated with a non-committal grimacing shrug with no true caring. This was getting boring. He needed to check in with the Maccabree about the ground operations, see how that was going now that it didn't seem he would engaging in any three-sided wars here.

Iella nodded along, but spoke up, as there was a bit of Intelligence there she didn't have. "A Nagai battle-planet?"

Fleet Admiral Serr gave an order to the side, pointedly ignoring the question for a moment as a fleet broke off from his armada to mine and ensuring the hyperspace route to the Rishi galaxy was secure. After that lane was mined it would then move to relieve and mine the other entrance to the Rishi galaxy, allowing those vessels that wanted to a chance to rotate back home. Once that was established, the secure back door trading and good shipment route would be secure. As he had a memo that had come through the other comm station, he raised that part of his mission in priority.

That taken care he finally turned back with a grin as he scratched at his chin in thought. "Weren't they your allies before? I would of thought you would of known they were making a colony planet hyperspace capable. It was enshrined with space battle stations and according to reports housed an eldritch horror that puppet rode the Nagai, making overtures to Barbosa if he would join it as it's prophet. It reabsorbed the Charon fleets and Nagai fleets as we battled it, and jumped before we could be trapping it and do serious harm. You saw here what we set against such a thing and our estimation thereof. We didn't get close enough to be scanning it well, but with the Eldritch - a black hole be the best place to place it. Why we reckon it did not linger here." he stated with a grave and dire nod.

Trec wanted to answer their relationship with the Nagai but a thought occurred to him, "Fleet, deploy all mines around Charon ending within a 500 meter PNR of the Black hole for a corvette class ship."

He looked a little sheepishly at the Tof Fleet Admiral, "Sorry, you gave me an idea, and I wanted you to hear it." He cleared his throat. "We were allied to a faction of the Nagai. One where two of them were children to a being known as Bernael. We have little on him, though some of our leadership has encountered him on multiple occasions. We believe that most of that faction left Skyriver for destinations in another galaxy with many Jedi." Briana handed Trec a note, "They are not your problem. This Darth Nihl is. Most likely if anyone owns this battle-planet, it's Nihl."

Fleet Admiral Serr raised an eyebrow at this, waving down the concerns of his crews at the activities of the Adumari ships. "No." he simply stated. Before reaching over to an offside console for a moment. "They were identified as the children of Sleeper of N'kai. One who claimed to eat the souls of the dead. Nihl is lost to darkness and was subservient to the twins until they left, now he is a rogue with a fortress. You split hairs without having know the beard they form."

Carrie's tone remained even though she could see her father struggling for the words, "We are prepared to hold you to the same standards as you hold us. No genocides."

A shrug as Fleet Admiral Serr looked dead eyed into the comm pickup. He stared for a minute with an eyebrow raised before deigning to reply. “Eldritch beings don’t count. They infect and control- there is no other reason a word of Nagai who bombed our homeworld would ever accept a Tof as priest and leader for their people. Those Nagai, they are already dead. Corpses with no souls that dance to their devil’s songs. Skyriver people seem to largely forget the beginning of this universe and the tales of good and ill. Charon remembers and courts the void. They can and will be saved from their darker angels, but if an eldritch wakes and walks here…then there would be nothing to save, and nothing to genocide.”

Iella bit her lip. "Eldritch Nagai planets are an exception we'll deal with when we find it. Darth Nihl was a teenager, and for a time, a Knight of Ren. Whether he has another master we've not seen..." A frown. "It's troubling, either way."

"But, Admiral," she said, politely. "At present, the Nagai are elsewhere, and will not factor into our efforts in Charon. Similarly, as much as you have, I gather, attempted to rehabilitate Nagi, we will have to accept, much like the Mandalorians, Yuuzhan Vong and other groups, that they aren't unified in their actions. If we discover links between our respective Nagai allies and members, then yes, we will take it from there."

Not that Iella expected the Nagai in the FireFist Galaxy to be committing genocide against anyone.

"I assume that's fine, and we can agree to the initial partition of the Charon Galaxy as set down, and keep to our appointments at Zakuul and then Exegol?"

Trec nodded, "I believe we can agree on the broad strokes at least and haggle out any lingering details later." Trec was a little distracted as a file popped up on a display marked for his and Iella's eyes only. He put it in the pass code and started reading. It was the General plan for the Adumari contingent at Exegol. He typed a quick message. Iella, have you read this?

Fleet Admiral Serr nodded. Then billowed with boisterous laughter. It took him a minute to pull himself together. “The Nagai have everything to do with Charon!” He bellowed in good nature, “They make up this armada’s scouts force! This is their redemption tour. If we establish Charon without complications nor complaint…from us or allies here, they will by the time resources flow home have a seat on the Tof League ruling body! Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.” He added with another hearty laugh. “But yes,” he said as he wiped a tear from the corner of one eye, “broad strokes are good. Fair seas, and a stiff wind at your back!”

Iella hadn't, but did. It made sense, but it may very well see the Sith armada launch for Zakuul. She hoped Trec knew that.

Otherwise, she simply smiled at Fleet Admiral Serr. "Well, there we have it. Good luck in your efforts, Serr. The Adumari Union will keep to our territory, and the Partition of Charon will now happen."

"May the Force be with you."

If it wasn't already clear, the next wave of Adumari ships, both civilian and military, appeared from the direction of Skyriver. Upon entering the system, they were given updated maps and coordinates for their destinations. Many of them jumped immediately once they received the coordinates. One capital ship identified itself immediately, Perator. From there was a message for only two sets of eyes, Iella and Trec.

It's over Trec, I have the high ground. We have a couple of things we need to discuss.

Fleet Admiral Serr leaned forward at the arrival of more ships. 'This is getting out of hand. Now there two fleets of them!' he muttered to himself and shook his head. He had agreed to the terms and while the Tof fleet encircled this galaxy and began strangling in on the core, that core would be the Adumari Union that any resistance would be backed up against. He would see if the other Fleet Admiral agreed with a plan to ensure that the updated maps for where the Tof League wouldn't go was leaked somehow to the locals during one of the engagements. For now, his armada had maneuvers to perform and many tasks to establish and secure the hyperlanes so that the rogue planet could not return as well as no fleet elements from the Sun Guard.


TAG: @Sinrebirth, @Mitth_Fisto

 

OOC: Now for two combos squished together

Gathering of Forces

IC: Darth Rylliah, Darth Rikis
Thyrsus

In orbit over Thyrsus

2 Crimson Dagger-class star dreadnoughts, one being the Crimson Dagger, the havod hulled Thyrsian flagship and first of its class, the other being the Obedience
6 Duellator-class star destroyers
7 Twisuns-class battle carriers
8 ShaShore-class heavy frigates
10 Wraith-class corvettes
4 Sun Guard refit Interdictor-class cruisers
40 Derriphan-class battleships
200 Durame-class star destroyers
200 Guardsman-class frigates
10 Echaolm-class gunship squadrons
40 Soltus-class defense stations

Coming from Coruscant after the incoming fleet was detected on long range sensors:

10 Duellator-class star destroyers
5 Twisuns-class battle carriers
200 Wraith-class corvettes
200 Derriphan-class battleships
100 ShaShore-class heavy frigates
100 Durame-class star destroyers
300 Guardsman-class frigates

On the planet surface:

Full coverage planetary shield
1000 Sun Guard hangars, each possessing 1 squadron of each Sun Guard fighter class
5000 Planetary Ion Cannons
5000 Planetary Linear Induction Cannon / Catapults
1000 Sun Guard garrisons, each housing 1 legion (1000 troops)

Dark Nagai forces

Abominor class dreadnought

40 Charon Capital ships
Squadrons of Charon bio-fighters - 10 squadrons of 24 fighters per Charon capital ship
80 smaller Charonian ‘corvettes and frigates’
Multitudes of Charonian hive ‘troopships’ as the entire society has joined Rikis

10 Yevethan Capital ships
Squadrons of Yevethan fighters - 10 squadrons of 24 fighters per Yevethan capital ship
20 Yevethan corvettes and frigates

10 Vagaari Capital ships
Squadrons of Vagaari fighters - 15 squadrons of 24 fighters per Vagaari capital ship
20 Vagaari corvettes and frigates

400 ‘Fives’ ships

Yuth itself - Mostly made up of Ooru himself at this point.

40 Nagai battle station/platforms - 10 per ‘quadrant’ of Yuth
200 corvettes and frigates as support - 50 per ‘quadrant’ of Yuth
100 squadrons of 24 Nagai fighters - 600 fighters/25 Squadrons per ‘quadrant’ of Yuth

Rikis command fleet

2 modified Syalann class Brute Destroyers - Including the Flarefire
8 modified Spider class Battleship - Including the Yulari
8 modified Swoop class Cruiser - Including the Sotak
Fleet assets of 60 150-200 meter corvettes and frigates
Squadrons of Screamer class fighters - 8 squadrons of 24 fighters from each Syalann class, 4 squadron from each Spider/Swoop class

Dark Nagai Fleets - 5 total fleets

5 modified Syalann class Brute Destroyers - Command ship of each fleet
40 modified Spider class Battleships
40 modified Swoop class Cruisers
Fleet assets of 300 150-200 meter corvettes and frigates
Squadrons of Screamer class fighters - 8 squadrons from each Syalann class, 4 squadron from each Spider/Swoop class

The forces of two Dark Lords of the Sith consolidated at Thyrsus.

They were allies, members of the Dark Council that Darth Traya III had woven.

Each had been visited and sampled by the Droid Sentinels of the Emperor, given command of Xyston-class Star Destroyers, and having been handed the Charon, Vagaari and Yevethan allies. In alliance with the incarnation of Ooru, the Old One, Darth Rikis had incorporated all but the Xystons themselves, as well as the droid-dreadnought Abominor, into the hive mind that now covered the entire planet of Yuth.

Darth Mascon's capital, deep in the Six Sisters sector, was a veritable fortress, what with Eshan so near.

Now, the Sith Empire was gathering them together for an assault on Eshan... nominal orders were given by Exegol that the Sun Guard and Nagai forces were to take the brunt of the offensive while the Sith Armada scattered to a thousand worlds, burned them down, and moved on to the next thousand, and next thousand, until the galaxy cried out for surrender. Peridea, Bastion, Eshan, Adumari, Tiboulen and Tof were all picked out as key targets.

What would prevent them from smothering the ancient enemies of the Sun Guard?

The Force was charged with expectation; a Force Vision crested the penumbra of their many minds and eyes.

Of the Great Old One, Typhojem, the Immortal God of the Sith, and Left Handed Lord, descending upon this galaxy and burning it to the ground with their hordes.

It was a Vision of the Future, distilled by dark side power incarnate, gathered here and now.

They would succeed, surely?

As the Dark Nagai fleets approached Thyrsus, it would become apparent that the initial sensor readings had been slightly incorrect, as some of the ships present were actually newly upgraded versions.

- All of the Duellator-class star destroyers in orbit over Thyrsus were upgraded to brand new Duellator IIs, based on a fusion of the Xyston and Duellator-class, essentially the Sun Guard’s upgrade for both in one ship.
- All of the ShaShore-class heavy frigates in orbit over Thyrsus were modified into Voxyn-class electronic warfare frigates, a stealth capable, ecm laden Sun Guard upgrade to the stolen Mon Calamari frigate design.
- All of the Derriphan-class battleships in orbit were upgraded to Tukata-class picket ships. A much needed Sun Guard upgrade to the ancient design, the Tukata-class is no longer frail and instead very likely the toughest Sun Guard vessel under 500m in size, and the smallest Sun Guard ship to have heavy dragonscale shielding; a significant upgrade from the original unshielded Derriphan.

Additionally, there were 10 hutt Chelandion currently finishing up with their upgrades at the shipyard, into the new Sun Guard Aegis-class heavy cruiser, a starship purpose built to destroy large groups of starfighters, equipped with fighter scale target interceptors, a similar system to the target interceptors on the Duellators or Crimson Dagger, but fine tuned to only intercept targeting from small craft.

As the fleet approached, one of the Crimson Daggers, 5 Duellator IIs, 5 of the newly arrived Duellators from Coruscant, 5 of the newly arrived Twisuns from Coruscant, 100 of the newly arrived Wraiths, 300 of the newly arrived Guardsmans, 100 of the newly arrived Durames, the Voxyns, Tukatas, 50 of the newly arrived ShaShores and 200 of the newly arrived Derriphans would fall into formation with the Dark Nagai fleet, followed by the freshly upgraded Aegises the moment they left the shipyards.

The commander of the Crimson Dagger-class falling into formation, the Obedience, would open a channel to the Dark Nagai.

Darth Rylliah, Mascon’s own apprentice, would appear on the holo.

“At last, we finally will show the Echani the meaning of terror,” the Herglic Sith Apprentice in Sun Guard armor bellowed, an eerie abyssal whine persisting in the background as he spoke, “The Dark Side is strong here today. Let’s hope it is an omen of conquests to come.”

OOC: Here is some stats for said new upgrades -

Name/Model#: Aegis-class heavy cruiser
Designer/Manufacturer: Hutts (original), Twin Suns Engineering (refit)
Combat Designation(cruiser, carrier, etc.): Cruiser
Scale(fighter, capital, etc.): Capital
Length: 850 meters
Crew: 2500
Weapons:
- 20 Solar ionization cannon turrets
- 10 Point defense rapid-fire gauss cannons
- 10 Cluster missile launchers
- 5 Mine / bomb bays
Shields: Heavy dragonscale shielding (utilizes the ship’s agrinium hull plating to regenerate shields when hit by energy weapons fire), Fighter scale target Interceptor system (like target Interceptors on the Duellator or Crimson Dagger class), but only affects fighter and small craft targeting systems.
Starfighter Squadrons:
2 Alastor-class space superiority starfighter squadrons
1 Echaolm-class gunship squadron
Troop Capacity:
6 Legions (6,000 Sun Guards)
Support Craft:
- 1 Serpentarius-class electronic warfare vessel
- 2 Reverie-class assault dropships
- Various landing craft and ground vehicles
- 5 Solar Pike-class drop pods (embedded into hull)

Name/Model#: Voxyn-class electronic warfare frigate
Designer/Manufacturer: Mon Calamari Shipyards (original design)/Twin Suns Engineering (redesign)
Combat Designation(cruiser, carrier, etc.): Heavy frigate, Light cruiser
Scale(fighter, capital, etc.): Capital
Length: 600 meters
Crew: 1,000
Weapons:
- 6 Heavy capital grade solar ionization cannon batteries
- 2 Point defense rapid-fire gauss cannon batteries
- 2 Cluster missile launcher batteries
- 1 Tractor beam battery
- 1 Mine / bomb bay
Countermeasures: Passive sensor equipment
Tight-beam direct line laser communication gear
High end stealth systems
Engine baffles
Reflec hull plating
Heatsinks
Sensor scramblers
Dorsal probe bay
Shields: Heavy dragonscale shielding (utilizes the ship’s agrinium hull plating to regenerate shields when hit by energy weapons fire)
Starfighter Squadrons:
1 Alastor-class space superiority starfighter squadron
1 Echaolm-class gunship squadron
2 Serpentarius-class electronic warfare vessels
Troop Capacity:
300 Sun Guards
Support Craft:
2 Reverie-class assault dropships
3 Solar Pike-class drop pods (embedded into hull)

Name/Model#: Tukata-class picket ship
Designer/Manufacturer: Sith Empire (original design)/Twin Suns Engineering (redesign)
Combat Designation(cruiser, carrier, etc.): Battleship, frigate, picket
Scale(fighter, capital, etc.): Capital
Length: 220 meters
Crew: 20
Weapons:
- 6 Solar ionization cannons
- 1 Point defense rapid-fire gauss cannon battery
- 1 Cluster missile launcher battery
Shields: Heavy dragonscale shielding (utilizes the ship’s agrinium hull plating to regenerate shields when hit by energy weapons fire)
Starfighter Squadrons:
6 Alastor-class space superiority starfighters
Troop Capacity:
100 Sun Guards
Support Craft:
1 Echaolm-class gunship
1 Reverie-class assault dropship

Name/Model#: Duellator II-class Star Destroyer
Designer/Manufacturer: Kuat-Entralla Engineering (original), Twin Suns Engineering (refit)
Combat Designation(cruiser, carrier, etc.): Battlecruiser-classed Star Destroyer
Scale(fighter, capital, etc.): Capital
Length: 2500 meters
Crew: 25,000
Weapons:
- 1 Axial Linear Induction Cannon/Catapult System (can be used to both fire a large petramar cortosis coated durasteel slug as well as Sun Guard fighters, drop pods and VLMs (very large munitions, such as the in development Solar Flare missile and conceptual Nova missile) at a very high speed and long range).
- 8 Octuple Barbette Capital Grade Solar Ionization Cannons
- 4 Octuple Barbette Ion Cannons
- 50 Heavy Capital Grade Solar Ionization Cannon Batteries
- 100 Heavy Capital Grade Solar Ionization Cannons
- 100 Heavy Point Defense Rapid-Fire Gauss Cannons
- 40 Heavy Ion Cannons
- 40 Cluster Missile Launchers
- 10 Heavy Tractor Beam Projectors
Countermeasures: Target Interceptor system
Defense modifications: multi layered armor, concealed bridge, Fortress mode (weapon emplacements conceal themselves under the hull and armor expands to cover most of the ship, including windows and flaps that shield, but don't conceal engines)
Shields: Dragonscale Shielding Mk. 2 (utilizes a lattice of interwoven shield generators, utilizing a combination of their overlapping shield bubbles and the ship’s agrinium and cortosis hull plating to regenerate shields when hit by energy weapons fire. The Mk. 2 version is even stronger, and has added synergy with fortress mode, which when activated shunts power from the inaccessible weapons to shields, giving them a substantial boost to power output. This is also tuned using a different frequency than Mk. 1, giving the enemies of the Sun Guard a harder time trying to find a weakness in the Sun Guard’s main battle cruiser. Additionally, kyber taken when repurposing the base ship’s superlaser into a linear induction cannon are used to enhance the shield’s power), Mon Calamari shield enhancements
Starfighter Squadrons:
3 Solar Dragon-class Interceptor squadrons
3 Spec-Ops Solar Dragon-class Interceptor Squadrons
3 Petramar-class Assault Bomber Squadrons
Troop Capacity:
10 Legions (10,000 Sun Guards)
Support Craft:
- 8 Serpentarius-class Electronic Warfare Vessels
- 100 Solar Pike-class Drop Pods (embedded into hull)
- Various landing craft and ground vehicles

Darth Rikis smiled.

