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Post by Shaman Anaxilea on Mar 3, 2013 8:09:21 GMT -8
Dubrillion was located in the Outer Rim Territories near Dantooine and Muunilinst.
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 594
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Apr 4, 2016 4:28:49 GMT -8
The collosal warship known as The Resurgence, the first of the Resurgent-clas Star Destroyer's and the mobile headquarters of the Knights of Ren, dropped forth from hyperspace above Dubrillion and took its position in orbit. Following the First Order's victory at Csilla, Harnan Ren had ordered the ship's departure from the Chiss homeworld and plotted a course for Dubrillion, one of the First Order's outer most holdings on its eastern edge. They were still within a few days travel of Muunilinst, but more importantly, they were positioned nicely for any impending expansion that Nicademus might make upon the First Order's Eastern Front. But such facts were merely added benefits, merely a cover for the real reason that Harnan had chosen this remote world for The Resurgence to come to, for the Knight of Ren had his own agenda.
Once the Unknown Regions campaign had begun after Nirauan, Harnan had thrown himself into the thick of it, traversing from one battlefield to the next, leading the First Legion into the charge. A lot had happened since the Knights of Ren had allied themselves with the First Order, from the revelations upon Deralia, to the confession he had forced out of Illaria in front of Soku, and finally culminating in his meeting with the Master of the Knights before the Nirauan Campaign. He had been shattered on Deralia, reduced to little more than what few pieces held themselves together when Illaria had revealed she still loved him, and that she would not kill him. He had spent the intervening time piecing himself back together, forming some semblance of his former self, but there was still some work to go, and that could only be achieved by finally facing Illaria, come what may.
But that was not all that needed to be achieved here, but certainly the most important Harnan thought to himself as he sat cross legged within the meditation chamber. He was deep in meditation, as parts of a new lightsaber staff floated around him, since he had lost his old one upon the Chiss flagship over Csilla, and the only other one he had, was a relic of his past and would remain locked away where it was. He had briefly considered retrieving it, but he knew Illaria would object, and so, he had spent the past couple days travel meditating upon the pieces of his new spear. Thankfully he had kept a spare saber crystal and various parts to form a new lightsaber or lightsaber spear laying around, on the off chance he, or one of the other Knights of Ren might need them. Sensing the time was right, Harnan focused upon assembling the parts, each piece slotting into its appropriate place in mid air, affected by the force, as first the tip of the spear came together, before the main body snapped together and locked into place.
Harnan opened his eyes and reached out with his right hand, grabbing a hold of the spear, before examining the finished piece briefly as he used it to rise to his feet. He then activated the blade, sending forth a crimson blade which sent forth a reverberating hum within the small room, before it was deactivated and Harnan exited the chamber, making his way out into his personal quarters. But he did not stop for long, as he placed the new spear with his armour, before dropping by the refresher to take a quick shower and get a change of clothes, donning a pair of simple pants and a singlet. Exiting the chambes, he made his way through the empty corridors, having declared the area off limits for the time being, and stopped outside the door of Illaria's chambers. He paused a moment, taking a deep breath, before he gave a knock upon the door, and waited for a response, not sure what Illaria would be up to right now, but he could sense her presence within Illaria... it's me... It wasn't exactly like he really needed to announce himself, after all, she would have likely already sensed his presence when he had walked down the corridor and arrived to her door, but he had felt the urge to say something. He really had no idea how any of this was going to go down, sure, she had no immediately rebuked him upon Csilla, but the situation had been a lot different then, to what it was now. He would just have to wait and see what happened
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Illaria Ren
Member
Posts: 81
Affiliation: The Knights of Ren
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Post by Illaria Ren on Apr 5, 2016 19:02:52 GMT -8
Time flowed like duracrete. Illaria checked her wrist comlink for about the hundredth time in the past few minutes before resuming her current activities. Approximately two minutes had passed since the last time she checked the time about an hour ago, or so it seemed. The Shapeshifter had cleared the eating table near the kitchenette in her quarters with one swipe of her hand and was now laying atop it. Arranged across the length of the table, Illaria rested on her back with her upper torso hanging off the end, so that she was positioned upside-down. Hanging there with nothing to stare at but the onyx-coloured wall was an excruciatingly dull way to pass the time. Reaching over, she picks up one of the books from the many piles that surrounded her. If she was going to be stuck here on the Resurgence with nothing to do until new orders came through, she figured she might as well do some research to see if she could yet reach a conclusion on this newest development in her life.
Illaria felt Harnan's presence long before she heard the knock on her door. She knew why he was here, or at least she thought she did. Quite frankly, she was out of words for him and had nothing left to say to him. Waiting a few seconds, she reached up and rubbed the bridge of her nose. It would do no good to continue hiding in her quarters for he would speak to her eventually, whether she wanted it or not. May as well play the willing participant, she mused to herself. “Come in! It should be unlocked.” She called out before resuming her reading. The Shapeshifter did not move a muscle, continuing to hang upside down off her dining room table as she waited for Harnan to enter her quarters. No longer dressed in her usual electrum-hued combat armour, the Knight had opted for a pair of long flowing robes of black shadowsilk, trimmed and accented in vermillion-dyed nanosilk, with a thick belt sitting high on her waist. It was also abundantly clear that she had discarded her Firrerreo form for that of a pale-skinned human, much less lean and more curvy than her previous choice. Her sable hair hung down and pooled on the floor as her azure eyes rapidly scanned whatever was holding her attention so intently.
As Harnan would have walked in, he would be able to see that in her hands was what appeared to be a book – an obsolete, physical means of storing information on printed pages of paper. The outer covering of the book was worn and the title faded, but it was still easy to make out. Genome: The Autobiography of the Shi’ido. Several other books were scattered across the tiled floor of her eating area, right around where her head now hovered above the floor. The Biology of the Shi’ido. Human Genetics. Mapping Human History. Encyclopedia of Genetics. The Origins of Genome Architecture. Genetic Maps and Cross-Species Compatibility. Haphazardly piled amongst the books were sheets of paper with neatly detailed notes, penciled in Illaria’s own hand. Pushing her tongue out between her lips in concentration and tapping her pen against the back of the book, it was clear she was engrossed with whatever it was she was reading. Illaria would not have even hazarded Harnan a glance as he walked in, either.
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 594
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Apr 5, 2016 21:55:46 GMT -8
Harnan felt some relief as he heard Illaria invite him in, before he proceeded to enter. His gaze quickly settled upon the Lady Ren as she hung upside down upon the edge of the dining table. As far as positions he had walked in on her in before, this was quite tame considering she was actually dressed. No, it was her choice of reading material that caught his attention. He had to tilt his head ever so slightly to make out her current book, before his gaze drifted across the pile of books and note sheets that littered the floor. All too often Harnan had found Illaria studying like this before a mission. But judging by some of the titles and open pages he caught a glimpse of, he was certain this was a little more personal. The set up was a little too intricate for this to merely be her trying to get a reaction from him. Which begged the question, why was she looking into such things. One immediate thought came to mind, stemming from when he had questioned her ability to have a child with Nicademus and the effect it would have on the man's feelings for her. Was that it, was she trying to figure out if it was possible to conceive a child with the man.
