Gaelle Drashi
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 25
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Gaelle Drashi on Dec 31, 2021 7:41:32 GMT -8
The calm moments within the orbit of Dathomir were disturbed, as a larger ship, followed by it's escorts leave the silence of space. Accompanied by two Venator-Class Star Destroyers, a Jedi Praxeum Ship of the Arcadia-Class entered the orbit of the witches' world. While the markings on the new ship type weren't large enough to get spotted by the local First Order forces in orbit, the sigil of the Jedi Order could be seen painted across the hull of the Venators, alongside with a smaller, yet unfamiliar symbol.
::Unknown vessel, identify yourself! You have entered First Order territory unauthorized. This is our first and last warning.::
With the transmission reaching the bridge of the Sanctuary, Gaelle Drashi eyed her fellow crew members with a brief nod, allowing them to immidiately contact the foreign faction's ship.
Most aboard the vessel were those, that had once followed her on Serenno upon the Dathomirian Enclave Torvus. As something within the Dark Side has shifted, the Witches of the Clan had left their exile behind, having assembled some old Republic ships and one of the newly produced ships, that their alliance with the Jedi Lords provided them as their new home fleet.
An exodus similiar to the one that the Mon Calamari and the Aldar had witnessed once - for Gaelle it was the second time by now.
Seeing her own homeworld in near reach made her feel fond to some degree. Finally, after all those years she would return.
Not as a mere daughter, but as a Clan Mother. A leader of the light side.
Yet she could still feel the dark stench that rested upon the planet.
Something still disturbed the peace of Dathomir.
::First Order, this is Clan Mother Gaelle Drashi from the Praxeum ship Sanctuary::, she then responded, once one of the Brothers established the communication network, ::You are mistaken if you think that this world belongs to your gouvernment for it was and always is our home. I wish to speak the leader of your operation or someone, who is in charge of your military forces. You are not our enemy... at least for now. ::
She then ended the communication, looking towards the few Clan sisters, that remained on the bridge.
"Tell our starfighter squadrons, that they shall remain ready for conflict", she then noted to her fellow sisters, "The Imperials might not be the ones, whose taint we're feeling, as it was rumored that this world once belonged to the Sith once more. Yet there isn't much reason to trust them either."
"Shouldn't we strike then, Mother, instead of waiting?", one of them spoke up, somewhat concerned.
The Clan Mother shook her head.
"We have given them our promise, it's on their side to honor it", she stated clearly, "Should they however dare to attack us first, we won't hold back. For now we will hope, that negotiations will solve the issue."
Seeing the wisdom within these words, no further questions came up, as the bridge of the Sanctuary patiently awaited the response from the First Order's commander within the system.
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 198
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Jan 1, 2022 17:58:43 GMT -8
In the days since the alliance between the First Order and Witches of Dathomir had been settled, The pair of Maxima A-class Heavy Cruiser's known as the Serenitax and the Harmonix had joined the Justicar in orbit. While it was no great regular defence fleet more common amongst the First Order, it would be enough to provide a defensive presence until reinforcements could be summoned. Once the crews had finished running repairs and final system checks on the Golan III Space Defense NovaGun and the Conclave Star Cathedral, Fleet Admiral Raymer Hask would sleep a little better.
He'd been looking forward to getting some rest, with his current watch almost over, when the Praxeum ship and the pair of Venator's had appeared out of Hyperspace. The Jedi Insignia's upon the hulls of the Venator's did not bode well for him getting rest any time soon. He sat and listened to the exchange between one of the First Order comms officers and this Clan Mother Gaelle. Her use of the title used by the Witches deepened the rabbit hole. With Grand Marshal Zahn having headed back to Corulag, General Aethyr was the commanding officer for all things Dathomir related. Raymer took control of the comm line thenPraxeum ship Sanctuary, hold position...The line would then go silent as several calls were made and situational updates were provided down to General Aethyr. She, in turn, consulted with the Clan Mothers the First Order had allied with. Of them, only one remembered the Drashi name from years ago. Lending credence, at the very least, that this Gaelle was one of them. With this relay of information completed, Aethyr opened a comm line from the command room set up in Stonehold, causing a holo image to appear of the female GeneralClan Mother Drashi, I am General Aethyr. I represent the allied forces of the First Order and the Coalition of Clan Mothers of Dathomir. As such, any threat made against the First Order is one made against the Witch Clans... So, Clan Mother, what is it you wish to discuss?