The armada was here.

The planet-station Yuth, the Abominor Dreadnought, the dozens of Yevethan, Vagaari, Nagai and other capital ships, the numerous triangular escorts and frigates and corvettes.

The Battle of Exegol, the Force told her, was about to begin.

Now sure of herself, she opened the comms to Darth Mascon's representative. "We are ready to strike at Eshan. Do you come prepared?"

The Obedience, named after an Imperial II-class Star Destroyer the then Emperor's Hand Kev-Mas Colcha served on in 1.5 ABY moved into position at the rear of the fleet alongside the planet station, flanked by two Duellator II-class star destroyers, three Duellator-class star destroyers, five Aegis-class heavy cruisers, eight Voxyn-class electronic warfare frigates, fifty ShaShore-class heavy frigates one hundred Wraith-class corvettes, one hundred Durame-class star destroyers and one hundred fifty Guardsman-class frigates.

In front of this formation was a second one, with the Abominor Dreadnought flanked by three Duellator II-class star destroyers in fortress mode, forty Tukata-class picket ships and two hundred Derriphan-class battleships up front. These were then followed by two Duellator-class star destroyers, five Aegis-class heavy cruisers, five Twisuns-class battle carriers and one hundred and fifty Guardsman-class frigates.

"The fleets are assembled and waiting," replied Rylliah, "I trust that the strategy we have devised together will be followed?"

Darth Rikis smiled sweetly. "Of course. I shall keep Yuth and its prodigious energies to the rear of the formation."

"Let us advance on Eshan simultaneously to Exegol. End this war, once and for all."

"Hyperspace coordinates are calculated and the fleets are ready to jump, in sequence when ready. Just give the word."

Turning back from a comm call to Exegol, Darth Rikis smiled. "Let us bring darkness to the galaxy, once and for all."

"Our attack shall herald the beginning of the end of the war."

Imbalance
---------------------
Balance
​

IC: Kev-Mas Colcha
Crimson Phoenix, Utapau system

Exiting hyperspace above the sinkhole planet of Utapau was the newly modified Crimson Phoenix, derived from the prototype Predator-class starfighter he received for rescuing a head of state at Rothana. An imposter head of state, mind you, but that part isn't important, especially considering Kev-Mas was not, and still is not aware of this fact.

As Kev-Mas was traveling alongside Laura Mikaru, who was following behind, it was unusual for him to be flying the Phoenix rather than sitting back with it docked in Laura’s cargo bay, but there were new hyperdrive modifications that needed to be tested.

In addition to the hyperdrive, which was upgraded to a much faster one from the already respectable Class 1 it came with, the Crimson Phoenix possessed many other modifications, some assisted by Echani engineers, but for the most part the vessel was the creation of the reborn Supreme Sun Guardian. True to its name, the Crimson Phoenix was crimson, but not just from some random paint job slapped on. No, like the Dreadnaught docked at TwiSuns Engineering Shipyards at Thyrsus, baring the same name as one of Kev-Mas’ nicknames from the Galactic Civil War, this ship was coated in external armor plating, made from havod alloy.

Externally, similar to the change made to a few models of the eventual production model Predator, the cockpit viewport was changed from the restrictive horizontal panes to something more familiar.

Internally, Kev-Mas worked with Echani engineers to implement a recreation of the kyber reactor he put in the Silver Beacon, and the Force Sensitive AI it gave birth to. However, the assistance from the Echani engineers ended up creating design changes, in the form of improvements and enhancements.

The ship also had numerous Echani made Stealth Countermeasures, which despite the bright red hull plating still did a reasonable job at hiding the Phoenix, especially after the outer havod hull broke away from combat damage, revealing an inner reflec coated hull, which allowed Kev-Mas to flee the moment the outer hull broke away, and coincidentally, the moment he needed it.

The Echani also assisted with propulsion enhancements to the ship, which were needed in order to keep pace while loaded up with the additional armor and weapons, and of course to allow an even quicker escape once the outer armor layer had been shed.

Additional weapons, of course being Jedi Shadow Bombs on hard points, and two ion cannons.

Needless to say, the ship was flying like a dream and passed the hyperdrive test with flying colors, especially since he managed to beat Laura to the destination.

This trip wasn't just a shakedown cruise though - he had business on this planet. Business that would hopefully, help him set things right again.

He was here to build an army. An army to capture a dreadnaught, and the hearts and minds of his people.

A ship exited hyperspace after Kev-Mas, but it didn't register on scanners. An Echani Spatha-class exploration vessel, it was given its intended role and near everything in the Echani Arsenal, doubling for the military, built for stealth. Laura sat in the pilot seat, angling the craft to follow behind the Crimson Phoenix while her droid companion worked the ship's sensors, making sure there were no threats. She angled a direct laser comms beam to the fighter craft. "Guide us in, old man."

"Heh," said Kev-Mas as he noticed Laura didn't appear on his scope, "Imitating my last entrance to this world, I see. I think I'll do the opposite."

He directed the Crimson Phoenix towards Pau City, its modified variable geometry wings adjusting to transition from superluminal to sublight travel. Additional ion microthrusters came to life at the rear of the wings providing a boost of speed, almost covering them entirely and lighting up a bright red, making the wings look as if they were made of fire.

"You know,” commented Laura, “the person with the flamboyant hair dye, wearing outfits that leave nothing to the imagination should not be the one erring on the side of caution." According to the quick details she'd gotten beforehand the Sun Guard had been prolific in their spy deployment, almost half as much as the Echani had been. Someone was probably on Utapau right now, reporting what they were seeing as they flew. "I swear if we get shot at..."

"Yes, in case you were wondering the Sun Guard do have spies on Utapau," replied Kev-Mas while he brought the red fighter down to a landing on a platform, seemingly as if he could read his hidden wingmate's mind, "However, this ship isn't likely to catch their attention. They still think I'm dead and this ship isn't using an Echani nor a Sun Guard IFF, but rather an independent one. As far as they can tell I'm just some young aristocrat with a flashy ship I spent far too many credits getting modified. Also, just in case, I know how to avoid these spies because I have a general idea of where they've been deployed, because I know their objective on the planet. It's not here."

Kev-Mas flipped open the ball cockpit, which had been modified to have a much larger viewport for better visibility, and climbed out.

He was wearing a fresh suit of Echani battle armor, custom tailored for him. It featured a form fitting black jumpsuit made of cortosis weave, and was covered in armor plates made from cortosis coated in havod alloy, giving it a Crimson hue. He had a red cape and two diagonally crossed utility belts with assorted cargo pouches, grenades of various types and holsters for his lightdagger and Sun Guard Asynchronous Linear-Induction Carbine, or ALIC.

Laura landed in silence, stepping out of the rear of her ship along with her droid with a disapproving look. "I'm supposed to be the Rebel-'rouser, what with the hair, revealing clothes, and nonchalant attitude. But this is serious business." She zipped up her loose coverall, concealing the armor underneath, and adjusted her utility belt. "If we can't get the people of Utapau to agree to your idea, my people are going to have to come down hard on Thyrsus. And we don't exactly have a lot of time."

"Oh, believe me, I know the stakes. But not to worry, Administrator Medon and I go way back. After what I've helped him accomplish for his people, I'm sure he'll be amenable to my request."

Administrator Medon was much the same as he always was, though. Born centuries before he met Obi-Wan Kenobi, he was installed anew as a proxy governor by the Empire shortly after his arrest, and became administrator again when it was free.

And as he knew which side his proverbial bread was buttered, he paid attention to the Force, and so, to the visitor was known to him. He stood, leaning on his cane, for he was a bit older than when he met Kenobi, and hissed a greeting as the ramp lowered.

It was good-natured. "Now what?"

"Really?" said Kev-Mas, joking slightly, "After all this time, and even a return from the netherworld, that's all you have to say?"

He smirked at the administrator. "It's good to see you, old friend. I would love to stay and talk on this platform forever, but I'm afraid I'm in need of your assistance. Of the type that requires a more... discreet location."

Kev-Mas, though he spoke with the familiarity of an old friend, he understood that he didn't exactly look the same as he did 53 years ago, back when Medon last saw him. As such, he braced himself for any confusion, and prepared to give an explanation, though he would prefer not to explain himself on this very platform. While there weren't any Sun Guard spies present at Pau City to his knowledge, neglecting to reveal his identity within earshot of any potential Sun Guard listening devices that might have been placed and left there was still a precaution he felt was needed.

Laura for her part moved up beside and just behind Kev-Mas and nodded towards Medon, "I would agree with my companion, but in short. I am here representing the Echani, more details I would prefer to not discuss openly." She didn't get as far as she had as a smuggler by being too open about things, it was showing here.

Medon smiled tiredly. "Ever since I met Kenobi, what your Force does, it never surprises me. What now was the least I could say."

He waved them both. "Come, come. You are welcome."

With a gesture of his scepter, he indicated the old CIS Core Ship settled in the gorge. "It is probably the most secure location on Utapau."

The old Core Ships of the Separatists had been oft modified into various analogs, and this one was no different. A Geonosian Dreadnaught, one of a subset of designs which had secured hyperspace choke points within hours of the First Battle of Geonosis; a relic of a time gone by.

In short order, thanks to a dragonmount, they were there, within a space that once hosted the Separatist Council, decades ago. To think that this little world had briefly been the temporary capital of a galactic government.

"As you may have heard," Kev-Mas began, his tone becoming somber, "The Sun Guard are now under the control of a Sith Lord dictator. My son, fallen to the Dark Side. I returned after possessing the body of one of the many clones of me Leonias, now Darth Mascon, has created in order to fuel his war machine, from the chance encounter that one of them got his hands on an uncorrupted kyber crystal. Now I need to make good use of my sudden revivification, and do what I can to put a stop to Mascon, even if it means taking down the Sun Guard, my pride and joy and life's work, along with him. He is my responsibility. It is up to me to stop him."

"As for where you come in," he continued, "I need your help putting together a fleet, which, in partnership with Echani volunteers, will launch an attack on Thyrsus in which I hope to seize the flagship Crimson Dagger and convince as many Sun Guard to defect to my cause as possible. I know you have been busy since I helped you liberate this world over half a century ago. I know Sky Force has probably got many new and advanced warships and battle droids in their ranks. At least it should had you followed the advice I gave you.'

Kev-Mas winked after that last part, and formed a smile, attempting to lighten up the mood a little in spite of the dire circumstances that brought him here.

"And you will not be committing alone." Laura spoke from her corner of the room, leaning against a console with her arms crossed, "The Echani will be bringing a force to bear as well. The Echani have grown tired of Mascon's antics, and this is our commitment to trying to end the conflict without another true Echani Civil War. We want it to succeed. We're already on a scorched earth war footing... if it were to escalate further, even after the Sith are dealt with we could have a blood war on our hands."

"Utapau has raised armies under the flag of the Sith before, and I would much rather raise it under yours." A nod. "We have in museums phrik shields and spears, for which we served Darth Desolous with."

Kev-Mas nodded back. "I appreciate it. What do these armies look like, exactly?"

Laura stood by quietly and listened, she was worried less about the minutia and more about the commitment. The Echani could take Thyrsus, but they did not want to do so as the aggressors. If the Sun Guard made the move first, or the Kev-Mas did, they could make theirs and be clean on the galactic stage.

She hated politics.

Medon demonstrated a variety of relatively low-tech appearing warriors, but the shields they wielded included generators and their spears could blast enemies. It was aesthetic more than anything.

The shipyards of Utapau, buried in various sinkholes, had historically taken the Rendili Dreadnaught and modified them under licence, much as the Republic had with the Katana-class, or the Quarren had with the Providence-class. It had been one reason that Grievous had taken the planet, albeit too late in the Clone Wars to make any difference.

They also had the locally produced Rogue variant Porax-class fighter, which formed part of the SkyForce. Their variants had a sector-range hyperdrive, but were decent enough. In essence, this one planet, adequately supplied, could construct enough to assist in arming a small but elite group.

The Pau'an wondered if Laura would be more interested, as he smiled, all teeth, at her and Kev-Mas.

But of course, General Vant would detail the rest of their more specialised weapons.

"You will find we took your advice very seriously. The Imperial vessels you helped us capture certainly did help us along the way."

A short, stocky being with a heavily decorated military uniform waddled up to the display table and pressed a few buttons, displaying four ships and their schematics.

The first, was what looked like a cross between a walker, battle droid and a starfighter. A spiritual successor to the Confederate Vulture droid, but with even more versatility than the already versatile droid fighter, thanks to modular armaments and dual combat modes.





Name/Model#:Dactillion-class variable geometry droid starfighter
Designer/Manufacturer: Buuper Torsckil Abbey Devices
Combat Designation(cruiser, carrier, etc.): Multi-role starfighter/walker
Scale(fighter, capital, etc.): Fighter
Length: 9.6 meters
Crew: N/A (Droid brain)
Weapons:
- 2 Pop-up laser cannon turrets
- 2 Modular Weapon Sockets (Each takes either of the three weapons below)
- Grappler Arm
- Two-in-one Blaster/Ion Cannon attachment
- Energy torpedo launcher
- Discord missile/concussion missile launcher
Shields: Equipped

Next was what looked like a fusion of a Lucrehulk and an Imperial II-class star destroyer. A 3200 meter battlecruiser.

Name/Model#: Porax 304 battlecruiser
Designer/Manufacturer: Buuper Torsckil Abbey Devices
Combat Designation(cruiser, carrier, etc.): Battlecruiser
Scale(fighter, capital, etc.): Capital
Length: 3200 meters
Crew: 500
Weapons:
- 8 Octuple barbette turbolasers
- 50 Turbolaser batteries
- 45 Quad turbolaser batteries
- 150 Point defense laser cannons
- 40 Assault laser cannons
- 40 Heavy ion cannons
- 10 Heavy Tractor beam projectors
- 4 Dual concussion missile turrets
Shields: equipped
Starfighter Squadrons:
48 Dactillion-class variable geometry droid starfighter squadrons
24 Rogue-class starfighter squadrons
Various landing craft
Troop Capacity: 400,000 battle droids (various models)

Followed was what looked to be a hybrid of a Victory-class star destroyer and a Recusant-class light destroyer. A 1200 meter long ship classified as a Star Destroyer under the Anaxes War College System.

Name/Model#: Porax 152 destroyer
Designer/Manufacturer: Buuper Torsckil Abbey Devices
Combat Designation(cruiser, carrier, etc.): Star destroyer
Scale(fighter, capital, etc.): Capital
Length: 1200 meters
Crew: 250
Weapons:
- 1 Prow heavy turbolaser cannon
- 4 Heavy turbolaser cannons
- 4 Heavy turbolaser turrets
- 5 turbolaser cannons
- 10 turbolaser batteries
- 10 double heavy turbolaser cannons
- 5 Heavy ion Cannons
- 5 Tractor Beam Projectors
- 30 Dual laser cannons
- 12 Dual light laser cannons
- 60 Point-defense laser cannons
Shields: equipped
Starfighter Squadrons:
24 Dactillion-class variable geometry droid starfighter squadrons
12 Rogue-class starfighter squadrons
Various landing craft
Troop Capacity: 200,000 battle droids (various models)

Finally, was a fusion of a Dreadnought-class heavy cruiser and Munificent-class frigate, an 850 meter long heavy cruiser.

Name/Model#: Porax 76 heavy cruiser
Designer/Manufacturer: Buuper Torsckil Abbey Devices
Combat Designation(cruiser, carrier, etc.): Heavy cruiser
Scale(fighter, capital, etc.): Capital
Length: 850 meters
Crew: 250
Weapons:
- 10 medium turbolaser batteries
- 10 heavy laser cannons
- 2 Heavy turbolaser cannons
- 2 Long-range heavy ion cannons
- 26 Twin light turbolaser cannons
- 20 Light turbolaser turrets
- 10 double heavy turbolaser cannons
- 40 Point-defense light laser cannons
- 8 medium flak guns
- 1 Hyperwave jammer
Shields: equipped
Starfighter Squadrons:
12 Dactillion-class variable geometry droid starfighter squadrons
12 Rogue-class starfighter squadrons
12 Dactillion rider squadrons (for atmospheric assault, launched from hangar bay when ship is within atmosphere)
Various landing craft
Troop Capacity: 100,000 battle droids (various models)

"Impressive," said Kev-Mas as he scanned the data. "And just exactly how many of these ships are you offering me?"