Before such thoughts could build up too much, Harnan shook his head, clearing his mind of such concerns for now. It was then, that his gaze drifted across Illaria's current form. It was one he had never seen before, but whether it was new or one from many years ago, he was uncertain. But it was certainly eye-catching to say the least, and her choice of clothing made it all he more so. No matter what form she took, all of which were captivating, he could always sense her at the heart of each of them. Her fire for life, her innocence, her ability to see that which no other could. The Scions of Zakuul were the only other people that Harnan knew of that shared her unique skill. But even then, she far outclassed them. As he took a step closer, he could tell that her attention was not going to stray from her book unless he did something to get it.
Suffice to say, her attitude towards him was not wholly unexpected, nor unwarranted for that matter. Since their trip to Deralia, he had made a number of mistakes and incurred her dislike with good reason. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed a chair from nearby and set it down where he had been standing just moments ago. As he sat down, he took a moment to look at Illaria deep within her study. He could not remember a time when he had ever let things get out of hand with anyone, let alone with Illaria. This whole experience was something new for him, at least in so far as being the one to have to apologise. But he knew he could not back out of this situation now, especially considering how close he was to resolving this I... I'm really out of my element here Illaria... I... Harnan shook his head, letting out a sigh as he leaned forward, his elbows resting against his legs as he pressed his hands together. He took a moment to calm his thoughts, gathering them together again and ordering them as best he could Ten years we've worked together, fought togther, and not once did I fail you in all that time. I stood at your side, knowing that you would never lead me astray... And then I had a moment of weakness, I doubted your ability... and like that, I found myself on the verge of losing the most important person I have ever met. And as hard as it is for me to admit... I messed up. I put the feelings I had for you, before the oath I had sworn to you... His gaze dropped from her down to the floor in that moment, not looking at anything in particular as he went on I don't want to leave things like they are between us. I can't... no. I don't want to lose the one friendship that I have left in this universe... He almost stopped there, but something within him urged him on. That spark of hope that had kept him together, the one part of him that she had left intact, drove him on, as he lifted his gaze back to her I spent a lot of time away from you, and not just because I was ordered to aide the campaigns. I needed time to reflect upon everything, to take stock of what I had wrought... I came to a lot of realizations... All too often of late, I thought it was you who needed me, but that isn't true. Despite your questionable judgement at times, you don't need me... not really. You are more than capable of doing great things on your own. Hell, you did so for almost three hundred years before I came along... No, it is me, that needs you.... I am a man out of my own time, thrust into a future that I could barely imagine, and you are the one thing anchoring me here. And I have taken that for granted. I fell in love with you, and tried to become something that I can never be. Not in this life anyway... Perhaps if we had met in my former life, I could have been what you needed. But that is something I cannot do in this life, because my will is enslaved to you. For better or worse. And you cannot be with someone who serves you... He paused a moment, intertwining his fingers to lock his hands together. If this hadn't gotten her attention yet, he really did not know what would And as such, I will do better, provided you give me the chance to prove it. After all, it is up to you to decide what happens next, considering my actions... I want to make this right Illaria...
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Illaria Ren
Member
Posts: 81
Affiliation: The Knights of Ren
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Post by Illaria Ren on Jun 2, 2016 11:30:58 GMT -8
The guilt came back to haunt her as it so often did, the ghosts of words she should have never spoken on Deralia or even in the Tower of the Knights of Ren following. After all this time, the memories still stung, but their visits were less frequent and shorter in duration. Illaria had always thought of forgiveness as a weakness, but she was quickly finding out just how wrong she was. It took everything she had to put down the book that she had been reading and actually listen to Harnan without outright dismissing him. Forgiveness absolutely was not a tool of the weak. It took a strong person to forgive. Was she still angry with Harnan for the things he said on Deralia? For the things he made her say? No. But she was bitter. That was almost worse. Anger was something that was over rather fast, but bitterness, it lasts.
In the half-light of her quarters, she turns her head and watches him silently with inquisitive eyes of sapphire blue. After a moment, the Shapeshifter reaches down and plucks a scrap piece of flimsi off the floor, tucking it away in the crease of her book before closing it. Before long, she places her book on a nearby counter and springs off the table. The obsidian tile is cool on her bare feet as she pads around the side of the table to come stand before him, her footsteps so light that her approach is noiseless. The Shapeshifter was not sure this was a conversation she wished to continue just now, not because she was being obstinate or attempting to avoid it. Instead, she was uncertain as to whether it was a conversation that should even be had. This was one of those things that had the potential to disrupt the balance of everything and it was quite possible that she had already said far too much on Deralia.
At first it appears as if she is going to say something, but instead, the Lady Ren merely stoops down to pick up a haphazardly tossed pile of flimsi cards before wandering back into the kitchen to spread them across one of the nearby counters. With her back to Harnan now, Illaria just does the unexpected – unhooking the belt around her waist and dropping her robes to her hips before turning and climbing back onto the dining table. Turning so that she is on her stomach, she crooks a finger at Harnan. “Rub the knots from my back while I think.” She requests, though it is not in her usual airy, singsong voice. She is more serious and as she turns her head to regard him, it is clear that she is mulling his words over, evident by the look of concentration upon her face.
Sapphire eyes gaze upon him from beneath curls of sable hair as she bares her back to him. She had also bared quite a bit more only seconds ago, but this was not uncommon in their dealings with one another, so was unlikely to provoke much on either of their parts. As it were, she was attempting to distract him and pull him away from the hazard that had become her kitchen. She knew he had seen what she was researching, but she did not wish to tempt him to ask any further questions. “What guarantees do I have that you will not fall prey to your weaknesses again? That you will not doubt me again? That you do not doubt me still?” She questions him honestly, looking him in the eye. There was no guarantee, Illaria knew that, but she was also curious to hear his answer. There is a long pause before she speaks again, but when she does, there is a bit of her old amusement in her voice. “I do not think you can make me any guarantees…I think it is a dangerous line you walk between holding back and acting upon your feelings for me.”
Looking at him suggestively, the Shapeshifter almost appears to shrug as she folds her arms beneath her chest and rests her chin upon them. It is then with this admission that she begins to look more like the shadow she has become, her words altering the perception of self she presents to the world – it is as if her façade finally crumbles before Harnan. To be allowed to see such a thing, to be allowed to bear witness to the rawness of her internal struggle – it is a privilege. Eyes tired and lips drawn, she watches him quietly, isolated in her own little world filled with little else more fulfilling than the research she was currently conducting. Right now, she is torn. Torn between ensuring that the things she has seen in the darkening of the days do not come to pass and wanting to help her best friend understand why things must be the way they are. It is a constant internal struggle to maintain such a balance between all of these different variables while simultaneously trying to juggle the complexities of these multi-faceted relationships she seemed to develop with people.
Illaria has never felt more done with everything in her life and it shows. A part of her still smolders with the dying embers of her fury toward Harnan, but she cannot seem to summon the energy to act upon it. “Shall I worship you with my mouth? Will that make you feel better? Will that make everything right?” It is a bit somber of a joke and its delivery is less than enthusiastic, but the sarcasm is refreshing to her. “Or would you rather return to your place in my bed? I must warn you it is getting a bit crowded in there, though.” She pauses in mid-thought, her lips curling up in a smile that foretells the troublesome thoughts cartwheeling through her head and it is clear now that she is merely pushing Harnan’s buttons to sate her own childish needs. “Oh…” Illaria mockingly gasps, her eyes twinkling with mirth. “You would not want him to know if you were banging me on the side, would you?”
