Viox Savage
Blackguard Imperium
"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
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Choal
Jan 30, 2017 11:26:02 GMT -8
Post by Viox Savage on Jan 30, 2017 11:26:02 GMT -8
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command.
Savage stood behind the desk in his office, peering out over the city. Rivulets of water streamed down the glass as the rain continued to fall outside. Savage heard the door hiss open as his apprentice entered. As he knelt down behind him, Savage turned to face him.
"Rise."
Once his apprentice was standing, Savage began to speak.
"We are here to observe, for now. The Supreme Commander believes that the rebel cell on this world is a much greater threat than originally thought."
Savage thought for a moment, then continued speaking.
"For once I finally agree with him. These rebel insurgents have been popping up all over since the stalemate over Dantooine. These rebels here are more of an annoyance right now, however, the First Order needs Jabiim's resources. We are here to observe and ensure all imperial operations continue to run smoothly. Anything that threatens our supply chain here, threatens the entirety of the Imperial war effort...send out our operatives. Station them strategically throughout the city and commence drone patrols. Increase our stormtrooper patrols as well. If anything suspicious is going on out there, I want to know about it. And I want it shut down...quietly. The rebels do not know we are here. Let's keep it that way. Our greatest advantage is the fact that we are cloaked in shadow. Once our presence is revealed, the rebel activity will increase. I am entrusting you with this, my apprentice. Report back to me once you have carried out my orders..."
Savage watched his apprentice for a few moments longer, then turned back to the main window. Somewhere in the city, his next target was hiding. And he intended to find it and put and end to it.
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Altair Sirraf
The Galactic Alliance
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Choal
Feb 6, 2017 15:25:49 GMT -8
Post by Altair Sirraf on Feb 6, 2017 15:25:49 GMT -8
17 days
Rain pelted down on the empty streets of the capital city of Choal. It was an hour before dawn and an hour before the countless amounts of workers would be up and about their average days. To those that worked day to day in the mines in the cities outskirts, and to those that lived within the city slums and poor sectors - those that felt the squeeze of the First Orders gauntlet the most - the next hour would pass without consequence as they kept their heads down and looked to the days work. The large majority of them wouldn't care what would happen 18 days from now, they didn't look forward to it. They only cared about the food that they would put on the table for their families. They only cared about whether or not the mineshaft supports would hold today. They only cared about their own lives, and what they had to do to extend them just another day.
16 days
Rain pelted down on the bustling streets of the capital city of Choal. It was an hour after dawn and the streets were packed with people moving about their labors, selling their wares in the streets, getting supplies for the factories and ore refineries that were responsible with refueling the war engine of the First Order. The members of the cities upper class - the children of the children of those that had sold our the poor and the working class to the Imperial order so their world could be saved, and their positions of influence upon the world would be maintained. Those few... they counted down the days... 17 days until the celebration of the year. one full year had passed since the occupation of Jabiim by the First Order. 17 days to prepare for the party!
15 days
Rain pelted down on the roof of the Java shop within the capital city of Choal. Within idealists and fools both spoke in hushed whispers. They all knew something had to be done, the First Order and the 'rich' that lived in the cities inner circle didn't care about them, they hadn't been sneaking them food for their families through the cities import stations, they hadn't been smuggling in medicine for their sick children. It wasn't sure how the shipments had been brought in, and it was never much - but a few weeks ago they had begun to show up in the stock rooms of the Java shop. Nothing had been broken, no doors had been left unlocked, and the meager security devices that the shopkeep had in place hadn't caught anything...
14 days
Rain pelted down on the Barracks building within the inner circle of the capital city of Choal. That morning when the roll came from the First Order Barracks they would find that 14 Troopers did not appear for duty that morning, and on the side of the barracks building, above a pile of the missing troopers bloodstained armor '14 days' was written in the troopers blood upon the wall. Once again security devices would recover nothing of use, how the troopers went missing could not be determined without further investigation, and the tone that was left after the messages discovery was ominous at best. 14 days until the Celebration... 14 days remained until "Empire Day"... and now a message had been left for the First Order... 14 days.
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Viox Savage
Blackguard Imperium
"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
Posts: 2,938
Affiliation: Sith Order
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Post by Viox Savage on Feb 24, 2017 1:23:08 GMT -8
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command.
Fourteen days. The rehashed celebration that once reflected the true might of Imperial control over the galaxy was two weeks away. And it seemed that with the First Order adopting this Imperial tradition, it had earned the ire of the populace of Jabiim. Fourteen Stormtroopers had not showed up for duty this morning. And then, to enrage the troops, their missing comrades had mysteriously reappeared. All dead. Stripped of their armor and bloodies. And the number "14" had been painted with said blood on the side of the barracks. It was a publicity nightmare. Fortunately, word had not spread beyond the confines of the First Order's Forward Command Center. For now...
Losing the traditional garb of the Sith, High Admiral Savage had donned his uniform and now sat behind the large, ornate wroshyyr wood desk. He was buried in field reports and updates. As he swiped several classified reports away, an image of the bloody "14" popped up. He stared at it thoughtfully for a moment.
Normally such actions would enrage him to the point where he would execute some drastic, unhinged show of aggression to reign the population back in. However, he had a feeling that wouldn't work this time. The handiwork was admirable. Tastefully done. And done in such a way to send a very clear message to the First Order. Whomever was behind this brazen display of defiance wasn't of the typical rebel mindset they had dealt with. Since the severely bloody stalemate over Dantooine, Savage had spent many hours pouring over any scrap of information he could about this 'Alliance'. Most of the information seemed to follow suit with that of a typical rebellion. They fought to free the galaxy from what their idea of evil was. And even if none of these 'Alliance' members would admit it, they followed a code of conduct in conducting their war against the First Order. Civilians were never caught in the crossfire. At least not if they could help it. Innocent bystanders were usually ushered away to avoid unnecessary casualties. While the Alliance's priority was to fight the First Order, they also sought to offer relief efforts to those worlds ravaged by war. Again, typical. But this attack...this wasn't typical. The being behind it wasn't afraid to get their hands dirty. Which suited him just fine. Getting his hands dirty was nothing new to him.
As he sat at his desk, thinking, pain shot through his head, starting from the back of his head and shooting straight to the back of his eyes. He clenched his jaw and fists, willing it to pass. Faint whispers echoed within his mind. The voices of several long dead ancient Zabraks. A side effect of his most recent escapades on Iridonia. Being the Sith'ari of the planet had prompted him to seek more power. Power found in places most wouldn't normally look. After a few moments, the pain subsided and the whispers faded. Once this assignment was finished, he'd need to consult his Seeker back on Iridonia. While not terribly gifted in the arts of combat and deception, he was incredibly skilled in finding knowledge. Particularly useful when the knowledge sought was forbidden or thought to have been long dead. Either way, he'd need a consult. The spams of pain were becoming more frequent and the whispers were growing louder...but he shoved those thought from his mind. For now, his psyche was still intact. He wasn't insane yet. He still needed to make it seem like he cared about what the First Order accomplished.
In truth, he no longer cared. Alliance. First Order. All eventually becoming dust on the winds of time. No, he was more interested in his own personal agenda. And by playing his part within the First Order, it kept him in the know about galactic events. Which was useful. But first he needed to deal with whatever was going on here on Jabiim.
As he continued to peruse the information that was flooding in from this morning's discovery, he keyed in an encrypted comm frequency. He needed a more subtle approach. He needed to call in a favor with the ISB. These agents were trained specifically for this kind of thing. As the person on the other end picked up, Savage spoke. His voice smooth and commanding. Something he had adopted from being in a position of power.
"Connect me with the Director..."
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Altair Sirraf
The Galactic Alliance
Posts: 344
Affiliation: Unknown
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Post by Altair Sirraf on Mar 3, 2017 12:24:10 GMT -8
2 days had passed since the massacre at the Imperial Base. The First Order had done a perfect job of cleaning up the mess so that it never happened. No one seemed to care that a score of Imperial soldiers had died, and the days had passed without incident or reply to the general populace of Choal. Miners woke and went about their day, traders worked the city streets just as heavily patrolled as always hawking their wares to imperial and Jabiimese alike... then again... were they all not Imperials?
The medical supplies continued to appear inside the back room of the coffee shop - still no sign of where they were coming from... still no sign of who was behind the gifts. The people took them without complaint or question, the supplies offered by the out of the way coffee shop were much needed and even much more appreciated without the bother of asking questions - and much more than that... they were free. The Imperials had put a regular tax on most goods sold within the city which drove up prices for everyone. and without imperial sponsored work teams that increased pay to the few that qualified most of the lower class citizens went without much of the basics they had had before the First Order had come to this world. To the average citizen of Jabiim, the First Order was a yolk they could ill afford to carry much longer.
Rico had went back to his general day to day tasks, the meetings that used to be held at the coffee shop late at night had stopped all together. People had stopped caring it seemed, they had been broken by the weight of the Imperial Fist gently resting upon their shoulders. To him... one who had seen first hand the atrocities and the horrors the Sith Empire had loosed upon Coruscant, the occupation of Jabiim was like a holiday. If you were dedicated to surviving, and didn't have to look after to many people it was perfectly doable. Since two weeks prior there had been no more killings in the streets - it seemed that people still remembered the deaths even though the bodies had not been put on display as was Imperial practice. Rico looked up at the high lofts of the upper ring of the city towards the First Order base and wondered just who was behind the occupation of this world - if not for the last time...
"Move along there!"
Rico's head dropped and he flexed his back into the effort of pulling the Bamboo filled cart from in front of the main gate of the city. His body had began to show signs of mal nutrition, as he had been giving away much of his food to those who could not afford to feed their children in the poor district that he had lived in. He could survive on next to nothing for a long while, but the children his neighbors had birthed some years before the occupation had began would die soon if things did not change. His kept his eyes down and made double time away from the Trooper who had called him out, glad to see his patrol move off when he took a corner towards Market Street. He had noticed an increase of patrol droids in the last few days, small R-1 recon droids were the norm, mostly floating in shadowed passages, or to the quick eye seen darting between half empty streets seeming to always be watching every move of every citizen in the city. Whoever was in charge up there... they had been doing their job well, it was no doubt that if the meetings had continued then these droids would know every single one of the members, their families, their jobs, and have them under constant surveillance. Rico signed, a half defeated look borne with years of practice as he began to set up his cart for sale.
Bamboo was grown right outside the city walls, the near constant rain hardly a trouble to it for its roots took in almost all wet conditions, even allowing the plant to grow completely submerged. In point of fact the deeper the water was, the higher the bamboo would grow to reach the sun. Many citizens had taken to using the sturdy rain resistant planet to thatching their roofs with once plate shingle became to expensive to afford, and so within the last few months Rico's meager Bamboo business had been given him quite a steady income.
Several hours had passed making the occasional sale now and again. He would wait a few more hours before taking the rest to the imperial garrison. He was doubtful they would purchase anything from the likes of him, but the perception of ambition might get him close enough to the base to see if anything was going on up there. It was nearing close to the 1 year anniversary of the occupation and if he knew the Imperial mind... they would not let the event go unmarked. -- a shimmer of red light drew his attention. A R-1 Recon droid had hovered just out of the path of two cards moving into the alleyway it had just occupied and it hesitated a moment... watching him. The behavior was odd, even for a droid. He held contact with the droid for a moment, allowing it to see his down trodden defeated expression before he sadly turned his head away from the droid as if to see to picking up shop and moving off. He expected the droid to move, but it didn't. Moments later the droid was joined by another one - then another. Rico blinked, seeing one of these things hold still for a moment was odd... but seeing three, monitoring the same grid section, at the same time... remaining stable... it was unheard of. Rico blinked again... then his eyes narrowed to the side of the Recon Droid's optic node and he smirked, ducking his head instantly to hide the betraying expression. The Droid had been sliced... He looked up for a moment and then noticed all three had. He watched the Droids for a moment, three of them... enough for... The First Recon droids red optic bar blinked off for a moment, then back on... the second did a moment later, and within another moment or two all three recon droids were blinking off and on in what seemed to be a perfectly random bit of code. Rico watched, unblinking, unmoving for several long seconds as the code played over in his mind and even though he had been in deep cover for years now, the code was burned so deep into his memory he read it as if he had learned it the day prior, and the message was quite simple. "Shadow has been Activated"
"Here's where the fun begins..."
