Skirmish at Makem Te

[Dire Wolf]

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Vesperia gazed out of the transparisteel view port of the Crimson Tide's bridge. A small smile creased the woman's lips as her icy blue eyes drifted amongst the stars until they locked on the one that the Republican convoy would arrive from. She had conceived the ambush when recently realigned worlds had reported that Republican ambassadors and senators to the outer rim worlds with the intent to sway them back into their favor. The fact that Vreem Took had been traveling along with the delegation only sweetened the potential take.

After bringing the information along with a plan to the Inner Sanctum Vesperia was given all the resources that the Sith Empire could spare. If only they could have spared more Sith. Her task force was considerable though not as much as she had hoped. The Siege of Bak'mral was taking place at the spine of another trade route. S.A.I may have reported that it tied up any possible reinforcements in the region, but Vesperia didn't plan to linger in the system any longer than she had to.

She took a few moments to gaze out at the stars before calling Admiral Rrorgro to her side. Within moments the tall and brooding commander appeared at her side. Admiral Rrorgro was a man that Lady Vesperia respected even if the two didn't necessarily see eye to eye and he wasn't afraid to be vocal about it. Vesperia didn't need a yes man or an admiral that was afraid of her power. She needed an opposing view. The plan that was about to be set in motion was shaped by him as well as a few other military leaders and Sith Lords.

Nothing could have stopped them if more Sith were involved. Not even the great Master Took could stand up against a transport filled with Sith Lords. As it stood, though, only a handful of Sith accompanied her on this ambush. She was forced to load the transport with special forces rather than sith, however. Oh well. Took was merely a secondary objective. "Admiral Rrorgro, I trust that you have the ability to command the task force for this operation?"

"Lady Vesperia?"

"There aren't enough Sith to combat the Jedi for me to watch this engagement from afar. You do have enough competence to obliterate the convoy's defenders and disable the ship, correct?"

"Yes, Lady Vesperia."

"Good. Because if you fail, I will have your head, Admiral." Lady Vesperia was not a person to harshly punish a subordinate for failure, but this was a rare case. She turned and walked down the elevated catwalk with only the clack of her staff against the polished floor to punctuate the each foot fall.

Her descent to the bowls of her battleship took a few moments thanks to the turbolift. Her arrival to the hangar brought a momentary halt in operations to stand at attention before the men began to buzz around it once more. Missiles were being loaded into fighters, flight crews were performing final checks, and a few groups of armored men stood outside of one of the heavily armored assault transports that would carry them to the ship. It was orchestrated chaos. It was perfection.

One particular group of men loaded themselves into the transport at her sight, and she followed them shortly thereafter. Something told her that this sortie would be... most enjoyable.

~~~~

On the Crimson Tide's bridge, the Kaleesh Admiral sat with his arms crossed and arse firmly planted in the plush captain's chair. Soon this ambush of Vesperia's would be set in motion, and while it was insidious he doubted that it would be a complete success. Things involving Jedi were rarely a complete success. Jedi were a cunning bunch of monks, and they certainly had an affinity for disruption.

"Admiral, the flight deck reports all units ready," a bridge officer called out.

"Good. Good. Deploy all units but the assault carriers. We can't risk them," he keyed the comm that linked him to the fleet, "all ships, power up weapons. Give the convoy no time to react after they drop out of hyperspace. Disable the dignitary vessel, destroy the rest."

A wave of acknowledgements responded him as the ships complied with his order. Minutes later Lady Vesperia's sensor chief called out from the pit where the bridge hands did their work. "Sir, the contacts are dropping out of hyperspace now..."

[Grawn]

Standing outside his own transport while he waited for the men he would be sharing the ride into battle with, Chaldus saw Vesperia enter her own. He made no acknowledgement of her, because he was in brooding, meditative thought. The preparations all around him bothered him none as he stood, arms crossed, as he went over the battle plans in his head. Very important men were to be captured this day, delegates of the Republic and a very special Jedi. The name Vreem Took didn't mean much to him, but the fact he had quite the data file on him meant he wasn't anything small time. Capture wasn't Chaldus' way of doing things, that ambition had died with Rogarr, but he followed commands as they were given.

"Lord Chaldus, the men are prepared" a helmeted trooper ran up to him and saluted. The red orbs opened within his helm and he stared at the armored man who disturbed him.

"Then get to it, Captain. I grow impatient of inaction" he growled back, noting the soldiers rank. The only hint that he was once a Togorian was in his growl and it did well to motivate those who it was directed at. Saluting again, the man went back into the chaos that was the hangar to start the lineup. The tiny bit of fear that trailed the man was felt as easy as wind on fur.

Going over the battle scenario once again in his head as the soldiers began to pile into the transport, Chaldus took note of the small number of Sith that had been given onto this mission. It was a pathetic number in his eyes, not at all deserving of the task that was about to be undertaken. Jedi were not to be trifled with and when they were, it was best to be able to overwhelm them. Flashbacks of his own conquests came to mind, with the torture of Jedi being a focus point. Push past the Force, the training, the dogma, and the in the end, Jedi were just normal men and women. Easily broken once their defenses were laid bare.

Once he noticed the soldiers were filed in, the metal abomination that was Chaldus unfolded his arms and made his way in. Taking his position in the back, he stood overlooking the walls lined with seated troopers, armed to the teeth with armor and weapons, the former Togorian inwardly nodded with approval. Hell would be wrought this day and at its front would be him.

It would be interesting to see what this Vreem Took would do against them.

[Dean]

Ara had heard of the mission and volunteered immediately for the job. She had a lot of experience with capturing people that didn’t want to be captured and were force sensitive. She had been taken on board of the flagship of Lady Vesperia. She didn’t know the woman at all but she figured that the sith wouldn’t let some idiot run things around here. Also this was a moment for her to maybe impress the higher ups and show them what she got. She had come to understand that this was an important factor of being a sith.

While Vesperia was instructing the navy admiral that she would be part of the taskforce and thus left the job of destroying and disabling to him. She had hung back on the bridge to come to a higher understanding of the hierarchy in the sith ranks. Obviously the force sensitive’s held the ropes tight. Understandable.

When vesperia exited the bridge with the elevator she pushed herself from the wall and leisurely sauntered off to the elevator. She took the lift down to the shuttle docks too and saw the huge iron man that was just getting into his shuttle full of troops. Ara smiled a little and walked over to his transport too.