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 594
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Jun 3, 2016 0:16:34 GMT -8
He could tell almost immediately that he had garnered her full attention. He watched her intently, as she removed herself from the table and moved the few feet to just in front of him. He expected - in fact he hoped- that she would say something. But Illaria remained silent as she grabbed the flimsi and deposited them on a counter back in the kitchen. Her every movement entranced him, even more so than usual thanks to her newest chosen form. It was then, that undid her robes down to her waist. He swallowed hard in that moment, as he admired her latest physique bereft of any clothing. She was certainly larger than he remembered her being, not that he was complaining.
As she laid back upon the table, presenting her bare back for him and asked for a massage, he knew it would not do any good to try and protest. Not that he intended to decline such an offer. He rose from the seat, careful not to tread upon any number of the books and flimsi scattered about the floor. It was strange to see Illaria so serious. He knew that look from her, and even if the face was new, her expressions remained the same. It was almost too cruel what she was doing to him right now as he met her sapphire gaze. In comparison to her gaze, which drew men in, his own deep-auburn eyes spoke only of death. It was then that he stood beside the table, and his rough hands rested upon her yielding back. Without any further prompt, and using the force to sense where the tension was the most pent up, he ran his hands across her back.
Looking at him, you'd never be able to tell that Harnan was a rather adept masseur. But it was one of his more hidden talents, reserved only for Illaria. It was only due to their years together, that Harnan was able to detect such discrepancies within her, and set his hands to their work of massaging out the knots. He returned his gaze to hers, as she asked him guarantee's he might give her, that he would not falter again. There was no guarantee he could ever give her, no solid piece of evidence to swear by ever again. His one mistake had undone years of trust between the pair, and she knew it You know as well as I do, that there is no guarantee that I could ever give you that you would believe. I gave up that ability, when I failed you... And if I do doubt you still, it is only because I sense there is still something you are not telling me... I know you better than anyone Illaria, and I should have asked you about it on Deralia... I was a fool for ignoring it then... And I have no right to ask you to explain it to me, what ever it is. And what would you have me do? Would you rather I solely acted upon my feelings? It was then, that his hands drifted around the contours of her chest, resting just shy of her breasts. It took all his will power to not move them any further around her chest. He held her gaze then, before moving his hands attentions to her back again. It is then, that he notices the shift within her. He rarely glimpsed this side of her, and it was not something he took for granted. He then extends out his presence within the force, wrapping it around her. She always had a way of drawing out the gentle side of him, no matter what was going on around them. He continued his ministrations upon her back, even as she spoke again. He could sense the tiredness within her voice, which soon disappeared some what as she went on.
He could tell she was starting to revert to her more immature nature. In some respects, he was glad that she was able to cheer herself up from just moments ago. But, her choice of wording was far from what he would have prefered. He let out a sigh as she jested. He didn't really expect anything better from her, if he was honest. She tried hard, and he was rather impressed that she had maintained a serious attitude for as long as she had. He then moved his hands down to her lower back then, keeping his concentration least he fall for her bait. Though, even as it was, he was certain she had already captured him I don't know Illaria, would it make everything right? Do you honestly think yourself capable of banging me on the side? Especially after all of this? But perhaps you are right, and we should throw all caution to the wind, since the situation is already dangerous... Is that what the Lady Ren would prefer? His hands started to drift lower down her back, threatening to pass across her posterior. Not once did he break his gaze with her as he stopped just short. The feel of her lithe form beneath his rugged grasp was almost too much. It was by some unknown strength that he stopped himself going any further No... That is not what you truly want, is it? Though, I won't deny that I would not hesitate if you said yes... But would it make you happy? My life is always going to be dangerous, whether I tread that line or not... But whether I cross it again, is all dependant upon whether it would make you happy... and whether you could live with the consequences. You said yourself, once before, that if we tread that path, it would result in my death... undoubtedly a lot sooner than if we did not... He then shifted his hands once more, moving them up her back again. A glint of temptation would have been quite evident to her before he moved his hands once more If you truly seek some thing to grasp onto, to begin to trust me again, then consider this: I could have easily ended my life when you refused to... But I didn't. I knew what it would do to you. It is the one precept I could never break...
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Illaria Ren
Member
Posts: 81
Affiliation: The Knights of Ren
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Post by Illaria Ren on Jul 17, 2016 20:03:15 GMT -8
Illaria let her breath out slowly, her tense muscles relaxing beneath Harnan’s touch. There was only so much she could take before she needed to unburden herself, and between Nicademus and Harnan – she needed this brief escape. “There is plenty I do not tell you, Harnan.” Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath before continuing. “It does no good to dwell upon the things that I see. I learned that many years ago.” And she left it at that. It was clear that she was never going to even so much as give him a hint pertaining to the things she had seen. Too often in her younger years had she told people of the things she saw in store for them. Years were wasted chasing dreams that never came true or trying to head off an unfortunate event that just occurred anyways. It never did any good to tell anyone their future, for they would spend all their time focusing on that which might never happen and forget to live. Ever in motion the future is, she remembered one of her previous Masters admonishing her.
Gazing at Harnan over her shoulder, sapphire eyes connecting with his own, she inhales sharply as his hands drift across her skin to places it was perhaps inappropriate for him to explore now. His Force presence enveloping her, she hides everything currently careening through her head. Her mind was filled with such complexities and from them, probabilities and eventualities pertaining the glimpses of possible futures to which she had borne witness. Not even she could navigate it, much less he, but all the same – he would lose his mind trying to understand hers. She is like a paradox, predictable in her unpredictability for the Shapeshifter was not usually one to hide things from him.
“No.” It was such a simple phrase Illaria uttered in response to his questioning whether she was capable of being with him while she was also with Nicademus. She would not deny it, if she was with anyone other than the Supreme Commander then she probably would have succumbed to her carnal desires, but her feelings for him held her in check. “It would make nothing right. It would all be wrong…..but everything is already all wrong.” She remarked cryptically, drawing her gaze away from him at this point. Illaria could not even look Harnan in the eyes when next she spoke and that was perhaps due to the current positioning of his hands as they drifted down her lower back. “I would prefer things to be simpler. To be able to live with the consequences.” She muttered, her eyes drifting out of focus as she looked out in front of her, no longer perceiving that which she was seeing. “No. It is not what I want. I am happy with Nic and I do not want to lose you.” Her words told him one thing, but the reaction of her body to his touch would tell an entirely different story. Though, it was never something she would ever admit to anyone or even allow herself to consider while she was currently so attached to Nicademus.
Her lips bear the semblance of a smile, just enough to give hint to the fact that she is enjoying her current thoughts. And just like that, she began to relax once more beneath his ministrations. If she closed her eyes, Illaria could almost hear nothing but the sweet melody of the Force as it surrounded her in its embrace. She could almost block out the ever-persistent whine of the oxygen scrubbers as they pumped recycled air in and out of her living space. The hum of the Resurgence’s ion engines as they maintained orbit. It was almost loud with the sheer amount of personnel required to keep their ship operational and she could hear the droning of their life force as they went about their day. The Force did not care for seconds or minutes, even hours were inconsequential. However, time was measured in the cycle of light and darkness. There was nothing noisy about it, yet the currents of the Force still possessed sound.
At this, the Shapeshifter looks back at Harnan and shrugs his hands from her back then sits up to face him. In the end, it is her eyes that betray her. They had always had that otherworldly look about them – reflecting the light around her, no matter how dim the settings. That look of otherness, of eyes that see things much too far, and of thoughts that wandered off the edge of the galaxy. She had always had that about her, her eyes were sharp yet conveyed a gentleness, a sadness almost. She was constantly in turmoil, experiencing a pain much deeper than anyone could sooth. It was clear that she was being torn apart, and now it had begun to manifest into reality. In these rare moments of silence, it was clear that these many years in service of the Knights of Ren had affected her. Those many years, most of them beautiful, but some of them brutal.