Rico muttered softly to himself as he stood straight and nodded his head slightly before cracking his neck to hide the affirmation he had received the code. The three recon droids then buzzed upwards into the air above market street. It was just passed mid day and several hundred people had been buzzing about up and down the street, regardless of the near constant rain. Rico found that he now was not the only one that had noticed the Droids odd behavior and within moments most of the streets occupance were looking up in wonder at the recon droids. The Three were joined by several more... buzzing in from all over the city leaving whole grids empty of surveillance. They began to form a grip pattern above the entire street and finally when they all were hovering silently a Viper Class Imperial Probe droid hovered above the entire group, it had been fitted with a jerry-rigged hologram projector and It more than most bore the perfectly visible signs of a slicers hack. The droids... dozens of them now... were no longer under the control of the First Order. Rico shook his head unable to hide the smirk. It would have taken him months to find, isolate, slice, and reprogram all of these droids... but if the message was accurate and Shadow really was on the planet, then the First Order, and Jabiim as a whole was in for a show.
"CITIZENS OF JABIIM"
The words were not only spoken from the Viper, but were relayed through the vocals of all of the R-1 recon droids so the booming announcement caused the entire street to stop and look up the nearest droid, and then towards the Viper. Several citizens began muttering to themselves, pointing but not sure of what to do with the current situation other than watch. A stormtrooper patrol or two had also paused, their heads turning side to side as if noticing the odd behavior of the droids for the first time. all looking towards their patrol leaders for a sign of what to do... three patrol leaders of all three unites within range of the street simply held still, watching the recon droids. The Viper finally moved, turning in circles projecting a shaky hologram image of a figure cloaked from head to toe in dark blue and black robes - pieces of clone trooper armor - pieces of leather armor - and even a Mandolorian shoulder pad with several strands of hair falling from the piece of armor. Just off center of the breastplate, right over the heard was a symbol that would have been known to few on this world, the symbol of the Bothan Clan Alya. The figure stood still before the hologram dropped a First Order stormtrooper helmet and the head of the occupant rolled out before the image passed from the holograms origin pad - still the image was clear to all, then the figure spoke - a voice soft but strong.
"Citizens of Jabiim... 2 days ago... 14 stormtroopers were slaughtered and their blood and armor sent a clear sign to the First Order..."
The Image of him faded for a moment and several hologram projections of the dead bodies, the blood, and the large 14 written in blood over the Barracks wall was visible. The images rotated for several moments before falling still upon the large bloody 14. Then the image faded and the figure's hologram returned. Several troopers were already raising their blasters towards the hologram, and the droids, taking up defensive positions out of habit as they looked to their squad leaders who each stood still and mute watching the hologram.
"14 dead... to mark the 14 days that remained until their 1 year occupation of YOUR WORLD! For 248 days you... the citizens of Jabiim have borne with meager tolerance the iron fist around your throat, squeezing the life from you and your planet. Your children starve... your old die of diseases easily cured but for the proper supplies... supplies the FIRST ORDER keeps from your reach with their taxation. Your tolerance extends to the Army that they have marched through your gates... which has killed your brothers, your sisters..."
His Image faded again, and a holo recording of the murder that had taken place weeks ago on this very street played before their eyes, undeniable proof of his words. It focused on the troopers, then several faces as each turned its head away from the one being beaten and left to die in the streets, and yet still the voice spoke...
"You've turned your head from the suffering of your own people..."
His voice hung in the air for a moment as the images were replayed for effect. Many of the citizens in the silence began to mutter amongst themselves, several turning to look at the stormtroopers keeping their positions in the city streets, obviously tense, still looking to their squad commanders for orders which didn't come. The Image of the figure returned and the silence was broken.
"My name is Shadow... and I was born to a planet who has seen the same occupation, the same war, the same cowardice and fear that I see before me on Jabiim. I was once where you are now... beaten down into the dirt. One stood for me then, as I stand for you now. Gadriel'lya, a Bothan of the Jedi Order. His army helped liberate my planet... and in his name... I have come to liberate yours."
Rico's eyes were already filling with tears as he watched his leaders form speak to the people of Jabiim. He looked over his shoulder at the still from of a StormTrooper unit commander and noticed he hadn't even raised his blaster. Imperial command structure had allowed the broadcast to continue as long as it had, none of the troopers would act without their leaders order... that meant... Shadow was here - now, and this was just a recording. He blinked backing up - his eyes darting this way and that - instantly on alert as he reaching into his cart and pulled a sharpened piece of bamboo from the pile keeping it hidden, but ready as the broadcast continued.
"I've sent my message to the First Order... and now I send one to you... Citizens of Jabiim, you have 12 days. Move your young, your old, and those of you without the stomach for what will come out of the city. In 12 days... those of you that remain... shall see my wonders..."
"Fire!"
"Fire!"
"Fire!"
In unison the three squad leaders called out to their men and without hesitation the stormtrooper squads opened fire at the R-1 recon droids hovering over the city street. The moment blaster fire was heard the citizens on the street darted this way and that, ducking under cover - into back alleys - anywhere to get away from the reign of droid and blaster fire that would come. The R-1 droids exploded on impact - the troopers making short work of them, but when they turned their fire to the Viper droid it had already exploded, its self destruct modified to go off when the R-1's had been destroyed to prevent any recovery of the droid's command systems that might give a clue as to Shadow's tactics in slicing the droids command functions to pull his little broadcast off. The street had emptied in moments... everyone that had seen the broadcast was now gone, leaving their wares and their carts in the middle of the street most to afraid... or perhaps to smart to go back for them. When the Troopers had regained their senses it was without a doubt they would arrest anyone they found on the street who had seen the message. Hundreds... had seen the message, and that news would spread throughout the city and by morning there wouldn't be a being alive within Choal that didn't know...
The war for Jabiim had just begun.
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Viox Savage
Blackguard Imperium
"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
Posts: 2,938
Affiliation: Sith Order
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Post by Viox Savage on Mar 3, 2017 23:51:02 GMT -8
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command.In one swift, rage fueled movement, High Admiral Savage swept the contents on the top of his desk to the floor. The Storm Commando standing before him remained rooted to the spot. Whether out of discipline or fear, the helmet hide any trace of it. Savage turned to the window, seething with anger. A live stream of the broadcast had played on his display, showing him what every other citizen of Jabiim would soon know. Someone had decided to grow a pair and take a stand. Against the First Order was one thing. Against the High Admiral was an entirely different matter. The time for secrecy was over. Whether the Supreme Commander approved or not, it was time to reveal who was pulling the strings behind this First Order campaign. Savage's reputation was mired in aggression, brutality and swift responses to such brazen stands of defiance. Order was needed to keep the galaxy from ripping itself apart. And if the First Order could continue to maintain its grip on Jabiim, harvesting valuable resources to fuel the First Order's war machine, it would allow them to keep order. Savage turned to the Storm Commando."Lock the entire city down. No one leaves without authorization from this office."As the Storm Commando saluted him and left the office, Savage moved to his desk and placed both hands down on it. He sighed. After a few moments of thinking, he keyed in the frequency to his flagship, the Nebula-Class Star Destroyer, Legacy of the Void stationed in low orbit. Seconds later, a blue-hued image of the ship's Executive Officer appeared. The gaunt, pale officer snapped to attention."Commodore. Re-position the blockade and bring the Void down to the surface. Place her in the skies above Choal. And make sure all stations are prepared for combat. I have a feeling we will be seeing it before the next twelve days are up. Perhaps a show of force will stamp out any sort of rebellion before it fully takes hold."The hologram of the officer nodded.Understood sir. We will be in position within the next hour.Savage terminated the link, then stood up straighter. He straightened out his uniform and brushed it off. Gathering his professional composure, he strode from the office. As he passed by the secretary, he issued his next set of commands."Prepare for a planet wide broadcast within the hour. All frequencies. And ensure our welcoming party for the ISB agents is ready. They'll be here before the day is out."Without bothering to hear the secretary's reply, Savage strode through the complex until he reached his private quarters. As soon as the door had sealed, he slumped down against the large, ornate cabinet.His head was throbbing and the whispers echoed within his skull. Etching their way into every thought he memory. It was incredibly frustrating. Containing the power of several dead Sith Lords was no easy feat. And surely any lesser individual would have already been consumed. No, this would only serve to drive him against his enemies even harder. Redirect the pain he was feeling and inflict it upon the enemy. That's how he would soothe it. Hurt the enemy. Pull out all stops. Morals and ethics no longer had a place on this planet. At least not for him. This is where he truly became engulfed in the sway of the dark side. He merely had to endure another hour before he was ready to give his public announcement...
***
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command.As per Commodore King's word, the Nebula-Class Star Destroyer, Legacy of the Void, settled into position over the city, hanging in the darkened skies, just low enough for those on the ground to make out her outline with each flash of lightning. Having survived the hour, High Admiral Savage now stood on the raised platform within the center of the conference room. His uniform was freshly pressed and he was eagerly awaiting his chance to strike even more fear into the hearts of those who dared to oppose them. As the holo-operator indicated he was live, Savage stood straight, hands clasped firmly behind his back.Greetings, citizens of Jabiim. I am High Admiral Savage of the First Order. I represent the First Order's interests here on Jabiim. Several hours ago many of you bore witness to a rogue holo-net broadcast. As a result, all entrances to the city have been locked down. And to prevent further...dissident within this city, I have an offer to make. Those of you who remain in the city and continue to do your due diligence to the First Order shall receive a weekly care package. In such packages, there will be enough food, clean water, medical supplies and various other necessities to ensure you will survive until your next package. I offer this as an incentive to those who would otherwise seek to bring more bloodshed to their home world. If you all fall into line and comply to this new protocol, the First Order may be so inclined to offer other incentives. For those of you who would still seek to disobey, you will be executed publicly in a most gruesome fashion...Glory to the Order. Admiral Savage out. As the message ended, Savage stepped down.Sure, it may have been an odd play for the First Order, but it was a genuine offer. The raw minerals and metals couldn't be mined without the help of the Jabiim people. Hopefully this new incentive would slow the progression of the rebellion that was growing on Jabiim. It wasn't intended to halt this growth of dissension, merely delay it enough to give the High Admiral time to investigate more thoroughly. Once he had enough information, then he would cripple the Jabiim people permanently to ensure their precious resources would no longer be harvested by anyone else....
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Altair Sirraf
The Galactic Alliance
Posts: 344
Affiliation: Unknown
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Post by Altair Sirraf on Mar 5, 2017 19:23:06 GMT -8
Rico looked over his shoulder - not for the last time as he moved down the city streets. It was an hour after sunset and after Martial Law had been declared in the city it would be death to be caught out in the open at night. The shadow of the Star Destroyer was an ever present reminder that the First Order would not tolerate any further sign of rebellion. It had taken Rico days to gather enough people willing to meet and discuss what had happened, and what was going to happen. Nine days remained on the clock until 0 hour that would be the wonder that Shadow had promised. No one had left the city, save for the miners that were allowed out and back in in shifts now. His meager bamboo collection wasn't a necessary occupation to allow him access to the outer ring of the city, much less outside the city walls. Storm trooper patrols had been doubled, and even tonight he had dodged three patrols to get as close as he did to the Coffee shop where everyone had agreed to meet. The R-1's had been seen less and less... a sign that Shadow had continued his assault on the recon droids used by the first order Garrison to patrol the city. Rico exhaled calming his nerves... two more streets to go, he was nearly there and then he heard it.