’’I will be boarding this one too then.

Without waiting for permission she boarded the shuttle. It was rather packed and she hated putting her faith in other people. If they made the ambassadors ship and captured some republicans she vowed herself that the number of soldiers would be less so she could at least sit. While waiting for take off she just stood in the shuttle and closed her eyes.

She could hear the soldiers talk around her, it was the usual talk of soldiers before going into battle, no matter how small it was. Ara however started to think about all the things that make her mad and gathering the force, fuelling it with her own ambition and power. Maybe this was early to start but she knew that she could rip apart parts of a ship with her huge blasts of power.

[Apillis]

It was not surprising in the least for Vaaz to be silent as mouse even aboard her own vessel The Sightless Crow. There were several Sith Spec Ops personal about the armed transport vessel already. While there were moving about her ship working maintenance checks on their equipment and going over the capture protocols, Vaaz herself was merely on her knees in the very center of the main lobby, hands folded in her lap falling deep within the abyss within herself--meditating and analyzing the self as she simultaneously stretched out her perceptions through the Force--through the darkness--beyond the haul of the ship, beyond the the vast hangar of the battleship it rested within--out into the immense battleship itself as it floated through the void of space.

For hours she was like this, even since arriving and boarding The Crimson Tide, the battleship belonging to the Dark Lord of the Sith, Vesperia. There was no surprise to Vaaz when the Sith Lord made her way to hangar. A powerful presence in the Force like that of Vesperia or Chaldus, she could feel coming a long ways away while deep in her meditations, and in Vaaz's mind, any Miraluka worth their salt should. When the Dark Lord and the entourage with her boarded The Sightless Crow, after having been in the same spot for many hours now, Vaaz finally rose to her feet to greet the newly boarded.

Dressed entirely in black robes that covered her entire slim, petite form, even her black veil completely cloaking the entirety of her face, even going the extra mile with her the hood of her cloak being drawn. There was nothing shown of the girl, just a petite black robed figure--faceless and quiet with soft steps that held a natural pitter-pattering grace to them.

Once she stood before Vesperia, she respectfully bowed her head, "Welcome aboard The Sightless Crow, Lady Vesperia. Everything is set.", without wasting another moment, Vaaz moved to the cockpit of the ship, taking a seat in the pilots chair. With a detached tranquility, she merely folded her hands together, and rested them in her lap. It was as if she were falling back into a meditative state once again, and for the most part, she was--but in this case it was purely for concentration. With her immense expertise in telekinetics, she begun using tiny pushes, gentle pulls, slight pressures through telekinesis upon the control console, thus in effect she was piloting the vessel entirely through the use of her telekinetics--somewhat of an exercise in precision for her telekinesis--keeping her abilities sharp.

As the other boarding transport vessels and assault shuttles begun lifting off, leaving the gargantuan battleship--so too did The Sightless Crow with them.

[Otterling]

Di'Shan leaned idly against one wall of the huge hangar, just inside the invisible field that kept them from all being sucked out into the void of space. His legs crossed at the ankle and one hand popped on his hip, he was the very picture of boredom, however, his eyes were locked out onto something far beyond the stars in front of him. To say he'd been asked to attend this mission was a gentle euphemism at best, one was never asked to do anything by a Sith lord, but his mind was elsewhere. Somewhere out there was a being he loved or at least it was as close to love as Di'Shan could ever come. The Jedi was magnificent to behold, all glowing light and terrifying power, but it was his sheer goodness that enthralled the Twi'lek most.

Most Sith hated Jedi but Di'Shan had an appreciation for them. Normal beings broke too easily, they were boring and spent far too much time whining or crying. Jedi were stronger though, they lasted so much longer when tormented and their pain would be that much sweeter when they broke. Truly if pain was a delicacy, then Jedi were the finest vintage in the galaxy and Levin Caelum was the most rare of those perfect morsels. The first time he'd encountered the healer, he'd barely escaped with his life, in fact it had been the same every time they'd met, but he'd known right from the start that he'd found something interesting in the Jedi. Powerful, righteous, good to the core. Once Di'Shan had figured out how to get a rise out of him, how to play him and gently ease forth that delicious pain, he'd become hooked on the idea of breaking him.

Somewhere out there, the Jedi was probably patching together some of his pathetic charges. Such a waste of potential. How glorious would the Jedi be if he'd just turn to the darkness and let it fuel him? Certainly he would destroy Di'Shan but it would be like watching a star go super nova and on some sickly fascinated level, the Sith felt that would be a worthwhile way to go. Nothing less would be acceptable. He sighed and tilted his head down. He would have to content himself with the capture and torment of some senators and diplomats for the time being. He wasn't even allowed to play with them properly lest they become useless. It was like collecting porcelain dolls. Of what use were they if you had to keep them in pristine condition?

It wasn't his place to argue though. He was a patient enough creature, things would come for him in time, he just had to wait it all out, watch for openings, and grab power when it was offered. He could feel the swell of energy behind him as the men prepared, their nervousness and excitement growing as the time neared. Small spikes of fear noted their approach toward any Sith and Di'Shan could mark their movements by it like glowing dots on a map. He could sense the location of the other Sith not only by their own power but by the circle of terror that rolled off the men around them. They were pools of midnight in an otherwise already dark atmosphere of greed, ambition, and murderous intent.

The entrance of the Lady Vesperia was marked by a swell of both fear and power. She was a force to be reckoned with and had Di'Shan any kind of sex drive at all, he'd have found her intoxicatingly beautiful. He almost pitied any fool stupid enough to fall for her. She was a natural predator and while Di'Shan hated to bow before anyone, he wasn't stupid enough to kick a krayt dragon in the face either and he was pretty sure that was a safer activity than crossing the Sith Lady. The Lord behind him had been sitting like a lead weight in the back of his mind, his own power a thrumming presence in the midst of the chaos, and as Vesperia passed into her ship, he could feel the Lord stir.

There were three transports being moved for the boarding party. Vesperia would take one, Chaldus another, and the rest of the Sith would split themselves among the three. Besides Di'Shan, there were two other young Sith in attendance and he felt them as they moved to their transports. A soft, drifting presence, delicate like poisonous flowers, moved to Vesperia's ship and Di'Shan marked it as the Miraluka. The other presence was a small human woman who had spent the majority of their flight meditating. He could feel the pull and push of her mind as she swept the Force ever outward from herself. Di'Shan himself had never been much of one for meditating but whatever got the woman prepared for battle. His only peace came at the musical sound of screaming and only then when it was done right. Yelling for its own sake, or worse blubbering, only grated on his nerves. He did so wish more people would choose to die well.