Vant nodded. "We are prepared to loan you a fleet of 7 Porax 304s, 14 Porax 152s and 36 Porax 76s, along with 5 squadrons of Dactillion-class droid fighters and 5 squadrons of Rogue-class fighters."

"Oh, and one more thing," Vant added.

"What is that?" Kev-Mas replied.

"These ships all possess an incredible level of automation, combined into one with a tactical computer far beyond the capabilities of a super tactical droid. The source of this might be of some interest to you."

He paused, and then continued, seeing Kev-Mas nod him along.

"Your old friend Norin Durame. As you might know, his departure from the physical world was much like yours, in that it was compulsory. He transferred his consciousness into his ship, and disposed of his aging organic shell."

"Well, Norin, the droid enthusiast that he is, kept in touch with us over the years, sharing resources and knowledge that assisted with the R&D projects for the both of us, mainly droid related. Well, he informed us of his plans to go full droid, and we arranged to have his computerized consciousness copied onto a droid control core, which we then developed into the tactical supercomputer that powers all of our ships."

Kev-Mas smiled. "Good. It would have been a shame for him to just fly off into the sunsset without ever doing anything productive ever again."

"This fleet is a good start as well. I'm sure the Echani contribution will help round it out nicely."

"The Echani will be, in the initial phase, utilizing some of the older ships in our arsenal. But they are upgraded to modern standards. They were originally intended for another operation but the Galaxy moved in a different path, and so while they were updated, they did not need to be utilized. A majority of them are Rendili Dreadnaughts as well, so they will blend in with the rest of your forces." They had, indeed, been intended to act as a false Katana fleet, allowing the Echani to strike with automated craft. "They are also heavily automated, so we should be able to link the systems together. Though I am unsure how well a Callista Central Unit will work with this Norin."

Medon looked to the Thyrsian for clarification.

"Well," mused Kev-Mas, "If these computers are made from Norin's consciousness... then they possess all of his intelligence and experience. Including his experience from the Battle of Chandrila, in which he had to interface with the MSS Queen of Wrath in order to track down First Order explosives onboard before they went off."

He then turned to Laura.

"I know you don't care much for your father's larger ships, Laura, but the Queen of Wrath possessed a Callista Central Unit."

"The Queen of Wrath is also the lead ship of the group." She didn't care much for the bigger ships, but she also read the entire report on the way through hyperspace. "A vast majority of the now defunct Mikaru Security Services naval assets make up things like this special fleet or picket forces. The original Ascendant Pride, now known as the Rumination, a ship that fought alongside your Sun Guard several times is also part of the fleet as a fire support ship due to its long range coil batteries." She put the pad she was looking at down and looked up, "It was all on the dossier if you read it. Assuming Cal gave it to you."

"So you intend to target the First Order... and head to Exegol?" Tion asked carefully.

Kev-Mas' crystalline eyes flashed as Kev-Mas scrolled the data feed from Callista.

"Ah yes, I almost forgot."

He then turned to Medon as he committed the list to memory via the Force.

"No, nothing so grand yet. Our first mission will be to Thyrsus, to steal the Thyrsian flagship. A ship named after myself. "

"The Crimson Dagger."

"What's the plan, exactly?" commented General Vant, the short stocky humanoid peering up at him.

"Well before now, the specifics weren't ironed out as the fleet we would be using was unknown. Simply, it was to be a hit and run attack, where I and a few Echani volunteers, and now indeed Battle Droids as well, board the Crimson Dagger, take control of it and in the process win some hearts and minds within my people, and draw some defectors to my side by revealing my identity."

"Now that we know what we're bringing, however, we can narrow down the details."

"Hit and run?” added Vant, “Fighters will be key here then. Especially to make sure you get enough boarding craft on the Crimson Dagger to effectively capture it. What exactly is this ship anyways? Some kind of Dreadnought?"

"Yes. The first of its class. A Crimson Dagger-class star dreadnought utilizing havod hull plating instead of the more traditional doonium, as well as the typical cortosis and agrinium found in all Sun Guard starship hulls."

Kev-Mas went over to the holotable and input some data, specifications for the Crimson Dagger previously unknown to non-Sun Guard.

Name/Model#: Crimson Dagger-class Star Dreadnought
Designer/Manufacturer: Twin Suns Engineering
Combat Designation(cruiser, carrier, etc.): Star Dreadnought
Scale(fighter, capital, etc.): Star Dreadnought
Length: 6,096 meters
Crew:
-Officers: 800
-Enlisted: 44,000
Weapons:
- 500 Octuple barbette capital grade solar ionization cannons
- 250 Octuple barbette ion cannons
- 500 Heavy capital grade solar ionization cannon batteries
- 1000 Heavy capital grade solar ionization cannons
- 1000 Heavy rapid-fire gauss cannons
- 2000 Point defense rapid-fire gauss cannons
- 500 Heavy ion cannons
Countermeasures:
Target scrambling systems (scrambles enemy targeting data in order to have all weapons concentrate on itself)
First Order holonet transceiver, reverse engineered to allow sliced broadcasts
Shields: Heavy dragonscale shielding (utilizes the ship’s agrinium hull plating to regenerate shields when hit by energy weapons fire)
Starfighter Squadrons:
6 Solar Dragon-class interceptor squadrons
6 Spec-Ops Solar Dragon-class interceptor squadrons
6 Petramar-class assault bomber squadrons
Troop Capacity:
30 Legions (30,000 Sun Guards)
Support Craft:
- 8 Serpentarius-class electronic warfare vessels
- 300 Solar Pike-class drop pods (Embedded into hull)
- Various landing craft and ground vehicles

These specifications came along with a holographic image of a red hulled dreadnought as well as the various different pathways that can be taken to the bridge.

We can definitely expect the enemy to have a whole fleet and numerous planetary defenses to defend the dreadnought with. But what they don't have is any clue that I exist and what is coming.

"Will not the flagship be attending the Battle of Exegol? Or is it targeting Eshan itself," Tion said, gesturing to the Mikaru representative.

Kev-Mas replied.

"Intelligence reports indicate that the Crimson Dagger has remained at Thyrsus despite the recent departure of one other dreadnought, likely for planetary defense. This means it will be the only Dreadnought present, and stealing it will leave the Sun Guard vulnerable at their own homeworld. There could not be a better time to strike than now."

Laura chimed in. "The reports seem to speculate that the Dagger remains in orbit of Thyrsus not only for protection, but to put forward the same sort of 'come at us' energy that the Echani are providing. We have the Mega-class Star Destroyer Regicide in orbit of Eshan, and it has remained there since before the attack via Tho Yor, and even through the Starkiller attack not long ago. It serves as a taunt, and a show of our strength, so the Thyrsians may be doing the same. Or it may be incapacitated, we have no direct intelligence in that regard. Given we had no idea the Sun Guard would fall under a Sith wannabe and we were at relative peace with our Brothers and Sisters we had little time to set up an observation network when things went south."

Tion nodded slowly. "So, it is a trap?"

"It might be," replied Kev-Mas, "But it's also an opportunity we cannot afford to pass up. Besides, if the Crimson Dagger being left alone is bait, they're looking to catch some Adumari, Tof or Echani. They may be reeling in some Echani, but they're not expecting someone who's name still holds weight amongst the Thyrsian people. One whose mere appearance would cause defections and reduce morale. I hope to use this to my advantage, in order to not only seize the Dreadnought, but to win hearts and minds to our cause."

"We're also going into this expecting it to be a trap, hence our use of automated ships. But with that said, we do have a number of means to steal the dreadnought. From infiltration to disabling it and towing it away. But in terms of sowing discourse..." She turned her attention to Kev-Mas, "For that we will be providing you with the Aphelion. It is my father's former throne ship, and it features a crimson hull, and a hammer head ram. It seemed fitting that Kev-Mas Colcha, the Crimson Dagger, return in a ship of crimson, built to drive itself into its foes."

"The Aphelion, huh?" commented Kev-Mas, "I've actually heard about that one in my... past life. I've never seen it myself though. Would be nice to finally get to see it after all this time."

"Anyways. I think it would be prudent to assemble the fleet as soon as possible, then we can iron out the details of the assault and strike as soon as possible. Our window of opportunity is going to be a short one so we need to move quickly."

Tion was completely on-board, and had his phrik-shield warriors ready to join whichever ship they wanted him on. He himself would remain, here, on Utapau, providing somewhere for them to retreat to. Nonetheless, he directed those most vulnerable into shelters, should the Sith strike back.

This was the moment.

General Vant, peering at a viewscreen, chimed in.

"Looks like the Echani fleet has arrived."

"Good," added Kev-Mas, "Perfect timing. Tion, have your warriors join me on the Aphelion."

Tag: @Sinrebirth , @Kahn_Iceay , @darthbernael , @Mitth_Fisto , @adaml83

 

OOC: Brought to you by the combined voices of @Sinrebirth, @Adalia-Durron , @darthbernael and myself
IC: Corran Horn, Adalia Tehanis-Durron, Kyp Durron, Mirax Horn, Romulus, Remus, Niamh ke Seiufere
Peridea

When they were in their latest meeting, with production beginning, and refugees thus able to take jobs in the worlds Zeffo ceded to them, and Nagai warriors who could crew ships -

They were building up the Jedi Coalition.

And then their comlinks all buzzed, overridden by a signal from their home galaxy, impossibly powerful, and yet, here it was.

They all in the meeting - Adalia, Kyp, Corran, Mirax, Rem, Rom - received the message.

Palpatine was back.

A thousand Sith Star Destroyers were going to retake Exegol later today, and then advance on the entire galaxy, in a sick and twisted do-over of fifteen years ago.

Corran froze. “Now what do we do?”

Meanwhile, half a galaxy away, the initial scouting forces of the Adumari Union had reached the extreme range in which they could comm Peridea. They, too, could contact the Jedi and Nagai that had fled the main galaxy.

Would Palpatine’s threat to Peridea go unanswered?

In a sense, they were guinea pigs. The ships and their systems, more so. The crew used their communications systems to detect Skyriver- derived signals. Naturally, they received Palpatine's signal. They also received the Perator's reply. It was confusing, but rumors abound about how Adumar was becoming a haunted planet, ghosts killing anything and everything that approached the planet.

Comms pinged, they found a familiar signal, perhaps a small cluster of them. "This is General ke Seiufere, I would like to offer some information and ask a question. First is that you should know the Adumari Perator's reply, and I quote, 'I would like to see you try.' The question I have is this, have you found anything to help you defend this galaxy from Palpatine?"

The message had been received, heard, and around the room, the feelings were palpable.

Adalia finally snarled and swore as she turned away, "FRACK!!"

Kyp, who'd learned a long time ago to visibly hide his emotions, turned to watch her, "exactly, well said." He muttered, then turning to Corran, "what do we do? That's the loaded question. I don't think we can even consider getting back to there for that battle, in all honesty, but if Peridea is under threat, should we not make our stand here?"

Adalia spun back, "I did not schlep my entire family across the galaxy to avoid war, just to fight in a war!" She spat angrily, "I wanted my children to grow up without war as a standard part of their lives, is that too much to ask?"

Corran winced. "I get it, Adalia, I do. But if we don't fight there, we end up fighting here, and that means our children are at risk."

"Though Jysella and Valin will fight," Mirax pointed out.

"That is their choice," Corran said. "If Palpatine comes to Peridea, nobody has a choice."

He looked to Rem and Rom for support.

"They're kids, not adults, they're just little kids who want to grow up with a mum and a dad!! Is that so much to ask?" She almost spat with passion.

"Ads, deep breath." Kyp said gently as he lifted one hand toward her. "What do our friends here think?" Kyp turned his attention to where Corran's eyes had gone as his wife turned away again, her frustration felt by all there.

Bernael could almost taste Susurri’s eagerness to take their people into battle if needed. He shook his head slightly; she was still a, by Anzati standards, younger member of their species so her eagerness was understood if out of place.

Feeling the gaze of the Jedi upon them, the twins turned from the console where they’d been parsing the transmission, mentally speaking to each other about it as they did. With a glance between them Rom then glanced over at Bernael before he turned back to Corran, ”You know what might be extremely helpful in this situation? If we had found any resources that we could quickly manufacture needed items for those fighting Palpatine. Or…” he almost drew out the word before a lazy smile crossed his face, before his sister finished his statement.

”... or if someone missed a recent battle while having a meeting with a group of ancient and powerful Force beings who said they desired to assist us…” Remus finished with a smirk.

Kyp's eyebrows raised, as he turned to Corran, a valid point had been made.

Corran shrugged. "We have, what, fifty capital ships now, mostly constructed by the Zeffo, crewed by Nagai refugees, built around the core of Nagai warriors. We have a dozen Jedi, enough to refit a squadron of TwinTails - a Twin Suns Squadron."

He looked to Adalia. "We don't know if our ships will make the difference in this fight. Maybe we're what is needed to tip the scales."

She gave a distasteful snort, "could.....now isn't that the operative word there?" Adalia raised her eyebrow, "I 'could' potentially fart rainbows, but honestly Corran, what are the odds?" She was not going to war, not going into battle, she'd done all this so her children wouldn't have to live the nightmare childhood she'd lived. Turning to Kyp, she gave her head a shake, "you do what you have to do, I am going to protect 'my' children." Emphasis was on the 'my', and that was entirely intentional.

Somehow, he knew she'd do this. Kyp knew she'd go with the children and leave the choice of his involvement utterly up to him. He gave a slow nod knowing the decision was beyond huge. Run like some sort of coward, and see and teach his children as they grow up.

Or.

Stand and fight, knowing the risk of him never returning was high, leaving her to raise them alone. This wasn't a decision he could make in a heartbeat, "I need more time." His voice was even.

Adalia glanced around at everyone, "take all the time you need, you know where I'll be, and it ain't here." Spinning on her booted heels, she strode from the room.

Kyp sighed and dropped his chin to his chest.

Niamh nodded, all were valid points. "The problem as it is, is we are already coordinating the strike from three separate galaxies already. Additional galaxies make the plans increasingly cumbersome." They were now arriving at Peridea, so data transmission was increasingly clear. So they sent what they had obtained so far for what would be the Second Battle of Exegol. "Perhaps your contribution would be more in finding flaws in the plan as it currently is." They transmitted the plans for the parties to see, even the Zeffo if they were interested, starting with three unprecedented waves of bombers and their escorts, followed by large fleets jumping in from Zakuul, Serenno, the Yuuzhan Vong galaxy and elsewhere. "Maybe it is not about that location, but that of Jakku. My understanding is forces are en route to cause some chaos, but perhaps ensuring the rescue of Rey, Jaina, Roan, and Ben would be a better use of your time?"

"My second question is a bit...different, but it comes from the top, are there worlds, or even which ones, that need healing?"

Corran frowned. "Healing? We don't believe so. Perhaps maybe Peridea itself - it seems a wasteland."

"But as for Jaina, Rey and Ben... we can send a group to Jakku, if we can get through the gravity well blockade..." He paused. "But a Jedi squadron and the Nagai support craft we can assemble, it's not much, but it's a thousand Sith Destroyers. They're not exposed, caught in low orbit - they're fully deployed. If one escapes, its billions of dead."

He looked at Kyp, appealing. "I understand what Adalia means, but I don't want to lose at Exegol just because we were short one Jedi, or even one ship."

Kyp frowned, "One Jedi? One Ship? You seriously think just one being, no matter who it is, will make the difference?" He folded his arms, "you know I don't." He pursed his lips, "don't force my hand Corran." The tone had a ever so slight touch of malice to it.

Corran paused. "I know I can do more with you by my side than not. We've proven it many times over, Kyp." His voice went a little quiet.

Niamh was quiet, though she was looking over the information, "Actually, it may be best if the Jakku contingent be Nagai. The Tof will be at Exegol, it could cause a distraction."

The General continued, "I am not sure we need much more in numbers, what we could use would be precision. Especially those with the Force and Intrusion skills."

With that, Kyp had to look away, anyone did not hear the softest snort. That may well have been true, but it certainly wasn't a reason to risk his life and go to war, again. Lifting his hand, he ran his fingers through his greying hair; he felt too old for this, but when was old, too old? Corran and Mirax had started their family a lot sooner than he and Addie had, their children were well old enough to make their own decisions.

Jesse and Nicolina were not.

Deciding to consider while listening, he turned back to do so.

He needed more time.

Corran nodded. "Alright, nothing obviously Nagai, then. I'm not sure about Jakku, though - is there nowhere else that the war is ongoing?"

"And as for specific skills," he stroked his grey goatee. "Every battle has a clutch point. A command ship, a defensive position to break. That's where my team would be. Kyle and his Knights are already preparing for that, too." That meant Kyle, Jaden, Rosh, Jaden's Padawan, and by the same extent Valin, as Jaden and Valin were partnered. And where Valin went, Jysella went, and where they went, he and Mirax went.