"You there! Freeze!"
Rico out of pure habit slammed his hand onto his abdomen where usually would have been the activation switch for his personal cloaking device. He hadn't worn it in years but the muscle memory was still fresh for him. His head whipped around but he couldn't see anything... no stormtroopers... he slipped into a nearby ally and made his way quickly to the rooftop using a busted drain pipe for his assent. He crawled along the roof until he was near the edge and peeked over. A small patrol, only 5 troopers had caught Kird attempting to make his way to the coffee shop for their meeting. He was currently being thrown to the ground and cuffed by one trooper while another grilled him on why he was out after hours - a clear violation of curfew. Rico knew that he would be hanged by morning if he didn't do something. He closed his eyes making the quick decision. Kird wasn't one of his favorites, but he needed his voice tonight...
Flipping himself noiselessly over the edge of the roof he landed square on one stormtroopers helmet - his feet making contact - his rough heavy boots knocking the trooper senseless instantly. The second heard the sound and turned, and already Rico had rolled into the center of the group coming up behind the second. Wrapping his arms around the troopers helmet he flexed and put his entire strength into a torque motion that snapped the troopers neck and before the first troopers body had hit the ground the second trooper was down. The element of surprise gone - the third trooper noticed him, and raised his blaster for a shot. Rico reached out and deflected the blaster leveled towards him just as the weapon discharged sending the plasma bolt right into the chest of the squad leader who had just turned from his interrogation of Kird. The blaster shot would have been heard for several blocks in either direction and he knew he didn't have much time. The last trooper was finally on his feet as Rico was disarming the one he was currently entangled with and pushing him back into the shadows - out of sight of the only remaining trooper. He hoped that he hadn't been seen, being careful to always keep himself to that ones back. The last trooper raised his blaster to the shadows and reached for his comlink - a second later another blaster shot sounded and the last trooper fell dead.
"Kird on your feet, we've got to go."
Rico moved from the shadows and tossed the large miner the keys to his binders. The look on the mans face was one of utter confusion but the desire to be away from this place before more StormTroopers showed up made him act. He tossed the binders aside and followed Rico as he darted into the shadows and through the back door of the coffee shop.
"Quick everyone into the basement - douse the lights lock all the doors."
A small group of people who were already on edge didn't hesitate a moment before slipping out of their positions and doing as told. Within moments every one of them was locked securely behind the stormvault door of the coffee shop. Rico followed behind them. It went against every fiber in his being to remain here. He had been exposed to one of the citizens - he had been seen dispatching an entire trooper patrol, alone and unarmed. He trusted Kird to not betray the group to the first order, but he didn't trust the rest of them if they knew his secret. They all waited in the basement for several moments for the sign of anything from above. After what felt like hours they heard the butt of a rifle bang against the door. Everyone in the group held their breath the trooper breached the coffee shop above and they heard empire issue boots stomping above their heads as the trooper searched the room. Several moments later the trooper left leaving the door broken open as he continued searching the neighboring houses. They would search every shop on market street before moving off - hopefully after another hour or so, they would assume Shadow had taken out the group and that they wouldn't find him - at least that was Rico's hope.
The group remained silent for at least another hour after the noise from above had long faded. The entire time Rico felt Kird's eyes on him, and when he finally made eye contact all Rico did was shook his head slightly, a very serious expression on his face. Kird made no acknowledgement of the motion simply continued to stair at him. Rico hoped that the gift of his life would have been enough to buy his silence. Finally someone spoke... it was Jord - the most loudmouthed naysayer of the group Rico had assembled.
"what... happened out there?"
Rico raised an eyebrow and opened his mouth to speak but a moment before he could he heard his words coming out of Kird's mouth.
"It was Shadow... he took out of a group of Troopers a few streets down."
Rico lowered his head slightly not acknowledging the words in any way allowing Jord and Kird to argue for a few moments about Shadow being so close to their meeting place. Jord was finally silenced when Ruum spoke. Another miner, this one a foreman who would have perhaps considered himself the leader of the would be resistance in Choal.
"Did you guys see his face..."
He spoke of course of the Zabrak commander who claimed he was "High Admiral" of the First Order. It was doubtful if anyone born on Jabiim had even seen a Zabrak before. It was of course Jord that spoke next.
"He's a demon... we shouldn't even be here... I have a family, a wife and two children i need to look after. If I accept the offer we may be able to survive until...
"Until the First Order is done with this world and Jabiim ends up like Dantooine? And he isn't a demon... he's a Zabrak, a culture of warriors that would have no problems in killing each and every one of you."
Rico's words were soft and calm, but it brought a hush to the group. They had all seen the holonet broadcast of the First Order "Victory" over Dantooine. The defeat of the Jedi Fleet and the destruction they had brought to the planets surface. Countless dead... the planet wouldn't be the same for decades, perhaps longer.
"But you have a point.. you should accept the packages he offers. Tomorrow, at dawn... get your family and take them to the base. You'll not be alone I assure you, many will be among those that choose to accept the yolk of the first order for the promise of security, even a false promise."
"Rico is right. The offer the First Order has made will help a great many families. But we need to find a way to get people out of the city. The children and the Old... like Shadow said."
"If anyone leaves the First Order will punish those of us that remain...
"Not if they are to occupied..."
"Kird is right... we need a distraction grand enough to get a large portion of the population out. But we need a few things first. We need to spread the word, to get people that want to leave together and let them know we are going to get them out... without letting them in on the details. The more ears on this, the greater our risk of discovery."
"What do you suggest?"
Ruum looked strangely at Rico, and the way Kird looked at him, looking for his opinion so desperately, as if his word was gospel. Rico rolled a shoulder back and looked over to Ruum with what could be mistaken as a pleading glance - as if one had overspoken himself with an idea, without the wisdom or knowledge to give an actual answer to the problem at hand. Ruum hesitated a bit... thinking...
"The mines..."
Ruum whispered after a moment. He was a foreman after all. with access to the mining equipment and the explosives that they kept on hand but under guard of the imperials.
"Thats brilliant... we serve two purposes, removing their access to your materials, but also providing a distraction large enough to move the populous out of the city. But now we need... how... and where to?"
"Monsoon Mesa"
"The Republic Base was been destroyed... there isn't enough space to put people there."
"No no... the Mines below the base. Remember the tale our fathers told us of when Vader destroyed the surface? Our people the entire population hid in the mines."
"I've got maps of the mine system throughout the entire planet..."
Rico sat back as the details were discussed, the group talked until two hours before dawn. He added bits now and again to keep the group on the right track, but otherwise he allowed them to govern themselves, under Ruum's watchful eye. Every now and again he caught Kird looking at him, he had seen him as something more than a patriotic Bamboo farmer, and that image wouldn't be easy to shake. And when finally the group was ready to break apart even Jord seemed a little optimistic about their chances. It was all arranged for the morning. Jord would go with the rest of the group, and his family to accept the First Orders offer of aide and see what could be seen. and as they all crept out of the darkness and made their way back to home... cept for Rico. He was making his way to the edge of the city - he had recon to do - he had to find a way to get the people out of the city, even with the distraction they had planned he still needed a route that wasn't being watched... and in a city that had been maintained by the First Order for nearly a year, he had his work cut out for him.
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Viox Savage
Blackguard Imperium
"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
Posts: 2,938
Affiliation: Sith Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Choal
Mar 5, 2017 23:00:14 GMT -8
Post by Viox Savage on Mar 5, 2017 23:00:14 GMT -8
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command.
Savage sat cross legged on the floor of his private quarters, eyes closed. He was meditating. Delving into the depths of the Force seeking clarity of mind.
Odd, some might say, for a Sith such as Viox to be doing such a thing. But even a Sith needed to be clear minded at times. It wasn't all anger and rage and hate and evil. There were more...human elements to the complexity of the Zabrak on the floor. The few pieces of his being that hadn't been fully corrupted by the dark side. Sometimes he would cling to those few pieces when he was feeling vulnerable. This wasn't one of those times. However, he was trying to find a strategic approach to the situation, rather than slaughtering the entirety of the planet and calling in slaves from several of the Imperial held worlds to replace them. Nicademus would probably attempt to threaten him in some fashion for doing such a thing. Attempt being the operative word. The spoiled Imperial twat sitting at the top of the First Order wasn't going to be the one who stopped him if he was ever stupid enough to threaten him. No. The Supreme Commander hid behind his vaunted Imperial Knights and the abominations that were the Knights of Ren. Neither group posed much of a threat. At least not to him. Nicademus had pawns. Pawns willing to die to see the goals of the First Order furthered. And when the time came, Savage could cut a bloody swath through them all, straight to the Supreme Commander. And once he held the Supreme Commander's still beating heart in his prosthetic hand, only then would he be content. Until that time, however, he needed to keep playing this little game. A game he grew bored of.
He could feel the ebb and flow of the Force. It flowed through him. Filling him with its infinite wisdom, yet revealing none. Washing him in a comforting warmth, yet leaving him cold. It was a finicky thing. He craved the power the Force offered, yet it didn't satisfy him. Regardless, as he pondered that for a few moments, something stood out in his mind. A Bothan, by the looks of it. Not much else was clear as of yet. And then came a glimpse of the mines. And a blackened, overgrown insignia that once had belonged to the Republic of centuries forgotten. And then it was clear again. Savage's eyes snapped open. While vague, these clues meant something. He rose from his position on the floor and donned his uniform. It was time to meet the ISB agents...
Imperial Forward Command. Hangar Four.
High Admiral Savage and his escort of Shadowtroopers stood waiting for the shuttle to touch down. As the ramp extended, Savage stepped forward. Six agents dressed in plain, unassuming grey tunics disembarked. The leader approached him. A middle aged human. A scar ran the length of the right side of his face. His hair was short cropped and blonde in color. His chiseled face was pale. Paler than most humans he had seen. Which was quite a feat, considering they were on a planet that rarely saw sunlight for extended periods of time.
"High Admiral Savage. I am Cipher Four, though you make call me Anton."
Savage inclined his head in acknowledgement. He then motioned for Anton to walk with him. Anton immediately fell into step with him. Before Savage could say anything, Anton was speaking.
"I must say, when the Director told me that High Admiral Savage himself had asked for our help, I thought he was joking..."
Savage interjected rather abruptly, out of annoyance more than anything else.
"Indeed. Though I assure you this is no jest. This developing situation requires a more...delicate touch. Judging from your previous comment, you are well informed with the fact that I do not handle situations such as this very...tactfully."
Anton raised an eyebrow as Savage spoke. Clearly he wasn't expecting to hear those words come from the High Admiral's mouth. But they were the truth. Savage was direct, brutal and anything but subtle.
"As you say, High Admiral. It is good you called us. Jabiim is important to the First Order right now. With recent...setbacks, we require a great deal more resources when fighting with the Alliance. Resources that Jabiim has once more, in abundance. So what is the situation so far. We were briefed, however the reports were vague."
As the duo continued to walk, Savage explained the situation.
"As of 1800 hours yesterday, a dozen of our recon probes were hacked. As of 1815, the planet-wide holonet was hacked and a message was relayed to the Jabiim people. In twelve days, some unknown sentient will essentially attack us to try and liberate Jabiim. Since the rogue message, I responded with an offer to keep the people within the city and I locked the city down as per protocol. Aside from that, we have doubled our patrols and recalled all recon droids in for inspection. I felt it was better to wait for you to arrive than proceed on my own."