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Gaelle Drashi
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 25
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Gaelle Drashi on Jan 3, 2022 4:50:21 GMT -8
Some of the Dathomirian crew mates aboard the bridge of the Sanctuary sneered or glared hostile upon Aethyr's last words. How did she dare to mock their people like that as if they didn't had any say at all regarding their home world?
Gaelle felt the tension among the bridge, yet remained calm. She had already heard that it was difficult to deal with these Imperials, yet she would do her best.
::The Witch Clans do not represent the First Order, General::, she thus spoke up in a cold tone, ::You might controll the orbit of this planet, might controll the land upon which our brethren live and even enlist the services from some of them, but Dathomir doesn't belong to any foreigner.
My Clan and those, that followed the late Mother Daene Drashi, had fled the planet after it fell several decades ago into the hand of the Nightsisters. Now we have returned from the stars to our home world, a beacon among the darkness for many perils have and will befall this world.::
She made a brief pause, before she eventually continiued the communication, her people listening fascinated to the speech she gave these petty foreigners, that had dared to lay claim upon their world.
::We can not force you to leave, Imperial, but remember that this world houses more dangers on and beneath the surface, that gunfire and your tall walkers won't even solve.
Therefore do us a favor and do not repeat the follys of the warlords, that had once tried to usurp this place. Let us pass and we will see whether we will find common agreements. ::
The Clan Mother knew that it was a daring challenge, as she was no fool, knowing the strength of the First Order to some degree thanks to the archives of the Jedi Lords. A vast territory like theirs had many ships at their disposal, that would by far outmatch the naval forces of the Enclave, even with the Lord's support on which she didn't necessarily count within this situation.
Yet there was hope that common ground could be reached within this debate, as the Sanctuary would be still strong enough to battle this fleet and potentially land those upon the surface, that would form the territory of a new settlement. Most of the Witches' descendants were unfamiliar with Dathomir's lush forests and jungles, yet have witnessed similiar terrain back on Serenno in coordination with the local wildlife there.
Even if the Imperials would declare war upon them, they had the shadows of the forests on their side.
And going to war with another tribe of witches could perhaps even irritate or perhaps enrage those witches, that already lived upon the surface.
Gaelle's only hope was though, that the First Order had made contact with sisters of the Light rather than these foul Nightsisters, their sworn enemy that seemed to always haunt them.
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 198
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Jan 3, 2022 23:11:40 GMT -8
She was ferocious, that was for sure. This Clan Mother, if that was indeed what she was, seemed to think highly of herself. Aethyr certainly felt some urge to push this woman to her limits, even order an attack upon the Praxeum ship. Not out of anger, but to put who ever this was in their place. But if they weren't truly a Witch, then the Clan Mothers would make short work of them
Are you sure that they do not? A self proclaimed Clan Mother, who comes knocking upon the doors of Dathomir with hostility towards the First Order, whilst bearing the logo of known terrorists and agitators. The Jedi's arrogance is strong, Their word is law, right? we all must bow down and accept that what they say is true? All we have, right now, is your claim that you and those aboard your ships, are Witches of Dathomir. By your own admission, your people have long been gone from this world, that we make no claim upon beyond being allies with the Witches that live here. We are merely here to help protect the Witches, who welcomed us as allies. I trust, then, that you can see why we might find it troubling that ships bearing emblems of the Jedi show up not long after, with one amongst them claiming to be a Witch. We would be poor friends to just take everyone at their word, Clan Mother. Especially if your forces swear allegiance to the Jedi, whom would seek to covertly land forces upon Dathomir and wipe out the Witches because their magic is not the Light that the Jedi proclaim is the one true power... Having said that, The Coalition of Clan Mothers have jurisdiction where Witch Clans are concerned. And they have agreed to meet with you, and you alone, upon the surface. So that they may determine the truth of your words. The Choice is yours, Clan Mother: accept their invitation and meet with them, or fight us and them. They'll be waiting at the main Star Temple...