As the last of the other Sith boarded, Di'Shan finally pushed off from the wall and turned toward the remaining ship which no one else had claimed. He had no real desire to ingratiate himself to the Sith Lord and Lady. They would appreciate his handiwork in battle or they would not but he didn't see the point in following them around and trying to make an impression. One did not demand the attention of a powerful Sith. It would be given or it wouldn't. As he turned, Di'Shan found a young human male approaching him. The corporal skidded to a halt and stared at him with wide eyes.

Most of the men on the deck had decided to leave him alone after a minor incident involving the torture of one of their comrades. The man survived and was even fit for duty so Di'Shan wasn't sure what the big deal was. So the man had spent 15 minutes in mental turmoil, big whoop. Di'Shan had been very careful not to do permanent damage so as not to detract from the fighting forces but he'd made his point fairly clear. His tall stature and feminine face had opened room for a snide remark and it was one that wouldn't be made a second time. Something about how Di'Shan was surely the submissive sexual toy of the more masculine Sith. A simple bit of telepathy had allowed the commenting officer a taste of what it was like to violate his own body in that way and ever since then the rest of the men had given him a wide berth.

Di'Shan wasn't sure what the fuss was all about. He'd left the man intact after all. He smiled knowingly at the young man in front of him, the mirth not quite reaching his eyes, and the corporal gestured feebly toward the ships before finding something better to be doing on the opposite side of the hangar. The Twi'lek sauntered across the open expanse and slowly climbed into his ship, reveling just a little in the less than pleased faces of the men in front of him before he turned his back to them and promptly ignored them. They would be useful enough but were little more than fodder to clear the way for the real offensive. The five Sith in attendance were the true terror about to be handed down onto the Republic diplomats and their pet Jedi. Whomever Vreem Took was, Di'Shan could almost feel a swell of pity for him.

Almost.

[Jenno]

A small convoy of Republic ships shot through hyperspace. At the centre of their formation was a diplomatic ship where a number of Blades and representatives of the Galactic Senate currently awaited to arrive at the second destination upon their journey. In an attempt to try and strengthen ties with two Republic planets on the Outer Rim the diplomatic team had been formed to try and dissuade the governments from switching their allegiance to the Sith Empire, as so many other planets on the Outer Rim had done.

Jedi Lord Vreem Took currently sat upon the bridge of the diplomatic ship, in the company of a handful of Blades and Senators, the majority of the delegation had returned to their quarters to rest before they arrived at Makem Te, their current destination. Talks upon Troiken had gone surprisingly well, Vreem had suspected that there might be more antagonism directed towards them as representatives of the Republic. The group that was currently gathered had been discussing a number of issues regarding the war, the Sith Empire, the inner works of the Republic and had times even shifted onto the subject of morality. Vreem was actually quite pleased with their discussions, but he could understand why the vast majority of the Jedi preferred to avoid too much direct interaction with Senators, they could be quite overbearing at times.

However, one particular Senator was quite insightful, Erenic K’lak, representative of Caamas was truly a delight to talk with. History had shown interlinking of morality between the Caamasi and the Jedi and it seemed quite evident in Erenic. Whilst the compassion of his race was a well known attribute, he and the majority of those he represented understood the need for war in this instance, whilst also doing their best to try and avoid conflict where possible. During their discussions the two had delved into some quite interesting topics and it seemed as though the Senator was also enjoying the ability to converse about matters in an intelligent manner.

Whilst it seemed like their talks could have gone on for many hours, the ship’s Captain approached and informed them that they would be dropping out of hyperspace shortly. This meant the end of their debates for now, but there would be plenty time on the journey home. Once they dropped out of hyperspace they were to be greeted by Makem Te’s planetary defence force in the system and then escorted to the planet. This would give their delegation a bit of time to prepare for the events ahead.

However, as those gathered upon the bridge watched the blue tunnelled universe fade away into reality, they were greeted by an entirely different site. There were spaceships, that much was expected, but these were part of the Sith Empire, and they immediately began to fire.

For a few moments Vreem was frozen, watching a hail of laser bolts descend upon their nearby escort ships, a swarm of smaller ships appeared upon one of the ship’s scanners and all the while he could sense the cloud of darkness that moved towards them. He didn’t have time to curse the trap that they had fallen in to, or care that they had more than likely been betrayed by a supposed member of the Republic; right now they had to do what they could to survive.

“Captain, broadcast a distress signal to any nearby Republic forces immediately using these words. ‘Republic diplomatic convoy under attack from Sith Empire, requiring urgent and immediate assistance.’” The man followed the command with a great deal of urgency.

“Lord Took, do you believe the Sith intend to kill us?” One of the Senators managed to ask.

“If they know who is on board then they way wish to capture you alive. It’s best we prepare to defend against a boarding party. Captain, try and find us a way out of here.”

“Sir, our escort ships are taking heavy fire, they say they can’t hold out for much longer.” The Captain informed him.

With little warning the ship shook violently, knocking Vreem and a number of those on the bridge to the floor.

“What the hell was that?” The Captain called out.

“Our engines sir, they’ve knocked out our engines.”

“Boarding ships incoming Captain.”

“Sithspit.”

As Vreem pulled himself to his feet overheard the status report, he shot a glance to Levin. This wasn’t going to be easy.

“Captain, we have to work off the assumption that they are after the Senators and that the ship won't be destroyed until they're captured. Contact all members of the Blades and what troops we have on board, tell them to get to the Senators and escort them here to the bridge, we’ll make sure that nobody gets through. Organise that as best as you can and-”

The ship shook again. “Boarding craft has made contact.”

“-keep trying to contact any Republic forces nearby.” He turned to his new favourite politician who given the circumstances seemed remarkably calm. “Senator K’lak, please try and keep everyone as calm as you can.” The caamasi gave an astute nod. “Blades, with me.”

Vreem turned and made his way off the bridge, leaving a few Republic troops behind, but those Blades who had been present were right behind him. As they moved into the branching hallway, the door closed tightly behind them, they were but a handful, not enough to go and help any others throughout the ship without leaving the bridge and the senators already there open to an attack. How desperately he wanted to storm through the ship and make sure they all made it to the bridge safely, but he had to have faith. He looked at those around him.