They stopped in the corridor. Anton looked up at Savage.
"Good work. And thanks for waiting. We will investigate from here. You just keep doing what you are doing. Maintain your presence, pressure the locals, execute suspected rebels. What ever it is you do on a daily basis, don't stop. We needn't give whoever is behind this any reason to suspect our arrival."
Savage nodded.
"Of course. Anything else?"
Anton eyed him up for a moment.
"Yeah. Give me every file and scrape of information you have on the rebel activity so far, and some space to review it."
Again, Savage nodded.
"Done."
Anton nodded. He extended his hand. Savage accepted it, gripping it tightly as they shook.
"It's been a pleasure, High Admiral. We'll be in touch."
And with that, he release Savage's hand and strode off to catch up with the rest of the agents that he had arrived with. Savage then, turned on his heel and made his way to his office to continue his duties as the Overseer of the occupation of Jabiim.
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Altair Sirraf
The Galactic Alliance
Posts: 344
Affiliation: Unknown
Traffic Light: Blue
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Choal
Mar 6, 2017 12:48:35 GMT -8
Post by Altair Sirraf on Mar 6, 2017 12:48:35 GMT -8
Jabiim - Choal - Forward Imperial Command
*The shadows were long with the morning light. In one night so much had changed. Rico had nearly forced his hand causing him to act without need, but the Shadowalkers skill at hand to hand combat had saved him at last - and under Shadow's watchful gaze his meeting had gone uninterrupted. After being sure Rico and his cohorts were safe Shadow had ventured up to the Forward Imperial Command Center to see what could be seen. The High Admiral's message had not gone unnoticed by him, and for the last several nights Shadow had stared up at the looming form of the Star Destroyer hovering over the city and considered his options, how this could be used to his advantage. He didn't have enough men to take the bridge, and he even doubted his own skill in being able to successfully take such a craft even if he did have the men. Several hundred soldiers, several hundred more crew... no, taking that behemoth was out of the question, and yet something lingered at his mind. Even now as he stood on the edge of two meeting walls between the watch towers of the main gate gazing up at the then he sensed a change in the Force. Something was happening beyond either of their control. He looked up at the clouds, always raining... always lightning... the electric storms were something that kept the imperial war machines tanks and walkers off the planet, but the shields of the Star Destroyer were so strong it would have taken a storm of cataclysmic proportions to even have them notice the hail pelting down on the durasteel hull.
Shadow looked to each side. He could see the troopers on guard duty through the glass of the each watch tower, so close to him... yet without a clue of his presence. They wouldn't have felt the change either... something was coming, and as Shadow looked over the city, down over the slums... past the city wall and out across the horizon as far as he could into the night, he knew what it was. The Force had told him... and now he knew what he needed to do. And he had only a few more days to prepare. He stood and moved off to another section of the wall, less guarded and considered the other problem - Viox had met with someone today. Someone who had landed here not some hours ago before sundown. He knew this new player was going to be a threat, but at the moment he knew nothing about him. That is why he was here. People moved in and out of the Command Building at all hours even at night, so gaining entrance into the structure was not difficult. After that it was a waiting game of memorizing guard patrols, scanners, internal sensors, droids that could monitor and read the systems of his cloaking device even without fully being aware of him. It had taken him most of the night to get to where he now stood... the command room at the top of the building. He noticed this was the place where Viox had made his broadcast... that meant... his own personal quarters were not far from here. A commander such as him would never be far from where the action was. Shadow exhaled once more focusing on the tricks Gadriel had taught him to mask his presence from any force sensitive being. Shadow was never any good at the combat applications of the force. he never quite licked telekinesis or the calm of mind and body for saber combat, but the way his mind worked... the way the force touched him... it made him a ghost, Gadriel himself was the one that had named him Shadow and since then he had gone by no other name, wearing it like a badge of honor.
Three doors that lead from the command room that had not opened. One he assumed was a tech room of sorts, something that would only be opened if there was a problem. He needed to get in there eventually... the other two he hoped were Viox's personal quarters and Meditation rooms. And so he waited... out of the way, almost in a calm meditative trance focusing on maintaining his namesake - keeping himself out of the way until morning...
Sunrise... 7 days til Empire Day ... Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command. Main Gate.
Jord and his family had awoken at dawn as instructed and moved out with a growing number of the population to gather at the gates of the Imperial Base. Many of them huddled together in fear, but Jord and his family were among the first closest to the gates looking up expectantly at the Guards looking down on them from the watch towers along the wall. He didn't know what they were thinking, and he felt at any moment they would all be slaughtered - fired upon for no reason at all. He steeled himself and stepped away from his family calling up towards the guard troopers.
"We've come to accept the High Admirals most gracious offer."
Jord stood stone still, nothing moved, no one replied... and for a the briefest moments he could almost hear his own heart beat before the gates finally opened...
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Krzesimir Viggo
The First Order
Posts: 360
Affiliation: First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Krzesimir Viggo on Mar 10, 2017 17:31:06 GMT -8
The day started early, getting ready for the massive distribution of supplies later that day. Boots hit the ground running at 0500, well before the civies would arrive to pick up their allotted supplies. Still everything and everyone was bustling and rushing about trying to get everything ready in time. And of course, the logistics officers were fuming and more than willing to explain the difficulties of trying to organize such a massive aid program in such short notice. Thankfully, few had time to listen with the nearly endless list of tasks and supplies in need of transport, packaging, and sorting according to the size of family able to be supplied per package. Things were starting to slow down at about 0740, with things shaping up to a proper supply depot shortly there after.
Supplies were organized into three groups, set in lines across the central parade ground of the fortress. At the head of each line was a pair of Imperial Troop Carriers parked tail to tail, all of three meters apart. The gap between each pair of vehicles was filled by a platoon of troopers, each ready to help hand off packages in an orderly manner, and if necessary, hold off a stampede or worse. Tensions were high after the slaughter of fourteen fellow troopers, but orders were orders, so even if things got rough, lethal fire was to be reserved of evidence of armed assault. Still, many of the boys kept checking their blasters, making sure they were ready and set to stun, so they wouldn't have to take time to switch it later. Access to the rest of the fortress would be nigh impossible, as the civies were very carefully being contained just inside the gate by the vehicles and troopers. Still, it would be fairly obvious that normal operations were underway throughout the base, mostly shown to be a reassuring measure, though some troopers thought it might be wasted on the civies.
At 0858, it was obvious that a large crowd was waiting on the other side of the gate, some of the troopers shifted nervously waiting for the gates to open, but squad leaders kept a tight leash on any unnecessary banter or nervous chatter. Suddenly a voice called out on the other side of the gate, thought what was said was lost on those standing in the courtyard, it wasn't hard to figure out the gist of it. 0900, the gates opened exactly on schedule revealing the organized, pristine, and disciplined distribution teams waiting for them as well as the stockpiles of supplies waiting for them. For a moment nothing happens as the gates finish opening and the crowd and troopers wait for the imagined surprise assault waiting for them. A commander over the gate issues instructions for families to move to the appropriate lines, according to the size of the family. Claims would be checked against city records, which thankfully were up to the task thanks to the length of the occupation.
As the first family comes my way, I stamp at the twinges of fear in the back of my head as the crowd surges forward through the gate. I was standing by the line of supplies, so my brothers in arms would fall first if anything did go wrong. Thankfully, the civies seem even more terrified than we are of conflict starting here, and move forward in timid spurts. My sergeant calmly and clearly, almost conversationally, asked the nearest civy his name and how many people were in his family. As the civy responds, I anticipate his order and grab the appropriate supply crate, passing it forward between the parked transports to the family in need. My lieutenant was careful to check the city records for registered residents against the claimed number. Things progress jerkily at first, then the crowd organizes itself into lines and things begin moving more smoothly and efficiently. Occasionally, discrepancies would arise between claims and records. The first case nearly spooked and ran as he was asked to stand aside as a pair of troopers stepped up to ask a series of more detailed questions, but usually it was just a new birth in the family which had yet to be logged with official First Order records.
The day passed quickly, with my platoon being relieved by another at 1300. As we moved to the mess hall, the platoon chatted and finally relaxed as they began to believe that no surprise was planned for today. I smiled to myself, joking with my friends and brothers and reflected that it was a nice change of pace to be doing work that so clearly demonstrated that the First Order was here to build stability, not oppress the lowly or weak. This was met with a quite agreement, and then crude joke about a one of the logistics officers who was bit a fire all to herself. The lieutenant quickly reprimanded the offender; but we could here the smile in his voice and chuckled our way into the chow line. We were glad to be done with our first shift in an operation that promised to be beneficial for moral on both sides of the fortress wall.
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Viox Savage
Blackguard Imperium
"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
Posts: 2,938
Affiliation: Sith Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Viox Savage on Mar 22, 2017 13:52:06 GMT -8
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command.
High Admiral Savage sat at his desk, reviewing the day's flow of data. The offer of aid had been widely accepted by the general populace with open arms. So much so, that they had received 7% more than originally projected. It was a good sign. If giving out small incentives to remain compliant meant the citizens of Jabiim wouldn't rise up, it was a small price to pay. Though talk of rebellion was still a high priority, this momentary lapse in progress gave the First Order time to analyze the situation thoroughly. For now, the population of Jabiim was needed to continue harvesting the materials needed to help churn the First Order's war machine. The moment they ceased to be useful, mass executions would be carried out for conspiring against the First Order. The borders of the city were locked down tighter than a Hutt's vault. Authorization and ident cards had been issued to the miners and security personnel. Everything was functioning on that front as it should. No disruptions. As Savage reviewed another report, there was a knock on his door. Without looking up, he waved his hand, causing the door to open. The ISB agent known as 'Anton' stood there, holding several datapads and hard copy documents.
"High Admiral. I have the latest report you requested."
Savage, without looking up, allowed a small grin to form. He laid down his stylus and leaned back in his chair, steeping his fingers together. He eyed up the ISB agent thoughtfully.
"Proceed, Cipher Four."
Readily accepting the invitation, Anton stepped into the office and placed the datapads and documents on the High Admiral's desk. He then pulled on data-pad from the stack and typed in a few things before showing the High Admiral.
"Our sources dug up any and all information in regards to this Bothan Jedi. Gadriel'lya. His whereabouts is currently unknown. Records allude to him being dead. Given his date of birth and age at this point. Unfortunately we cannot confirm that. We can, however, confirm several known rebel sympathizers."
Anton grabbed the file and made a pulling motion, then threw it up on the main holo-table in the High Admiral's office. Several faces appeared. Anton continued.
"Kird Skylar. Miner. No known family. Has a history of conspiring against any form of government set up on Jabiim. More talk than anything else. Accused of several attempts to overthrown the previous governor, though he failed and gave up his fellow conspirators on a plea bargain. Seems to talk big about moral and ethical concerns, though favors saving his own skin when things become too hot."
Savage rose from his desk and walked over to the holo-table. His hands were clasped behind his back as he listened intently to Anton's report. As he finished speaking, Savage spoke.
"A coward. Interested in riling up the masses, but ultimately leans toward self preservation. He will certainly have his uses...in due time. Continue."
Anton highlighted the next image. A middle aged man. No discerning features to make him stand out in a crowd.
"Jord Klassen. Miner. Shift Supervisor of crew 189-B. Works the 22K and 29K Claims. Family man. Wife, two young children and a third on the way. Known to be a loudmouth and a bit of a naysayer when it comes to government of any kind. Likes to concoct conspiracy theories, however he has a clean criminal record."
