Far from Home

[Gamov]

NOTE: This fleet is only meant for NPC purposes and will not be taking part in any combat. It is merely here so I may move my character's personal story along. That, and I wanted to lay claim to this particular pic for a new Skirran ship design to come later down the line....

Skirran Flotilla: geosynchronous orbit near Lehon



Known Ships:

1 Shadoon-class Super Carrier (flagship) - Gara'Doon (Shadoon's Might in basic)

6 Tesar-class Battleships - Xer'kal (Defender), Nerata (Warrior), Vashta (Shadow), Wryll (Wrath), Killik (Fury), Tesar (Storm)

Inhabitants:

- 800,000 Skirran
- 1,000 prisoners of various native species
- 200 samples of "primitive" native species
- 356 samples of local fauna
- 100 Huragok slaves
- 210 Kig-Yar slaves

[Gamov]

Near the Temple of the Ancients, Northern Pole, Lehon

Weapon's fire echoed through the leafy trees, scaring native fauna from their hiding spots to take flight or scamper about the forest floor in an unorganized panic. Several dozen armored soldiers of an unknown alien origin stalked through the underbrush of the tropical planet, the red pauldrons on their armor distinguishing them as the elite honor guard as they relentlessly attacked their enemies. Ahead of them, their Commander proceeded well beyond the skirmish line, eyes blazing, the blades of his gauntlets acting like weightless extensions of his very being as he moved with expert precision and eviscerated two of the fleeing creatures in his path.

The Adjutant slashed downward, separating one of the creature's heads from its shoulders. Without breaking stride, he continued to advance forward, using the exceptional might of his fellow soldiers to herd their remaining numbers towards the sandy beaches that lay ahead of them.

Even though the combat, if it could be called that, was of no concern to him, the Adjutant was sweating profusely, the humid heat of Lehon sending cold drops rolling down his body. He wasn't quite used to such climates, not yet at least. The atmosphere seemed so thin to him, almost like the vacuum of space. A fact that made him grateful that he was not being forced to exert himself to any great deal in fighting these creatures.

Suddenly, the echo of heavy weapons fire reverberated around him as the trees behind the fleeing defenders burst into flame, cutting off their escape route and forcing them into a completely new direction. Just minutes earlier, he had sent a short message to his flagship, in orbit above the planet. The message had directed them to fire the forests to prevent their precious targets from escaping their grasp. It had worked. As he watched, the defenders turned to face him, determined to resist, for all the good it would do them.

The Adjutant obliged their invitation to battle, easily dispatching two of the primitive beings before the remainder of the group fled towards the beaches. Exactly where he had wanted them. There were only ten of the original one hundred left that they had chased from the temple. The others had fallen prey to his blades or the weapons of his fellow Osoona's.

Several hours earlier, he had landed on the surface with his guard, heading for the villages and temples that his scouts had identified as harboring the highest concentrations of the sentient creatures now identified to him as the "Rakatans". There had been many others, of course, but they were all either dead or in captivity at this point. He had systematically hunted them down, through forests, across oceans, on beaches and in the air. Their settlements utterly destroyed and their inhabitants taken back to the fleet for future study and assessment. These ten were the last.

Breaking through the dense foliage of the jungle covered island, he found his quarry on the sands of the beach, surrounded and captured by the other soldiers he had cleverly set their as a trap. Deactivating his blades for the first time in hours, he was appraoched by the senior member of the group.

"Another fine show of force, Adjutant."

"Yes, but how many did we lose in the process?" He asked, watching as the remaining Rakatan survivors were herded on to large transports and shuttles to be taken back to the fleet.

"Only a hundred or so.... Minimal losses considering the vast work force you have already gathered."

The Adjutant eyed the gathering of aliens on the beach once more before one of his elite guard members approached him.

"Leader, the fleet has detected new vessels entering the system."

"Ah, yes, my meeting.... I see they have finally arrived." Nodding to the elite, he issued his orders, "very well. Return to the temple and secure a perimeter for our guests. Voss, I assume you have things under control here?" He asked, turning back to the Skirran commander.

"This should hardly pose a problem for my men." He assured the Adjutant before they all parted ways and set about their appointed tasks.