General Aethyr let Gaelle process everything that had been said then. If she still chose her arrogance and hostility, then Aethyr was not above ordering the Golan and Cathedral stations to fire upon the Acclamator's, while the fleet took on the Praxeum Ship. While avoiding a fight would be best, since another ally against the remaining Nightsisters would be useful, it also might be a short lived peace. A decisive fight now, may prevent a longer fight later on. However, the Witches had made their feelings clear. Gaelle fell under their jurisdiction, so the First Order would defer to them in this matter
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Gaelle Drashi
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 25
Affiliation: Jedi Lords
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Post by Gaelle Drashi on Jan 4, 2022 16:52:24 GMT -8
If it would have been up to some of the crew members, they would have already opened up fire in order to repay the general's insults.
Even some of the present witches twitched regarding the hostility with which the First Order greeted them, suspecting only the worst of them.
Clan Mother Gaelle remained calm.
While her allegiance with the Jedi Lords was certainly something that annoyed these Imperials, so far it seemed like there was some common ground to be found. All that mattered now was to make contact with her brethren upon the surface of Dathomir.
:: I accept these terms, General and will be on my way::, she eventually responded neutral, ::Tell them that I will respect their choice of destination.::
It wasn't necessarily a detail where she assumed that the First Order officer even knew why this message was important for her to tell.
Not because of her brethren not being aware of her coming - they would rather feel it within the force.
Yet the Star Temples were holy sites upon Dathomir ... monuments to a civilization long gone and ruins, that still held power.
Her fellow brethren would know, that the Daughter of Mother Daene hasn't forsaken the history of her people, even in exile.
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 198
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Jan 4, 2022 23:12:13 GMT -8
Aethyr gave a bow of her head, before closing off the Comm line, passing on the message to the Clan Mothers. The Justicar, Serenitax, and Harmonix maintained their positions. Flight crews ran through fuel checks on the fighters, while bomb crews loaded the bombers with fresh munitions. Crews aboard the Golan III Space Defense NovaGun and the Conclave Star Cathedral both suspended their safety checks and moved the stations to battle readiness, acquiring targets in the event the situation on the surface went sideways or the ships started moving per some pre-agreed upon plan
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Mar 19, 2023 17:11:36 GMT -8
A blast boulder dropped out of hyperspace and started towards the planet, keeping a low profile, the warriors watching and listening to see if they were challenged.
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 198
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Mar 20, 2023 11:40:26 GMT -8
With the Conclave Star Cathedral serving a primary role as a defensive and resupply station, the Golan III Space Defense NovaGun was tasked not only with a defensive role but also primary orbital traffic control. A number of sensor stations and a couple office spaces on the surface augmented the Golan III, with operators located in both Orbit and planetside to deal with the comings and goings of Dathomir. One such arm of this operation was a research and tracking operation which focused on eliminating the usual traffic signatures and kept an eye on the movement of everything else. It was this team that picked up the unidentified organic signature when it entered the system.
At this same time, the Justicar along side the Hastati and Triarii were in system. The Hastati and Triarii were tasked with offloading a number of fresh graduates from the Academy at Corulag to replace some of the older, retiring forces that had been posted to Dathomir. It was a relatively routine process which Fleet Admiral Hask did not foresee much danger with, but none-the-less he was not going to let his crews grow slack as they ran through a number of drills. Hask had been about to run through another one when a request came through from the science team planetside to intercept and slingshot an incoming meteorite-like object out of the system
Drills are over, the local egg-heads have asked us to help slingshot a rock out of system. Move to intercept on these coordinates. We'll conclude work for the day afterwards...