Without warning, Illaria jumps off the table, wrapping her arms around Harnan’s waist and resting her cheek against his chest. For a long while, she remains there in silence, holding him in a tight hug. And when she finally does speak, it is not in a voice that he is used to hearing. It is gentler than expected, soft and heartfelt. “Thank you for not forcing me to live with that burden.” She whispers then slowly looks up at the Knight for further reassurance.
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 594
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Jul 18, 2016 5:16:54 GMT -8
He could feel her body at odds with her feelings. But that was only natural. He always knew how to elicit a reaction from her body, but her heart had always remained beyond his reach. Even after ten years, it was the one thing that eluded him more than anything else. And if he was honest, he cared to know more about it, than what ever she was not telling him. The universe be damned, if only he could capture her heart for his own. But it was not to be, not in this life time.
He straightened up as she shrugged his hands off her and sat up facing him. And like that, he was almost entirely transported back to that day almost ten years ago. He could remember it as vividly as if it had happened yesterday. Standing resolute as he was placed into the cryo pod. He had faced his captors, and when he was freed he would face them again. Back then, it had seemed all so simple and shiny and new.
But the millennia passed by, his friends and family all passed on. But he was left to the prison within his own dreams. By the time he awoke, the world had lost its shine. He could remember gasping for breath as he looked out through the aged glass. The sound of the seal cracking. The feel of the stale air as it touched his skin for the first time in thousands of years. And there, standing before him, was a woman he had never laid eyes upon before. She enchanted him, drew him into her gaze. Never before had he seen anything so beautiful and precious within the galaxy. All of the riches and power of the Eternal Empire paled in comparison to the pair of captivating orbs that stared out at him.
She had captured his heart in that moment. It was that fact alone that allowed him to take the blow that was delivered to him. That every thing, and one, that he had known was gone. But she had helped him to cling on, to continue his struggle through the mortal realm. As he was yanked back to reality, her eyes were little different to back then. He prided himself on that fact.
He was then taken aback as she hoped off the table and hugged him. Her arms wrapping around his waist, as her cheek pressed into his chest. He looked down at her for a moment, before wrapping his own arms around her, his right hand resting upon her head. His heart dropped as she spoke, her words and tone catching him a little off guard. He moved his right hand from her head as she looked up at him. His expression softened, as he cupped her right cheek with his hand, before leaning down slightly to kiss her forehead. He stayed like that for a moment, his lips pressed against her forehead, before he pulled back. His gaze meeting hers once more I will never force you to shoulder such a burden. I know what your death would do and mean to me... Just remember, that so long as I draw breath, I will continue to shoulder any burden that you give me. I will help you through anything, to the best of my ability... In fact, it's one of the reasons we're out here. So that I can help you... and train you to be stronger. So that you can deal with all this bloodshed...
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Illaria Ren
Member
Posts: 81
Affiliation: The Knights of Ren
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Post by Illaria Ren on Jul 18, 2016 18:55:58 GMT -8
A couple hours later, the two Knights of Ren found themselves on the Resurgence’s training deck. Much like Harnan had promised Illaria in their previous conversation, he had brought her here to help her overcome the weakness in her they had discovered over Csilla. It was both a blessing and a curse to feel everything so very deeply. On Csilla, it had prevented the Knight of Ren from participating in the fleet skirmish with the Ascendancy – it had rendered her useless and weak. What she did not yet realize was that feeling was not a weakness when those that surrounded her remained numb to life. It takes courage to feel so deeply in a world this incredibly cruel. Every word, every action, every energy – it resonated through her body like the vibration through tectonic plates. The purpose of this training session was not to render her senses blind, but rather to help the Shapeshifter shield herself from events that were unnecessary to experience so deeply at any given time. To become numb to the wondrous universe that surrounded her, it would destroy Illaria. But to feel everything at once crushed her beneath the weight of a century. She was not sure which was worse; to drown within the currents of the Force or dying from the thirst.
It was a training room like any other Illaria had seen on the vast majority of capital ships she had been on recently. No matter how many times these Imperial Star Destroyers were redesigned, they all appeared the same to her. Granted, many of the more classic models she had seen over her lifetime had been gradually phased out of the First Order’s service, however, Resurgence’s training deck remained marginally similar in nearly every aspect. It was the same dull Imperial grey lacquer fused with heat-resistant obsidian tiling. Except Resurgence, being one of the newer command ships in circulation, had been aesthetically updated to contain traces of haematic hues reminiscent the emblem of the First Order.
The combat simulation arena, in which Illaria and Harnan now stand, dominates a large majority of the space allotted to the training center and is characterized by a series of walled off rooms sunken in the middle of an observational platform. Each simulation room is comprised of four walls with a smooth metal floor. Sterile, cold, and empty, this is where battlefield simulations evolve from mere augmentations of reality into vast, detailed worlds populated by enemy forces and tangible combat objectives. Observation windows line the upper level of each substantially sized simulation room, with at least fifty others occupying the space. Each room is capable of running independent simulations simultaneously or functioning in a linked capacity in which multiple squads of soldiers are able to interact with one another despite the separation between rooms. These multiforce battles facilitate engagements within a larger tactical context – assaults in which full air support, advancing armoured vehicles, and even orbital bombardment from capital ships could be simulated across the boundaries of each room.
Stepping into the center of the room, Illaria discarded the zeyd-cloth mantle that had become a mainstay of her dress, revealing the skin-tight robes beneath. Paneled in crimson and onyx, the sleeveless tunic was belted at her waist, terminating in two tabards that hung no lower than her knees. Dark leather boots rose to her knees over a pair of black leggings. Turning her head to regard Harnan, the Shapeshifter gathered her hair from over her shoulder, spilling down her chest in a stream of sable as she ran her fingers through it and began to twist it into a braid. Molten eyes of glinting sapphire leveled on the other Knight of Ren, her lips pursed in concentration as she ties off her hair before finally speaking. “I have a confession to make.” She says with a mischievous grin. “I am not a very good student.” Twirling a loose strand of hair around her finger, she bites her lower lip while maintaining eye contact, clearly teasing him. “I do not think you can handle teaching me anything.” It was ironic, for she was usually the one teaching him something. Not the other way around. She continues grinning at Harnan. “I break all the rules. And I never listen….I am intractably stubborn and do not like to concede defeat.” The Shapeshifter smiles a bit sweeter at him this time, batting her eyelashes as she teases him. “What are you going to do with me?”
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 594
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Jul 18, 2016 20:33:29 GMT -8
As Harnan set foot in the training arena, he was still somewhat impressed by how far things had progressed. He could still remember the days he spent training back on Zakuul, and even when he had started his training with Illaria. There were none of these controlled situations. It was always a live environment. If you died, you died. There was no reset button. Injuries meant you spent a few weeks in the medical bay, before going at it again.
That wasn't to say he didn't appreciate the freedom this technology gave. After all, it would have made Illaria's training a much more lengthy situation. This way, he could simulate various battle conditions and situations without having to travel to far off locations to do it.