[Gamov]

Lord Malum's private quarters, Manticore: Approaching Lehon System

"Sir, your shuttle is ready." Rain's familiar voice bled into the Dark Lord's meditation as his eyes slowly opened to focus on the dimly lit wall before him.

She was one of the few people he allowed anywhere near his meditation chamber, let alone through the threshold into his private quarters. In a world where he now held more power than he had ever dreamed of holding, it seemed that his prize had come with a price. He had begun to suspect everyone and devalue their very lives as insignificant next to his own. All but Rain that was. She was as close to him as any other being in the galaxy would ever come, as close as he would allow anyone to get.

"Excellent. Is the Manticore prepared?"

"It is. The crew is on full alert awaiting your orders."

"Good."

Rain stepped back respectfully as Lord Malum rose from his throne and rounded the seat to make his way towards the door. The Captain followed as the Dark Lord stepped onto the bustling Bridge of his ship. He surveyed the crew for a moment and then turned to Rain. He made to speak, but stiffened suddenly as if though his body was seized by an unseen force.

"What's wrong?" Rain asked, a true sense of concern mirrored in her expression.

Malum did not reply, he couldn't. his body was gripped by an invisible force as a mysterious sensation invaded his mind and occluded his thoughts. He closed his eyes and stretched out with the Force, seeking the source of the warning that had whispered in his thoughts. Images coalesced in his mind. Shadowy figures, a large cylindrical shaped canister, large red numbers on its side.... Counting down.

Darth Malum's eyes snapped open. In a voice that brooked no argument, he shouted, "Everyone off the Bridge … NOW!" The officers, though startled by his tone, obeyed calmly and without hesitation, heading for the turbolifts and exits.

But the Dark Lord knew it was already too late. A thunderclap roared through the Bridge as the right bulkhead exploded in a shower of shrapnel, officers tossed about like rag dolls, consoles bulking underneath the onslaught.

Lord Malum was thrown into the left bulkhead with such violent force that it dented several inches. A searing pain cut across his chest and the left side of his face as the blast blew him backwards. Then a crack resounded in his ears as his head and shoulders smashed against the bulkhead, his right arm twisted behind him. His vision went red. Struggling to breathe and blinking against the blood filling both of his eyes, he attempted to gasp for air as his lungs suddenly felt flat as if compressed by millions of unseen weights pressing against his chest. A dull grinding sound and a burst of pain stopped him. Unable to breathe or summon help, he stretched out with the Force.

Lord Cain....

He crumpled to the deck as blackness took him.

********

Lord Malum woke in a cold sweat, his mind caustically returning to him as he processed his true surroundings. The silence of his private chamber greeted him back to reality as he slowly managed to catch his frantic breaths and reign them in. A dream. It was all a dream.... Or was it a premonition through the Force? A portent of events yet to come?

"We have arrived in system, my Lord." The voice of his Captain broke in over the comm system in his chambers and gradually soothed his frayed nerves.

Drawing a shaky hand down his tired face, over his drawn features, the Sith Lord finally responded. "Very good, Captain. Prepare my shuttle for transit."

"Yes, Sir."

His head was beginning to ache now as the effects of the dream began to take hold over him. The pain was so vivid, so real and life-like. He felt his rib cage collapsing, his lungs being crushed under the pressure of the vacuum of space as it funneled into the once sealed bridge of his ship and mercilessly choked the life from him. The Dark Lord rubbed his temples in aggravation for a moment, trying to stave off a head ache. But it was of no use. He was far too concentrated on events to find even a modicum of peace.

Letting out a deep sigh, he placed a hand on the cold, lifeless facade of his helm and lifted it from its place on the arm of his throne.

"Once more into the breach." He mused silently to himself, speaking to the helmet as if it were an entity all its own. He knew it wasn't, of course. But even he had to remind himself sometimes of what he had become. And what his life was destined to be now that he had willingly submerged himself in that moniker.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Bridge. Spirit of Fire Exiting hyperspace in the Lehon System.

Well, after Akira left to regroup with the Mandalorian Forces, Zero felt alone again, but continued his search for anything force relayes that he memorised throughout the vast records held on this ship.