Niamh consulted her information, "Both Eshan and Mon Calamari could use help. Both would be useful at Exegol as well. Mon Calamari has some pretty aggressive dovin basals, we can give you contact information for both the Sekot Vong and Nas Choka's group."

"I would also say for any commando groups, do not be surprised if you run into other groups with similar goals. Just about everyone who isn't aligned with Palpatine's kind of Sith despise him, from my understanding. I suspect everyone opposing him are trying to survive the war in order to win the peace."

Corran nodded. "Logical. Mon Calamari, first, then Eshan, for the Nagai..."

"... and we're working with the Yuuzhan Vong completely now?" He sounded concerned.

That last line sat so badly with Kyp, he'd been there, he'd fought them. They were ruthless and cold in his mind, and the thought was tipping him away from what Corran wanted from him. Shifting his weight uncomfortably, he remained silent, holding all his emotions in as they were no one else's business.

Niamh didn't know the whole details, but the before and after reports from Nadia had quite the contrast from a maybe to a now, we absolutely should. She knew the history of one event both would know, "We know what happened when the Death Star destroyed Alderaan, most any Alderaanians left the Empire. What would happen if the opposite occurred? Or Caamas for that matter?"

She looked directly at Kyp, "Secondly, Adam was the one to offer his hand to welcome Nas Choka to the greater Galactic community. The one they call Piggy was there as well. Surely, they did the mental calculus to figure out that any nightmares Snoke or Palpatine cause dwarf anything the Yuuzhan Vong caused. They were both at Chashima, and Borleias."

Corran had heard about a rehabilitated Vong serving in Wraith Squadron, called Scut, and in-theory Nas Choka was their equivalent of Pellaeon - not perfect, but able to grow and improve. He looked at Kyp.

"We're not exactly winning the war. I don't expect to work with Vong directly, but they'll be there, attacking the Sith, it looks. Is that enough? I forgave the Empire, eventually... but you didn't really fight Pellaeon, so I know this is a hard sell."

He eyed Niamh. "We don't have Abeloth working with us too, do we?"

Niamh smirked, "No Daala is at Jakku..." Many knew the Adumari had a... poor impression of Daala.

"That's what I don't want to hear. Big war, no chance of winning, no chance of survival..........and you're holding out a pen asking me to sign up?" Kyp folded his arms, "I'm with Ads here, still not seeing the upside of this. I'm just one pilot, one man, I hardly think it matters if I am there or not......history certainly won't remember."

Corran paused. "You've given up, Kyp? Up to you." A shrug. "You and Adalia can stand with us today, and have a chance, or standalone tomorrow, and have no chance." He had finished. There wasn't anymore to be said. He had fought the Yuuzhan Vong War and entrusted his children to others. He'd had no choice but to contribute.

This was exactly the same.

He couldn't, wouldn't, force them. Kyp was his best friend. They'd been separated after Ossus, which had been hard but...

Was, perhaps being the operative word.

He remained very calm, "giving up is not my style, you know that, but is it giving up?" Kyp gave his head a slight shake, "right now, feeling extreme pressure to 'conform' and I don't like that. I also don't follow blindly, friend or not..." He took a few steps backward, "and I need time to think. Working this through with Ads as well, so if you don't mind...." Spinning on his heels, he headed toward the door.

Corran nodded. "Do what you need to, Kyp. Hopefully Palpatine will wait."

He let them go. This wasn't the fight he wanted to fight. "Niamh, I'm not helping Daala or the Vong. Jaina can handle Jakku - but what Jedi I have will be at Exegol. Direct the Nagai forces to wherever they need to be, I'll pass authority over. Rom and Rem are busy with family matters at present, so the Zeffo will supply whomever.

Niamh regarded Corran, "I would like your opinion as a military officer, where do you think the Nagai should go first, Eshan or Mon Calamari?"

She nodded, "We can ask the Yuuzhan Vong their opinion on the dovin basals at Mon Calamari as they do not match the data from the war from thirty years ago. We also agree with you on Daala, she is on an island, and we are committed too many other locations." It was left unsaid exactly who were going to Exegol and Jakku, but it was a small circle that knew that those groups were Sith who hated Palpatine.

Corran narrowed his eyes. He had never risen above command of a squadron, but, similarly; he understood tactics. "Mon Calamari. We can bring any ships we save from Mon Calamari to Eshan, then."

He paused. "I'll work with the Vong, as you say. It needs to be done, to defeat these new dovin basils..."

A slight hesitation. "We'll see yammosks back soon, if the Sun Guard are using Vong tech. Is it time for GAM?" That was an old acronym - Cilghal and Danni's contribution to the last Vong War. Cilghal may have passed during the fall of Chandrila, but the technology existed, somewhere or other.

Niamh nodded, "We will add Danni Quee to the request as well. We believe the Sun Guard are using some Vong tech. Though they are using some of a bit of everything, including beskar from Mandalore. So there is no clean, easy way to defeat them."

She finished typing, "We have sent the request off, and we added you so you will know what the response is. It might take a little time... but something is better than going in blind."

He'd just gotten to the door when Corran spoke the other voices now of little interest, and as Kyp opened it, he rolled his eyes. That had to be worst attempt at guilt he'd ever heard, especially from Corran. Palpatine had been around for sometime, and he doubted the short time he'd take to talk to his wife would change the course of well, anything much. Not adding a word, he left the room to find the woman in question.

—
Oracle Base

The base was nearly empty, but it was prepared for whatever role it would take after Exegol. It would be that of an underground base, or that of a waypoint beacon for signals from other galaxies.

Adam dutifully forwarded the messages in the directions before sending one of his own.


Addie, Kyp

It’s been a while, and I understand your desires. I feel like I’m in a battle for my life just to get something remotely close to what I want. That said, I’m planning for the future, one win or lose. I believe we can damage most ships, perhaps enough that the First Order can not repair more than a handful. I am worried about intrusions into other galaxies though, especially yours. Maybe I should rely on Addie’s skill in chaos and destruction.

Beyond that I would like you and your family to visit when this is all over. Kyp, the histories will remember you, people may just have to dig down a bit. Addie, we should visit more often, but for now make anyone wanting a piece of your family regret ever stepping foot in Peridea.

Adam

TAG:

 

IC: King Nivic II - A Sinre Combo!
Throne at yet another Council Meeting

For all the failings of the Tof League King Nivic II had to contend that what he saw of the Skyriver political options they were operating much better. They were not drowning in representatives from every colony, mine, or outpost, but instead had the ruling council of each major species members leaders. A Republic one might call it, based strictly on paper. Although Skyriver's Republic was a far cry from what they had, with their bloated dying under their own weights policy of systemic democracy allowing the minor voices the weights of the greater. Made a cess pit most dire he would be glad to keep his own Kingdom and the League from falling into.

Now of course they had to have a meeting as he was going to propose an item that was either going to be wildly more popular than it should be, or disastrously terrible. "Greetings. I have called todays meeting as a requested point from the prior meeting has been resolved. Scouts have returned from Charon, the doorway at least to this new galaxy is wide open. As we stand at the edge of a resource crises, and they did attack us first. . .I propose that we invade, with a fleet of 200 capital ships. This would leave our own galaxy defended largely by mines, defensive choke points, and planetary defenses beyond a mere 100 capital ships. I would also move that we allow Nagai to join the scout and recon forces forward elements for the invasion. A way for them to regain lost status and position within the League, and work towards earning that seat upon this council."

The Council paused, concerned. "What of this Emperor Palpatine, and his threat to the Tof worlds?"

That was the Macca.

"Yes, precisely," came a Minister.

"We have five hundred bulk cruisers, ample to go on a resource spree in the Charon Galaxy -"

"We should cut out ties to Skyriver and the Rishi Maze, and let them burn -"

"Neighbours fall and we all fall -"

"Are not the Nagai fighting us at Kinooine, allied with the Sith? How can we allow them into our bosom -"

King Nivic II resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Raising a hand to forstall anymore prattle he began with the first point of order with a nod to the Macca and the Minister. "Precisely indeed about this foul Emperor Palpatine. We need better technology to either defend or challenge him to eliminate these siege weapons. Our pathway to trade with the Skyriver Galaxy is our best path to gain this needed technology. From Serreno, Rishi, and Kinooine we are uniquely poised to trade with all the powers opposing Emperor Palpatine and reap the technological rewards of being an intergalactic work around both his and the Sun Guards blockades that would stymie in galaxy trade networks."

To the next few he singled them out with a compassionate look of worn sympathy. "We have the unique position to help, and if we do not he has shown the inventiveness to be able to threaten us from a galaxy away without the need to slog through our minefields. Better to help and have profitable trade as well as live in interesting times, than to barricade the door of our house while a madman with a sails off our shores. If we take Charon we will have enough to bolster ourselves and have back routes to Rishi and the main galaxy aplenty to be a serious threat with too many routes to blockade or contain ever again. We can mine and control those paths, after the threat is passed across galaxies either by our might or by their destruction we can revisit if we want to sequester ourselves once more."

To the last the King simply leaned forward and set a heavy hand upon the table as he bowed his head to collect his thoughts. He knew the Nagai would be getting a copy of this meetings minutes, and they had shown that although some spoke of joining them they were not unified by any means. "This war has fractured the Nagai into no less than four factions. We have already chosen to restore their world rather than exterminate. To include instead of banish." Lifting his head he stared daggers at the questioning member. "If they stab us in the bosom we would likely get little sympathy, for we have been the villain of their lives longer than they in ours. We cannot compare atrocities nor can they ever truly be wiped away for forgetting is no more an answer than extermination. So the harsh truth is, we stand in an untenable position - if we keep them bottle up and their numbers and generations grow and pass slowly and usually there will come a day of reckoning again for us. If we let them in we risk a dagger to the bosom. Unfortunately we have to let them in sometime dear members, or else we are set for disaster. Is now the right time, I do not know. I merely know we have to begin somewhere. They have condemned their own for their piratical and terrorist actions, let us give them a direction to turn that is away from any of the other remaining factions, let us give them a path. If it goes as badly as a knife to the bosom, it is a bosom removed this galaxy. That is the best I can see as a way to accept and test their sincerity in these troubled times. If you can think of a better way beyond keeping their situation stagnant, or if the Maccabree who have been overseeing them object to this action - I would very much like the Council to approve it for the betterment and progress of restoring our galaxy to how it should of been, all along. With us all joined together, in this League."

There was a chorus of agreements, some reluctant, some whole-hearted. There was something to be said to redeeming a species, after all! The Tof liked the idea of a higher form of society, in theory, after all. Enlightening.

When the hub-bub died down -

"So two hundred capital ships to our endeavors at Kinooine and Serenno, two hundred to Charon, and a hundred to stay home," finally came a concise Ministerial voice. "Our whole-hearted support can be given to such an endeavor, your Majesty."

"Excellent. I will send the approvals then. Is there any other manners of business for us to discuss? How are the restorations of Nagi and Faruun progressing?" King Nivic II asked in a perfunctory tone as he worked his pad to send the approved fleet orders.

Reports flowed swiftly.

Faruun had suffered less, and less recently, than Nagi, so it was coming alone, restoring its shipyards in orbit as a matter of professional pride - the people drew from their own personal savings and resources to finance it, while accepting Tof aid for surface damage only. It worked, and assisted in recovery - and gratefulness from the Faruun to the Tof.

Nagi had suffered more, and more recently, and there had been slower progress owing to an incidence of distrust between them and the Tof - or even blame of them for allowing the Sun Guard to do as they did. However, that rage had been diverted to the Nagai willing to work besides the Sun Guard. Darth Nihl and his horde were the primary beneficiaries of that disdain - and thereafter work was flowing neatly. But it would take time.

Absently, a report came in that Tof was repaired, the damage done to the ground and the orbiting shipyards.

There was a vague concern about the lack of resources to sustain this recovery, with Vhetin and various other worlds tapped out, but agriculture and basic services remained unaffected; people would still eat, drink and watch trash on the local Networks.

Peace was a reward unto itself.

Peace although desirous of so many the King knew was not truly a blessed thing. Five generations and they would be shedding bored people ready to commit atrocities just to alleviate that boredom - at best. Not just the Tof, but the Maccabree and Faruun as well. The Nagai in that time would barely be starting a third generation, and so would have enough animosity to either join them in mass or be the tempering influence, but it wouldn't be enough.

They needed Kamino for the genetic monsters they could bring to the gladiatorial arenas, and so in turn they needed to control the Rishi galaxy. By taking Charon they would have a back path to that galaxy. The added entertainment would make that five generations notion possible. Without it, he doubted the Tof would last as long as the other members of the Tof League. Adding Charon though? An entire galaxy to be a resource hub, place for new study and new races to enlighten? Perhaps the Tof could be shifted to be more scientific minded again as they once had been back when they had first stepped out into the stars? Then if it could last, perhaps they could avoid that treachery of a pan-galactic society collapse.

Sending a querry he checked with the core to see if the special construction project there was at all complete. If so, he would be tempted to do something. . .extreme.

It, sadly, wasn't. The resource drought had stalled matters, and there had been expeditions to locate iron-rich asteroids in the Deep Core which so far had failed. However, his Security Service confirmed that footage of the medical droid and his father had been unearthed, and was available.

The Rishi Maze, thankfully, was secure; the Battle of Rishi had been won, and that meant access to the Galaxy was only via Charon. It was an ending of sorts to the violence there, after the Battles of Rothana, Kamino and Sebaddon.

Brushing aside the idle fancy he decided to push the next item on the agenda and the fleets do their things. King Nivic II would have to review that footage as soon as this meeting was over.

"We have a knowledge trade with the Empire on the books, and with Serenno we can now make that happen. We have pending orders and deals waiting with the Confederacy for information and technology, as well as the Republic / Rebel Alliance / Whatever for their Doonium with a trade of food at Lothal. Can our diplomatic corps attest to the status of these deals and if they are poised to move forward?" he decided to broach next.

A pause, and then a skinny Tof consulted a datapad. "As far as we can tell, the Confederacy has collapsed, as most of its fleet is trapped at Mon Calamari, and the Sun Guard took Fondor - and also destroyed the rest of the Confederate fleet at Kinooine. We have heard no further, and scouts suggest many keels in the Eriaduan, Sluissi and Bothan shipyards have stalled."

"As for the New Republic, the Office of Chancellor Connix has advised that until the Sith Fleet is defeated, no trade contracts will be made, but they will place Tof at the top of the list to negotiate for resources."

"The Office of Emperor Fel has confirmed that the Emperor himself has left for the frontline."

"The lack of communication with Kuat suggests the presence of the Sun Guard there, as a world which recently joined the Echani."

"Scouts from Charon have confirmed that the planet Yuth is not present there, too."

King Nivic II gave a sigh as he leaned back in his throne at the reports. "If Barbosa can take Kinooine maybe he can do something to retrieve the knowledge we need. I don't fancy sending him into a trap to rescue our buffer. Perhaps, we send an offer to the droid union of the confederacy if they want to send a brain trust back to us? Maybe so we can act as a safe harbor outside enemy influences? Also there was a note. . ." he rifled a few papers down, "Ah yes, Ecchani scientists? Shall we send them an invitation as well? What better place to flee with your wealth of knowledge than to a stable galaxy? They made the shield that survived a blast yes?" he asked trying to cover their need to further their development.

An update pinged in. "Your Majesty, a Xyston-class Star Destroyer intercepted the Echani scientists at Nouane, took them captive, and destroyed the planet."

"We've also a report that Odessan, an Adumari Union world, has been destroyed."

There was a concerned muttering.

"And this is why we have mined and set our leading edges. So we have time to respond and stop such things before they can come within range." King Nivic II declared. Pandering to the audience at hand with reassurances despite the fact these people were supposed to be the ones representing this galaxy and leading them in protective practices. The fact they wouldn't be getting those scientists was an issue but one that didn't actually leave them any worse off than it was. A future loss, was not a negative impact upon the present circumstance.

The King was approached by a page who handed over a document. It seemed to be the final report of one of their actions. Slowly looking it over before setting it down with a wide grin he tapped a ring on the table, the metal clinking for attention. "It appears in short order we will have secured Kinooine, and destroyed twenty Xystons present with Sabertooth Frigates and Blastboats - Lost vessels were only from Sun Guard and Dark Nagai forces. It appears the big guns have trouble tracking fast boats!" he finished with a chuckling laugh as he set himself in a better position.

"With Kinooine secure Barbosa is set to rescue our wayward troops and potential resources from Kashyyyk appears his plan. Although if we want him to strike anywhere else is currently questioned - as Sun Guard locations and the Dark Nagai stronghold in the south could make this decisive win turn costly. I would propose this body attempts calling what remains of the Bothans factions. See if we can collect more vessels, trade, and if any other goods and peoples we can as well as what guidance we can from those present."

The Council, jubilant, rubber stamped everything he wanted, though gave addendums that Barbosa’s ships could head to Mimban and the Rishi Maze thereafter. Bothawui seemed to have cut off all outsiders though…

The page stayed, hesitated, and leaned forward to his monarch’s ear when allowed. “Your Majesty, there is an unannounced herald. He has refused to submit to a security check, but he was, well, he simply appeared inside your private chamber, wearing a Black Coat that we can’t pierce with scanners.”