As Illaria discarded some of her own clothes, Harnan followed suit. He tossed aside his own singlet, leaving him in only a pair of loose shorts and the leather boots he had worn on Deralia. It left him rather exposed, but for some of the training he had in mind, he needed the freedom of movement. His gaze then settled on Illaria as she braided her hair, taking her in for a moment. His attention was soon drawn up to meet her gaze as she spoke, whilst he did a couple of stretches to loosen the tension that had built up. Though, there was a certain tension that her teasing only served to exacerbate. He shook his head a couple times as he started to walk around her, maintaining eye contact Oh, believe me, I know you are a terrible student. Remember, you taught me a lot of what I know. In fact, your rule breaking is the reason I was left at your side... He smirked as he continued to move around her, forcing her to turn and follow him as he stretched out his muscles. If she wanted to tease and flirt, then he could just as easily play that game. He knew how to get through to her, even if she didn't want to admit it. So he reached out, running her braid through his hand for a few seconds as he continued to circle her I assure you, I can handle teaching you a lesson or two. If all else fails, I am sure I can come up with an appropriate punishment to motivate you... How about we make a game of this. Winner takes all. If you can best me, you can do what ever you like... He let the last of the braid slip through his hand, as he moved a little closer. he stood right up close to her, leaning his head in close to her ear as his grin widened. His voice took on a hushed tone as he spoke next But if I win, I can do what ever I want... Without waiting for a reply, he moved back a couple feet and raised his hand, focusing in upon the force as he closed his eyes. Although he was no great magician like Illaria, he was more than adept at invading anothers mind if he took them by surprise. And right in that moment, he was certain she would be more unprepared than usual for his invasion
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Illaria Ren
Member
Posts: 81
Affiliation: The Knights of Ren
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Post by Illaria Ren on Jul 28, 2016 10:56:24 GMT -8
Illaria bit the edge of her lower lip, the corners of her lips fighting a smile. It was a hopeless attempt to keep her creeping grin at bay. The intention behind the smile she fought was not something that could be easily perceived, nor was it something that could be known with a high degree of certainty. Thus, it was always better to be prepared and hope for the best when such an expression stole across her features. Harnan’s smirk and casual mention of her rule breaking – the cause of her need for his supervision – was enough to strengthen anyone’s resolve to remain aloof around her. Her exuberance for trouble was like a contagion, much like the grin that currently adorned her amaranthine-stained lips.
“Yes, yes. Of course.” The Shapeshifter remarks with a playful roll of her eyes. “I need you to be my babysitter because the Master does not trust me to behave myself.” With the click of her tongue in a tsking manner, a noise of impatience and annoyance, she snatches the length of her braid from Harnan’s hand as it slips through his fingers. Returning it to hang over her shoulder, Illaria turns her body to follow the other Knight’s movements.
Twirling the end of her braid around her fingers, Illaria pretends not to notice Harnan in the way that she always does when she gets annoyed. Perhaps he will simply go away if she ignored him long enough. Alas, that was merely wishful thinking. He had been tasked, by the Master no doubt, with teaching her this lesson and while she knew it was for her own good, Illaria still bristled at the thought that such a short-lived creature might actually have something to teach her. Inwardly, she admonishes herself for such pride, knowing the Master or Harnan would do the same were she ever to voice such thoughts aloud. Outwardly, she appears to shrink in form and presence as she considers the Knight’s proposal, squirming away from him as he leaned his head in close to her ear.
It sent a shiver down her spine that caused her hair to raise on end and skin to erupt in goosebumps. And when she went to return fire by jabbing Harnan in the ribs for getting so close to her and provoking such a reaction, she found herself assaulted by some of the most intense pain she had ever had the displeasure of experiencing. In a way, it was a familiar pain to the Shapeshifter. The pain of her mind being forcibly invaded. However, the difference was in whom was actually invading her mind. This was a duller pain than the brutal and careless prodding of the Master’s intrusions, but it was still enough to send her to her knees and cause her to cry out.
The Shapeshifter’s hand shot to her temple, violently gripping her hair, fingers wrapping around the contours of her skull as she felt Harnan entering her mind.
The water felt cool as it lapped against her heated skin. Sinking down into the clear water, it blocked out all of the sounds of the Resurgence around her. Tense muscles relaxed as she leaned her head back against the cold stone lip of the bathtub and closed her eyes. Exhaling softly, the images came unbidden at first as she saw herself during the first time she allowed the Supreme Commander to bed her. Illaria flushed, her cheeks quickly becoming heated at such sensual thoughts as her hands slid over her lithe body. Only moments before she had been scrubbing the day old grime from her skin, but now her fingertips glided over her body with a very different mission.
Her flesh raises into goosebumps, sable hair floating in ringlets in the water around her as she suddenly opens her eyes at the sensation that rushes through her. While one hand cupped her flesh, twisting and playing with herself – her other hand slid beneath the surface of the water, tracing over heated skin. Her eyes darkened with lust as they fell closed again and again, each time showing her images – memories that played like movies – of previous encounters she had. Steam filled the room, fighting for dominance with the aroma of her arousal.
“No…” Illaria almost whimpered. In that moment, if she could have seen herself, she would have been terribly disappointed at the degree of weakness that Harnan had exposed within her training. “Get out of my head!” Placing a hand on the ground, she steadies herself, arm shaking with the might of her resistance toward the other Knight of Ren. A bead of sweat dripped down the side of her face, slowly crossing over her cheekbone to run down the length of her neck. Muscles quivering with the strain of her struggle against Harnan, she fought tooth and nail to push him out of her mind – to keep him from seeing anything more damning. She would never surrender to him, for conceding defeat was just not in her nature.
Illaria lounged on the soft mattress of her bed, wrapping herself in the luxurious synthsilk sheets. The half-pane viewport, located on the starboard side of the ship Conquest, provided an uninterrupted view of the vastness of space. Her eyes drifted far out beyond the great sweep of the observation portal, far out beyond the stars as she regarded the view in silence. At the bottom of the bed stood Harnan. He gazed upon her as she turned her eyes to him, rising to her knees such that her form was silhouetted against the spray of stars. His eyes lingered for a moment longer, studying her tempting, naked form. Skin glistening like gold as he approached her from behind, he ran a hand down the length of her spine, caressing her neck and tracing the contours of her shoulder blades. His fingers tangled in the thick mane of hair that gently trickled its way down her lower back like a golden river. Holding it taut in his grip, he pulled her head towards him, crushing his lips against hers in a barely controlled manner.
Time and time again, similar scenes played out wherein the Shapeshifter had tempted and teased the other Knight of Ren to the point of no return. However, it was true when stated that Illaria was never one to surrender. For all this time and all of time yet to pass, would she forever remain out of reach for Harnan.
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 594
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Jul 28, 2016 21:49:24 GMT -8
He was amused by her impatience and annoyance. Indeed the Master did not fully trust her to behave herself, and for good reason. She might have been the eldest amongst the Knights, but age in this case, did not necessarily equate to wisdom and maturity. There was many an occasion that Harnan could remember, even in recent days, when she had proved just how immature she could be. Of course, he hadn't exactly shown a great deal of maturity in some of those moments either. But considering she was over three hundred years old, there was something of an expectation. She fell well short of that mark often. He remembered going over several reports of her previous missions and wondering how anyone could be so impulsive. That was, of course, until he had spent some time with her.