“We must trust in the Force, and in our brothers and sisters. No matter how many come, no Sith shall pass us.”

There they stood, ready, waiting, friends and enemies rushing through the ship to where they stood.

[Dutch]

Levin Caelum stood near the debriefing table, his eyes looked over pages and pages of reports that were displayed by said table. A majority of the reports were sent from the Halls of Healing back on Coruscant. More and more Jedi were in and out of that wing of the Temple, far more than Levin liked to see. A small smile would spread onto his lips as he saw his Padawan's name show up several times. It seemed the young one was becoming more and more proficient at the healing arts. Maybe it was about time he let her join him on missions such as this one...

"General Caelum?"

His thoughts would be broken by a male Togruta as he approached. The man wore a Republic officer uniform, his insignia marking him as a lieutenant. And the massive heavy repeater on his back marked him as someone to take seriously. Levin turned his eyes to the man and nodded once in response. Lt. Tosh Venar was a man Levin had met some months ago, a stalwart defender of the Republic, and as protective as they come. He had insisted that Venar be aboard their ship for the course. Levin was about to greet him in response when something whispered to him in the Force.

He would blink once and turn away from Venar, those ever piercing eyes of his would turn to the viewport. It would be right as they were exiting hyperspace, and just before the jump ended, Levin's heart sank. A familiar darkness. The great machine of war. The Sith. He inhaled the Force as much as he could, but the Darkness was everywhere, it made everything feel heavier, more difficult to mold. But what he did have, he sent out into the Force, a wave of warning for all the other Blades who were not present on the bridge. He hoped it would be enough for them to prepare.

Lev would fall forward and clutch the debriefing table as the realization hit the bridge. His stomach rolled and he had to close his eyes for a brief moment. Oh how he did hate spaceflight. Once more he drew upon the Force into himself, and let it steady his nerves and gather himself to his feet. His eyes would meet with Vreem's, and a single nod of affirmation was given to his friend. Before the Jedi Lord even requested for the Blades to gather around him, Lev would already be at Vreem's side. As they moved in unison from the bridge, Levin's bright silver lightsaber would fall from his sleeve into the palm of his hand and would ignite with that iconic snap-hiss!. Its nearly white blade shone into the hall as they moved together, the Force waked in their presence as it cleaved the Darkness all around them.

Vreem Took spoke. No Sith shall pass. His orders were clear, and his intentions were correct. No matter what, the Blades of the Order would defend this choke point. And Levin Caelum was prepared to do what was necessary to keep those under his charge alive.

[Dire Wolf]

Magdalena Vaaz was a curious little wall flower. The little girl was a fount of the Dark side, yet she was curiously shy and reserved. So few Dark Jedi were this way amongst the animals and anarchists of their Order. In a way, Vaaz reminded Vesperia of herself when she was a sweet child. All those years ago. A small smirk appeared on the woman's face as she passed the girl without a single acknowledgement to her greeting.

While most would see this as arrogant and pretentious, it was one of the odd ways that Vesperia showed her own endearment. Closeness or friendship tended to end badly within the Sith, including but not limited to; back stabbings, light saberings, regular stabbings, killings, unwanted rogerings, and her absolute favorite: lightning-ings. Vaaz, sweet as she was, would surely transform into something like Adara and kill her in her sleep.

Vesperia soon felt the ship rise from its resting place in the hangar. It wasn't long before she felt it lurch forward, through the hangar's shield, and into the black abyss known as space. The life inside of her battleship felt oddly invigorating, and to be suddenly in the middle of a great nothing sapped her will. She could also feel bubbles of life be exterminated all at once in a fiery explosion after explosion. While she hardly felt the rush that some of her college's would have experienced, she would hardly say that she enjoyed such loss. It was regrettable, at best, but necessary. Rule of the Sith be damned, Adara only wished to advance herself further on the path to power.

Another bubble of life drew within her awareness. This one was largely unmolested and contained multiple sources of light and serenity within them. That small smirk grew into a grin as she stood and braced her staff against the wall. It would be a hindrance to have it in such close confines. Instead she would rely on her lightsabers... which was another regrettable thing. Two great sources of power and light were contained within the ship that Vaaz was mere moments from docking. Challdus, or whatever he chose his name to be, would engage one while she engaged the other. He was not Locke or his stupid padawan, either. This man would prove to be a challenge.

Her thoughts were broken by a sudden and violent jostle, and shortly thereafter they breached the dignitary's ship. The ship's doors opened and Sith Special Forces operators poured out like a great black mass of armor, blasters, and man. The scant republic forces quickly caved beneath Sith might. Adara slowly stepped down the ramp and into the Jedi ship with a rare grin on her face. Just another step on the road to true power. True freedom.

[Apillis]

Through the barrage Vaaz maneuvered her ship with an insight that only one who is touched by the Force can possess. She did not need physical sight to know the controls of her own vessel. The Force told her what she needed to know, and it also granted her sight to look upon all that she needed to. Sight not bound by simple light, but by metaphysical energy that exists in all things--an energy current as it were, and everything it flowed through and around gave shape and clarity to what was before her. Which is partly the very exclamation of why those Miraluka who are strong enough in the Force, become powerful Jedi... and in rare cases, Sith... because from birth they are intrinsically in tune with the Force and learn to trust it from the onset.

It is why her regard for others can often vary greatly, for she does not see them as others see them, she only ever sees them through the Great Mystery.

Such as the case of Vesperia, powerful and dark her aura is--something Vaaz knows to regard and fear. But while she cannot precisely place it, she can see something... more to the willowy grace of a Sith Lord. And ever the watchful little crow that Vaaz is, she will be watching and gazing as she does with so many others, peers and foes alike. And among the Sith, both are often one in the same. Perhaps in time, and after proving herself, she may manage to see what that something is with Vesperia, pending the Sith Lord's own regard and willing indulgence for the little crow.

Albeit, quite a few Sith often seek to be snide jerks, especially to their superiors. Perhaps it was Vaaz's growing up among the Jedi, but she never understood this. Why make the one who instructs oneself an enemy from the onset? Or even ones peers? For the simple reason as this, it is much easier to gain knowledge and power through expressions of respect and loyalty, than dismissive and uncouth behavior. After all, not just instructors but people in general are far more likely to share their knowledge and power with one when they believe that they will not be betrayed. Being snide does not help this cause, even among the Sith Vaaz has found this golden rule still holds true.