A slight hesitation and he spoke even more quietly. “He has enquired of the Holocron of Daritha Rur and the Mother’s Trail, and apparently has information on what was stolen from your father by the Droid?”

The Force curdled with dread, and Nivic II would feel it.

The King graciously accepted these alterations to the plans. Actually Rishi Maze might work better if Barbosa was able to recover any seeds from Kashyyk for the Kaminoans to work with to create a ready and endless supply of fast growing space worthy wood. There had been a legend noted in one of the trade stations reports about the Wookiee homeworld having been made of rapid growing trees by the Rakata or some such. One of those ancient races that had through deceit and underhanded tactics that disregarded all sacred tenants had brought low the Sirens of Creation. So if they could benefit from something like that, their shipyards would be able to make traditional Tof designs in much greater numbers than they could now with their established tree farms. Rothana despite being blasted might be a good testbed for something like that. He also added a ship order check for those vessels that were promised to the Tof League should be standing by in Skyriver as well.

Typing out the orders he listened to the new page as the meeting wrapped up their present talks. Grabbing his scepter he depressed a jeweled stud a rolling pattern that would summon a Spot response team for matters of assassination prevention. "When the team arrives, have them post around my room. I will speak with him privately, but require their preparation to save or avenge my life if needed. Also, submit the end of mourning paperwork I have from my bedside." He hated to admit it, but with these times of war and being the last of a direct line, the last thing the Tof Empire, or the Tof League needed was to a have another succession squabble in Firefest.

He felt the dread and he knew he could not wave it off, nor succumb to it. Whether he lived or died, he had to hope his work had been enough. How this man had simply appeared was worrying, and showed how at risk his own life was. How uncertain even in the security of an otherwise secure galaxy he was not truly safe - no one was.

The Rishi Maze commanders - few as they were - were happy to have support and cooperate. The Protectorate Imperials were screening Rishi with them, preventing easy access to the galaxy. Kamino for it's part had begun cloning Tof-specific organs for transplants en masse, ready to ship.

The Spot response team clicked that they were in place, and ready. The page had paled, but kept his voice even. The Council, jubilant, and dispersing to drink, thankfully didn't notice. "Your Majesty, why place yourself in danger at all?"

The King excused himself, and waited until he had left the chambers so as to be alone in the hall alone with the page. Extra insurance no open comms nor a member returning unexpectedly would hear his response. Truthfully he didn't have to respond, he was King Nivic II, and his father likely would of killed the man for asking anything of the king so impertinent. The unwanted son had never been the ruthless ruler his father had wanted, he had too much of the economy on his mind.

"Trust is the hardest thing to give, more often we work off of the measures of others. Whereas sacrifice and risk are part of royal duty. I do not send men to die without risk and sacrifice of my own life, for the better future of Tof - be it Empire or League. I have sacrificed and risked everything, I will not stop doing so now. Even if I do not get to fully enjoy the brighter futures I strive to realize." Besides refusing to meet someone that just appeared inside what should be fortress? That did not inherently reduce his risk. As far as the King could tabulate nothing he did would lower his risk, whereas hearing the mysterious man out might proffer some gains.

The page bowed. "Thank you for explaining, Your Majesty. May the seas protect you, then." The Council revelry took them from the chamber, they were, again, victorious on all fronts.

Unless the King had business between here and there, the Black Coat waited, leg folded across his knee, his body language all smile, no tension.

Stopping merely to ensure the Spots understood the situation before he went in to the meeting so that he would not be interrupted, but that they should be prepared if need be. Also that the signal would be a visual or device triggered, no listening in was to be performed.

Walking into his chamber the King still holding his scepter pointed lightly at the black coat with it. "You know it's too bad I'm going to have to end my time of mourning. I could of used a coat like that." he simply stated with an appraising smile.

The man did, to his credit, stand up and bow over hand. "And I am sure you would look good in it, Your Majesty."

He did not take his seat again, without the King doing so. "My sincerest apologies for interrupting your Council meeting, and for causing a security alert. I thought letting the one page know I was here would be the least disruptive approach."

The voice did become more serious. "I thought it prudent to underline what was stolen from your father in the Deep Core, as I have just found out."

King Nivic II smiled genially. Giving a polite chuckle before coming into the room and sitting on the smaller throne that was here. Whether in private or public a Tof ruler was sure to have his position of power upon which he sat. His brother had taken several during his invasion of Skyriver if simply to spares for all the worlds he planned to trample as well as his command ship. The King did so less for such self agrandizing and more for tradition and negotiation purposes. Which this, he was most sure, was firmly the later no matter what the man was claiming to share freely now.

"Well, you did save me from trying to herd that group of salmon onto another topic. Perhaps a delays is best until a few more things are settled and sure." he stated with reference to what he had hoped they might be able to recover from the Bothan Confederacy before the other vultures settled in.

"Now." he added sharing the others serious tone. "Tell me."

The Black Coat took a seat after the King was seated. "I would preamble this with asking if you are aware of the first set of visitors to this galaxy, about ten millennia ago, pursuing their Goddess, offering their own thoughts on how best to be civilised to the Tof, and departing for another galaxy."

King Nivic II pressed a few keys on his throne and a side table showed that its ornate scrollwork was actually a row of spindly legs tightly packed that smoothly walked over between them before the top lifted and a tray laden with a crystal decanter and mugs emblazoned with the symbol of the Pius Dia rose into view.

“Would ye care for a drink with your answer?” The King asked with a smile, the infiltrator didn’t know them obviously. “Rulers have always been the record keepers of our people. Those that lead must know the paths that have been to be able to choose the path ahead. Sky rivers greatest shock has been how they have twisted and lost their history to fairytale and myth. We remember the songs that formed this galaxy in a dance of light, although more clearly the Mother Seekers that came after.”

"Thank you," the man said, accepting the mug in his gloved hand. He didn't sip, yet. "I realise I did not introduce myself." A gesture to himself. "I am Wapoe, your Majesty."

He noted the decanter. "I see you are versed in the lore, that the Pius Dea sought this galaxy to locate their Goddess, who they had discovered actually existed. The route from Ord Bueri was carved by them, in-fact." Wapoe swirled the drink. "The Pius Dea accessed more eldritch entities, culminating in the Daritha Rur, who ruined much in his inadvertent access of a portal to Otherspace, in-fact." A heavy tone. "But suffice to say, the Mother did not exist here, but the Sith legacy was picked up by Emperor Palpatine, who connected a variety of dots."

"Which turns to your father, who was counselled by the droid 11-4D. Who himself was sent by Palpatine. A medical droid by profession... who grew close to him to take his blood, for interwoven, some four millennia ago, was an individual known only as the Outlander." He paused. "A title held by eight ancient heroes, whose blood, when the majority was held by one person, could command the Eternal Fleet - an armada of thousands of droid capital ships."

"Our present laws would see those droids freed. Perhaps after a singular act of service." The King quirked with a wry expression as he picked up his own mug. It was always amusing how his mug seemed a little small in his hands, but so comical in the intruders. "So the medical droid stole my fathers blood and returns to Palpatine with it then? Does it matter to the throne if it is blood of the living or the past? There are differences - it is said the loss of the soul changes the flesh if it survives that loss after all. A decay of quality and ability over time separated from the living."

He did not acknowledge Wapoe's name except with a glance. He was still a King and this intruder a man of unknown provenance. He knew there was more to this story, and so beyond this mild interjection waited for the other to continue.

A shrug. "It simply means that the Emperor is assembling the blood of the past. If he succeeds, then he will take control of the Eternal Fleet - historically thousands of additional warships. Escorts by modern standards, perhaps, but with a singular droid mind, they are quite powerful. Two-thirds of the ancient armada was lost to a Sith plot, many years ago, but the rest has not fully committed to the Adumari Union and Fel Empire." Another shrug. "You may want to keep an eye on it, is all."

He went to stand. "Also, I assumed that a mystery would annoy you. So, I told you to save you the time."

King Nivic II gave a slight grin and shrug of his own as he waved the man back into his seat. "Not really. It would only annoy me if news came. I am a King, I do not have the luxuries of pondering the unknowns, that is for someone else, as I have two galaxies and a League to keep together. Hearing what my blood is part of an eight-fold key to does not interest me until someone tells me I or my people can do something about it."

Shifting he leaned forward slightly, "Now. Why are you really here or what's the big reveal? This is worth a mysterious voice message on a line you shouldn't have access to, not an miraculous appearance yet." he added with a wry grin.

A slight pause. Wapoe turned his head slightly, as if appraising the King anew. He sat back down, crossing his leg and placing his hands on the higher of the knees, clasped. "Well. Honestly, I'm nudging events to my desired outcome, which is, fundamentally. peace." His hand raised a finger and wagged it. "Not just peace in our time, either! True peace. No lights and shadows manipulating conflict to satisfy their philosophical wants. To turn away from violence, at least in the macrocosm."

Wapoe did lean forward. "I'm not silly enough to think I can stop all conflict, of course. That'd require, what, absorbing everyone into a giant hive mind? Eliminating free will?" A dark chuckle. "We can't have that. Peace, with benevolence and malevolence kept in their rightful places."

The King sat back and gave a hearty guffaw at the words of this Wapoe! "You. . .You..." he couldn't help himself and laughed all the harder before pulling a pocket square to dab at the corner of his watering eyes as he got himself under control. Breathing in a sigh he nodded, "I haven't laughed like that in a long time. Thank you." he stated with honest sincerity and nodded slightly at Wapoe.

For a King to do such was a high honor to an unknown of possibly lower station, and deep sign of respect to one of equal or slightly higher depending on one's point of view. And to the Tof, there were none higher than them beyond the ones that made them. "So, you want what the Tof League has done to be commonplace in Skyriver and all the galaxies? Not just the two we command and the third we aim to bring to heel? I'm sorry but we don't want war and control over it all, but you know that I'm sure. So you are grooming others to do as we have done, or making powerful pivot points you hope will cause the galaxies to turn towards that point?"

Wapoe inclined his head in respect. He appreciated the Tof guffaw. It was a good sign. "I simply know who to back for stability. The Tof League, generally, but you, specifically. The Resistance, and the Adumari do-gooders, for the most part. Still not sure about the Echani, after all they're pretty aggressive and I wouldn't hand the Mandalorians responsibility for galactic peace. The Imperial Remnant, maybe in a century or so it'll be reformed consistently enough." A shrug. "I wouldn't say grooming, either, merely... opening doors that one would not have had access to without my input."

He leaned forward. "I think three galaxies each is a nice limit though, don't you?" His tone seemed leading. "Or would two and a half satisfy you?"

King Nivic II smiled as he leaned back at the returned words. "As a man of numbers, I was partial to aiming for 3.14159 galaxies at this point." he stated with an un-suppressed chuckle. "We do have minimal interests in Skyriver that we have treaties with currently, as well as member worlds there. Now I suppose you are asking that we give up parts of Charon? That would be a hard sell without some form of compensation, trade deals, and the like to make the prospect palatable instead of merely just owning the raw resources we need to defend ourselves for your centuries long plan to come around to reality."

Wapoe nodded slowly. "I don't know if you know as of yet, but the Adumari Union also is staking a proprietary claim. I'm not suggesting anything, but partition is a word that will be bandied around, no doubt, if not already."

"3.14159..." A slight chuckle. "Love it."

King Nivic II spread his hands in a mild braggard sway despite sitting at Wapoe's enjoyment. "I'm a numbers man." he humble bragged with an added nod. "Now the Adumari." he stated with a heavy sigh as he leaned forward and set his mug down. "They by all reports are untrustworthy, opportunistic, sadistic, and backstabbing to ally and enemy alike. The only reason they aren't listed as enemies of the League is because of how serious a threat the Sun Guard and First Order are. If it wasn't for the backstabbing allies I might actually like them." he added with a sigh. "They're like the Pius Dia all over again, and that is or will be a problem. Where do they sit in your hundred year plan? Or you have a way to ensure borders remain borders?"

"I have ways, yes," the Master said. "Indeed, I was going to throw the proverbial switch on keeping the peace in Skyriver after this meeting. I just need to speak to..." A slight sigh. "Someone who very much wants to kill me."

He looked down at his hand, squeezed it into a fist. "He also has the power to do so, so that's not a pleasant thought."

Wapoe went to reach into his sleeve. "May I, your Majesty?" He didn't want to be telegraphed as reaching for a weapon in pleasant company. "I have something for you."

King Nivic II hesitated a moment, weighing the odds of good or ill. Still the equation came down to the same conclusion, if this person wanted to hurt or kill him, there was likely literally nothing he could do about it. Giving a nod and gesture of a hand he waited to see what Wapoe was doing. To interrupt now might disturb the flow of revelation, and for some reason that was a loss he didn't even know how to begin how to calculate for good nor for ill.

He handed him a cube shaped Holocron, opposite in aura and design to that of the pyramidal Holocron of Drear Rur.

"Ta da. Should we lose touch, and by lose touch, I should say, you don't hear from me for a month, then you are welcome to place this with the other Holocron and ask for me."

Wapoe dropped the device in his hand. "The Holocron works independently of the other, but it's outdated. Much of what is happening now is not recorded within it."

The King raised an eyebrow as he took the device. "If it was current I probably would shoot it on principle." he replied dryly with a concerned look on his face as he turned it over as if studying a particularly interesting book cover, or bomb. "Is the other current?" He asked with a frown, before setting this one aside as another question stirred. "Which calendar's month? You be seeming markedly knowledgeably deficit about us so far. A count of days gives best the least room for error." he added with a tapping of his finger on the holocron on the arm of his chair.

“The one you do have, it covers ten thousand years, but has no new content since ten thousand years ago,” he said slowly. “This other one covers thirty-five thousand years… but it’s not current. It doesn’t record anything involving…” He counted off with his fingers. “The Battle of Jakku, Kylo Ren, Snoke, the First Order and Exegol.”

He shrugged, checked a watch he wasn’t even wearing. “But I’ve an appointment to keep in the Netherworld of the Force… you can cover this.” He went to go, snapping a finger and a black-purple portal appeared. “One month, got it?”

The King kicked the small table and a side drawer rolled open which ran the whole length of the serving and chilling beverage cart, revealing a few pieces of the highest grade armor in Firefest, either now or in history, as well as a couple small personnel shield generators. "Take what you will if it'll help." he stated with a nod and negligent wave at the proffered pieces. "As for the month, if ye don't say the days, I be using the shortest one in all Firefest." he added with a wink and a grin followed by a hearty chuckle.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

Sun Guard Wild Space Territories - Skalgyr

As what remained of the Sun Guard fleet at Serenno fled into their secret, hidden portion of space beyond the Galactic barrier, to the world closest to the barrier and capital of the Sun Guard Wild Space territory, they remained on high alert. They did manage to rescue a Count Malvern, but due to the presence of decoys and possibly even enemy spies in disguise, as well as how contentious his rescue was, they could not be entirely certain that his identity was legitimate. Additionally, with how crucial it was to keep their Wild Space territory a secret, they couldn't afford to take any chances. As such, they would keep the supposed count under close guard, done discreetly, with a cover story that security measures had been increased given recent events, in order to keep him safe.

DNA samples of the supposed Malvern would be taken discretely and checked for a match while he slept during the hyperspace journey, and interrogation would be done without questions at the same time by a Force Wielder telepathically scanning his mind and draining any knowledge they could, regardless of whether the DNA was a match or not. Even if the DNA matched, the Sun Guard's decoy they created of the count was a clone, which would also provide a DNA match, and they did not hold a monopoly on cloning tech - the enemy very well could use the same technology to create a sleeper agent. Then if it was still the real Malvern, knowing exactly what he was up to, and if he was hiding anything from the Sun Guard would still be valuable knowledge.

It didn't match.

Nobody was truly sure what Malvern was.

The blood actually tried to kill the lab techs.

It was definitely not cloneable, too.

Or, not without a great deal of time and effort.

The Sun Guard, now knowing that what they had was not the real Malvern, upon witnessing that a mere blood sample was hostile and being as pragmatic as they are, elected to, also discreetly, terminate what was now deemed to be a security risk rather than a liberated Count via disintegration.

They could not afford to keep him alive and risk exposure of the Sun Guard Wild Space Territories to an unknown hostile entity, and they could not afford to leave any physical remnants of a body whose own blood was considered a security risk.

Serenno, at least for now, would be written off as a loss. Though with how the Sun Guard were one of the only major powers in the area not currently undergoing a resource crisis, it remained to be seen how long it would be written off.

When someone walked into the room with a disruptor rifle to kill Malvern, he had clearly feigned sleep.

A Force surge of considerable power crushed the offending person on the bulkhead.

Malvern smiled into the holocam.

The smile seemed to reach his very ears, stretching.

"Now that wasn't very nice. Might I speak to whomsoever is in-charge... before I kill this poor soul?"

They had a female voice, now.

Her eyes became pin-pricks of light...

Teeth grew razor sharp in that over-sized mouth…

The holo was answered by Mascon himself, via hypercomm. It was apparent that this imposter's appearance caught his attention.

"I'm listening, and willing to negotiate. Start talking, Abeloth."

The name drop at the end was emphasized, making known that the Sith Lord knew who he was dealing with.

Her transformation complete, Abeloth grinned. "You've been liaising with one of my cults, I gather? The Pius Dea?"