Before she left, Zero gave Akira one of the crystals he found on Ossus, an rather shiny emerald-green one. It was more or less a make up for all the time they lost when she was taken by the Jedi. At least they now knew of each others existance.

Zero decided that Lehon was the next place to visit. This place was littered with force-related objects, most of the being sith-related. It didn't matter to him, though. The odds of any Inperial ships being in the area were low, and a Sith of any stature were lower. This would be a milkrun.

Zero, exiting hyperspace in Three... Two... One... Now... Sensors pick up multiple ships in the system. Shit, at least one is Imperial. Manticore sensors say..... a Sith ship.
Sith!?!? Battlestations everyone. Shields full. Weapons low. I want our FTL drive hot ASAP.

Zero was standing still, eyes closed as he concentrated on the distant ship. Yes, he felt darkness coming from there. There was a Sith Lord there. When Zero opened his eyes, Lights were dim, more red than anything else. The Sith ship was enlarging as Spirit of Fire drifted closer.

They had to overcome the initial inertia of exiting hyperspace before they could fully turn aroud to leave the space. Communications were open in case Manticore hailed them.

((Hope you dont mind, Gam. This place was on my go-to list, so I thought I would pop in here. lol))

[Roku]

The day had not gone well. The ship Gustoph had been aboard had somehow collided with another, and he found himself forced to evacuate in a tiny pod to avoid suffocation. He wasn't very good with machines, but even he knew how to send a message to any nearby ships.

"Does anyone read me? This is Lieutenant Wingston of the Raptor 320. The ship is gone, collided with what I think were terrorists. I am drifting alone in an escape pod near Lehon and require urgent rescue. I've got only three hours of oxygen."

[Gamov]

OOC: No real problem, Zero. Hades, your entrance is provided in the first part here.... If you choose to take advantage of it that is.

BIC:

Imperial encampment: near the Temple of the Ancients, Northern Pole

The Imperial scout team is dug into their foxholes in a dense grove of trees, a solid wall of granite and boulders to their backs. Against the harsh backdrop of the cliff face, the soldiers are barely visible they blend in so well. Nearby, a technician draped in a crude ghilly suit constructed of tree branches and leaves strings up a tripwire, low to the ground, covering it with green leaves and grass from the forest floor. He moves into the camp and reports to his CO.

"We've got the flares, frags, and two more laser-flachettes just outside. Nothin's comin' close to here without trippin' on somethin'."

"Thank you, Corporal."

The Sergeant turns and walks through the camp, stopping to rest on a pile of crates near their transport shuttle that had brought them to ground only moments earlier. Their mission, secure the scene for the eventual arrival of Lord Malum.

The Sergeant removes something from his pocket, holding it in his hand, studying it. A small Corellian whiskey flask, the Bespin-orange chrome rubbed away in places revealing the brass beneath and a medallion depicting the 202nd Airborne Division. The weary soldier takes a sip from the flask. He replaces the cap and lifts the flap on one of his uniform's pockets, slipping the container neatly into place before forcing himself back to his feet.

In the encampment, a momentary hush falls over the symphony of sounds emanating from the indigenous life surrounding them. The Sergeant turn towards the trees with a growing look of wariness. The others, setting up the sub-space communications radio, show no response as they busy themselves with their task.

Main command deck, Manticore

The Dark Lord's presence on the ship's command deck brings with it an eerie silence as Officers and crew members alike huddle close to their work in their attempts to avoid making eye contact with the Sith. And for good reason. His recent visions had brought about a glaring headache that made even the slightest botheration a study in discomfort.

His temples throbbed, the situation far from being helped by his anxiety. The secrecy he had shrouded this meeting in to keep it from the Emperor's notice until the time was more appropriate to reveal its outcome, the Adjutant, whom he had never met in person.... And the vision. That vivid, horrifying dream that suddenly made him doubt everything. It was all working against him at the moment.

"The Adjutant's fleet is within range, sir. We've already established contact and secured passage."

The first good news he had heard in some time. "Excellent, Captain. Is my shuttle prepared for departure?"

"The hangar is prepped and I have Katana Flight on stand by to escort you in."

"And the 202nd?"

"Have moved to ground and report that they have secured a landing zone."