But all of that nonsense can be focused on for another time...

For now as her vessel blasted its way with tremendous speeds for the dignitary ship, penetrating its way into the hangar. The second she landed, the doors of The Sightless Crow opened and the special operations Sith soldiery flooded out of it. Leaving the cockpit, she passed by Vesperia giving her another humble bow of her head in respectful acknowledgment. In the next instant she sped off with a group of Sith special operations soldiers as their lead.

As she sprinted ahead of the pack of her particular Sith Spec Ops group, she took out from a pouch on her belt a small hand-held holo-communicator. With it a tiny holo-projection of the ship model's layout appeared. The light energy flow of the holo-projection she could see within the Force as it is energy in of itself, and with that little holo-projection she peered at where the dignitary evacuation pods are according to the ship's model layout. There will be no escape for the senators...

Along the way as she and her group made there way for their target, they came across smatterings of Republic soldiers confused by the chaos. Just on their own, they were dispatched simply, a strong push through the Force hurling them to the ground as she and her group kept running, while one of her group's Spec Ops soldiers put a quick blaster shot to the victim's head before moving speedily moving on...

[Grawn]

The ambush went as flawlessly as expected.

Brutal and efficient, the Sith ships crippled and destroyed any Republic resistance as the boarding ships made for the main ship containing the prize they sought. Chaldus observed the armored men lining the walls of his transport, their faces concealed and emotionless as his own. However, these creatures were of flesh and blood, while he had no hindrance. They would die painful and agonizing deaths from blasters or lightsabers, thus he felt no connection to them. These feelings were not directly born from malice or some deep-seated anger towards the living, but a cold detachment. The worst that could happen to him would be the destruction of his armor and that would raise the question if his Master, the Dark Overlord of the Sith, would just assemble him again. Bind his soul to another prison to continue serving until he felt it time to let go of him.

These men had it easy. Death was a certainty for them, something that the Sith Lord felt what resembled jealously for. They had the freedom to die while he did not.

The thoughts of this were his turning of the key to his door, the door to his dark might. When the shuttle landed within the Republic ship and the men all rose for battle, he turned this key fully. The exact moment the shuttle doors dropped to the floor of the hanger was the exact moment when the door clicked open. The red light that served as his eyes shone anew as he followed them out, his darkness spreading out from him like the wings of some dark angel. He did not care who felt his dark presence within the diplomatic vessel, for if they did, they would not care for the effect. Chaldus used it as much as a warning shot as a heaving of a executioners axe.

"Find them." he commanded, his otherworldly voice and all of its ethereal haunting chilling to the bone. Chaldus knew the layout of this vessel from extensive studying prior to the assault. All of the Sith Lords were to memorize it, to make this raid and capture as quick as possible. No delay was to be had as his troopers thundered forward, splitting apart from Vaas and Vesperia's groups. He would assure no other way be used as escape for the Senators and their Jedi pets.

The lights of the ship reflected off his spike adorned armor as he drew his greatsaber and ignited the blade. The silver plasma exploded into existence as he came to a closed door, its controls blasted from this side. Clearly the Republic dogs did not want them coming through, but it was no longer their choice. With a great roar that hinted at a near century of restrained aggression, he swung the blade and cut deeply into the durasteel. In the follow up attack, he thrust his foot forward and with it, the Force. The door was blown backwards into the waiting embrace of armed Republic soldiers whom caught the shattered door in the worst possible ways.

[Dutch]

Levin stood with the others. Vreem ever silent and stoic. His presence was steady, solid and ready. A veteran, and their captain. Many around them tried to emulate him, their eyes looked to the Epicanthix as some ignited their lightsabers. Lev could sense apprehension and fear waft from Jedi and marine alike. From behind he heard Lieutenant Venar radio in commands as the barrels on his repeater began to whir faster and faster. It mingled with the humming of the Jedi's lightsabers, the low buzz occasionally broken up by the sound of a cough or a blaster being loaded with a fresh clip. Levin too looked to Vreem. But the man only stared forward. He turned to look back at the men and women behind him, grateful as a hatch opened to bring in more Republic marine's to help defend. His eyes would turn soft for a moment before he regained composure. Chances are very few of them would make it out alive. Levin inhaled slowly, and pulled the Force into him. He let it wash off his form in warm waves. Gentle and rolling. He spoke.

"There is no emotion, there is peace."

More marines joined in with their group. Diplomats and dignitaries fled towards and past them, each Jedi careful of where they pointed their lightsaber. He never really realized how many influential people were on the ship until their pallid faces passed. They were the worst off, their fear trailed and coiled around each and every one. Poison snakes that whispered doubts and death. And yet each one that passed seemed to relax a little bit more. Levin inhaled again, and pushed more of himself out into those around them. Positive, affirming sensations would begin to calm the Force around them.

"There is no ignorance, there is knowledge."

This time a couple Jedi joined in. Levin felt their presences begin to relax, and they too reached out in the Force. Their presences only solidified the aura of serenity about them. He heard the marines mixed among the Jedi shuffle and look around. Even those without the sensitivity to the Force could feel the air warm up, and quiet. Venar began to hum behind him. A low, baritone sound. An ancient song of valor from his people. Venar was a historian of his people, as well as a decorated hero of the Republic. His song had no words, it needed no words. It rose and fell, and Levin could feel the man's voice reverberate in his chest.

"There is no passion, there is serenity."

Even more joined in this time, Jedi and non-Jedi alike. Venar's song begin to pick up in treble and pace. The whirring of the barrels on his weapon gave the song a bit of an edge. Levin inhaled again, and pushed sensations of readiness and valor into them. Valor! Valor my brothers and sisters! seemed to whisper into all, wordless but the intention clear. A massive thud sounded in one of the lower levels. Levin's jaw set as he felt life after life begin to extinguish. He did his best not to let the sadness that followed each snuff effect him. Instead he drew the Force in even more and pushed out another wave of confidence and composure.

"There is no chaos, there is harmony."

Levin spoke, his own voice began to pick up in bass and treble. Many more spoke with him, their voices too sounded more stable and controlled. The Jedi that filled and blocked the hall would be able to see the golden light in the Force that poured forth from each other, more and more joining in as Lev continually pushed Force Valor outwards. Venar's ballad began to get more dramatic, with the occasional howl or hoot from other marines. The energy among them was palpable. A wall of light and camaraderie, ready to face down the dark tides that swept into the ship from below. More and more candles of life were ended, and closer and closer they got. Levin stepped forward to bring his lightsaber up in his one-handed Niman stance. The knuckles on his free hand cracked as he worked them and gathered the Force into himself now, steeling for battle.