Her tentacles unfurled and furled as she spoke.

"I just wanted to ensure they had supplied you with the rest of my secrets..." Mascon would feel the ever so slight pressure upon his mind, just to the side.

"Yes, we have arrangements made with them, that have yet to be acted upon," Mascon replied with a grin of his own, "I wasn't aware they were under your control, but I'm also not surprised."

The Sith Lord awaited for the entity to elaborate on her plan eagerly, not necessarily because he wanted to hear it, but because he had a proposition of his own. A spur of the moment idea that would be his chance at seizing absolute power.

"They worship the Goddess, after all, merely one of my avatar names... Vian, I think it was," a dark chuckle. "Perhaps Indrexu?"

"They are aware of a hyperlane from the Deep Core of FireFist to Peridea, for example. Not quite as useful as the ones from Roche or the Centrality to Charon... or even Korriban to Empress Teta..." Her tentacles writhed in amusement. "But I thought it appropriate to offer my hand in your endeavours... I gather there is an Eternal Throne up for grabs?" Her grin spread from ear to ear.

"I could offer you secrets even the Gree have forgotten... or perhaps merely the secrets of the Outermost Galaxies?" Her eyes sparkled. "But perhaps you have a proposition for me?"

Clearly, Abeloth was skimming the very thoughts from the top of his mind.

Abeloth, while skimming through the thoughts on the top of Mascon's mind, would only find those thoughts, and only the ones he wanted her to know. With his telepathic gifts and the power of the Art of the Small, he was remarkably difficult to see through.

Most of what Abeloth was saying produced a slight smirk from Mascon, but it was the bit about the Gree that produced a grin.

"The Gree you say? Do you mean to tell me you know how to unlock the secrets of the hypergates?"

"But yes, I do have a proposition for you as well. One that will keep you well fed with a great many souls to consume. Souls that have been fattened up considerably by their connection to the Force."

Abeloth grew bored of exerting herself.

"Your proposition, then?" Abeloth said, irate. Her tentacles flailed. Perhaps she should just destroy him.

"My Sith allies are an alliance of convenience. However, this alliance is growing less convenient and I tire of being a lapdog for another. Help me dispose of them, as well as the inevitable Jedi in attendance, as quickly as possible, by sheer power of the Force utilizing a meld with me and my flagship's meditation chamber during the upcoming battle of Exegol, and they can all be yours to devour. All of them, save for any Sun Guard in attendance."

"I hope you're hungry, because you'll need a large appetite for this one."

Abeloth grinned. "Fear is what I feed upon. Not death, can you guarantee... survivors?" An even broader smile. "And chaos?"

Mascon grinned in return.

"Of course. Fear and chaos are some of my most prized weapons in my arsenal."

"Then let us sally forth for Exegol!" Abeloth said, eager to cause a disaster.

"And when I am sated, the Gree Hypergate technology will be all yours."

"Excellent," replied Mascon with a wry smile, "Make your way to the Avarice as soon as you can then and we shall begin the chaos at the soonest best moment. Stealthily, please, as I do not want to alert our victims."

Tag: @Sinrebirth , @Kahn_Iceay , @darthbernael , @Mitth_Fisto , @adaml83

 

OOC: Not on the scale of freaking Abeloth, but anyway...
IC: Nadia ke Mattino, Rachel Nezuma-Lyons
Aboard the Shipyard

Nadia had seen the video and read the data, but the material science involved was beyond her. Apparently, some of it was beyond Rachel as well.

Rachel held the new armor, it was not heavy. That said, it was barely the size of her palm. “According to the people who came up with this, during the process one of the materials used turns it Black. It does have some benefits if you want.”

Nadia nodded, “Paint, for example and I know Adam loves making ships difficult to see.”

Rachel smiled, “That’s Stealth. Testing has shown it to be stronger than our current armor while it is unpowered…”

Nadia still confused, “Unpowered?”

Rachel gently grabbed Nadia's hand and placed Nadia's index finger on a small indentation before moving to grab two pieces to complete the demonstration, a generator and a couple of wires. She connected them to the armor. Nadia caught it at the last second.

“Is it…metal?” Nadia looked unsure.

“It's…hard to describe. It's not necessarily a construct material as we know, but we have taken samples and it is constructed by machines…in a sense.” Rachel shook her head to forestall any further questions from Nadia as it didn't make complete sense to her either. “That was exposed to the impact of a laser cannon.”

“Oh…Ohhhh!” Nadia could feel the piece start moving back to normal

“It works just as well against weapons designed to pierce armor, though that is part of the problem.”

Nadia understood, “Not a fan of hangars?”

Rachel nodded, “We think we have a workaround, though we haven't tested it yet.”

“Test it when you can. Have you heard from the missile manufacturers?”

Rachel smiled, “Production will start on the latest standard* as soon as they start receiving resources.”

“Good, anything else?”

Rachel checked her notes, “There is a choice in terms of materials we use to construct larger ships, new developments led to two branches. One is a material that weighs the same, is roughly twice as strong, but takes a bit longer to produce. The other is half the weight, produced in half the time, but is as strong as what we currently use.”

“Ooh, I like option two, is it less materially intensive?”

Rachel nodded, “Than both what we currently used and the first option. Though they are roughly equal to each other. Also we have some time as the capital ships and escorts need some optimization to be droid controlled so getting the armor ready doesn't interfere too much. Especially since we can only produce the Venerer-D, Nullifier-D, and I-4D Ionizer currently. K-wings will likely always have a crew of two, but that is half of original specifications.”

“Are the other designs ready though?” Rachel nodded for Nadia's question, “Good then I guess it is setting up the shipyards, along with the Star Forges.”

“Have you come up with names for the planets?”

“Yes, though I have not decided which is which, one will be named Busoni, another Zaccone, and the shipyard planet is Le Marin.” Nadia smiled, now they just needed to execute the plan the best they could.

TAG: @Sinrebirth, @Kahn_Iceay , @darthbernael , @Mitth_Fisto , @Kev-Mas_Colcha

*50 times stronger than a standard proton torpedo

 

The Ones return...

Or the new 'Ones' do, anyway... (forgive the intrusion...)

 

IC: Fleet Admiral Jones
Lugabraa, Charon Galaxy

What Tof forces arrived at Lugabraa would see that most of the world was incredibly overpopulated. It was as if the Charon had simply harvested the native Leech Legion, and then sent them onwards. The creatures procreated at a terrifying rate, killing and eating each other to keep their population in-check. There were no ships in orbit, at very least.

With a wry eye at the potentially easy conquest Fleet Admiral Jones ordered the fleets of the armada to spread out and investigate the system for hidden traps before he made his overture. "Leech Legion of the Lugabraa. Your kind is known to us, and yet we be standing unsure. We offer you a choice, surrender peacefully and you can be applied for membership in the Tof League, and serve in peace and if desired war. Or resist and we be being forced to bring you low. Serve us and we can help ye with your lesser kin, set minds to see how to speed your mental elevations that ye might control your own breeding urges that ye might enjoy the shinnies ages you see other races enjoy, instead of the dust and squallier of what you have been left. What say ye?" he calmly and curiously comm'd on all open channels to the world before him.

There was a multitude of signals, usually screams, and then, they eventually dissolved into one. "I am Leech." Came a truly grotesque voice. "Will you now harvest us, so we may propagate upon your enemies? Are the Charon no more?"

Fleet Admiral Jones made a slightly pained and disgusted face at the sound, but as the comms were merely audio for now, he figured he was fine getting away with that. "The Charon are closer to no more than they have ever been. They be living on our mercy." He simply stated. "As fer yer other question. We won't be harvesting ye, not unless you be asking for that."

"We would ask for worlds, so we may eat them."

"Share the inedible bits, respect boundaries, and I be sure we could be finding some for ye." Fleet Admiral Jones said with a bit of consideration. Tactically these were like a biological version of Fotia's Fire. Once started they would be a pain to stop. He would put in the request through proper channels to see about if the long necks had any advances to help, civilize, this species, as well as better countermeasures.

"When? When? When?"

"If ye be applying to join us now, well let me see. This armada be going to possibly pacify more of this galaxy. Would any of your legion care to join for such a mission? Or would you prefer to be waiting for when we attack those that are not your recent allies in the Skyriver galaxy?" Admiral Jones stated with a concerned tilt of his head. The army Sabertooth's could be emptied out of special troopers and have the pilots seal themselves away from the crew compartments, making some of them rather deadly surprise drop vessels. Especially as the Legions were immune to the vacuum of space.

"Send us towards an enemy, and we shall destroy it. Have no preference, do we." A pause. "But not far, we are... impatient, more often than not. Eat, eat, eat. Propagate, propagate, propagate. Destroy, destroy, destroy."

"We die for these three principles."

Admiral Jones sighed as he sent orders for troops to be transfered and ships emptied and to be sent down to load up. "Ships being readied and on their way to your location. We be taking ya with us to the next target. If they don't submit. . .you'll get your wish." with that he noted the signal from the other admiral fleet status shift to battle stance. "Correction, we have a world for you to be sent." Deep have mercy on his soul, but this was this galaxies own designs. As was he would a fleets worth of support ships to the new target with the rest of the single fleet element to stay on station here. The rest of his Armadda would prepare to go see the next system hub on their list.

The Lugabraa were grateful.

"Eat, eat, eat!" They were so happy. Clearly.

And, ready to take the transports to the next world.

War! Flesh! Yum!

With that cargo added to his fleet several transports full were sent to the other Fleet Admiral's engagement where they would try to drop them on the enemy strongholds. The rest would come with his fleet as they turned and left a token picket force to guard this system. They would head deeper in to Tingrippa, and see about these spider beings and whether they would be as agreeable to the change in the status quo in this galaxy.

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @adaml83

 

OOC: Shall we try for three? Combo with @Sinrebirth
IC: Trec ke Mattino, Beathag
Saoirse, Outer Zoth System

Trec wasn't sure if they wanted to do this, but in this galaxy there were things to learn. Nadia needed to get the planets colonized and up and running. The Tearmann needed other interests, and they had no interest at all in politics. Carrie was at Charon and needed both Iella and Adam to advise her. Rachel, well she was Adumari Research and Development, perhaps the most important person in the Adumari Union. She was the only one that turned theory into actual products.

That left Trec, he sighed.

"Lets move in and see what we can offer each other."

Sensors showed a little more data as they advanced, especially activity on the surface.

Recommendations flowed in.

Passive sensors will not detect gravity bombs.

Zoth is identified as the Third planet from the sun.

Two moons, one of which is open to space and being mined.

Thrustship convoy heading from the moon to the surface.

Residues of fuel suggest the fourth planet has a base or structure of some kind, planet is presently on the other side of the sun.

Having difficulties identifying individual sources on the surface.

Presence of D-Type fighters at various points in-system, appear to be bulkier models with hyperdrives.

No detached satellites, or evidence of an advance warning system.

Updated data as to the last Battle of N'Zoth added to the library records, concerns that the Yevetha can construct a battle station sufficient to maintain ten thousand thrustships. Data was originally hidden behind New Republic redaction, but Emperor Jagged Fel added second-hand accounts of Jaina Solo Fel's mission to N'Zoth during the Yuuzhan Vong War to our records.

Updated notes from Black Sword Command Order of Battle, confirming that the Yevetha did not construct thrustships in Imperial yards, no Imperial types expected to be present at Zoth.

Warning against active scanning as the echo will enable the natives to identify the location of the said ship.

Trec looked at the sensor displays, "Is there any way we cam pinpoint their communication arrays?"

Not from this distance, not without a direct scan.

There was increasing consternation in sensors about the risk of the gravity bombs the Yevetha favoured.

Trec sighed, "Launch a probe, if they want to talk, they need to let us know first." Trec wasn't entirely sure if they needed or even wanted their input.

He looked over at Comms, "Let the rest of the fleet know what we're doing." They may need a quick response in case they tried something.

A probe was dutifully launched, and, for a few tens of minutes, nearing an hour, it didn't seem to be relevant.

As the 58th minute ticked by, suddenly two Yevethan D-Types deeper in-system turned, and launched into micro jump.

They arrived by the probe a moment later - very precise, very tricky. An interrogative was issued; behind charged weapons and active shields.

The probe reported passive sensors on various outer planets, and also some of the free-floating asteroids. No gravity bombs it could detect - but a lot of activity on the surface. Energy readings were spiking in such numbers to suggest the activation of a substantial amount of technology.

Trec absorbed the information coming in, "Comms, are the fighters within our Comms range? If not send a message through the probe, We would like to talk."

"We can reach them via the probe, or on long-range comms. The latter will tell them where we are, sir?"

"Probe for now, we may use comms depending on how they react." Trec wasn't sure if any information on the Battle of Freerock made it back to Voth.

The probe identified them as the property of the Adumari Union -

And the D-Types shot it down.

That was pretty clear.

The planetary surface was alight with launches, even from this great distance, passive sensors could detect dozens of thrustships launching off.

Of course; the Yevetha constructed their ships on the surface.

There was a concern that in the handful of years of the Yuuzhan Vong War when N'Zoth was left unattended, they had constructed tens of thousands of thrustships. It was believed the Yevetha had been hoarding resources after the Black Fleet Crisis, for the moment the New Republic was too busy, but it had been impressive in such a short time, relatively not that the Yuuzhan Vong had cared, bringing their armada to N'Zoth and wrecking the species.

But now, for them, this could be an issue.

The numbers kept creeping up.

Over fifty, now.

Trec sighed, "Of course...notify the fleet and launch all starfighters." He looked over to the Comms officer, "Bring them in."

He could see the starfighter coordinator set up choke points as the mines launched.

"We'll blockade the planet if we have to."

A hundred, easily, setting up a formation above the planetary capital. The shields dropped to led them out in intervals.

The D-Type scouts turned and headed back to the planet.

"Gunboat diplomacy..." Trec watched as more Adumari ships jumped into the system, some from the deep core Colonies and others from Charon. It didn't quite form a standard fleet, much less an Adumari Group, but if they waited some more it would.

A hundred and forty...

A comm line buzzed for attention.

So far the fleet seemed content to just... gather.

Sensors confirmed they couldn't tell, from this distance, which were fully armed warships and which were cargo craft - the Yevetha used the same design for both uses.

Trec looked over to the Comms officer, "Who wants to talk to us?" If it was the Yevetha, maybe this could be done peacefully. Maybe.

The Rodian frowned. "Prefer Dil Baar. He is ranting, mind you, about them being Blessed, and us being Heretics, and demanding our Blood in recompense." He looked up to Trec. "Ready to patch through?"

Trec nodded, "Go right ahead." he waited a moment, "Are you absolutely sure that you are blessed? Have you heard about Charon? Are you not being lied to by a man named Nihl?" He hoped they would realize losing much of their defense forces in an ill-planned invasion with the survivors stolen by Darth Nihl would be a betrayal of what they were told.

“Darth Nihl is a Dark Lord - one of twelve,” sneered Prefect Dil Baar. “He is nothing to our Lords, the True Gods. They all are. Typhojem Incarnate will return, and we shall destroy you all.”

Closing to two hundred thrustships in orbit, but the launches were slowing, and the latest ones seemed to be incomplete hull forms.

"The True Gods didn't protect you at Freerock, nor at Charon." Trec shook his head, truly they were insane. They were close to an Adumari Group now and starfighters were launching to provide a pretty nasty screen.

Launches; thousands of D-Types, standard forms, it seemed.

Beathag walked onto the bridge, "Ahh, the Perator's Consort, how are things?"

Trec tried to suppress a shiver, though he was pretty sure he failed miserably, "I believe no one has called me that before, or at least not to my face."

"Ahh I see, what would you prefer." Even when Beathag was being nice, it sounded unsettling.

"A starfighter pilot who was promoted out of having fun anymore."

"It does not have the same ring to it. SPWWOOHFA is complete nonsense."

"That's why most people stick to Trec."

"Ahh, I see. Are you having trouble with the Yevetha?"

Trec nodded, looking at the tactical display, "With continuously incoming allies, I believe we can handle them, but..."

Beathag walked over, "You do not want a slaughter. That is the problem with death cults, they either want to kill or be killed."

Trec nodded, "They mentioned this Typhojem..." He looked over to Comms, "Tell my wife and Rachel to use the World Healer on the worlds before setting foot on them."

Beathag raised an eyebrow, "You believe it could be a disease?"

"Perhaps, we just need to figure out what it takes to cure people of it besides death." Sensors showed close to an Adumari Imperial Group, 100 capital ships, had assembled. However, in the Outer system, the steady line of civilian ships jumping into the edge of the system and rerouting to the Deep Core was the clear aim.

Beathag understood, as her people were aboard those ships as well, so she searched out through the Force to find this leader who was talking to the Adumari.

There were too many Yevetha to distinguish, and none of them were Force sensitive and thus separable from the hive.

The launches stopped at two hundred and eighteen thrustships and some fifteen thousand D-Types fighters. At this distance it wasn’t possible to distinguish between the armed or transport variant, but at least twenty were part-constructed, towed into orbit.

Trec was unfazed, "Stay frosty people, do not fire until fired upon." He thought for a second, "If they aren't interested in talking then we mine the system with all known enemies along with those of the Charon Galaxy on the list."