The Dark Lord nodded. "Very good."

It was such a simple reply. But between the two of them, it meant more. To Malum, it secretly expressed his unspoken feelings of gratitude towards Rain. She had yet to fail him in a single task, and each new day brought more in the way of evidence to prove that he had never been wrong in choosing her from the outset.

"My Lord, we're receiving an incoming transmission."

Whirling to face the signal intercept technician who had blurted the report, Lord Malum glared down on the man. "Play it...."

With a simple nod, the tech did some quick work and isolated the signal to play over the bridge comm system.

"Does anyone read me? This is Lieutenant Wingston of the Raptor 320. The ship is gone, collided with what I think were terrorists. I am drifting alone in an escape pod near Lehon and require urgent rescue. I've got only three hours of oxygen."

"He is broadcasting on a valid Imperial channel, sir." The tech added.

"Send a flight to recover him." Before Lord Malum could turn his attention back to the Captain, another report rolled in from the sensor crew at the command salon.

"My Lord, incoming vessel.... Designated Spirit of Fire."

Rain nearly fell over when the name was belted out over the bridge. What were the odds of meeting the same ship in the Unknown Regions? Near the Core was understandable. The amount of traffic in any given Core sector was nearly astronomical to calculate or fathom. But the same ship near a little known world deep in the uncharted regions of space? Something about the nature of the scenario told her this was more than mere coincidence.

"I've heard that name before, sir. Near Rendili. They had arrived to pick up a shipment of Spyglass-class Corvettes sold to a Captain James Cutter."

"So what are they doing out here?" The Sith mused irritatedly, asking no one in particular.

"I can handle them, sir.... If you wish."

Malum looked to Rain. He had no reason to lose faith in her abilities now. "If that is how you want to do it, Captain."

She gave him a simple nod in return before moving towards the crew at the long range comms station. "Secure an outgoing line with the Spirit"

"Aye, aye, Ma'am." After a few deft strokes at his console's keyboard, the technician nodded the all clear to the Captain.

"Spirit of Fire.... How nice of you to drop on by. What brings you to these parts of the galaxy?" As the message went out and the fleet awaited a reply, Rain glanced over her shoulder to Malum. "Orders, sir?"

"Ready the fleet for an engagement. But do so quietly. I want to be prepared."

"Yes, sir." Raising her voice over the bridge, Rain belted out the orders. "All hands, bring the fleet to combat ready status and hold for further orders!"

The bridge of the Manticore erupted in activity as officers and crew members hurried about the deck, prepping all four ships of the fleet for what may be an imminent combat engagement. As his ship was being prepared for battle, the Dark Lord took a silent leave from the bridge, again confining himself to his private quarters for reasons known only to him.

Raptor Flight, 1,000 km from Lehon

"I've got the pod on screens." Stark called out over his flight's comm station.

"Got it, Raptor 01. We're moving in to secure it now." The communication had come from the shuttle designated as the rescue craft for the op. And Raptor Flight was its escort.

Closing in on the drifting pod, the shuttle maneuvered itself into position so that it could trap the vessel in a pair of specially designed docking claws that were normally meant for hauling cargo. But the ship was suited just as well for recovery duty. As the clamps secured themselves to the pod, a short burst transmission came from Stark, the leader of Raptor Flight.

"Hold on in there, Lieutenant. We're bringing ya back into the fleet."

OOC: Alright, Roku. Not really a need to reply to that. You can just say in your next post that everyone has arrived back at the Manticore.

[Roku]

Emerging from the space-worthy capsule was a shadowy figure. Every piece of clothing on him was black save for the red heartagram on the front of his cloak and the same colored skull on the back of it. He stood up straight and looked ahead, but his over-sized hood still covered half of his face. A faint grin crawled across the lower part of his face, one of his few visible human features. He gave a silent imperial salute before emerging into the ship without speaking a word.

He wasn't hindered at all, people could tell that anyone on a ship like this who wasn't in a uniform was important. They would be right in his case. "I would like to speak with Lord Malum. I was headed here anyway..." he told the highest ranking dude he could find.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Command Deck. Spirit of Fire. Lehon System.

I see we meet our Imperial Friends again.