"There is NO death. There is the Force "

He near bellowed, a vast majority of the men and women around them bellowed with him. Even Venar roared and bared his Togruta fangs, his face marked him as a man ready to face his destiny. Shouts of 'For the Republic!' sounded, from Jedi and marine alike. Levin took one more glance at Vreem. He lowered his stance and moved his free hand to grab his friend's bicep. Levin nodded to him, and looked back at the crowd behind the pair.

"We will follow you, Vreem Took. To whatever end. You give them confidence. You are their commander. Their shield. Their brother. With you at their side, they will come together as one and smite those that wish to harm the innocents. More importantly. The Force is with us, can you not feel it?"

Just then a massive bang resounded down the hall. Again. And again. The massive hatch that lead to the main bridge hall was thicker than most, harder to break through. But how could mere durasteel stand to the unbridled and untamed darkness that roared and clawed at it? Once more Levin took up his stance and pushed what he could spare out to those around him. The Sith were coming. There was no stopping that. Levin steeled himself, and let the Force flow through him. For the door was near its end, and the hall behind it full of terrors.

[Dire Wolf]

A storm of destruction and death raged around the silken clad woman as she walked through the hangar as one would take a stroll through a beautiful park. The acrid stench of atmosphere and thermite hung in the air as soldiers were struck down before her with a quick plasma bolt or the beam of a lightsaber. One such man managed to evade all of the fire sent his way with ease, and while there was a certain form of fury in his movements there was naught but serenity written on his face. A predatory grin pulled the woman's lips thin as his furious green blade rose above his head, and fell down towards her skull.

He meant to end the battle quickly. What a fool. Blue light erupted from the tip of the woman's staff just before it roared around to meet the yellow beam of plasma. The blades crackled and hissed as they met, and the distinct fetor of ozone burned the rim of her nostril shortly thereafter. The Jedi's blade became a storm of yellow light that was parried and redirected away from her body, and while he was quick it was apparent that her speed and skill surpassed his own. It didn't help that many people didn't quite know how to combat an enemy with such an unusual weapon as a spear.

Every single one of his attacks were met with either Vesperia's shimmering blade or the phrik-plated haft of her spear. Another overhead smash sent by the Jedi and a simple upwards block from the Sith had the two combatants locked in a contest of strength. This contest was ended quickly when Vesperia's knee slammed into the man's groin, and as he fell to his knees the butt of her spear smashed into the bottom of his chin. His jaw made a sickening crunch that the Sith Lady could feel through the spear, and it made her smile ever so slightly as he was all but thrown to his back. Before he could do so much as blink her spear was held up and ready to be sent through his heart should he try to move. Which was doubtful, thanks to the broken jaw.

"'Tis truly a shame, Jedi. You were strong. Stronger than the station you were satisfied with," though her words spoke of regret, there was none in her heart. Vesperia waited a moment for the Jedi to respond when she realized that his jaw was shattered, and flicked the spear forward. Her spear's blue blade hissed as it sunk into the man's chest, and his face tightened the instant that the weapon contacted his skin. Within seconds he was dead, and passed onto Jedi heaven, or the Force, or wherever the Jedi fools go when they die. Disappointment pervaded the woman's heart as took a moment to look at the fallen warrior. Most of her life had been spent wishing to test her power against the living gods known as Jedi. To so soundly defeat three, two of them at the same time, in such a short time caused her to wonder just how they had gained such notoriety.

Once the foolish man had passed on the furious azure blade withdrew from his chest and was held leisurely at her side. Most of the fighting had passed her and the Jedi during their brief albeit furious battle save for a few friendly assets that stood in awe. Her brow knit together and she motioned towards the sound of blaster discharges with the still-lit lightsaber spear.

"If your attention was so easily captured by that little spat," she flicked her head back to the dead jedi, "then I fear for the outcome of this battle. GO!"

Fury had begun to creep into the woman's voice by the end of her comment, and the Sith all but sprinted towards the combat after it. Vesperia did not, however. The Sith Lady walked with a certain amount of predatory grace in her stride. The sheen of perspiration caused her skin to shimmer slightly as she stalked underneath the light and around the bodies of fallen soldiers, not to mention a thick durasteel door that looked as if it was cloven asunder by some great beast. Chaldus, no doubt. Some still lived, though the republic soldiers quit their writhing as if she wouldn't sense the flickering light within their heart. One man didn't quit writhing in pain, however. Instead his hand leveled a pistol on the blue clad woman and pulled the trigger. He continued to do so until his blaster pistol's power cell was depleted.

Each blaster bit nothing but air as the woman casually evaded each of the blue streaks of plasma shot by the man's blaster. Adara had dodged each shot as if they flew towards her in slow motion. A wry smirk tugged at one corner of the woman's lips as she whirled around and approached the terrified man. His eyes were wide as dinner plates, and mouth left ajar ever so slightly. Those icy blue eyes darted down to the brown bar on his collar, and while she knew that this made him an officer she didn't know how junior or senior he was. No matter. She glanced down to the end of the hallway to see a blast door barring the entrance to the bridge, and the contingent of her underlings attempting to hack their way in. "The Force is a powerful ally, soldier, and a terrible foe. Tell me how to open that blast door and I shall ease your passing."

"I'd rather die, you Sith schutta," the twi'lek spat, "so you may as well just kill me slow."

A heavy sigh caused the woman's shoulders to deflate before she reached down and wrapped a single hand around the man's light green neck. Those icy blue orbs drifted shut as she called the Force into her muscles. A new warmth entered her muscles that allowed her to accomplish feats that far surpassed anything a normal woman could accomplish. Adara lifted the heavily armored man up off of the ground with ease, and noticed the bloody spot on his torso moments later. "Or... I could make your passing much more... of a spectacle. Which would you rather come to pass, cur?"

The man only looked as if he thought on the possibilities for a brief moment before a knife flashed towards Vesperia's chest. Her spear clattered to the ground and hand wrapped around the man's wrist within the blink of an eye. Her hand easily stopped the knife's blade and directed it back into the twi'lek's chest despite all of his strength. Adara cast him aside as if he was a piece of disgusting refuse she was forced to handle. The last words he heard before the candlelight of his life flickered out were, "weaklings like this are the reason why the republic will fall. Die now, dog. We shall get through the door despite your pitiful efforts to the contrary."