Savage eyed up the image of the man. He flexed his jaw and grinned.
"A useful puppet. He has weaknesses, which are easily exploitable if one was to become...persuasive..."
Savage then inclined his head so Anton would continue.
Without a pause, Anton brought up the next image. A late aged male. Two large aged spots on his left cheek and a scar on his chin.
"Ruum Galfore. Miner. Foreman to several day shift crews, including Jord Klassen's crew. Another family man and a true patriot. His family has lineage tracing back to the days of the Clone Wars. Many of his forefathers fought and died here. No family now to speak of. Had a wife, deceased. Two boys, both miners. One died in a terrible collapse. The other was killed in an explosion staking out new claims. Clean criminal record, though there are a few written reports from the local authorities detailing two altercations with some offworlders. Something to do with insulting the planet and its people. No charges were formally pressed."
Savage gazed at the image of Ruum for a few moments before speaking.
"A man willing do die for his planet. A die hard patriot can be easily swayed if they can be convinced that your side is the right side. Again, a useful pawn."
As he finished speaking, Savage glanced up at the next image. A male with no notable features, but even as he gazed upon the image, he had a gut feeling he was the keep to the dissent being sowed among the populace.
"And finally, Rico Sorensen. A tradesman. Peddles in the local bamboo. No family and no living relatives. And no entry for a Criminal Record. At all. Aside from knowing his assumed name and that he is a trader, I wouldn't have noticed he was even on the planet...-"
Savage's eyes narrowed. He stepped forward, pushed the image of Rico off to the side and went through several screens until one of a HUD cam from a small patrol of Stormtroopers was found. Savage fast-forwarded through it. It depicted an attack on a patrol after the were about to apprehend Kird Skylar. As the recording resumed normal playback speed, Savage slowed it down, inching it forward frame by frame. In a split transition, he paused it. The assailant of the troopers could be seen. Again, no discerning features, except for the eyes. Savage tilted his head to the side and stared at the image. The eyes of the attacker were not ablaze with fury, as one would expect. But with determination and hope. Savage glanced at the other image of Rico. That same look of determination and hope could be seen. Savage turned to Anton.
"This man. He is the key to all of this, I am sure of it. The others are pawns. A means to an end. Find him. Bring him and the others in for questioning. Quietly. Act through the local authorities if need be. We cannot raise their suspicions yet."
Surprised and slightly taken aback by the sudden revelation, Anton nodded.
"Understood, High Admiral."
And with that, Anton gathered up his datapads and documents and left the High Admiral's office. Savage, in turn, walked to the window behind his desk, overlooking the soggy landscape. He merely watched the city. Soon he would be a step closer to knowing. Soon.
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Altair Sirraf
The Galactic Alliance
Posts: 344
Affiliation: Unknown
Traffic Light: Blue
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Choal
Apr 4, 2017 19:06:13 GMT -8
Post by Altair Sirraf on Apr 4, 2017 19:06:13 GMT -8
*Shadow slipped through the door following the ISB agent into the office and at once dipped into the corner of the room, his hands were at the ready on his weapons in case the Sith Lord discovered him, but he had hopped the Sith's mind would be on other things - such as the deaths of his men, and the slowly growing rebellion happening on his planet. He didn't know how the First Order worked, but open rebellion on this planet would not make the new High Admiral look very good he knew that for certain. Gripping the hilt of his disruptor rifle slightly slung over his shoulder he began grinding his teeth together silently... one good shot and half their problems would be over. He was just about to unsling the rifle when their conversation moved on... and he heard Rico's name. They new Rico was a part of the Rebellion. Somehow they must have gotten a recording... he blinked as just as he suspected the Sith replayed the recording of Rico from a few days ago... sloppy... Shadow shook his head slightly and released the grip on his disruptor. He couldn't kill the Sith lord now... his failure would mean Rico was the only one left, and now that the FO was onto him... it was to risky, even for him.
A few moments longer passed and the one known as Anton, the ISB agent - the new thorn in Shadow's side left the door. Shadow only had a few moments if he was going to get out. He slipped his hand into his pouch and and pulled out a small recording device he secured in the corner of the room and activated it before moving out the door, barely making it out into the Command room before the door hissed shut behind him. His heartbeat was racing and he hesitated a moment to clear his head the way Gadriel had taught him without sinking into the Force, the Sith would sense it so close to him. He focused and moved towards the other doors planting several more recording devices about the Command Room before slipping out of the command room - he had another stop to make before leaving the FO headquarters.*
Rico had stayed out all night attempting to find ways out of the city for several hundred people that he knew he could trust to leave with them. The FO patrols had grown more frequent and more heavily armed and he felt very conscious of the fact that he and his group had to little of a plan to work. Hopefully this morning when the first shift of minors began work Ruum should only need the span of the day to get everything ready. That means instead of going home and sleeping he had a few more things to do... and the first of those should be ready in... He looked up at the sun and then tilted his head towards the other end of the city and began to count.
"Three... Two... "
Rico smirked and a moment later he heard the explosion... Due to the electromagnetic storms on the planet the the workload of the FO mainly had to be done by non-repulsar technology - most of that tech was run on tabana gas fuel cells, very effective, long lasting, and thankfully... very very explosive. The FO had kept a fueling station close to their command center - they werent stupid enough to keep that much Tabana within the walls of the base itself. It had only taken a few of his grenades which he had taken from his stashed gear just outside the city. There was only a few guards which he had been able to incapacitate without drawing any attention - and luckily he knew the citizens nearby and was able to give them enough time to get out before the explosion went off - also being able to be on the opposite side of the city able to be seen by a patrol or two in the process.
As soon as the explosion went off he gave himself a moment to appreciate the colors that filled the sky before he took off into the crowds. He only had a few moments to get in place while the First Order patrols were dealing with the first explosion... The next he would have to do by hand. The options of FO targets was slim and he didn't want to approach the actual Forward Command Center without all of his gear, and so he was headed away from the explosion, and away from the Base, towards one of the occupied gates. He had scouted the gate already and he knew there where three troopers on guard on the wall, three troopers on the ground - one in the tower overlooking the gate, and three more outside the gate. 10 guards in total, and with the explosion they were bound to be on guard. The first was the problem. If he didn't deal with the guard tower first it would have been soon been caught in the sights of a high powered plasma rifle that the guard had leaning up against the inside of the guard tower.
He wasn't able to bring his own rifle, there would have been no way he would have gotten it this far without being noticed, he only had a blaster and a few more of the grenades and one thermal detonator. Slipping his way up onto a nearby rooftop he got himself into a relatively nice blind. The shot wouldn't be noticed from the group below, and was half shielded by the ones on the wall, the only problem was that if he missed the guard in the tower would be down and out of the way before he had the chance to take another shot. Rico exhaled, tilted his head back and forth checking for any more of the recon droids he had noticed once more out and about, obviously recovered from Shadows attack on their supply. He heard the alarms go off from the First Order Base and he knew that several dozen more patrols would be going out into the city, one or two might even be coming here. He lowered the blaster towards the guard, exhaling taking aim. He hadn't fired a blaster in years... before this morning. he had tested the blaster in the sewers to make sure it did still work, and had cleaned and checked the power supply before moving back into the city. He exhaled once... twice... then squeezed the trigger. The recoil off the blaster took his eyes from the target and by the time he looked back to realize that he had missed the troopers on the wall were already looking for the one who fired the shot. Rico cursed himself tilting his head back to check to the tower. He couldn't see the trooper, whom he assumed was crouched in the tower waiting for the others to find the target before getting up to take his own shot.
Growling Rico rolled into the open turning his blaster towards the three on the wall. Three quick shots brought two of them down and he missed the third. Rusty.... out of practice... it nearly cost him his life when the other shouted his position and the Troopers on the ground opened fire. Rico was barely able to fall back onto the rooftop out of the way of the blaster fire. He shot another wild shot up at the tower to keep that trooper off his feet. The moment that trooper stood up - he knew he was dead. Unclipping another of his grenades he tossed it over the wall and heard the satisfying sound of screams as the explosion took two more of them - knocking the third one onto his back motionless. A flare of pain and fire brought him back to his sense - the trooper on the wall that he had missed had hit him with his first shot and his arm was now hanging uselessly at his side, numb. He raised his blaster single handed and returned fire - knocking the trooper off the wall. Four more left... He knew that his position was given away and as he shot another round up at the tower he realized the trooper was already on his feet and was lining up his shot. His suppressing fire went wide and the trooper ignored it as he fired - and Rico thought he was dead. He missed? He couldn't have missed. Rico didn't stop to explain it to himself and aimed and fired again taking the trooper right in the head sending him flying off the tower. He crouched and reached into his bag... his bag... where was it?? He looked around frantically... the last grenade and the Thermal Detonator was in the bag.
He then came to the understanding of what had happened... the shot he couldn't believe had missed him hadn't... it had grazed his shoulder as he ducked... if he hadn't the blast would have taken him in the heart - but with the ducking it grazed his shoulder and took the strap off... causing the bag to fall down onto the ground below him. Only a few seconds had passed and the gate was already opening and the three troopers were more on their guard. Their internal comms would have given them his position and now he had to jump down to the ground right in their line of fire to retrieve his bag. He growled dove forward sending a barrage of fire into the gate... three shots... six shots... ten shots - one tropper down. He fired as if he was seven men, knowing his blaster wouldn't be able to keep this up, it would over heat in moments and then be useless. He shot five more shots and then tossed the gun aside and slipped off the roof and heard a snap as he hit the ground. Grabbing the bag below him he rolled to the side avoiding oncoming blaster fire as he did. The last grenade was already in his hand as he came up and setting it to explode on impact he tossed it towards the gate - blind, he hoped it was on target as he ducked behind a cart near the gate that had been stopped for inspection as the explosion took the last two troopers with them. He hesitated counting over in his head to make sure he had gotten them all. He gripped his only remaining weapon the thermal detonator, which was intended to deal with the gate itself... now wide open.
He took his feet and made his way towards the gate, he only had a few moments to plant the detonator before the the patrols from the base arrived - responding to the distress call the troopers would have sent if they followed old Imperial protocol. He moved towards the edge of the gate and primed the detonator with his thumb...
"HEY!"
Rico froze, and moments later fifteen troopers poured into the inner courtyard right before the gate all spread out... all weapons trained on him. He appeared nothing more than a beaten and abused by blaster-fire and covered in dirt and grim from the sewers. It had been probably an hour - hopefully two since the first explosion went off, and now he was defeated... almost surrounded by troopers, a hairs breath from being dead. Why wasn't he dead? Found at the scene of ten dead troopers... why? He turned towards the captain, facing the group and raised the primed Thermal Detonator... the blast would have been strong enough to kill him - destroy the gate - and probably take half the troopers next to him out with him.
"Don't move!"
Rico didn't see the captain hesitate through all the armor or in his voice, but his blaster was trained on him - ready to fire. Rico steeled himself holding tight to the only thing that might keep him alive - unknowing the fact the order had just been passed that morning to take him alive... He only had one way to buy Ruum enough time now... his capture.
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Viox Savage
Blackguard Imperium
"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
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Choal
Apr 12, 2017 23:31:46 GMT -8
Post by Viox Savage on Apr 12, 2017 23:31:46 GMT -8
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command.
High Admiral Savage sat at his desk, thoughtfully watching the most recent reports flooding in. Several explosions, very obviously staged, had occurred within the city's walls. A clear sign that the rebels were beginning to feel the pressure he was applying. As he watched a live feed of Rico Sorensen being apprehended, the comm on his desk chimed. Savage answered it. It was Specter Six, one of the ISB agents he had called in, using a favor owed to him by Darth Rebellious in the process.