Zero looked off to his right. James Cutter appeared there from where he normally was on the observation deck.

You know them, Captain? And Where were you just now?
Yes, we met over Rendili. Things went smooth there, no problems, but these guys are gearing up for war. Two against four odds it seems right now.
Not for long. Gaia is on her way, feeling my distress and sensing these Sith. She was on her way before we even entered the system. How's our modifications coming?
We have the defensive systems operational, designated E.W. bay. Extra sensors have yet to be set up. Essence Reports all those systems down still. They need a full bay to make the upgrades.
Captain, Fleet Master, Manticore hails us. How respond?
I will take this personally. Open a Channel with them.

While the communications expert worked that, Zero adjusted his Black Knight Uniform, smoothing the dark colors, which clashed with his blond hair. When he gave the signal, Zero received the communications.

This is Fleet Master Zero and leader of the Black Knights. I don't think we have met, and if I am right, you are preparing for a fleet battle. I think that is the last thing we all want. It won't turn out pretty. We came here to look for any ancient force tech, but I see you beat me to the punch. With that, I will leave here quietly, unless you would rather otherwise? I'm always open to more options.

[/i]

Zero's voice was light, but mostly quiet, betraying the dread in his chest at that moment. He was happy that he didn't fly any Federation colors or flags. It was only Black Knights all the way right now.

Zero felt Gaia nearing their position, so close yet so far. If the Sith started a fleet battle now, they would need to hold them back and wait for the living ship to arrive. Two against four odds... Zero had it worst before, but it still wasn't the best.[/center]

[Gamov]

Main command deck, Manticore

"All ships report ready status, Ma'am. Crews are standing by and awaiting further orders."

"Good work." Rain nodded in approval as the fleet was set to receive further commands from the Dark Lord.

"I would like to speak with Lord Malum. I was headed here anyway..."

A very unfamiliar voice broke into the hustle of the bridge as Rain, and about half a dozen other officers, crew men and security guards turned their attention towards their newest guest.

Rain eyed the new arrival for a moment, the first thought crossing her mind was just how.... Pale he was. The boy looked like he was standing on death's door and was ready to keel over at any moment.

"Lieutenant Wingston I would presume." She finally managed as the crew of the ship gradually returned to their tasks. "I'm afraid he is indisposed with other things at the moment. But you are free to wait here on the bridge for his return."

"Captain, incoming reply from the Spirit. Fleet Master Zero responding to us."

Turning her attention back to the sensor crews and technicians helming the ship, Captain Shelvey left her offer in the air for their visitor to do with as he pleased while she attended to other business.

"This is Fleet Master Zero and leader of the Black Knights. I don't think we have met, and if I am right, you are preparing for a fleet battle. I think that is the last thing we all want. It won't turn out pretty. We came here to look for any ancient force tech, but I see you beat me to the punch. With that, I will leave here quietly, unless you would rather otherwise? I'm always open to more options."

"Are we green?" Rain asked, looking to the numerous faces of the crew strewn across the bridge at their assigned posts.

"Yes, Ma'am. All system are fully operational."

Nodding to the report, Rain formulated a reply to the opposing ship.

"Fleet Master, Zero.... We have not yet had the pleasure of meeting. Last time it was Captain Cutter whom I spoke with." Pleasantries.... she hated pleasantries. They were far from being part of her style. "I can assure you that our preparations are merely a precautionary measure. You are free to remain in this system as long as you like. I can assure you that we did not come here in search of abandoned technology. Take as much as you want."

Command deck, Gara'Doon

Sensors pinged across the spanning bridge of the alien ship, its acting commander, High Arbiter, Fenix San Toska, reviewed all incoming information on a series of floating holographic dispalys lining the forward bulkhead in front of his command podium.

"More vessels?" He grumbled. "When will these lowly creatures learn to leave themselves out of our affairs?"

[Sir Lord Ash]

Command Deck. Spirit of Fire.

Precaution you say? Then I hope you don't mind if I do the same as you and keep everything hot. Nice ship you have. Hope it stays that way Because I think that you have a nice happy trigger finger, and you know how things work out if things happen. I don't plan on sticking around here for too long. Nice knowing you.