With several hopeful affirmatives from across the bridge, orders went down the lines to the crews. Within moments the Conservator-class Star Destroyer was moving the relatively short distance across the system to intercept. Tractor teams were already powering up and preparing to sight in on what they assumed would be a rock like formation
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Mar 21, 2023 9:06:54 GMT -8
The warrior in charge of the blastboat observed the planet in the far off distance, through the ship’s sensor biots he watched the comings and goings of the ships on the planet, or at least their vector traces and ion trails playing in front of his eyes in his mind. He could see what looked like a Golon III Defense Station in orbit but couldn’t be certain, it was something to be avoided if possible. A blinking spot caught his attention as the ship identified it as a rapidly firming course for intercept. He called up the object, using the ships mind to examine it more closely. It wasnt much more closely, this wasnt a matalok after all, but it was enough to give him mass, size, and a decent look of the vessel. A wedge shaped star destroyer analog. He wasnt familiar with the type, and he had no idea what faction it was attached to. He had been warned to expect Jedi or Sith activity on the planet and been instructed to avoid hostilities or invitations to battle. He noted that there were two other such ships near the station, but he couldn’t quite tell if they were attached or not. It hardly mattered, a single one of the metal monstrosities was more than enough to deal with his craft, like trying to use a yaret’kor to kill a flitnat, though he had to admit that sometimes it was satisfying to do.
He considered his options. The blast boulder was fast, as fast as most starfighters of this galaxy, and certainly faster than the large ship coming towards them, the mass and drive profiles didn’t seem to indicate anything hidden there as far as acceleration. The ship likely had smaller fighters, or barring that, likely missiles that could catch him if they continued to close the gap. He looked at the ship again, wishing that the matalok were here so he could at least record any subtle codes the ships were putting off for identification purposes, but the oggzill that he had with him was simply not able to pick up enough frequencies nor had the brain mass to decipher and record all the pulses of energy that tended to be broadcast to identify friends and foes. He had no doubt that his craft would likely be landed into the ‘foe until proven otherwise’ category with room for a healthy margin of error. Since that was the most likely case prudence was the word of the day.
“Keep us half a length again outside of their outermost energy weapons range for now. If they havent identified us they will when we alter our vector.”
“Yes sir.”
The blastboat slowed and turned away from the star destroyer, still closing but decreasing the rate of closer, shifting towards an extreme high orbit track, a non threatening vector if there was one without running away.
The warrior reached over and prodded the oggzil to broadcast his voice to start with.
Hailing star destroyer, hailing star destroyer, respond please.
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 198
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Mar 21, 2023 13:31:28 GMT -8
As the Justicar continued its intercept course, the sensor tech's called out as the object started moving onto a new trajectory. Raymer cussed a little under his breath, already piecing together that this was not just some meteor
Sensor team, get us a better visual on that object and crack out the Yuuzhan Vong identification guide...
While it was certainly true that the First Order had encounters with and treaties between them and the group known as the Praetorite Vong, it would be foolhardy to assume all Yuuzhan Vong belonged to that group. A display of the ship was soon pulled up on the central command table, while a couple crew members were busy bringing up the identification database. It was then, that the comm message was picked up. Despite the Yuuzhan Vong managing to communicate from Biot methods to Mechanical methods, there was still that something a little off about it. With a nod, the sensor tech managed to close in on the channel and broadcast back
This is Fleet Admiral Hask of the Justicar. Please identify yourself and your intentions here?
Given the Yuuzhan Vong were meant to be their allies, he would do his best to be cordial and give this group the benefit of the doubt. However, crews were raised to alert in case they needed to go into full battle readiness state
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Mar 21, 2023 16:31:36 GMT -8
The warrior in charge responded.