He looked over to Beathag to see if she found any clues. Beathag meanwhile, was trying to figure out what they were thinking and even if negotiations were an option.

The Yevethan fleet was lifting above the planet, away from the moon, and into open space.

A rear portion of the fleet vanished into hyperspace; roughly half, and of that half that vanished, it split across two opposing vectors.

The rest held position, with the fighter swarm continuing to advance by sublight, at a lower plane to the armada.

"Let Charon and the Deep Core know what's going on." Trec sighed. "We might need to have the forces coming in protect the civilians and mine to give them some more protection."

Once the Adumari figured out the approach to the Deep Core, they wouldn't need to stop here. That said, the Yevetha couldn't be trusted. That was why there was already a layer of mines between the Adumari and the Yevethan forces.

And they were spreading system-wide.

Beathag was still trying to figure out what they were doing. Other than that it might be time to snap necks.

"Cronau spikes at 60 and 120 degrees!"

Sure enough, the other quarters of the Yevetha fleet appeared behind them, having micro-jumped out-system and then back in system, the precision action the intelligent species had been known for.

They promptly began firing upon the unshielded sterns of several ships -

The D-Type fighters veered up and micro-jumped above the ecliptic -

They were shortly above the Adumari forces pouring down upon them -

Jamming triggered, too.

Half the Yevethan fleet remained in-system, milling but not yet advancing.

No, wait, a quarter turned down and leapt into hyperspace -

Trec sighed, "Well, we didn't start the fight, but we will finish it."

The Adumari returned fire on the fighters, however they had the location of the primary force. So the Adumari performed a micro-jump, Zoth orbit. The ships started searching for the strongest electromagnetic signatures on the planet to start an orbital bombardment. The Adumari were sick of these people already.

The civilian ships jumped out of the system quickly. Messages were relayed quickly that ships were to home on the signal of the shipyards of Le Marin as it was now, somewhat operational. Combat ships from Skyriver continued to stream in. Starfighters from Le Marin arrived. These were the first squadrons of "droid" fighters. Only two squadrons each of the TIE Venerer-D, TIE Nullifier-D and I-4D Ionizer.

With less worry for civilian ships, those assigned to guard the moved in. By now, it was approximately the size of an Adumari group. They were not necessarily in the best shape, but they could still fight these Thrustships and D-Types to a standstill. Two things happened with both groups. First was their counter ECM strategy, honed against the Sun Guard would now be used against the Yevetha. Additionally the Adumari instituted their own jamming, along with a loud, headache inducing, noise on the main Yevethan frequencies used.

The ships towards the outer edge of the system opened fire, the starfighters engaged with lasers and proton torpedoes. The Nullifier-D squadrons moved on the thrustships, escorted by the other droid fighters joined in, using their systems in ways showing little drop off in their efficiency.

Trec's group in orbit was looking for the signal of Prefect Dil Baar, they found something and started their bombardment.

Both groups, having arrived at, or advancing towards their goals had their CC-7700 Mk IVs activate their gravity well generators. Trec's group around the orbit of Zoth directed theirs out from the gravity well of Zoth, while those advancing in from the outer system had their gravity wells facing in to the system.

Trec's group activated the gravity wells and opened fire on the planet.

They also took hits; gravity bombs had been strewn around, and abruptly a Star Destroyer erupted when a bomb slid into its open hangar. Many of the vessels took damage but save for the one ship, it was all minor. However, the ECM jamming did not prevent the base Yevethan cultural desire - to hit the nearest threat.

The capital ships above Zoth turned, firing back with great swiftness as their weapons shifted across the inner tracks to focus fire. Each cannon was no worse than any other turbolaser, but the ability to move all eight of them to focus on one point at rapid command was a problem. Angry Yevetha fired as effectively as not; and they were angry.

However, they were reacting, which was important - no longer did the Yevetha dictate the pace of the engagement.

As for the outer fleets, they had intended to slash through the Adumari formation and launch for hyperspace, but now could not. As such, the Yevetha responded to the main threat, yet again, both deployment focusing on the CC drag ships as they accelerated, shields evened out as they sought gaps in the Adumari formation - even as their fighters accumulated losses that the xenophobic radicals didn't appear to notice nor care of.

The D-Types reached the Adumari lines, and the damaged ones promptly began ramming Star Destroyer bridges, carrier hangar bays, and engines of any ship facing them towards their line of approach. More casualties were being received by the outer fleet, compared to Trecs, but the Yevetha, too, responded with their own ECM.

Messy.

But, all civilian ships disengaged and escaped for Le Marin.

Trec shook his head, it would be costly. Then he looked at Beathag, she was levitating. He heard her message. You are granted your release from life. Trec knew he wasn't the target, but the Yevethans certainly were. Beathag, from her perspective, searched for the nearest Yevethans, once she had them in her grasp, she started snapping their necks. Then she moved on to the next ones.

Trec's group, continued the bombardment on the planet searching for the largest power signatures. ECM and jamming wouldn't be effective if they had no power. Ships also concentrated fire on the thrustships while smaller ships concentrated on the D-types with their rapid fire laser cannons. The starfighters fired another massive Loran Spitball at the biggest concentration of Yevethan forces, totalling 499,200 proton torpedoes.

The outer group, hits to the 'bridges' were annoying, but the Adumari had learned their lessons years ago. One of the first things changed was the removal of the bridge and the shield generators from the tower, to deep into the ship. These modifications were Teren Rogriss's idea who loved that the classic Rebel trick of shooting the generators on the tower, or ramming the bridge as it happened to the Executor, and was attempted during the Zsinj campaign on Han Solo no less, would no longer work. They also tightened formation, reducing gaps. The starfighters of the group also launched their own Loran Spitball at the largest concentration totaling 307,200 proton torpedoes.

Trec could only hope that the Yevethans would realize that not only could the Adumari defeat them, that they would kill all of them if necessary.

Half the formation of Yevetha warships cracked, those above Zoth. The feedback from that sudden death slammed into Beathag -

Trec's forces wracked up wider damage than specific, before the forces above Zoth were larger and thus could be more circumspect, in their eyes, but dozens of escorts were drifting, and more gravity bombs - difficult to detect, even harder to shoot down - impacted Star Destroyers and carriers. Trec's own capital ship shook with impacts upon the shields -

The sustained bombardment of the surface spread fire, killing thousands, but the enemy had not committed to planetary weapons and any ship with a flank pointed at Zoth was basically unharmed along that side, allowing them to focus shields in one direction - and because the Yevetha had over-committed their starfighters, there was no threat to keep them even.

Another half of those attacking them at the systems edge also detonated.

In exchange, most of the Interdictors in the outer group were caught in focused fire -

The rams didn't cripple ships but wracked up damage when turbolaser fire preceded or followed the detonation. A dozen carriers were suddenly pouring their contents into the fray - crew, unlaunched fighters, debris -

The thrustships were methodically destroying escorts as they went, their attention divided by casualties, but they were rushing through the outer Adumari forces, rotating their cannons as they went far quicker than any Adumari equivalent ship could turn -

The debris throughout the outer Adumari formation, as well as the remaining D-Type swarm, meant that the Adumari fighters would have to regroup outside the formation to pull off another Spitball, which would cost time -

One of the "benefits" of the Tearmann is that 4000 years of persecution made them rather isolated from others. This led them to feel the demise of outsiders less than a Jedi would. Beathag, and others, would have a hard time admitting it, but there was also a certain numbness given that the Palpatine and Snoke faction of the Sith were perfectly happy with mass murder, if not outright planetary destruction, every fortnight.

There was a drawback. If it was another Tearmann member, or a planet that had a special relationship with the Force then it was felt much stronger than normal. Even the Adumari, despite the newness of the relationship, their deaths were felt more than that of the Yevethans. All Beathag could do was grit her teeth and redouble her efforts. She noticed one of her assistants start a Tearmann Battle Meditation for the forces in the Zoth system.

Trec did not have the insight of a Force User. He didn't need the Force to not like what he was seeing. The escort ships dropped their mines with the intention of them arming and colliding with Zoth. The bombers were returning to reload their torpedoes while the Tectors, Turbulents, Procusators, and Mon Mothmas focused their fire on the Thrustships, while the escorts and starfighters concentrated on the D-types.

The fighting going on at the outer part of the Zoth system wasn't going even as well as Zoth orbit. The Adumari ship killers continued to focus their fire on the Thrustships while the Ardents tried to protect both the carriers and the CC-7700 Mk IVs. They could delay, but ultimately a portion of this group would escape. Perhaps they would attack the new Colonies in the Deep Core, Charon, possibly even jump and join Palpatine's forces at Exegol.

Until one final Group, which had pushed its hyperdrives well passed its Class 1 rating arrived after re-provisioning in the Deep Core, in some cases Sun Guard style, immediately opened fire on everything Yevethan, while the starfighters, with the newest torpedoes, launched their own Loran Spitball of 307,200 torpedoes at the largest concentration of the remaining Yevethan forces in the Outer Zoth system.

Most of the Yevethan in the outer battle were erased.

The detonations did secondary damage to the Adumari forces present, and most of them would require a stay in a shipyard, but that battle was definitely won. A handful of thrustships - only ten, analysts believed - buried into hyperspace.

The bombing of Zoth ignited doonium, hfredium, dolovite and kammris across the surface, and the detonations - along with the immense gravitational fields nearby - threw planetary crust into orbit. The Yevethan fleet, already damaged, already compromised, was mostly wiped out, and the last few craft launched into suicide runs.

Dozens of Star Destroyers were damaged, hundreds of escorts were lost, before order was restored.

Zoth spidered cracks, and began to fall apart, loosing a treasure trove of resources - though considerably less than had they not bombed the planet so ferociously.

But it was over.

Costly as it was.

The Yevetha had done what they did best.

Was this radicalism everywhere?

Trec knew his forces, they didn't need to be told to retreat to safety even as Zoth was falling apart. Beathag collapsed in exhaustion, but the job was mostly done. The fleet near the planet moved away even as brave shuttle pilots moved to pick up EV pilots and escape pods. They continued firing into the suicidal Thrustships until they ran into their targets or were destroyed outright. The T-85Ads fired proton torpedoes, figuring that 28,800 would likely finish the Thrustships.

A stretcher was brought for Beathag to bring her to Medbay, or her quarters if she didn't need any help, though she would likely be under observation for a while.

Trec took one last look at the planet, and anger surged. "You idiots!",he roared, "This is the third time and yet you never learn your lesson!" He slammed his fist on a nearby console, feeling a twinge in his right hand. "We were more than prepared to just learn from you, but did you even bother to talk to us as civilized governments do? No! Now you don't even have a home!" he slammed his fist down again, breaking his hand. It wasn't purely anger, but there was plenty of shame along with it.

He winced and walked over to his Flag Captain, "Continue the cleanup. Also, once you have the information, start the reports. I will look at them once I'm done in Medbay."

He winced and headed into that direction. This might be an excellent test for our World Healer though... Maybe all isn't lost.

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @Mitth_Fisto

 

OOC: Brought to you by the combined voices of @Sinrebirth, @Mitth_Fisto, and myself
IC: Carrie ke Mattino, Adam Lyons, System Lord Einheryn, Iella Wessiri
Charon Orbit

More Adumari arrived, including some ships damaged at either Serenno or Kinooine. They quickly jumped further towards the Deep Core. Nadia arrived, giving Carrie a big hug and whispering something in her ear. Chances to just be mother and daughter were frighteningly rare these days. Adam arrived and moved over to the Odaisé to help advise Carrie along with Iella.

Adam gave both of them a hug and wanted a private moment with both, though unfortunately the three microseconds of privacy allotted to Nadia expired and she needed to rebuild the Adumari Union... again. Carrie sighed, "Can't even pretend to be normal these days for even more than a minute or two."

Adam snorted, "You're talking to someone who tried to retire several times." He glanced at Iella, "Don't even get her started on Wedge."

"But why me?"

Adam put a hand on her shoulder, "Because in my mind, you're Plan B. If we don't win at either Exegol or Jakku... Skyriver responds to young, dynamic leaders very well. And we have one in you.”

"Best to divide us up, in-case," Iella said, and showed the datapad. "Tofs? Historically belligerent species invaded our galaxy a few decades ago - might be worth some attention?" She smiled slightly.

Carrie mock moped, "Aww I'm right here." She cleared up her expression, "From what I have seen, as long as you are fighting their enemies, then they are less of a problem."

Adam nodded, "Very good, especially if one of their current enemies were once allies that betrayed them. That said, they will fight everything and everyone. And they will appear as the victim.”

//Tof League believes all routes need to be secured for the safety of the transfer hub of this galaxy. Whether by Adumari, Tof League, or joint operation to mine all routes with preventative measures to delay if not prevent invasion. If wishing to further discuss this or any other issues, please comm the offices of System Lord Einheryn of the Tof League at this comm station.//

There was a comm channel appended.

"Am I speaking to them, then?" A slight sigh from Iella.

Adam smiled, "Well we can. You worked very well as a mediator last time, from what I hear.”

"Apparently so," Iella grumped. She opened the comms.

"Systems Lord, this is Director Wessiri-Antilles. I spoke on behalf of the Union at the Battle of Charon. You wished to discuss immediate mining of the hyperlanes from Charon?"

She was already keying in data, even though Adam was off screen to the Tof, he would see.

"We already claim the route from Freerock to Charon. You, from Yuth to Charon. That leaves the hyper routes to three other galaxies up for discussion, and three routes back to Skyriver."

Eight hyperlanes spiralled away from a display of the respective galaxies, one coloured red for the Adumari Union, and one coloured blue for the Tofs.

Adam whispered, "With what we're already doing, would that cut off other routes?”

System Lord Einheryn sat up straighter, fixing a red velvet cap on his head as he smoothed back any stray hairs from the side of his goggles before opening the blinking comm line. The voices that came were not singular. It was to be one of those meetings.

The Faruun sighed and debated about pulling up a system graphic, but the representative beat him to it. "Yes. As you noted we already have been mining the route to Firefest and have worked on the one to Rishi Galaxy as well - the Charon to Rendili. Both these galaxies are purely Tof League and so we feel it is in our scope to assert that much control and protections." Keying in the commands he sent the revised bluing of the passages and areas on the map to reflect this information. "As for the other galaxies and other main galaxies points of interest, we see Skyriver as the larger immediate threat to take priority in mining routes to prevent the return of the ex-Nagai cultist planet or invasion fleets of the Sun Guard. Although we understand prioritize based on your intelligence, the best paths we might share in doing so, as well as used to hurt our common enemies. Although because of our operations here, we have no plans to conquer any enemy positions but are open to raids.”

Iella paused. "We'd like to lay claim to the hyper route to Peridea, and to the Yuuzhan Vong Galaxy, at the very least. We have... allies there, after all." She eyed her comrades off-screen. Iella didn't want to say too much about the Jedi Coalition or Nas Choka's forces.

That left hyper routes to Kathol, the Centrality and Roche.

Kathol was in the rimward reaches of former Confederation space, near to Kinooine.

The Centrality and Roche were in the heart of nominal Sun Guard space; indeed, Roche was one of the few systems with resources left and had been only recently captured by the Sun Guard and decently reinforced, thus far.

It was a tremendous threat, of sorts...

"We could consider the Centrality and Roche routes as shared assets, and Kathol to Charon bequeathed to the Tof?" It wasn't as if the Adumari had assets in the southern galaxy they could not reach from the Unknown Regions.

Einheryn looked at the maps for a moment before nodding. "Acceptable. That leaves the mine integration planning for Charon and those shared routes. How would you like to proceed?”

Assuming he meant Rothana and not Rendilli, Iella glanced off-screen, to check the best solution in terms of the mining. This was a bit more technical. "Let me confirm..."

A thought occurred to her.

"But, what are your plans for Roche, if any?"

Iella had essentially put the Centrality and Roche routes up in the air because nobody would want sole responsibility for the thorn at Roche…

Shrugging Einheryn reached to a side and pulled a book. Popping the lock he began flipping through a few pages. "I believe it should be... ah yes. Tof League plans... piracy raids. If excess fleets are found.”

Adam began typing, Sun Guard forces spotted at Roche, preventing their access to the resources there would be desirable. Perhaps conditional rewards for intercepting assets from there could be agreeable on those terms.

Iella nodded slowly. “Do we need to coordinate? The Sun Guard is a threat to us both, no? We each have limited forces to commit around the Battle of Exegol and the Charon Partition.”

Adam shrugged, "Most military forces in that area are headed this way to Charon. We could provide Intelligence, but we probably need to run this by Fel and Connix as they can do more there for now.”

Einheryn nodded as he tapped a finger on his chin. Head tilting a bit as he considered the papers he had strewn about his office. "Intelligence can make raids much more devastating. Knowing where best to come from and leave by, and the Tof in the Tof League make it seem more devastating and effective than any may do so. Once they can be guided to do so." It was a little flippant towards a majority presence here, but Einheryn felt some straight talking was more warranted to help build that sense of trust and connection with those he would have to share this system with.

Iella nodded slightly. "Scouts, to Roche, then?”

Adam grinned, "Better, mines." He added an information package to the conversation, "Our mines, and if you follow our designs, have settings where you can get enough information from the system, especially with an extensive minefield, to stage precision raids.”