[/i]

Zero cut the comm and sat down in the command chair, bringing up the status of the Spirit of Fire. He manually charged all weapons, readying them for battle. He wouldn't strike until the Impstar Deuce did, which Zero fully assumed. His words could be interpreted to a calling for battle, but they weren't. Mearly a small conversation.

Essence of Ice hid its girth behind the Spirit, but as it was a smaller ship, it was already mostly turned around, but turned back to prepare for a possible fight. Spirit was nearly to the Imperial flotilla before it began to slowly turn. Spirit's dorsal side was angled to the opposing flotilla, and it seemed to be moving quiet a bit.

This movement was the many turbolasers of various kinds, as well as specialized assault concussion and proton torpedo tubes. These were all ready to fire the instant the Imperials did. If they did.

Zero put more power to ventral shields, reenforcing them considerably. Hanger bays opened for fighters to launch as well. After all, this was precaution.

Make sure we dont make the first strike. If they do, obliterate them. Gaia is't far away. Have Ice's fighters ready to launch. Stand by to Jam all systems if they do attack. Have Forge prepare a boarding party. If they do attack, I am taking that ship, or if they wont surender it, I will destroy it.

Orders began to be carried out. Zero could no longer see the flotilla, but sensors picked them up. Zero moved to join cutter at the holo-table. It showed the real time position of the opposing ships. The Black Knight's were largest on the field so far. That could proove to be useful right now, but it did have its drawbacks. For now, it was their best form of offence and defence.

Not holding still, small jets fired off to move the ship away from the flotilla. The bridge was quiet as they waited for an attack. [/center]

[Darth Hades]

OOC: Hey sorry for taking so long Gamov. I've been busy working. As the story goes on I'll have Arson make his appearance.

The wind blew wildly on the hot planet Lehon. Arson Zor stood on the edge of a cliff, where he recently buried his master Otho Takoa. Arson did not speak a single word as he was burying him in his dirt grave. The only sound that was heard beside the violent wind was Arson’s gray cape snapping in the wind. His hood covered his face as he stared at the grave he made for his master.

He was motionless thinking all that Otho had given him, all that the man taught him. Despite the blessing of having him in his life, he felt no grief for the passing of his teacher. Arson had only but anger pulsing through his veins. All his training, all he had learned made him a powerful swordsman but with all he endured, all he carefully studied was all for not as he was not able to defeat his master in battle, not even once.

Arson did not understood as to why it was so. Why is because Otho had the experience that Arson’s lack or was it something entirely different? Arson finally made movement, crouching down as to be eye level with the tombstone he made, which was written in basic saying Otho Takoa Master of the way of the blade. Arson sighed, wiping the sweat from his face with his sleeve, the wind quickly cooling him down.

“You left me. My training is yet to be completed. Your death interrupted my progress. You are left undefeated. It is to mock me? To make me reach my goal so close, only to deny it to me? Was this the purpose of teaching me the way of the blade? To be second best?” Arson spoke angerly.

You speak nonsense my pupil. Always pitying yourself. Disgraceful. Arson could clearly hear his master’s words as if he was really there. But he wasn’t. Arson simply imagine it so, for he knew his master very well and could predict his thoughts almost precisely.

“What have you me do then?” Arson said bitterly to the imagined ghost of Otho Takoa. “Stay and continue my training still I die! Till when my training will be complete!?”

The way of the blade is not easily mastered. Nor is anything in life. Move on. Otho’s ghostly image faded away. Arson rose up, standing tall once more. Lost in thought, he was to wander the planet again this time without his master, until something caught his eye. Far of in the distance, there were multiple ships. Unusual for Lethon.

He watch for a moment when a thought struck him. He had long to live this planet and he had a chance. He could aboard one of the ship, take it by force most likely and head to Coruscant. Where he can learn of the mysterious energy known as the force. Arson turned his back on his master’s gravesite and began to sprint off down the cliff heading to the group of ships.

[Gamov]

OOC: Sorry about this, Ash, but that Skirran ship is actually supposed to be the largest of any right now. It's roughly the size of an Executor, I just neglected to mention it at any point amid all of this posting.