"Yes?"
Sir. Our surveillance footage has been compiled and is ready for your viewing.
The corners of Savage's mouth twitched upwards slightly.
"Send it up. I'll take a look at it."
And with that, he closed the line. He 'grabbed' the still playing live feeds from all over the city and made a throwing gesture, causing the live feeds to leave his personal display at his desk and appear on the main holo-table. As they continued to play, Savage began picking through the surveillance footage from the ISB's recently planted devices. Knowing that he was dealing with more than simple-minded civilians, Savage had allowed the ISB agents to settle in and begin keeping an eye on everything at the Forward Command Center. A Bothan Jedi was a big deal. At least in the sense that being over cautious with internal security wasn't him being overly paranoid. Ever since Anton's briefing on suspected rebel agents, something had seemed off with the base. But allowing anyone aside from the ISB agents to know what was going on was counter-intuitive. Savage began reviewing the footage. Several screens at a time. One of the main entrance. The main corridor, the service access, maintenance corridors and his own office.
Impressive, he thought to himself. ISB truly lived up to their reputation. He hadn't been aware of an surveillance devices being planted in his office.
Which proved his point. At least for now.
As he was scanning one of the screens, it shimmered, ever so subtly. To the point that even he had to re watch it twice to be sure he caught it. Pausing that display, Savage reviewed the others. And again, he caught the same subtle distortion on the screen. Almost like something...or some one was cloaked with highly sophisticated gear. And that kind of gear wasn't something you'd find on a planet like Jabiim. Aside from the deepest, darkest corners of the First Order, one would be hard pressed to locate tech that good. Savage leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. As he did so, the whispers of the long dead Clan Ancients swirled through his mind.
Intruder....spy...saboteur...deceptive. Nothing is as it seems. Larger forces at work here. Trust your instincts and have faith. The Force will show you the truth if you listen...
Savage then leaned forward in his chair, eyes snapping open. He keyed the comm on his desk.
"Anton, Captain Bailey. Apprehend all known suspects and their families. Use force if necessary. Throw the suspects in separate interrogation rooms and lock the families up in holding. And inform me as soon as Mr. Sorensen is here."
The comm clicked in response. The time for being subtle and moving quietly was drawing to a close. If this rebellion was going to continue, blood was going to be spilled. Savage was prepared to inflict whatever horrors were required to ensure the First Order's operations here remained functional...at least until the resources were depleted once more. Once the First Order no longer had any use for the planet, all the pomp, doctrine and protocol of the First Order military went out the window. And then...well then, all bets were off and Savage could do as he pleased without any repercussions...
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Viox Savage
Blackguard Imperium
"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
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Choal
Jun 29, 2017 18:30:34 GMT -8
Post by Viox Savage on Jun 29, 2017 18:30:34 GMT -8
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command. Interrogation Chambers.
Having abandoned the look of the High Admiral, Viox was now garbed in the more traditional look of a Sith. A black armorweave tunic, loose fitting pants, black belt, boots and gloves. Because now the fun was going to begin. Standing in an observation room above the individual holding cells, Savage peered down at the suspects. All of them had resisted. Looking slightly worse for wear, Savage knew he'd discover what he wanted soon enough. He would break all of them. And he would take pleasure in doing so. Leaving the observation room, Savage made his way to the first interrogation cell. Kird Skylar, a simple miner. He would break easily. The door slid open with a whoosh. Suspended in a Gordarl Weaponsmiths containment field, Kird observed the tattooed Sith as he entered. As Savage walked around him, sizing him up, he smirked.
"Such definace, I sense in you. And yet, it is overpowered by cowardice. Perhaps that can be exploited...?"
Savage came around to face Kird. He grinned, baring his teeth. Kird cringed.
"...you...you won't get anything out of me. I won't talk..."
Savage chuckled at Kird's comment.
"You don't have much of a choice, in the matter, I'm afraid. I can be very...persuasive..."
Raising his right hand, he focused on Kird. Locking eyes with the prisoner, he began to probe his mind with the Force. He met a little resistance, but soon enough he was inside his head. Kird squirmed and struggled, but to no avail. His face contorted with pain, as Savage invaded his mind. Normally a mildly uncomfortable process, Savage was making sure it was as painful as possible. Savage frowned as he rooted through the man's mind. No useful information, aside from what he already knew. A waste of time. Savage lowered his hand and Kird's face, while red, returned to normal.
"Sadly, you are of no use to me..."
A look of fear crossed Kird's face. Savage grinned malevolently. Stepping forward, he disabled the containment field through the Force with his right hand. As Kird fell, Savage's mechanical left hand shot upwards, closing around his throat. As Kird's eyes began to bulge and his face began to turn a dark red, Savage sneered at him.
"You have impeded my plans here. You have sought to insight rebellion against the First Order. And now you must pay the ultimate price..."
Savage cackled as his qucikly clamped his mechanical fingers shut, crushing the man's throat instantly. A garbled gasp and a squelching noise was heard. Releasing the body, it crumpled to the floor. Wiping his bloodied hand on a cloth, Savage exited the cell. It was time to interrogate the next prisoner: Jord Klassen. Perhaps he'd be much more willing to divulge information than his compatriot had been...
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Viox Savage
Blackguard Imperium
"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
Posts: 2,938
Affiliation: Sith Order
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Choal
Jul 17, 2017 14:09:50 GMT -8
Post by Viox Savage on Jul 17, 2017 14:09:50 GMT -8
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command. Interrogation Chambers.
Once his mechanical left hand was clean, Savage tossed the now bloodied rag aside as he entered the cell of Jord Klassen. The youthful face of the young man suspended in the containment field was defiant. Eyes were alight with hatred and defiance. As Savage walked into the room, he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Opening his eyes, he smirked and stepped forward.
"Mmm...it tastes like hatred in here. Pure. Unabashed. Hatred."
Savage could sense the swirling thoughts within Jord's mind. Clouded and unclear, but resonated the hatred this miner supervisor had towards the Zabrak. Knowing the man's weaknesses, Savage spoke. His voice quiet, yet dripping with malice. He knew exactly where to apply the pressure to this man. Though for his own perverse sense of enjoyment, he'd give the man a chance to talk before he twisted and broke the man before him. Before Savage could speak, Jord opened his mouth.
"You will never get what you seek, Sith! Regardless of what you do to me or my compatriots, we will never break. We stand united against your oppression!"
At this, Savage's eyes lit up and sparkled mischievously. Cocking his head slightly to one side, he spoke.
"You do not know what I seek. Perhaps all I wanted was a friendly chat and to acquire the best recipe for the local stew..."
Savage grinned and chuckled as a confused expression crossed Jord's face. Cutting to the chase, Savage decided that the time for playing with his 'food', so to speak, was over.
"Such hatred. Such defiance. Admirable, but ultimately useless. You see, I've already dealt with one of your compatriots. Kird Skylar. He offered up no new information to me. Defiant until the end, and so he paid the price for his defiance...I ripped his throat out with my bare hand...messy and extremely painful, but I think before he died, he got the point. Why is it that when you are breathing your last breath, one realizes their mistakes...? I've never understood that..."
Savage maintained eye contact with the prisoner, slowly stepping closer to the suspended man. With his face hovering mere inched away from the field, he could see the deep-seated fear lingering within the man. Jord had also paled as Savage drew closer. He wasn't nearly as tough as he was leading to believe.
"I can tell from your gaze that you will not tell me what I wish to know. See, I seek more information on this little rebel movement that seems to have been stirred up on my planet....but you are stubborn and headstrong. Your will cannot be broken like Mr. Skylar's was. Not through sheer manipulation at any rate. So allow me to break it in a different way..."
A dark and sinister grin crossed his tattooed face as he snapped his fingers. Stepping aside for that Jord could see the door, Savage watched his eyes widen in horror as his son and daughter were ushered in. As Jord's eyes began to well with tears of pure rage, he glared at the Zabrak. As he was about to speak, Savage held up his hand.
"Uh-uh-uh...the longer you remain silent, the better their chances of surviving this little encounter are..."
Smirking, he turned to face the children in the room. Slowling dropping down to one knee, Savage beckoned the children over to him.
"Come to me, children. As I promised earlier, here is your father. Is there perhaps something you wish to hear from Daddy now?" Come now...don't be shy. I'm trying to help your father..."
Reluctantly the young boy and girl made their way over to where Viox was kneeling. Picking up the young girl in his right arm and holding the little boy's hand in his left, he turned to face Jord once more. The little girl had begun to silently sob in fear. The young boy seemed speechless and in shock. Looking Jord dead in the eyes, Viox smiled.
"Perhaps you'd be willing to talk now, knowing your children are in my care...?"
With a defeated sigh, Jord began rambling as he sobbed.
"Please...please I beg you. Spare them. Take me instead, just not my children..."
Savage scowled, rolling his eyes.
Spare me your pitiful pleas and tell me what I want to know...my patience for this little charade is beginning to wear thin..."
Weeping still, Jord finally spoke.
"I honestly don't know much. I swear! I was just a front. I got paid a little extra to support my family in order to look the other way...Please. That is all I know, I swear it on the lives of my family!"
Releasing the little boy's hand, Savage motioned for one of his Honor Guard, a Shadowtrooper, to enter the room. As Colonel Locklear entered, Savage handed him the little girl. He grinned.
"See, this is how you give me what I want. I apply the right kind of pressure and you fold like imitation spider-silk..."
Turning to face Locklear, he spoke.
"Colonel, these marvelous children. Take great care of them. Take them to meet their new handler and prepare to send them back to Iridonia. The Academy will absolutely love such untapped potential."
Locklear nodded. Despite being a hateful individual, he did have a softer side. He hardened features softened and he calmly spoke to the children.
"Come with me, kids. Let's get you fed and changed. Today is a big day for you. You get to ride on a ship!"
Locklear led the little boy out of the cell as he carried the little girl. Once the door was closed, Savage turned his focus to Jord once more, who watched helplessly as his children were taken from him.
"A precious commodity, children. I sense great things will come from them. They will make wonderful candidates for the Academy on Iridonia..."
Finding his voice, Jord spoke weakly.
"Why? Why take them from me? Why them? I told you everything I knew? How can I give you information I don't have...?"
An air of desperation was beginning to build in his voice. Savage walked over to the door and slide it open. He poked his head out, ensuring the children were no longer within earshot. Motioning to one of the guards, he turned around and answered Jord.
"For a man who just managed to spare his children, you don't sound very grateful. Would you rather a gutted them right here, in front of you? Your children, while no longer yours, are in very capable hands..."
At that moment, Jord's face lit up. Savage spun around to see Jord's seemingly very pregnant wife standing there. Her hair was matted and tangled and she had a vacant expression on her ghostly white face.
"Cassidy? Cassidy what are you doing here? What have you done to her? You monster!"
"It seems your dear wife had a run in with our newest recruits...I have not laid a single finger on the woman. She had remained locked up for her own safety. Perhaps extracting your unborn child had exhausted her..."
At the mention of that, Jord looked as though he had been hit in the face with a shovel. Stunned, he managed to stammer out his response in disbelief.
"..Wh...what? I thought you said you didn't hurt her?"
Savage chuckled.
"Indeed I did. I never harmed your wife. But my scientists...well they were very careful, but what can I say...accidents happen..."
At the mention of accidents, the guard shoved the woman forward. She fell to the floor, leaving a trailed of blood behind her. Jord's face contorted with horror and concern.
"Oh gods...what have they done to you? Cassidy, hang in there baby! I'll figure a way out of this....please don't leave! Cassidy!"