His perspective had changed in that instant. Watching as this grown woman, seemed to have been inhabited by the mind of a child at times. That wasn't to say she wasn't capable. In fact, far from it. She was a very capable combatant and strategist if she was given the time and forced to consider the situation. But more often than not, when they were out on missions she began to take to looking at him with that innocence she had, after proposing a plan or having done something, and asking if it was a good idea or bad idea. It was those moments, when he had begun to fall in love with her. Desiring to protect her and be there for her.
His thoughts were back upon the present then, as his assault began, and she was forced to her knees. There was a part of him deep down in the darkness that took some measure of enjoyment from it. But the rest of him almost recoiled as he caused her pain, but he knew he could not stop. If he could catch her off guard so easily, then she was not ready. As he continued to probe her mind, what he found within, was far from what he was expecting. The first assault began, with Illaria alone in a bathtub playing with her body to sensual memories. He could feel his own reaction to such a memory, something of an unbidden consequence. It was something that only became stronger as memories of their past adventures upon the Conquest flowed from her to him.
Something dark within him began to awaken, as he relived those moments. A desire to finally take her. To show her that she was not as out of his reach as she though she was. That at any moment, he could reach out, grab hold of her, and do to her what he so deeply desired to do. But his attention was soon turned upon Illaria as she fought back. He could see the initial effort was a struggle for her. They waged a mental war in that moment, him fighting to seek out what she sought to hide from him, and her trying to remove his probing. To say Harnan was at a disadvantage in such a struggle, was putting it mildly. He was a master of the physical realm of the Force, where as Illaria had tamed the ethereal realm of the Force to her will.
It wasn't long before he found himself losing ground, as she forced him out of her mind. But that was not enough for her, and he could tell she saw an opening to exploit, as she pushed back on the connection between them. It had only been the briefest of moments after she had forced him from her mind, that he had faltered. He remained standing strong for a moment as he felt her force her way in. It wasn't the first time someone had tried to invade his mind. But this time was different. She held an expert touch to her probing, as she sought to try and take form him, what he had taken from her. He strained for as long as he could, before he fell to a knee, his outstretched hand forming into a fist as it impacted the ground.
He was not going to give her the pleasure of hearing his pain. He bit back upon it, as his gaze fell to the floor. And then, like that, she had broken through. He could feel himself being pulled to the mental shrine he had created within his mind. It was like standing within some vast ancient structure made of stone. In every corner and alcove was some thought, memory, or moment of Illaria. Everything that gave him strength was there and on display for her. From the moment he had awoken to her, to every mission they had been on together. Even the moments when they had played their games together, and she had tempted him. Even some of her more childest moments were replayed within his mind, but where he had perhaps shown impassiveness to it outwardly, it had brought him joy to see her like that. It was all he could do, to keep her there, as he drew strength from it all. His words were pressed, as he fought against herFound what you were looking for....
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Cain Dracus
Member
Retired
Posts: 120
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Cain Dracus on May 13, 2017 12:34:08 GMT -8
Several thousand kilometers from Dubrillion's gravitational pull. Imperial Lictor-Class Dungeon Ship, Kartzela.
The Lictor-Class Imperial Prison Transport, Kartzela, and her escort fleet consisting of three Vindicator-Class Heavy Cruisers and four Victory-II Class Frigates, exited hyperspace several thousand kilometers away from Durbillion's gravity well. Limited to two consecutive hyperspace jumps, the Kartzela was convenient because it was transporting captured prisoners from the recently ravaged world of Dantooine. The First Order struck against the idyllic agricultural world in order to begin a war with what remained of the Galactic Republic, now reorganized as the Rebel Alliance. While the First Order's attack devastated much of the planet's surface, the Alliance's fleet was able to force a stalemate between both themselves and the First Order. Given a reprieve from the chaos and slaughter, the First Order rapidly withdrew all surviving forces, executed or captured any prisoners left behind, and vacated the area, leaving the Alliance to lick its wounds. Fortunately, the Kartzela was near enough to transfer all prisoners and was en route to Bastion to interrogate the important prisoners and hold the remaining prisoners until their fate could be decided. As fate would have it, these prisoners would not be reaching Bastion. As a far darker fate awaited the prisoners of war...
Several hundred kilometers ahead of the small groups predicted flight path, the Fleet of Inexorable Silence, dropped out of hyperspace. Sith Lord Cain Dracus stood at the helm of the Centurion-Class Battlecruiser, Crusader Knight. As all ships reported in, Cain spoke to the dark-skinned human commander of the ship. His harsh, metallic voice raspy and hoarse as he spoke.
"Commander, power up the fleet and proceed to engage the Kartzela and her escort. Destroy the escort, but I want the dungeon ship intact. Failure to do so will result in your heart beating its last in my clawed fingers..."
He chuckled, which was a horrible sound, as Commander Vishkin stood up just a little straighter.
"Understood, mi'lord. All ships, ahead full. Power up weapons and deflectors and engage the escort fleet and prison transport. Escorts are expendable, but Lord Dracus wishes the prison ship remain intact."
As the responses sounds back from the fleet, the ships closed the gap between them and the escort group. Once within in range, ignoring all hails from the Imperial Dungeon ship and her escorts, the Fleet of Inexorable Silence opened up. Being caught of guard, the combined might of the Centurion Battlecruiser, Nebula Star Destroyer, two Victory II Star Destroyers, two Vindicators and three Marauders was enough to silence two of the escort frigates swiftly. As the battle began to heat up, Cain called to Vishkin.
"Commander, move the Knight up and begin disabling the Kartzela. Have the Mercy fall into formation behind us. Once the prison ship is disabled, I want both the Knight and the Mercy ready to dock with it. Prepare all strike teams and ensure all containment units are prepared for transport."
Vishkin nodded nervously.
"Under...understood, mi'lord. It shall be done."
As the Centurion Battlecruiser moved closer to the Lictor-Class Dungeon ship, Cain merely clasped his hands behind his back and grinned beneath his helmeted head. Soon he would be well on his way to replenishing his stock of specimens. But first he had to inspect each and everyone personally. The lopsided battle continued to rage as Cain's fleet pressed down on the Imperial Prison ship and her escort. Soon he'd be on board. Soon.
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Evikay Lambri
Member
Posts: 32
Affiliation: First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Evikay Lambri on May 13, 2017 13:28:19 GMT -8
Bridge of the 'Pulsar.'
Wreckage, sparks and wiring looms hung from the caved-in ceiling, and Grand Captain of the First Order, Evi Lambri, clawed her way back to her seat on the bridge. Sweeping an errant lock of hair out of her eyes, she barked at her subordinates to silence the overlapping and garbled comms from her small escort fleet. "Gorram it -- Kill those comm channels. Kittridge -- get me a damage report, and open fire on that bastard ship, fore batteries and dorsal ion cannons, full spread!"
Sithspit... how were they caught so badly off-guard? Protocol. Always, follow protocol. SITHSPIT. She looked over the damage report. Pinpoint shots. They wouldn't be escaping. Fight it out. Seems the enemy captain had no intention of letting them get away anyhow. Seemed her lot was to see this thru. As if Dantooine hadn't been enough for this week.
She moved from station to station, seeing to her crew, relieving those who could not perform their duties, getting those who were spooked or inexperienced to ruck the frack up. She felt another spray of detonations from below, and barked again: "Wheeling -- SHIELDS! Status!!" Ensign Wheeling replied 25% dorsal shields, Ma'am!
Frack.
"Kittridge -- get me the Fearsome and the Terror." Channel open, ma'am... "Fearsome -- T-plus 10,000 meters. Terror -- come between the Centurion and us, port side full spread. Give me a chance to effect some repairs, gorram it!"