BIC:

Imperial encampment: near the Temple of the Ancients, Northern Pole

A patchy, steamy ground fog covers the area as a storm rolls off into the distant horizon. The Sergeant, in his foxhole, slowly stirs as other men from his unit do the same, listening to the rising sounds of the forest. Wild Kowakian monkey-lizards begin to forage, their noisy chattering and screeching filling the air. A bird flutters back to its nest; a lizard emerges on a leaf, directly above the Sergeant's head.

Curious at the creature, he extends his arm and allows the lizard to crawl onto his armor plated forearm, watching, fascinated as it changes colors to match his own patterned camouflage. He carefully places the chameleon back on the leaf, which changes color again, becoming nearly invisible before it clambers off to a higher vantage point in the trees.

Near the stacks of crates and supplies assembled at the shuttle's loading ramp, the Corporal, and two of the Private's from his squad were inspecting the subspace transmitter array they had assembled only hours ago.

The Corporal kneels and examines the components of the transmitter, scrutinizing them closely with a keen eye. He stands, looking at the camp, giving his Sergeant a frustrated look that was all too common. "Its shot, sir. I'm guessin' electrical damage sustained during the storm."

"Dammit." The Sergeant curses under his breath as he hauls himself out of his foxhole and joins the others as the now useless transmitter.

"We could use the shuttle's comm array. But I don't know if we can pull enough power to send word back to the fleet." The Corporal grimly informs his CO.

Scratching the back of his head, the Sergeant contemplates the option. Not ideal, but it is their best go at the moment. "Give it a shot. I don't want to stay down here any longer than we have to."

"On it." The Corporal moves with one of the technicians from the unit into the shuttle to try and draw power for a subspace comm as the rest of the squad stands guard outside, holding the LZ as planned until the Sith Lord made his appearance.

Main command deck, Manticore

"Precaution you say? Then I hope you don't mind if I do the same as you and keep everything hot. Nice ship you have. Hope it stays that way Because I think that you have a nice happy trigger finger, and you know how things work out if things happen. I don't plan on sticking around here for too long. Nice knowing you."

Rain allowed the words of the opposing ship commander to go unanswered, save for the static of the comm line being cut between their two vessels.

"Put Nova Wing on stand by and get Stark up here on the double."

"Yes, Ma'am." The call went out to the ready rooms near the barracks for all fighter pilots of the 87th to move to stand by mode in preparation for potential mobilization.

For the first time since events had started to take shape in this system, Rain noted the lack of Janus on the bridge. Her heart sank slightly at the realization, the sense of abandonment cutting into her. He had become so erratic as of late, appearing and disappearing at random intervals in time, almost as if he were frightened of something. If he was, he hid it well behind that mask and armor of his. Sometimes, she had to stop herself and wonder just how much of him was actually left under all of that armor.

Yet, even as she mulled over her private thoughts, the sound of a distant door opening drew her attention down the hallway leading from the command salon. She was slightly relived to see him striding back towards the bridge.

"Sir, Lieutenant Wingston to see you. He is the one we rescued from the wreckage of Raptor 320." She said as the Dark Lord approached them near one of the signal intercept stations.

Lord Malum glanced at the Lieutenant. There wasn't much to him. At least not to the naked eye. But to a person such as himself, there was a small ember burning deep inside him, waiting to be stoked into a mighty fire that had the power to consume all it touched.

"Make it quick, boy." Malum growled, his mind clearly occupied by more pressing matters. Not the least of which was the arrival of the Black Knight vessel.

[Sir Lord Ash]

((Oh sure, now you tell me... lol))

Command Deck. Spirit of Fire

Cutter watched as Zero left the bridge heading off deeper into the ship. He wated a full 10 heartbeats, long enough for the turbolift carrying Zero to be a long ways away before he turned to the holo-table again. When he spoke, his voice was quiet.

If Zero wont do it, I will. Open fire.

Cutter hated the Imperials. Once the Empire was formed, his wife was killed: murdered by a sith. This was a major act of revenge, with hopes to destroy this Imperial Flotilla.

A literal wave of blue-energy flew from the Spirit of Fire. All but her DBY-827 heavy dual turbolaser turrets were aimed at the Manticore's main hull. Those duel turbolasers were heading strait for the hanger-area. Assault concussion missiles and proton torpedoes were heading towared the command tower, aiming at its base so as to take out the communication relay.