A sneer formed on the woman's face as she turned away and walked towards the blast door. A troupe of combat engineers had begun to rig explosives on the thick door. Idiotic. The overpressure would likely kill everyone on the level, including the senators that Vesperia had gone through all this trouble to apprehend. It was there that she saw the massive form of armor that was Darth Chaldus. "Engineers, save those explosives for a later date. Chaldus, I expected more from a pet of the Dark Lords," she was careful what she said while in earshot of Republic technology, "well? Go on, then. Force the door open, like the good mad dog that the Darths expect you to be."

Once the door was open a flurry of blaster bolts flew in through the hole, and the first row of Sith troopers was cut down. Vesperia found it easy enough to deflect the bolts, but the soldiers would find it more difficult. There was a brief pause in the fighting, and during it Vesperia saw a rather curious sight. There was a man with brilliant emerald eyes wreathed in silver, and his presence seemed to lighten the area around him. Another powerful presence reverberated through the Force, albeit this one was far less irritatingly bright.

"More Jedi to slay, I see. Devon, was it? And Cream? No... that wouldn't be your names. Unfortunately I don't keep track of you Jedi any more. You either "fall," die, or just evaporate from existence," she said with that detached apathy. Her own demeanor was very unlike the Sith that surrounded her. The stoicism of a Jedi and the presence of... nothing... was exuded from her. It wasn't that the Jedi couldn't sense her presence, but rather they simply couldn't sense the same form of darkness that enveloped her brethren. Though one thing was for certain: there was definitely no trace of light within her.

A blaster bolt discharged from one side to the other, which side fired first Vesperia couldn't say for certain, but the Sith Lady quickly followed it.

And so the last stand of the Jedi began.

[Apillis]

Fire fights were already erupting within the delegate vessel. Vaaz and the group of Spec Ops soldiers with her were swiftly making their way to the escape pods of the ship. But before she knew it, blast doors cut off their path through the halls of the ship. On the other side of the think blast doors Magdalena could perceive the movement of Republic soldiers.

Reaching for her hand-held holo-communicator she, the holographic image of one under Vesperia's command popped up, "Status.", she said more as a demand rather than an inquiry.

"The Jedi have sealed off the main entry to the bridge.", the little transparent blue image of the man in Vesperia's command informed her, "Are you sealed off, too?"

"Yes.", Magdalena replied calmly, "I'm near the escape pods."

"Careful. They're probably onto your movements, too."

"Yes. I sense some of their soldiery on the other side of the blast door.", Magdalena informed him.

"Do you need backup?"

"No. I can handle this.", Magdalena replied with a quiet confidence.

"Roger. I'll inform Lady Vesperia."

"Thank you.", replied Magdalena before cutting off communications with the man.

One of the Spec Ops soldiers with Magdalena stepped toward, "What's the plan, my lady?"

Magdalena rested an idle hand on her chin as she thought to herself for a moment while approaching the blast door sealing them off from their destination. The hand that rested on her chin she reached out with to the rest on the blast door. Gently resting her hand on the blast door, abruptly she pulled her hand back and struck the thick metal blast door with open hand delivering an immense telekinetic blow simultaneously to it. The blast door rumbled with the thunderous reverberation... but there was no harm to it. Yet Magdalena seemed unsurprised nor appear to mind.

That is because she did not mind in the least, for in a way it was like utilizing the Force as sonar. With her constant gaze into the Force by way of her heritage, she followed the wave of energy it sent through the blast door. By watching and seeing through the Force where that telekinetic wave of Force power traveled through the blast door, she observed where the place within the blast door would be to focus her energy to begin forcing the blast door open where it was weakest at its seal.

The young Sith Knight then turned to the small Spec Ops group under her command, "One of you has sniper training, yes?"

One of the men stepped forward, "My lady.", which was all the answer Magdalena needed.

"In a moment... this door will start to open.", she went on to explain, "The Republic soldiers on the other side of this blast door will clearly see that I am Sith. They will quickly try to line up shots through the narrow opening of the door as soon as its being forced open. I will need you to shoot them before they can shoot me. Understood?"

"My lady.", the soldier simply complied with a nod of his head.

Moving only a couple paces away from the blast door before turning to face it once again. Standing with her hands together as she focused her perceptions stretching them out as far as she was able--feeling out the dark shadows within the range of senses. And that darkness she pulled into herself channeling it through her our being to direct it at small point within seal of the blast doors where she perceived with her ethereal sight where it was weakest. At that weak point she expanded the energy she was focusing into it--using her telekinetic strength pry it open.

With a heavy shake and a rumble the thick blast door begun to creak as its seal split open just a little--just a bit. The moment it did the Spec Ops marksman stood just behind her with his rifle at the ready lining up his shots in preparation for a target to make the unfortunate mistake of stepping before his sights through the ever so narrow crack in the blast door as it begun to part open...

[Jenno]

(Seems that we're going to skip some slow/inactive folks again.)

Vreem stood painfully still as the darkness rolled towards them. He had no grand speech to share, no words of encouragement, he was not quite in the mood to be charismatic. It was as though he could not endure the waiting, he wished them here now, so that he could fight the creatures and save the men and women that stood behind him.

The Force radiated from Levin who began his steady soothing recital of the code. As a few more Jedi and even more troopers filled their ranks, their song of reassurance began to rise. But Vreem stood in front of it, and those few feet seemed to act like a barrier, though the real one rested in his mind. He felt the pressure of hope and courage hit his back, and before him crept darkness and fear. He was caught between them. Alone.

Lev reached out and took hold of his arm. It was like he was being dragged backwards into their light. The heavy thump against the doors ahead turned his attention back once more. It was almost open, the battle was upon them at last. The Jedi Lord rested a hand upon Lev's. "The Force is with us all, my friend," he responded with a soft smile. His hand fell away, the Force flowed through him. He would be their shield. He could feel two strong presences amongst the group ahead, he would move to prevent their participation in this fight as soon as he could.

The door blasted open, his blade shot forth, as did he. He blocked a few blaster shots aimed at him. During a brief moment of opportunity, he withdrew his blade, called upon the Force and lifted two Sith troopers up into the air, throwing them against the corridor's ceiling. As they dropped back down he could tell that they were at the very least unconscious and it was likely some of their bones were broken.