"Kittridge -- get me the commander Centurion. I don't care how." Kittridge performed some communications wizardry -- that was his specialty. Lambri didn't need to know the ins and outs, just that it worked. Centurion, ma'am. "Commander Centurion Class... you gorram coward. I'm going to see you burnt out of my sky for this outrage..."
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Cain Dracus
Member
Retired
Posts: 120
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Cain Dracus on May 13, 2017 13:58:43 GMT -8
Inexorable Silence engaged against Imperial Prison Ship Fleet.
As the Crusader Knight accelerated towards the Kartzela, the MedStar-Class Frigate in tow, a communication broke through on encrypted First Order channels. Commander Vishkin listened to it, then sent it on to Cain. As the female officer's voice played within his helmet, he grinned.
"Comms, patch me through to the ship that this originated from..."
As several 'aye-sirs' rang out, the ensign at the comms hub spoke up briefly.
"Lord Dracus, we have established a connection."
As soon as the line was open, Cain spoke. His mechanical voice raspy and hoarse.
"What you perceive as cowardice, I perceive as ambition..." he chuckles loudly, possibly mistaken for a harsh mechanical wheeze. "Unfortunately for you, you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is nothing personal. But MY work will continue, unabated. If you stand down and give me everything I seek onboard the Kartzela, I will consider allowing you to survive our encounter...the ball is now in your court..."
Cain motioned for Vishkin to silence Cain's end of the conversation. A thought as just occurred to him, and it was unsettling.
"Monitor all outbound transmissions from the fleet. If they call for help, our schedule will be escalated dramatically. And you can't rush this kind of science. Get me on that prison ship! NOW!"
The armored Sith roared to his underlings. He was getting impatient. Apparently this officer from the escort fleet wasn't a novice in these matters. Despite the incredibly daunting odds pressing against them, the Imperial escort fleet was fighting. Every minute wasted with this fight was a minute closer to another nearby First Order patrol being alerted, or worse, the High Admiral. Since the events that had transpired on Csilla and again over Dantooine, Cain had shifted his perspective from the power oriented Sith, to the crazy ramblings and musings of a scientist bent on finishing his work. And in so doing, he had earned the ire of his former master, Viox Savage. After swiftly and harshly beating him down on Csilla and imprisoning him, Cain had been a prisoner of his master for the several weeks leading up to the Dantooine disaster. Pitted against his former master's new apprentice, the fight ended in a stalemate. And it gave Cain the opportunity he needed to slink away and carve out his own corner of the expanding First Order. However, if word reached the High Admiral, he surely was going to be here, en force, to ensure he could beat and humiliate the already broken Zabrak. Regardless, he needed to move quickly. As the Crusader Knight accelerated towards the Kartzela, the comms ensign handled the response that was undoubtedly coming from the officer of the escort fleet...
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Evikay Lambri
Member
Posts: 32
Affiliation: First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Evikay Lambri on May 13, 2017 14:29:24 GMT -8
Inexorable Silence engaged against Imperial Prison Ship Fleet."What you perceive as cowardice, I perceive as ambition..." he chuckles loudly, possibly mistaken for a harsh mechanical wheeze. "Unfortunately for you, you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is nothing personal. But MY work will continue, unabated. If you stand down and give me everything I seek onboard the Kartzela, I will consider allowing you to survive our encounter...the ball is now in your court..." Aboard the Pulsar - Bridge
Evi signalled the comms ensign, and terminated the conversation without wasting further breath. This was no Alliance war-party. Their tactics were too savage. Too take-no-prisoners. Good. She had no remorse over her actions. She sat a moment at the central seat on the bridge, while her crew attended to their battle stations. She surveyed the scene, took in the carnage that was the Arrowhead and the Momentum, both severely damaged and adrift. Every ship had sustained damage, except... "Kittridge -- open a freq to our ships in the vicinity. NOW." A nod singnaled their readiness. "This is Lambri. New orders. Kartzela, open up with all turbo lasers you've got, target the Centurion-class. Vital shots. Fire with impunity. Fire until you've got nothing left to fire with. Command Georgian, Telos, Loose all TIE's. Target the Victory II's. Arrowhead, Momentum -- if you're receiving, likewise. Get our birds all over those cruisers. Force them to engage with point defence. Telos, Fearsome, Terror, regroup on me. Place the Kartzela between us and the bulk of their fleet. Engage at will. MOVE."
Their side was facing serious troubles. Momentum and Arrowhead were offline, adrift, and their capabilities were an unknown. No comms from either. But in the following moments, a gaggle of TIE-IN fighters spilled from the belly of the Arrowhead. So-- she wasn't a full loss. Good. Pulsar was down 75% in dorsal shields, and her main drive was offline. Thrusters and maneuvering engines only. Georgian and Telos were both at the fore of their spear, and had taken extensive superstructure damage from turbo lasers, but were both soldiering on. Fearsome and Terror were both operating at nominal, having taken a few hits, but nothing devastating. 72 mixed TIE fighters (20 IN, 20 D, a mixed stream of maybe 10 Shadows & Reapers, and the Pulsar's own compliment of 25 TIE Retribution) now streaked toward the Victory-II destroyers in the enemy fleet. They would soon engage, and the results would deal the hand Lambri would play next... Aboard all Lambri's ships, crews were dispatched to repair stations and troops to vital points of their respective ships in case of boarding. Reports came in from her own crews that the dorsal shields were repairable at a slow rate (in battle terminology -- ten minutes to restore 75% shields.) She called out a command to the helm: "Helmsman -- rotate us to port, 90 degrees. bring us alongside the Kartzela."
Aye aye, ma'am. She answers all a-port. Flank speed.
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Cain Dracus
Member
Retired
Posts: 120
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Cain Dracus on May 13, 2017 15:05:46 GMT -8
As the Knight streaked towards the Kartzela, Commander Vishkin pipped up.
"Lord Dracus, the escort fleet is reorganizing and launching all fighters! Targeting our Vic-Twos. Orders?"
Cain leaned forward, gripping the railing before him. His clawed fingers digging in, gouging the metal. He spun his head to face the Commander.
"Move the Marauders up, as an anti-starfighter screen. Have both the Azmodan and Belial counter the enemy fighter screen. Keep their ships occupied with that group. Have the Brusilov and Greely initiate flanking maneuvers and launch all fighters to harass them. Keep the Terra Nova shadowing us and protecting the Mercy. Push us hard to the Kartzela. Once in range of the Tractor Beams, grab it and hammer it with Ion fire! I want that ship intact!"
Vishkin nodded.
"Understood, mi'lord."
As Cain turned to face the central viewport once more, Vishkin issued orders.
"Azmodan, Belial, stand fast. Engage enemy fighters with extreme prejudice. Marauder group, move up to support them. Brusilov, Greely, disengage soonest and commence with flanking maneuvers. Launch fighters for support and continue to press against them. Terra Nova continue shadowing the Knight and provide cover support for the Mercy. Engines, all ahead full. Re route nonessential systems to the forward deflectors. Beam control, prepare to snare the Kartzela. Fighter squadrons, launch on my mark!"