Essence of Ice moved closer to the battle, firing all lasers and assault concussion missiles at the Venator.

---------------------------------

Zero opened his eyes from his fantasy, at least he though it was just a daydream. He saw the entire attack clearly. He shook his head to clear it and looked at the holo-table.

He was focusing on that dark swirling energy coming from the opposing flotilla, weighing his options. It could have either been good for him, or good for both. After a moment, he turned around and stood in front of his command chair.

Communication, reopen that channel. Manticore, this is Spirit. How about we form an alliance or cease fire of sorts. I work alone for the most part, and having some allies never hurts. Shall I head over there to talk about this, or shall your Sith leader come over here?

[/i][/center]

[Gamov]

Main command deck, Manticore

Even as the Dark Lord awaited a reply from the Lieutenant, another transmission was received over the ships communications array.

"Captain, Spirit is hailing us again."

Letting out a slow, frustrated sigh at the report, Rain turned her attention to the crew man. "Let's hear it."

With a quick flick of a few switches on his console, the channel was opened and broadcasting the message coming from the Spirit of Fire.

"Manticore, this is Spirit. How about we form an alliance or cease fire of sorts. I work alone for the most part, and having some allies never hurts. Shall I head over there to talk about this, or shall your Sith leader come over here?"

Rain's face twisted into an expression of complete confusion as she looked to Lord Malum. His helm let slip no indicator of his feelings, but his body language told her that he was equally struck by the request, his focus locked on the technician's station in stunned silence while business continued as usual around them for the other officers and deck crew.

"Sir...." Rain's words hung in the air as a half formulated question.

Shifting his focus once between Captain Shelvey, then again to the comms station, the Sith Lord acted quickly. "Assemble a boarding party in the hangar and alert Sasha to meet me there. Send the reply that I shall receive their offer, and their emissary." Turning back to Lieutenant Wingston, Malum gave him one more appraisal.

Captain Shelvey gave a clearly bemused nod as she complied. "Yes, sir."

"You can prove your worth now. Come with me." He motioned with a wave of his hand as he turned on his heel, the black kama at his waist snapping as he did so, and strode from the bridge of the ship to the lifts that would take them to the hangar.

Rain focused back on her duties as lord Malum and Wingston vanished into a distant turbolift. "Is our channel still open?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

Sighing once more to the situation, Rain mentally checked herself first. "Right, here we go." Composing herself, she gave the Spirit a reply. "We acknowledge your offer, Spirit of Fire. You are being granted access to meet with Lord Malum in the central hangar bay. Copy?"

Personally, she opposed the order. Finding Janus to be far too trusting to outsiders. But she would stand by his will at every turn, working tirelessly to help him as she had always done from the very beginning.

[Ragsmire]

Jungle, Lehon surface.

Jumping off the tree branch and onto the grassy jungle floor beneath him Lucifer extended his augmented senses to the surrounding area in search of some form of life. His ship had experienced a strange technical difficulty several hours earlier forcing an emergency landing. Since then he had gone out to search for something to eat, the ship having already been critically low on supplies from their privious venture.

Lucifer Fallen was elder of the two brothers but seemed to do the majority of the hands on work Noctis always guiding those hands. Maybe it was because Noctis retained his memory's after the incident, Lucifer only able to recall events from the point he awoke from the...well honestly he was still a bit blurry on that subject too never having bothered to question his brother on how he lost his memory.

"This should do." He spoke proudly to no on in particular whilst eying the string of Gizka he had rounded up after three hours of hunting, they should serve as enough food for up too a day and a half feeding two males. Lucifer walked toward the edge of a nearby cliff gauging the possible fall before he decided to go for it. Lining up so his back faced the drop he fell head first down, down, down, the wind catching the two large instruments of flight before he opened the brown wings and soared into the air toward the crash site where Noctis was working on the ship.

Momentarily Lucifer recalled Noctis warning him not to take the course of action he had just done. flying, though faster, was dangerous as it left him an open target. Lucifer had countered by reminding him how they were in the middle of nowhere but his brother still insisted.