He screamed desperately at her, straining against the containment field. His wife, however, was no longer acknowledging much of anything. All the while, Savage was watching, his eyes alight with amusement.
"This is what happens when you defy the First Order! More importantly, this is what happens when you defy me! And this is merely the beginning, Jord. Once my interrogators are finished with you, you'll have wished you lied to me! Because that death would have been far more merciful than what you will recieve now..."
Savage cackled loudly as Jord roared in anger. Still cackling, Savage walked out of the room as several people dressed in black lab coats entered. One of the people stopped and lifted their mask. It was Cipher Four, 'Anton'.
"You've successfully managed to break his spirit. I'll handle the rest. And special requests, mi'lord?"
Still chucking to himself, Savage replied.
"Do with him what you will. Aside from giving up his superior, he has no more useful information relevant to me. Once you've extracted what you need, begin raiding his fellow co-workers homes. Anything that looks even remotely suspicious, I want the culprits dragged out into the street and executed. I no longer care for their lives..."
Anton merely nodded and proceeded into the room where Jord still hung in the containment field. Savage then strode down the hall to where Ruum Galfore was being stowed...
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Viox Savage
Blackguard Imperium
"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
Posts: 2,938
Affiliation: Sith Order
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Post by Viox Savage on Jul 17, 2017 21:51:55 GMT -8
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command. Interrogation Chambers.
Feeling rather pleased with himself, or at least more so now than when we started, Viox Savage walked into the interrogation chamber where Ruum Galfore was being held. Though instead of being held supsended within a containment field, Ruum was strapped to a table. And a technician was finishing up, attaching the last electrode to his forehead. A wicked grin split Savage's face. This was where the fun truly began. Clearing his throat, he retrieved a datapad and scrolled through it. Finding the information he sought, he spoke.
"Ruum Galfore. Son of Earl and Melanie Galfore...husband to Naomi, father to Jaldar and Korden...what a lovely looking family you have here. Or should I say...had."
Savage, still grinning wickedly, flipped the datapad around and showed Ruum the screen. It was a portrait of his family at some sort of gathering. At this, Ruum scowled and stiffened up. He truly was the die-hard patriot and family man that the intel had claimed. Excellent. Tossing the datapad carelessly aside, Savage stepped forward and leaned in.
"You know exactly why you are here. Let's not play this game, as it grows very tiresome, albeit ever more entertaining as we progress down the line..."
Savage's grin widened. Ruum continued to stare him down. Snorting in mild annoyance, Savage straightened himself up and began to slowly pace the room as if distracted.
"Ah yes. An update on your compatriots. How rude of me to keep their well being from you. Skylar is dead. I ripped his throat out myself. Klassen will be wishing he was dead once my agents finish with him. I stole his unborn child straight from his wife's womb and abducted his children to place in my Academy back on Iridonia. I. Am. A. Monster. I have no illusions about that."
Savage stops and turns to face Ruum once more. Ruum's grizzled face was wearing the look of utter disgust, but he refused to speak. Savage merely continues.
"I have done and will continue to do awful things to seemingly innocent people for my own twisted pleasure and self gain. But a man with a last name such as yours already knows this kind of evil has existed for several millenia. You've seen what Palaptine's Empire was willing to do. It's the same old song and dance. But here's the thing that makes me different."
Savage grinned and stepped in closer to Ruum.
"I care not for the trappings of the Imperials. I am here to further my own agenda. If I do not gain from it, it is of little use to me. Which will spell trouble for you, I'm afraid."
As Savage walked over to where the lab tech sat, he placed a gloved hand on top of the machine and slid his hand gently across it. Before he could speak, Ruum finally broke his silence.
"If yer gonna kill me, I'd appreciate if you stopped grandstanding and just got on with it...thanks."
Savage spun abruptly on his heel to face Ruum. He began to laugh.
"Ha ha ha, kill you? Is that what you think I'm going to do to you? Ha ha ha, that is amusing."
Walking back over to Ruum, his tone changed back to a serious one.
"No, I'm not going to kill you. Killing you would be way too simple. You've seen it all and suffered through your losses in life. Killing you would grant you a quick end. And that is exactly what I don't intend to do. No..."
Savage then strode back over to the where the lab tech sat.
"This device here was rigged up special for you. Why you may ask? Think about it. What's the worst thing I can do to a man that has already lost it all?"
Savage paused, waiting for it to sink it. He began to cackle as Ruum's eyes widened in realization.
"No..." he breathed
At this point Savage was cackling maniacally. As he began to calm himself, he spoke once more.
"And that was the moment I had been waiting for...that moment of revelation. The worst thing I can do to you is give you back what you've lost...and then take it away as painfully as possible, causing you to relive the death of your wife and children over and over again. And this device will do just that...let's whet his appetite, shall we?"
Savage motioned for the lab tech to begin. As the tech flicked several switches and began to slowly crank a large knob, Ruum's body tensed up and began to twitch against the restraints. Flashes of his wife could be seen before his mind's eye. As clear as if she were in the room before him. It was so vivid and real that he could smell her favorite perfume. He could see his boys running around as she played with them. All the while he was sitting there, enjoying their company. And then a dark shadow began to creep in. Slowly at first. And then he heard his boys cry out for him. A panic striken wife appeared before him, and then she too was pulled into darkness....he looked around and realized he was in the interrogation chamber, strapped to the table still. But the emotions of the vision or whatever it was still lingered. And he ached because of it. Savage was now standing before the grizzled old miner, grinning gleefully. Without thinking, Ruum spit in his face. Savage scowled darkly, slowly wiping it away. With one swift motion, he backhanded Ruum with his prosthetic hand. With a crack, Ruum's jaw jad been dislocated. Pain shot through him and he howled loudly.
"Enough of this insolence! You will tell me what I wish to know and I will let you die with the rest of your family, or you remain defiant and you will remain trapped in this state for as long as you have left! Caught in a state of constant love, happiness, anguish and pain!"
Ruum merely attempted a half-assed grin, depite the dislocated jaw. Savage howled in anger. As he raised his hand to strike Ruum again, he caught himself.
"Again!"
Ruum tensed up once more as the device was activated. After a few minutes, he was back. He was sweating and twisting in pain, but he refused to speak.
"Again!"
Savage bellowed. Once more Ruum was pulled back to his wife and children. But this time, his wife seemed to speak to him.
Ruum, my darling. He can end your torment. Tell him everything and you can be with us again. Come, be with your family once more. Spend your last moments with us, together...
And then he was back. Savage was still glaring angrily at him. Tears began to well up in his eyes. Savage's expression shifted from anger to a small smirk.
"Again! Hit him again!"
And Ruum was hit once more. Memories of his wife, of his children and of his happiness came flooding back. He had become an bitter old man after they had died. This rebellion on Jabiim was the one thing he actually had cared for, but now it seemed that it too was going to fail. And miserably at that. No. It was time for him to let go. Kird and Jord were already dead at this point. Perhaps he could spare Rico the same torment if he spoke...and he was back. This time Savage was standing over him, right hand extended. Ruum could feel tendrils of energy forcing their way inside his head. He resisted at first, but then the image of his wife came back and he gave in. At last, Savage could gain information. Monsoon Mesa. The old mines. There was a plan to move the city's population the the old mines before they could be executed. And Rico was the key to it all. As he had originally assumed. Savage broke the connection off and lowered his hand. He grinned and strode over to the device. Placing his hand on the knob, amid the protests from the technician, he spoke.
"You have been the most helpful out of all your compariots. But you are a fool if you think I'd let you off easy for telling me what I wanted to know. You defied me. And for that...you must pay the price. A great deal of suffering is in store for you, I'm afraid..."
And with that, Savage cranked the knob up as high as it would go. And then, for good measure, he snapped it off. Ruum's body spasmed and twitched against the restraints. He screamed and shrieked in pain. Savage merely grinned.
"Oops...like I said...I've done terrible things. What's one more thing on the list?"
Tossing the knob aside, he chuckled to himself. As he walked out of the room, he spoke to the tech.
"Let him stew for a while..."
And with that, Savage was on his way to Rico Sorensen's cell. Finally he would be able to gain the upper hand...
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Altair Sirraf
The Galactic Alliance
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Jul 20, 2017 10:50:26 GMT -8
Post by Altair Sirraf on Jul 20, 2017 10:50:26 GMT -8
Rico tapped his head against the cell wall in a slow rhythmic motion. It had been days since his capture, time was running short on Shadows plan, only a few days left, a few hours? He didn't know... time passed slowly when you are put into a dark hole and forgotten about, but the slow passage of time continued regardless of your awareness of it, and soon enough it snuck up on you like that last breath - the one young boys swear they will never take, the one soldiers give their entire consciousness to avoid, and the one the old have finally learned to cherish. Rico was none of those things. He hadn't been a boy since Coruscant, he was never really a soldier... and he hadn't lived long enough to grow old body or spirit. He hadn't given that last breath much thought, until his plan had crumbled to dust and he had landed himself in here.
After the first few hours alone in the dark he had half expected Shadow to break him out, but that was just wishful thinking. Shadow had better things to do than risk his life and his entire plan for this world on someone who had gone off the reservation and gotten himself nabbed. It was Ronan's first rule... you break it and you're given up. Shadow had broken it as well, but he hadn't been caught yet. There was nothing for it... time and patience were the only allies he had now, that was his struggle. Eventually the Zabrak would come for him - or perhaps he would send one of his goons... whichever, it didn't matter anymore. He had only one trick up his sleeve now... an ace he hoped he would never see put on the table...
Jabiim - Choal - 48 hours until Empire Day.
Shadow sat cloaked on the rooftops near the First Orders command center peering at the main gates. He didn't know how many hours he had sat there, it had been 4 days since Rico's little light show... a stunt that had gotten him and his entire team pinched. Shadow had watched - in one way or another - each one of them die at the hands of the Zabrak. He was looking for something, information - what did he want to know? If they were connected to him? If Rico was really their leader? If they were connected to a larger rebellion? All dangerous questions, and even an answer to one of them wouldn't be satisfying because it would only raise another question. If there was no connection - he had two rebellions on his hands. If Rico wasn't their leader - who was? If there wasn't another rebellion - why hadn't the struggle ended with the capture of the ring leaders?
~Rebellion is never one man. Its never one group. It is an Idea, a hope... and you couldn't rip hope's throat out~
Shadow tabbed at the safety on his disruptor, the catch almost worn down completely from the countless hours of fidgeting. It was a terrible habit, one that had almost gotten him caught several times when he found himself doing it while eavesdropping on a group of Troopers outside the Barracks. Things had been quiet for the a few days, a false sense of security... the deep breath before the plunge - this wasn't over... but was Shadow simply going to let Rico die like the others, this is what he had been considering since dawn. The Zabrak was going for him, and Shadow didn't know if Rico had what it took to stand against him.
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Viox Savage
Blackguard Imperium
"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
Posts: 2,938
Affiliation: Sith Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Viox Savage on Jul 29, 2017 8:31:17 GMT -8
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command. Interrogation Chambers.
Walking, hands clasped firmly behind his back, High Admiral Savage could still hear the faint screams and howls coming from Ruum's cell. He smirked to himself at the thought of the man's unending torment. Stepping into the cell, this one was different. Where Kird and Jord had been suspended in a containment field and Ruum strapped to a table, Rico was merely locked behind bars. Despite objections from several others, Savage had specifically made sure he was locked away in here. Walking into the room, he grinned wickedly.
"Rico Sorensen...the apparent ring-leader of this little band of rebels. You have caused a great deal more trouble than you are worth. And yet, there is still one more piece to the puzzle. You are the one made public. You are the one who is supposed to be seen. But even still, there is one pulling your strings. You are nothing but a puppet. A pawn. Used in this hopeless revolt against me. You will not succeed. I can assure you of that..."