What was originally assumed to be a swift and easy victory had turned into an actual battle. The three Marauders of Cain's fleet began to move toward the Vic II's. As they moved to support the Vics and provide close fire support against the enemy fighters, all three ships launched their fighter complements. Thirty-six TIE Interceptors streaked out of their respective bays and rushed towards the oncoming group of fighters. While out numbered in an all out dogfight, the Marauders were agile enough to push forward, while still remaining covered by the Vics' firing range, and lend a hand in point defense. As half of Cain's fleet fully committed to the engagement, the two Vindicators of his group disengaged and began flanking on the left and right of the enemy group. Once back within weapons range, the two Vindicators launched their complement of fighters as well. Forty-eight of the First Order's elite special forces TIE's, the TIE/SF Space Superiority Fighter, were launched. Supported by the flanking Vindicators, the TIEs would harass the left and right flanks of the enemy formation. While this was taking place, the Crusader Knight accelerated ahead of the MedStar Frigate and the Nebula-Class Star Destroyer, aimed directly at the Kartzela. Shuddering from several stray shots, the ship held true. Despite the damage sustained by the enemy fleet, they were organizing and dealing the appropriate counter response. Even though they were being attacked by their own, clearly their CO was worth their salt when it came to these types of engagements...
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Evikay Lambri
Member
Posts: 32
Affiliation: First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Evikay Lambri on May 13, 2017 15:26:35 GMT -8
"Sithspit."
Several formidable blasts tore a portion of the forecastle away from the Telos III, and her power source fluctuated. The Vindicator dropped out of formation, exposed decks venting atmosphere. There was a burst of comm traffic, which Lambri silenced from the ambient sounds of the deck. There was no need to torture her crew. Soon after, the Telos' guns stopped firing, and the first escape pods could be seen, as fire swept throughout her superstructure. Lambri saluted the ship as it slid out of sight of the viewports, cursing the enemy commander.
Georgian, fall in line-astern behind the Pulsar. Stand by to open fire all starboard turbo lasers. On my mark. Reports were coming in from the 'Arrowhead' now -- the ship was a negative combat capability. Less than 10% of point defence batteries were operational, and life support was minimal. Lambri sent confirmation to abandon the 'Arrowhead.' Seeing the shift in the enemy's advance, Lambri sent new orders to her two heavy hitters. Fearsome. Terror. Light up those Marauders. Ion and full offensive batteries. I want them out of action. Now.
Battle reports were coming in. 51 mixed TIE fighters (15 TIE/IN, 10 TIE/D, mixed stream of 8 Shadows & Reapers, and Pulsar's 18 TIE/Retribution) remained. All remaining fighters were buzzing the Victory II's, but losses were coming from the inbound Marauders.
Commander Kartzela -- stand by to evac your command crew. Keep your batteries firing, but I will not have your vessel taken, do you understand me? Georgian, stand by... to her own fire control... "stand by..."
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Cain Dracus
Member
Retired
Posts: 120
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Cain Dracus on May 13, 2017 16:16:33 GMT -8
Laser fire lanced back and forth between the two Victory II-Star Destroyers of Centurion Command and the handful of fighters still harassing them. Wreckage and debris littered the void between the two combatants. The two Vics were strong enough to withstand the punishment they were taking, but the Marauders, especially the leading one of the three, was not so fortunate. As one final barrage from her missile batteries were fired, the lead Marauder, Pious Inquisitor, took several consecutive shots across the forward section of the bow. Seconds later, explosions erupted, blowing sizable holes in the ship's hull. Dipping nose first out of formation, the Inquisitor's running lights flickered twice and her sublights disengaged. She was dead in the water, so to speak. Regardless, the Ardent Prayer and Ascendant Justice continued to press on, alternating volleys of turbolaser fire and missile barrages. The thirty-six fighters originally launched had been whittled away to twenty-seven. Despite their training, the pilots were out gunned and out maneuvered by the more superior fighters. But they still held on, fighting viciously. The Terra Nova was still moving along, not fully engaging the enemy yet, as they hadn't pushed against the Mercy yet. Hidden by the bulk of Nebula Star Destoyer, the MedStar kept pace, ready to move once ordered. From the flanking Vindicators, the TIE/SF Fighters had reached their respective sides of the enemy fleet. Volleys of laser fire and proton torpedoes were launched as the Vindicators reinforced their respective fighter squadrons' positions. As the battle raged, the Crusader Knight arrived within weapons range of the Kartzela, it encountered return fire. The ship shuddered and shook, but held true. Standing on the bridge, Cain observed the battle, waiting. Once the ship was within tractor beams, Cain issued his orders.
"Fire all ion batteries! Staggered burst. Take out the Kartzela's shields and disable it. Once the shields are down, grab it with the tractor beams!"
Cain curled his clawed fingers into a fist and grinned beneath his helmet. He was mere minutes away. As the Ion cannons began firing, Vishkin ordered the beam control to engage.
"All tractor beams, lock on to the Kartzela and engage. Three...two...one. Mark!"
As the battle continue to rage, Cain cared little for the loss of Imperial resources. Nothing mattered. His work on the Dracus needed to continue. That was his only true goal...
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Evikay Lambri
Member
Posts: 32
Affiliation: First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Evikay Lambri on May 13, 2017 16:52:50 GMT -8
The Kartzela's shields didn't hold long. And Lambri was counting on it. The order was given immediately for the command crew to abandon the Lictor class, while at the same time Lambri, still holding an open channel to the Georgian, issued her next command.
...fire.
The Vic-II's (Pulsar) and Vindicator's (Georgian) main guns opened up, at less than 5000 meters broadside to the Lictor-class. It was seismic. Without shields, massive breaches opened up along the length of her hull, and at least one of her reactors detonated, blowing a sizeable chunk out of the ventral hull. She began listing to starboard badly, still being tractors toward the Centurion. Few escape pods were jettisoned, and though it grieved Lambri to fire on her own ship, the intentions of her adversary had become obvious. It was the only action she would take against the Lictor, but considering the vast damage the barrage had inflicted, she counted the ship a total loss. Turning her attention to the more pressing matters at-hand, namely the flanking Vindicators, volleys were now launched at those ships.
Sithspit. The fighters. The TIE/SF swarm advanced against them, and with their own bulk of fighters still engaged against the VicII's, Lambri had little choice.
Georgian, Fearsome, Terror -- launch reserve fighters to intercept these from the Vindicators. In total, a further 25 mix of TIE/D and TIE/Shadows launched. Not enough, and Lambri knew it. Fearsome, Terror, form up with Georgian and Pulsar. Pull back from Kartzela. Prepare for withdrawal. Stand by to recall your remaining fighters (7 TIE/IN, 5 TIE/D, mixed stream of 6 Shadows & Reapers, and Pulsar's 10 TIE/Retribution) on my mark. Navigators, lay in evacuation jump coordinates Lima, Victor, Victor. Prepare to execute.
The few remaining fighters in their stables streaked out, an insignificant threat to the incoming SF's. They were outnumbered, and losing ground here. The Fearsome was suffering heavy damage, and the Terror wasn't doing much better. An Ion blast had disabled much of her offensive capabilities, so at this point she was just soaking up damage like a boxer refusing to return blows. It was time to cut and run, or suffer the ultimate loss.
She saw three more of their fighter group succumb, and it was enough. Escort group, call back your fighters. That's enough. Give them one mike to comply, then engage hyperdrive. We're out. They had dealt as much damage as they could. Maybe a few more lucky shots from the Georgian, Fearsome and her own Pulsar's guns would slow the advance of the Vic-II's. Maybe even take one out. But this wasn't their fight. Leave and live, or stay and die. They'd suffered enough.
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