Greetings Admiral Hask of the Justicar. This is Kraag Val, of the Praetorite Vong. We have come to survey the planets fauna.
There was no point in lying, it would look silly if they were here for something else and then did something out of character for that. It was also harder to get caught in a lie if one didn’t lie.
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 198
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Mar 21, 2023 16:57:34 GMT -8
The techs ran a quick identification check whilst scanning the vessel to check the number of occupants. Raymer waited a moment, giving the system a moment to throw up any imminent alerts it might have associated with the name. But when nothing pinged, he opened the comm line once again
Apologies for any misunderstanding Kraag Val. We don't get a lot of your people this side of the Empire, so we mistook your ship. You've been cleared to proceed to the planet, however I would advise caution planet side. The First Order has a presence here, but the Witch Clans are the owners of Dathomir. So be sure you make your presence known to them. I'd recommend your most senior female warrior if you wish to expedite such a meeting...
While the Witches were not prejudiced against the males of a species, Men were considered in lower standing. The least Raymer could do was provide these visiting Yuuzhan Vong with some sound advice, seeing as they did not appear to be a threat
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Mar 21, 2023 18:11:44 GMT -8
Kraag exchanged looks with the pilot. 'a lot of your people on this side of the Empire'. That was a loaded statement that would have to be addressed later, for now there was an opportunity. They at least were not viewed as hostile, unless it was a lie, but the only way to find that out was to go forwards.
Thank you Admiral Hask. We do not have any female warriors onboard, I am afraid we will not be able to expedite, so we may be waiting a while. We had planned to only survey in remote areas and don't plan to take longer than a quarter of a moon cycle. Could you suggest some places away from inhabited areas?
Kraag indicated to the pilot to resume the approach towards the planet, moving into an orbital entry vector which would keep them well away known population densities, which of course was admittedly out of date.
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 198
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Mar 22, 2023 1:31:16 GMT -8
As promised, the Justicar took no hostile action as the Yuuzhan Vong craft started on its way again toward the surface. He technically couldn't stop them heading for the surface. Instead, he would just make sure Governor Alcyon was aware and leave the politics of the matter for her to deal with. Hopefully their visit would go unnoticed or, if not, than at least without incident
An unfortunate set of circumstances for you, Kraag. As far as uninhabited areas are concerned? Hard to say, the Witch Clans move and live as they please and we do not keep close watch upon them. You may find some luck on the western continent. Good luck...
There was little more for the interaction, and so the comm line was closed up as the Justicar turned around and started making its way back to the defence stations hanging in orbit, whilst transmitting an encoded messaged down to the Governor
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Mar 22, 2023 11:54:21 GMT -8
Kraag Val watched as the triangle ship turned away after the transmission had ended. There wasnt much to add. He and his warriors didnt want an altercation with these witches, and he hoped that the 'survey' would take much less time than the seven or eight local days that he had come up with. There was more revealing information in the exchange however.
"Your people this side of the Empire'. It seems we are not alone, and these people are at the very least not hostile towards us." He turned and reported this information to Esthh via villip.
The living vessel continued on, chasing the terminator line where day turned to darkness, and started gently sliding into the atmosphere.
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Mar 22, 2023 12:07:25 GMT -8
Five hours after the initial contact the blast boulder emerged from the middle of the night side of the planet, and started moving for deep space. Kraag Val kept an eye on the oggzil to see if they would get challenged for leaving earlier than his supposed timeframe.
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 198
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Mar 22, 2023 17:49:26 GMT -8
The ships speedy departure was noted, given their estimated time frame was longer. Their exit vector was also noted, so it could be compared with their entry and what ever area it encompassed would be given a search now that Governor's curiosity had been spiked. However, the Justicar made no move to intercept the craft, instead letting it go on its way
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Mar 23, 2023 9:05:34 GMT -8
A matalok dropped out of hyperspace above the ecliptic plane above the planet, nearly a light hour out, a quick jump if needed to most combat positions, but difficult to detect in time to see and counter before being out maneuvered. The captain hoped that his ship would never be seen this day.