Savage began to pace the room, walking slowly back and forth, before the cell where Rico was being held.
"So, let's cut right to the chase, shall we? Unless you give me useful information pertaining to your leader, I will break you in every way possible...and believe me, I can get creative. You will beg for the death that has long hounded you. You fight because you have nothing else left. Admirable, yet ultimately futile. Had you been on this side of those bars, you would have made a formidable ally...all that wasted potential..."
Savage trailed off and stopped pacing. Instead, he moved closer to the bars. Remaining just out of arms reach, he spoke once more.
"I am feeling generous right now. Give me what I want and I shall guarantee you die quickly. Screw with me in any way and I will break you in more ways than one. And to make things even more interesting..."
He unclasped his hands and motioned for an unseen figure to step forward from the hallway outside.
"...each lie you spin will be inflicted on the general populace. They will suffer for your failures and your insolence...so consider your words carefully..."
Savage then turned his head and nodded to the Stormtrooper that had entered the room. The trooper nodded in turn and left the room...
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command. Exterior Courtyard.
Colonel Locklear stood on the raised platform at the center of the courtyard, the rest of Zhaboka Company standing at attention behind him. The courtyard was filled with Stormtroopers and Storm Commandos. Rain poured, saturating the already sodden ground. But spirits were high. This was nearly the end. As a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder sounded, Locklear spoke up.
The High Admiral has ordered the citizens of Choal to be rounded up! Those who resist are to be executed on the spot. Those who comply are to be taken to the center of the city and made ready to be executed! Failure to comply with these simply instructions will result in imprisonment and punishment from the High Admiral himself. Stormtrooper squads are assigned to civilian round up. Storm Commandos are assigned to be both execution squads and search and destroy teams. Major Kelborn is in charge of heading to Monsoon Mesa to round up any missing civilian and execute them. Zhaboka will be positioned at each check point in and out of the city to ensure total compliance. For the glory of the First Order! Let us crush this rebellion with our infinite might! All glory to the Order!
Cheers and shouts erupted from the men as Locklear concluded his speech. As the men on the surface began to carry out their orders, the Legacy of the Void sank even closer to the city, angling itself in order to begin bombardment should the need arise. It was time for the little rebellion on Jabiim to end...
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Altair Sirraf
The Galactic Alliance
Posts: 344
Affiliation: Unknown
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Post by Altair Sirraf on Jul 29, 2017 9:02:26 GMT -8
Rico didn't even bother to turn as he heard the door open. His head continued to slow rhythmicly pound against the wall as he remained still and quiet through most of the High Admiral's speech. He had no desire to turn and face him... to muster the courage it would take to face a Sith Lord from behind bars, to do what needed to be done for the safety of the people, and Shadow. He was out of time... "each lie you spin will be inflicted on the general populace" the words ran through his mind as he finally ceased his pounding and fell still. ~Oh... I've considered them... I've considered them for years~
Rico let his expressions fall away, the anger he felt at his failure and capture, the shame... all of it. He let it melt away as he sunk his mind into the calm center as the Jedi had taught him. He was never the best at withstanding mind games, that honor had always gone to Shadow... the only one to be able to hold his own against the Jedi during these training sessions, but this wasn't training anymore... and this wasn't a mild mannered bothan Librarian on the other side of the bars he was going to be put up against. This was a Sith, the most cruel and savage he had seen. He turned... and faced the bars - faced his death.
"Rico isn't my name. My name is Darius. I was born during the Sith occupation of Coruscant, and I fought to end that evil. I fought under the banner of a Jedi Knight by the Name of Gadriel, of the Clan Alya. A Bothan Jedi under the Conclave on Felucia. He is behind this Rebellion."
Darius exhaled, the look of defeat upon his face did not even have to be faked, the words he was saying in no way a lie, and there was little hesitation in delivering them. Holding back would only make what he had to do now harder. He watched the Stormtrooper depart, no doubt to round up the population of Choal to witness some grand atrocity that Viox had planned for him, or perhaps for all of the. The only thing he hoped now was that Shadow had cut bait and run... He had been caught. his life was already sacrificed.
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command. Exterior Courtyard Watchtower.
Shadow knelt down and watched as the Colonel gave the order for the people to be gathered. Still there was no sign of Darius... no sign of any of the group that had been caught. Everything had gone wrong and the People had done nothing, the entire Idea behind the revolution was to rally these people to fight for themselves, as the citizens of Coruscant had done, as THEY had done years ago. Simple people could accomplish anything. They outnumbered the Troopers garrisoned here at least three to one, and yet they did nothing. The looming Star Destroyer doing its work well... the entire city was in a state of petrification. No one dared speak out... no one dared resist, the only hope they had now was to survive all of this, to survive and one day be able to put it behind him. The thought disgusted Shadow, These people disgusted him, this planet... everything about this city, he was sick of it, and yet he remained. He raised his rifle towards the Colonel and considered for a moment just putting him down - one more bastard that would never hurt an innocent ever again... He hesitated, a silent breath escaping from his mask as he lowered his rifle and kept an eye on the front barricade doors. Viox was planning something, and he would wait... taking down the leader of this army was the only hope he had remaining. If Viox fell... publicly... the people would have to do something.
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Viox Savage
Blackguard Imperium
"You want the same as me. My redemption, eternal ascension. Setting me free."
Posts: 2,938
Affiliation: Sith Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Viox Savage on Jul 29, 2017 10:01:47 GMT -8
Jabiim. Choal. Imperial Forward Command Center. Interrogation Chambers.
As he spoke, Viox noticed Rico has stopped the slow and steady thumping of his head against the wall. And then a swirl of emotions enveloped him. Anger, hate, shame, frustration. Savage smirked and closed his eyes drinking it all in. As he opened his eyes, Rico spoke, revealing that his name wasn't actually Rico. It was Darius. An interesting revelation, but ultimately pointless. At this point, knowing the man's real name made no difference. But as Rico...or rather Darius spoke, Savage listened intently. He turned and faced him, speaking the truth. Surprising, to say the least. Savage hadn't been expecting that. But the look of defeat in his eyes was apparent. He was done. The warrior within could respect Darius' decision to finally just give in. He would prefer it was over quickly rather than long and drawn out. Savage could respect that. The Sith in him, however, wanted to torture the man and break him even more. Though, in all honesty, he was growing tired of this little interrogation game he was playing. Tired may not have been the right word. Bored was more like it. All of this was trivial. But the revelation of the Bothan Jedi confirmed his earlier suspicions. There was a larger picture here. And it was stemming from the Jedi. Not surprising, considering they helped back the creation of the Galactic Alliance. But this confirmed the Alliance's hand in the events that has transpired here so far. This Gadriel was definitely on his hit list now. Looking over the man before him, he walked towards the bars. This was all the information he was going to get from him, as it was all he knew. And because he had actually cooperated, the warrior within Viox was going to grant him a quick death. Much to the dismay of his more sinister Sith side. This man had caused damage and death to the First Order. He deserved to be tortured the most. But at this point, there were bigger things at work here. And he needed to be ready. There was nothing to say at this point. Darius knew what was going to happen next. Once within the grasp of someone such as Viox, there was little hope of survival. As he reached the bars, he brought his hand up swiftly. In his right hand, the hilt of a yellow single-bladed saber. In one swift movement he had brought it up to the gut of Darius and thumbed the activation stud. The blade would then spring to life, entering in the abdomen and exiting out between his shoulder blades....
Jabiim - Choal. Central Square.
Locklear stood in the city's central square as dozens of people were being rounded up against the wall of a building. A firing squad was already lined up and ready. The rain sodden air was thick with fear. But the time had come. Anyone associated with those who had been captured were rounded up. As the final citizens of this group were dragged or shoved into the group, Locklear signaled to the firing squad.
Troopers! At the ready!
The dozen Storm Commandos raised their rifles, thumbing off the safties. Noting they were ready, Locklear turned his helmeted head to the crowd as rain pelted him. It was cold and wet here. But this rebel cell would soon be nothing more than a minor footnote in the planet's history. Steeling himself, he gave the order.
Fire!
And just like that, a dozen blaster rifles discharged into the crowd. Desperate pleas and cries for help could be heard, but Locklear ignored them. Civilians fell rapidly. As this group was being executed, several more had been assembled and their respective commanders gave the order. Soon the shouts and pleas were drowned out by the rhythmic chatter of blaster rifles...
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Altair Sirraf
The Galactic Alliance
Posts: 344
Affiliation: Unknown
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Altair Sirraf on Jul 29, 2017 10:29:12 GMT -8
Interrogation Chambers
Darius moved closer to the bars knowing that there was going to be no better ending to his life than this. He could do nothing more to protect his brothers, to protect these people, his life was at an end and the only left to do was to destroy Viox with him. His mind was sunk so fully into the shame and defeat... this was no diversion, it was no subterfuge, it wasn't a trick... there was nothing in his feelings that would give away what was to come... he had failed. He was going to die. He exhaled as Viox took the saber from his cloak and he raised his eyes towards the Sith Lord, not giving him the satisfaction of watching him die in fear. That is the only thing Viox would not sense from him... there was no fear of death, not anyone. He heard the vibrant hum of the saber... felt his insides being torn apart in an instant, the searing pain caused a short and pained gasp as his lips split open, blood covering them as he collapsed against the bars.
"Do you... hear... the people... singing..."
His eyes were already black with death, a vision of his life passing before him, the rebellion on Coruscant, the people rising up against their oppressors, the Jedi Knights finally arriving to relieve and support the Citizens that had been fighting and losing for weeks. Starving... half dead... weak with injury and hunger they had actually sang when the Jedi ships broke atmo filling the sky with fire... as he felt his life fading he saw his savior, a Jedi Bothan... his vibrant curved hilted Orange saber springing to life... more explosions in the sky... all around him. His body grew hot as he heard it... the feint beep from within him. His eyes raised to the bars locking with Savage. Another beep. A smirk spread across his lips... the Last beep and then Just as his eyes rolled back his heart beet one final time... and then his body irrupted in a great explosion from within, the Detonator that had been tied to his heartbeat exploded outward vaporizing him instantly with the explosion and moving outward with a vengeance - the only fitting death for a ShadoWalker of Coruscant, to die in the fires of victory or defeat.
Central Square
A bright orange blade shot to life from the rooftops near one of these groups. Rain pelted down, sizzling against the blade as the Fire order was given. A shimmer of motion in the rain, movement as quick as lightning as a figure wearing a Jedi's robe with russet colored fur leap down amidst the citizens. He raised his curved hilted saber and saluted in traditional but sloppy makashi style and then with blinding speed returned several of the bolts towards their sources before leaping in perfect silence towards the one that had given the order. Not a sound, no roar, no battle cry he struck silently but with deadly precision arcing his blade towards the Commander of this particular kill team with the intention to sever his head instantly from his body then jump on towards the next one...
Droids rose into the air all over the city, the rain covering their projections and weakening their signal but once more they projected Shadow's voice, and Image into the Sky above Jabiim, standing proudly above the citizens being slaughtered below. ::Fight, People of Jabiim, the Jedi have come to help you. Fight!::It was a last ditch effort, it was true, many of the people were already dead, kill teams firing with expert precision into the hearts and heads of the helpless, but as if to accent this new message from the one that had promised to be their savior explosions were heard. One small one from within the Command Center itself, but several larger and greater ones from the outside of the city walls, the entrances to the Mine shafts exploding, empty of their crews, cut off from the Imperial arm of conquest. A pointless and futile victory against a people that had come here for Minerals and Materials, and only gained blood... the blood of their troopers, and the blood of the innocent.
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