A brief pause as one of the Sith spoke, she was one of the stronger ones, but her words had little value to him. If she didn't really pay much attention to them then that could easily become her downfall. The moment passed and as Vreem rushed closer towards the two figures, another Sith rushed to meet him. What a young and twisted face. No doubt the boy knew who he was, had perhaps heard some tales of his combat with other members of the Order. He was young, inexperienced and foolish, no doubt he'd had a taste of power and thought he knew a great deal about it.

If they had crossed paths in a less hazardous environment then perhaps they would have been able to talk, maybe Vreem could have extended some wisdom, taught the boy and brought him away from the dark. But this was a battle, there was barely time to blink amidst the chaos and clamour. The only thing to be taught here was death, and the Jedi Master would deliver his lesson swiftly and efficiently. The Sith was much slower, Vreem thrust forward a jab to his chest, the boy knocked the blade down. Perfect. Vreem used the momentum and added it to it, slicing across the Sith's thigh, cutting through flesh. Instinctively the boy clutched the wound, wrapped his body close around it. Vreem had already jumped, the power of the Force guiding his movements and fuelling his body. Gracefully he moved, somersaulting over the boy, blade held above his head, slicing through the cradling Sith's exposed neck. Vreem landed and pushed forward, his foe was defeated, he did not want to look back.

There she was, the woman from before. He was the first to reach her, he would face her so that no other Jedi had to, so that they would not befall a bitter fate. His blade would be their shield. He shot a blast of the Force towards the Sith, seeking only to acquire her attention. He reaffirmed his Makashi stance and pointed his blade towards this new adversary. "I will be your opponent, Sith. Bring the burden of your darkness down upon me and I shall release you of it." He listened to the Force, ready for any attacks that might come his way.

[Dutch]

Levin was less than half a step behind Vreem as the Epicanthix lunged forward. With coat trailing behind him and silver blade raised he charged. And so it begins... Thought the man grimly. He let the Force control his movements as he nimbly blocked and returned several blaster shots. Levin's free hand would lance out just before arriving at the Sith, a blast of impossibly white light bursting forth to blind and disable many of the front line. With a grim expression the Healer cleaved into the group. He did not relish the feeling of lightsaber striking flesh, it sickened him in fact. But he knew there would be no peace this day, there would be no reasoning with the Sith. They were here for one thing and one thing only. Levin did his best to stay near Vreem, but as the two lines collided and death sang all around them, it was hard to keep track of him. Sadly, Lev had to relinquish part of his focus towards his brother. If he lost focus on himself, he would die, and if he died, it was likely many more would. The unfortunate truth of life as a Healer. Don't forget your path... Levin sent to Vreem just before losing connection with him. It was so difficult to maintain the Light among so much darkness.

A large Sith wielding two vibroswords leaped from the crowd towards him, the Trandoshan hissing with each swing of his weapons. Levin batted away strike after strike, with the occasional dodge tossed in to avoid a beheading. Yet for every strike blocked or dodged, too many close calls were had. His coat would begin to stain red in several places where the tips of the swords would meet flesh, superficial wounds that could be tended to later. He was not prepared as another Sith lifted a trooper with the Force to throw him at Lev. The Healer deactivated his lightsaber to not harm the trooper, and caught him in his arms in time to take a vicious hilt strike to his head. Levin and the trooper stumbled, the Trandoshan cleaving the soldier's head off before a scaled foot booted the Jedi in the stomach with impossible force. Lev grunted as he slammed into the nearby wall, and was shocked at the sudden burst of speed that sent the Trandoshan forward. The reptile's forearm caught under Levin's chin, and he pressed hard against his neck to strangle the Jedi.

Silver would shine as the lightsaber ignited, the blade hissing out the Trandoshan's back. He collapsed to the ground with the dead Sith, a burst of the Force pushing the corpse away. The Jedi had to quickly roll away as a couple blaster bolts peppered the wall where he had just been. The onslaught was non-stop, and the sounds of blasters and lightsabers alike were a staccato against the wails, screams and battle cries. Levin pulled the Force into him, and let it wash out in waves out to his allies and comrades to bolster them. The distraction lead to a Sith trooper getting a shot in at Lev, and as the Jedi rose to his feet a blaster bolt caught the man in the shoulder. He grunted at the hot pain of flesh searing, and spun away to avoid more orange bolts as they shot toward him. His eyes spotted a Padawan as he tried desperately to fight off a Marauder, her Master cut down before her a second ago. With a burst of the Force Levin shot forward to catch one of the staff-saber's blades. The Zabrak that wielded it snarled at Levin, curses spat in the Iridonian tongue.

"Silence, foul one."

Levin said in his even tone. His wrist relaxed into a Makashi stance for a moment, the silver blade lancing out twice to leave two smoking holes in the Zabrak's throat. He spun to block another red blade as it tried to fall upon the Padawan, Levin doing his best to handle the attacker one handed. The Padawan's presence ended suddenly next to him, a smoking hole left in her forehead as her body collapsed. His eyes flashed in pain at the sight and feeling of one so young ended, the momentary distraction leading the the red blade to impale his thigh. Levin pushed with his good leg to move away, but a Force push from the attacker did the job for him. The Healer's lightsaber would switch off so he didn't harm anyone by accident. He gathered the Force into him as he tumbled across the metal floor, letting its energies flow through out his body. The human who had sent Lev flying leaped forward to pursue him, only to stop as he landed. The Jedi rose to his feet, eyes locked onto the Sith as his wounds sealed before the Sith's eyes. The final cut on Lev's forehead healed, and his lightsaber ignited once more.

"You can not harm me."

His words were not egotistical, no hint of pride was held in his tone. Yet the Sith spat and charged forward with a roar of anger, only for Levin to sidestep his attack and remove the man's hands at the wrist. Another swipe took the man's head from his shoulders. As his eyes looked out at the crowded hall, it became apparent that the Jedi and their allies were losing the fight. The smell of seared flesh and dead bodies choked the air, and all around the screams and cries of the dying could be heard. Levin did what he could to push his Valor out for his comrades, washing warm waves of confidence outwards. Yet more attention was received for that act, and not the kind he prefered. In an ideal setting, Lev would focus more on healing the wounded. But in a battlefield as narrow as a ship's hall, where did one find reprieve to aid the fallen?