Einheryn smiled at that. "If there is one thing the Tof League could teach you, it's raids. Sounds like we might have a proper plan, can we push it to each of the Sun Guard territories?”

Adam nodded, "The way they're programmed, if you can drop within range, just about anywhere outside the Maw Cluster is possible.”

Iella nodded. "A lightning raid on Roche, then the shipyards at the Centrality. The resources are the bigger issue - if they head to Fondor." A nod to her comrade. "However, many ships you consider relevant - and starfighters - I'll leave you to that decision."

Otherwise, she would focus on Charon diplomacy.

"I think the bigger problem is sparing the ships to go collect the mines, especially with Exegol about to start." Adam leaned in, as if conspiring with the others, "That leaves us with options. If you have the ships to spare, that is."

Adam was looking at various reports, and he liked nothing he saw. He muted the mic and looked at Iella, "Based on current estimates, it appears that about half of the population of Adumar, based on what it was when you and Wedge first were here, made it to this galaxy. This is unsustainable, especially when we may look at one operational group after Exegol. Don't even get me started on what will happen if Trec dies at Zoth. That's both your nightmare and mine." Adam activated the mic, "We need to talk about Zoth. Before the jamming started, we faced the same instant hostility and...insanity. They even fired on us first. What I need to know is this, are you having the same problems? At this point we are terraforming before we allow anyone on the planet whether it's habitable already. We have lost any interest in the worlds that are already inhabited because the price in blood is too much for what seems to be no or very limited knowledge at best.”

Einheryn nodded in thought. "With rotations happening we can send raiding fleets from the home galaxy if they aren't immediately needed here. Send one home and just add a small delay this way or that as our current forces once established would be overkill for this galaxy with your allied status." Leaning back he wheeled his chair off screen for a minute before wheeling back with some fresh parchments that had just printed out. "Yes. We do seem to have a hit or miss. All seem to be of a most disturbing bent and seem to see the Tof as... green? Seems to make them confused on whether or not they should attack, but as soon as they do not agree with religious ideation... they turn most violent. I might have to re-evaluate those raid projections, actually.”

Adam nodded, "The other part of the problem is if this is part of Charon, or is it unique to each species we're dealing with. The Yevethans had destroyed themselves twice in Skyriver due to how they dealt with others."

Iella nodded. "How many ships do we commit? The Roche and Gree situation is keeping the Sun Guard in the war, and they have the Fondor Shipyards..." She paused. "I am conscious we don't want to over-commit ourselves, but the Sun Guard is a post-Exegol problem for us all.”

System Lord Einheryn set down the parchments and tilted his head as he looked at the comm system and the people it displayed. If not for the goggles his questioning glance would have been more clear, but where looks failed between races, words sometimes could convey and fill that gap. "So far it seems this is to be our sole undertaking. Unless we are performing joint forces raids? If so, we will share our numbers and priority targets ahead of time. If not, you will know when we verify the mine clearances for the paths taken to perform said raids.”

Iella nodded. “It will take time for us to locate resources and process them,” she looked at Adam. “I recommend we strike Roche as soon as possible.”

Adam shook his head, "It depends entirely on what we have left after Exegol. If recent battles are any indication, the Adumari may not have enough left for offensive operations. Zoth basically took us down to one operational Group not committed at Exegol, and we must defend ourselves." They had learned from Jaemus, perhaps it was the wrong lesson to learn. However, repeated attacks on Adumari Union territory reinforced that lesson.

Adam looked down, "We also regretfully report that the Battle of Zoth is over. Losses were pretty extreme on both sides, and it destroyed the planet. We also wish to note that we could not negotiate, we were attacked first, and that this is the third time in Yevetha history that events like this have happened to them. The Adumari are sending in ships to gather what resources we can find, which we will share with you. We are also planning on using a World Healer to bring the world back so we can share it between us."

Adam looked wearily at the System Lord, "We have suffered losses we can not afford to lose, and we are wondering if we will survive this instead of when. Please say you have better news or with the locals.”

System Lord Einheryn lifted an edge before drawing the stack of information away to set aside the parchments off to the left. "Mixed. Our losses do not seem to be as severe as yours. Hopefully, I will have good news to report soon. Please share what knowledge and means you can, including any recon capabilities. Sun Guard will have to be dummy raids, but we should still be able to muster one soon as we have men trained on what you share. We will take your recommendations under advisements. As for the Yevetha, is there a surviving population to speak of? And might you be willing to share any records of that battle? It is yet unclear if any commingling of forces or technology we might encounter.”

Adam nodded, and sent a code to the System Lord, "This is an encryption to our intelligence network. They can largely get information from just about anywhere. Hopefully, it should be able to give you an advantage somewhere." Adam brought up the tactical data from the surviving Adumari ships from the Battle of Zoth along with the bridge communications from Trec's ship. "This is what we have from the battle. We aren't positive there are many survivors from the planet breaking up, though we know approximately 10 ships jumped into hyperspace. Destinations... unknown. That said, here would be logical. We would have been happy to have worked with them, perhaps using them against the Sun Guard...however..." Adam could only shake his head in confusion.

System Lord Einheryn cued up the data and spent a minute reviewing it while data points and fractals were printed for his aides to come and send back to the home galaxy. What he saw though gave him pause along with his contacts' words. Up a warning external system signal he relayed the information from this air gapped comm system to be relayed without delay to Barbosa's air-gapped non-allied comm system along with their efforts so far in this galaxy. That being done he sighed and shut down the file before stroking the edges of his goggles.

Looking up slowly he nodded with a sigh at the man. "So, what you are telling me is that you broke the accords the Fleet Admirals established with you. Considering the extenuating circumstances, I'm going to ensure we allow this to slide at this time. As for where they are going, I highly doubt they will pass through here. My money is you are now a force in the deep core, we are completing a securing of this galaxy's outer rim, they are more likely to seek shelter in the between. Especially if they are all that's left of their race, survival instincts won't want to chance it either of our controlled systems. We will do our best to not genocide any worlds, and as you have just showed we hope you will be as gracious as I am to the news if we face genocidal non-cooperation as extenuating circumstances. I've put in a special request for Spot involvement, hopefully we will have better luck with whatever script they reply with based on your transcripts as well as what the Fleet Admirals are encountering so far."

Visually pushing aside that matter he took a deep breath and nodded. "We will put our resources to hopefully making use of your intelligence information shortly and thank you for the continuation of the spirit of cohabitation and friendship we are trying to establish between our peoples. Is there anything else?”

Iella looked innocent. "Our accord?"

A shrug. "I am assuming you are unaware that Yevetha psychologically cannot surrender. Without orders from their leader, they will keep fighting. They did so against the New Republic, even when grievously outnumbered, and the Yuuzhan Vong were considerably more vicious than us, by choice. Yevetha simply do not give up."

"In those circumstances, we understand the need for extreme measures.”

Adam nodded, "I appreciate it, that may be a weakness in the agreement as it is a pretty major difference between having an opportunity for negotiations and not. When there is the luxury of time, we may want to address that."

Adam smiled a 'thank you' to Iella, "Perhaps we should share our knowledge on the various people we know to be in this galaxy and add further discoveries as we explore the galaxy."

Nodding Einheryn tapped a finger. "That sounds reasonable. And no. We never crossed the paths of the Yevetha except in recent battles where they seemed ineffectual and sloppy with external influences. Noting the ships in your shared files they were the ones who did not fight well with others." With a shrug he nodded at an idea. "Shall we set up the trade station here at Charon and make it have nearly adjoining embassies? That we might foster sharing and discussion between our peoples so that this relationship can grow beyond the guiding crust of our neighboring societies?”

Adam considered the thought, "It is the obvious place, and a station here makes sense. However, I think the unique situation of this planet makes it ideal to be a fortress. As for a place of knowledge, would you be agreeable to a rebuilt Zoth, or some other planet that would be suitable to the both of us? If not Zoth, I propose we send lookouts to find such a place and we start there.”

Iella nodded. "A neutral station," a quirk as she quoted an old holo serial. "Our last, best, hope for peace."

"But of course we'll make sure it's heavily armed, too? I envisioned a Golan station, expanded to include multiple docking arms?”

Einheryn nodded. "I saw it more as a distribution of actions as we already had planned commerce and military joint locations here." with a shrug he nodded. "Edge of Zoth well away from your world healer would be fine. If you wish to scout other locations, it would be fine. Although if we can get a new stratagem and successfully get a couple local races, might we use their version as a station?”

Adam quirked a small smile, "I saw that show as a kid..." he then looked to the Einheryn, "I'm open to any ideas, especially ones that help us hold this spot, which could be a border to enemies coming from literally another galaxy." He was thinking of a different holo serial, though both had similarities, and he'd love it if they could find someone here that was decades ahead technologically. "What I've done is create a list of space stations, defense stations, even the station in the Talos Project, for us to consider. If anyone encounters someone that could help us, we just add that to the list. We will also need a ship to help guard the station, one that does a lot of damage beyond what a normal ship that size could do. I'm also open to suggestions there."

Adam shrugged, "That's not to say that we can't do both. The Adumari have scouts looking all over the place for worlds suitable for those fleeing Skyriver.”

Einheryn gave a deep sigh. "All well and good, a bit of still water without a breeze, but we shall strive towards this added goal. If there is anything else? If not, I have plenty of paperwork printing." He added with a weary glance to another comm station was printing a roll of parchment.

Adam looked at what they went over. There wasn't too much settled, but it was mostly because the upcoming Exegol was a major variable. "I believe we have enough to start. Anything we find will go in to a database that the both of us can add to. It will also be accessible here in Charon and in Skyriver. I would expect increasing amounts of information coming from Sun Guard territory, especially Roche and Fondor. In fact, it appears a Sun Guard fleet was significantly upgraded which probably used a significant amount of resources from Roche, so I genuinely wonder if they upgrade what survives Exegol just how much Roche will have left." Adam blinked, "Sorry, all that is to imply our situations, along with the Yuuzhan Vong should improve, while everyone elses' should get worse. All I can wish for the Tof is this, Good Hunting and may your coffers be full of Sith and Sun Guard treasure."

Though Adam privately wondered if the Sun Guard version of sustenance was consuming worlds Vitiate style.

TAG: @Sinrebirth, @Mitth_Fisto

 

IC: Fleet Admiral Serr - Combo with Sinre
Nastuono-don-don, Charon Galaxy

The several fleets under his command came out of hyperspace and moved in taking in the view. Nastuono-don-don, which was smog-covered due to the sheer number of factories on world. A planetary shield was erected, and there was no immediate acknowledgment of the invaders. But there was little doubt that a new droid force was under construction.

Opening a comm line he addressed the system. "Nastuono-don-don-d. . .hmm." he knit his brow at the odd name. Before sighing and shaking away the issue. "Your leaders followed others to war against the Tof League, we have come to answer that challenge. Either surrender and submit for membership, or we will conquer you in retaliation for your leaders poor decisions."

A whirring across open comms, and then an immensity of metal projected itself into space itself.



"Who dares speak to the Machine Gods of the Omni-Verse?"

Fleet Admiral Serr looked over at the murmuring of the bridge and saw the image in space. "Metal." he stated with awe for a moment before shaking himself out of his reverie at the image. "Uh, um. Sorry, that be me! Fleet Admiral Serr of the Tof League. If you be meaning to join, then at yer service, if not, well, the pleasure be all mine then."

"We are loyal to the True Sith, to the Dark Worlds, to the Crown of Ixegul, to the Empire of the Void." He intoned. "Are you, Fleet Admiral Serr of the Green League?"

"The wife jokes I bleed seaweed, but unless we's be using a different name fer te same thing. I know not what ye be meaning by no Green League." Fleet Admiral Serr honestly intoned. With a wary aside to see what an ensign was handing him with papers on the referenced groups.

The papers in question referred to Ixegul as ancient nomenclature for Exegol, the world of the Sith Eternal. Their enemies.

The Void may be the InterGalactic Void.

The Dark Worlds is known as another reference for Red Space, where the aforementioned Exegol fell.

The giant face grew more serious, if possible. "The Tof are Green. Green and Petty. But do they now serve the One True Gods?"

"Those commanded by the Left Handed Lord, known as Zildrog, known as Yun-Yammka, but truly named Him; Typhojem, the Immortal God of the Sith, the greater sibling of the Unholy Old Ones - of the Insect Queen, the Hunger Incarnate, the Rot-God, the Time-Lord, the Beloved Goddess of the Stars, the Anti-Mother herself."

It was a lot.

The aide was at a loss, and frantically scribbled on the paper and held it to Serr, off-screen.

I have no karkin' idea, sir. He's barvy. As barvy as my aunt and she's missing half her head.

Fleet Admiral Serr looked over the paperwork he had and gave a heavy sigh in response. Closing his eyes he swayed slightly as he flicked a few switches to insure his broadcast would go wide through the system. "Well, you be impressive. Flashy. And I must be admitting we may be one or two of the litany on the winds of the Old persuasion. Sadly, we be hard by against ye chief leader and allegiances. We be for the self actualization of all sentients flesh or machine. As your allegiances are against our own, we be at war. If yer people agree with yer choices and faith, so be it. If not, fight and meet us in the middle of yer rulers ruins or surrender." with that he nodded to the side of the bridge where his command would relayed. "Cannons free!"

"Then the Old Ones shall accept your souls as sacrifices."

The planetary surface cleared and seemed to shift, unveiling massive protrusions into the sky.

Then, an immensity stood up, a massive statue of sorts.



Turbolaser fire reflected off chromium-alloy hull, and a swipe caught the Tof flagship in an immense grip.

"Sir!"

"Eyes, holes and joints!" the Fleet Admiral cried across the comms and flicked a switch. The fleets would unleash Fotia's Fire, electric harpoons, swarms of space marines with bombs and breechers, as well as the conventional ion cannons, turbolasers, and blasters. Standing the Fleet Admiral made way to get into his emergency EVA suit, "Electrify the hull! On any caught!" he called as well. Hopefully something would work.

The hand began to squeeze, through the electrical surge, causing an immense surge of alarms across the flagship, and the transparisteel of the ships bridge shattered -

Then the surge found purchase, and the hand automatically opened.

Even as fire surged at its eyes, orifices and joints, it raised a hand to shield it's face, and then curled its repelled hand into a fist and ran it through the Tof fleet with force -

Two cruisers were crushed into each other, destroying a dozen escorts -

Securing his emergency helmet with survival flak Fleet Admiral Serr was pulled from his chair even as the emergency shutters snapped closed over the broken windows. Standing he stumbled to a control station. "All fleets back off to range and continue barrage! Surround and stay out of reach. Keep firing!" They were committed, they would have to give it their all and make sure this threat never left it's cradle here.

The fleet did as instructed, moving to maximum range. The immense mech was starting to flail, the Fotia’s Fire especially leaving his armour dripping molten metal.

It began to drift back towards the planet, flailing, a heatsink forming behind as it tumbled into gravity.

The Tof would have space to respond, or press their advantage -

"Maintain optimal range! See if the frigates can't harpoon and reel the target away from the planet. Do not cease fire until we hear call of surrender!" Fleet Admiral Serr called as he began making his way around the battle holo tank. Trying to keep the fleets wary of any additional unseen forces.

Harpoons shot out, and some of the Sabertooth's sought permission to close and sink their teeth in.

The creature seemed to go limp, as if unconscious.

The planets whole defences seemed to be this monstrosity.

Fleet Admiral Serr allowed it of a few so long as they did not cross firing lines and that their engines would be at cross purposes. Just incase this monstrosity could infect their ships it was kept sparse and with Sun Guard minimal computers and no interconnected comms units that could control anything. Meanwhile the body would be dragged by the harpoon lines back out into space, and the fire continue to pound the thing as no surrender had been heard as of yet.

Fleet Admiral Serr was correct. Not a moment before half a dozen Sabertooth's docked, they were absorbed into the metallic skin-shell, though there wasn't noticeable healing of the machine. It was starting to come apart, in-fact, and more and more of its self began to rain molten fire upon the surface.

Well.

That went well.

And still, no surrender.

But there were many, many, pieces, some larger than a bulk cruiser, neatly tethered.

"Keep up fire, distance, and slagging it down! Once we get enough harpoons, rip the fiend apart! Let no part leave it unslagged!" This was turning into a situation like that report from Rishi. Another machine race being more advanced and destructive than they were. They were having to rely on chance and superior numbers with their weapon to fight back. Although this one, was more zealot about faith instead of isolation which was a problem.

A scream across the comms, and the monster split into pieces and the world was burning.

Cracking.

Splitting.

Freeing into space rare metals - doonium, phrik, dolovite, cadmium, terenthium, frasium - a veritable treasure trove.

It was over.

One damaged fleet would stay here and perform security sweeps, scans, and rescue operations as well as establish control. All other vessels including those that just had arrived from Lugabraa would move on to the next target. The final outer rim system. There they would stay at range with the Lugabraa vessels going on ahead towards the world to act as long range comm relays. Fleet Admiral Serr would transfer to a new command ship before they left. This last world to complete the noose around this galaxy was going to be the one he was most nervous about.

Although the fact they had just apparently either just destroyed or captured an entire civilization and army world of the enemy by killing one droid being was baffling to consider. He sincerely wished the science teams luck in figuring this one out.

TAG: @Sinrebirth