A second matalok dropped out of hyperspace at a mid distance from the planet, squared up at a ninety degree angle to the defense station that was reported by the collection party. The matalok turned broadside and matched its velocity to the orbital rotation of the station about its planet, holding its relative position.
Esthh observed the planet through the matalok’s senses, the cognition hood obscuring much of his features as the station and its three accompanying triangle ships were brought into sharp focus. They matched the profile of Conservator class star destroyers that were supplied by the media, but aside from their visuals and mass profiles being correct, he couldn’t count on public media being correct on their abilities and firepower. Who knew how each ship varied from what the public thought they had, what they really had, and what each individual ships modifications from standard may have been. Warriors and analysts were busy working away of course, counting and categorizing weapons, defensive systems, armor estimates, material compositions, energy emanating, and coded energy pulses coming from the ships, stations, planet, and everything else that made up warships and defenses in this galaxy.
The warships however was not what had brought Esthh and his ship to this system. It was the exchange that his party had had with the commander on the scene, the commander of the Justicator, and likely the rest of the squadron as well. The commander, one Fleet Admiral Hask, had mentioned that there were other Yuuzhan Vong in the galaxy, and not often seen on this side of the galaxy, but he had not reacted in hostility. If his people were going to survive, they would need allies, not just in his own people...those that weren’t traitors to his species, but allies, or at the very least, not enemies in this new galaxy and uncertain future.
With a mental thought he accessed one of the ship’s oggzils and hailed the Justicator, it would after all, be considered rude to not show up at someone’s domicile, and not knock on the door so to speak.
This is Supreme Commander Esthh Krazhmir, hailing Fleet Admiral Hask.
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Thomas Zahn
The First Order
Posts: 198
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Thomas Zahn on Mar 23, 2023 13:03:51 GMT -8
As the Matalok dropped from hyperspace and held its position, an alert was sent from the Golan III Station to the Justicar, with the audio link opening not too long afterwards. Raymer was a simple man, he preferred the simplicity and ease of military life. But despite his best efforts, the hail from this new Yuuzhan Vong vessel had managed to land him in such a realm. He was not intricately familiar with Yuuzhan Vong society, but he knew enough to understand that the title of Supreme Commander was not lightly thrown about, nor did it belong to anyone by the name of Esthh Krazhmir within the group that was allied to the First Order
All hands to ready level five. Pilots report to hangar bays and be on standby...
He had a bad feeling about this situation, and he was not about to be caught with his figurative pants down should conflict evolve. The Comms Officer opened a return line
Greetings Supreme Commander Esthh Krazhmir, this is Fleet Admiral Hask of the First Order. It would appear we have found ourselves in something of an interesting situation... What brings you to Dathomir?
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Mar 23, 2023 13:56:04 GMT -8
Esthh wasted little time, he didn’t have time to spare and he doubted that the Fleet Commander did.I salute you Fleet Admiral Hask as a fellow student of war. I don’t find this an interesting situation for myself, simply a logical step. Your knowledge is what brings me to Dathomir. My warriors and I have been out of contact for far too many cycles and my warriors have reported to me that, if not familiar with my kin, you may know of their location. I am certain you are a busy man and have little time for frivolities, so I hope you can appreciate my not wanting to take the time to search the entire galaxy for my people. Esthh figured that was enough, it was simple and straight forward. He had chosen a further distance but not too far. He didn’t wish to appear as timid, but also didn’t want increase alarm unnecessarily, today was not a day for fighting, some other day perhaps. He took note of the four moons that the planet had captured as he finished, placing the information in the back of his mind.
The crew of the matalok sat at battle stations, ready to prod the complex superorganism into action if need be.
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