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01:03, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn.

Posted by Master ServiousFor group 0
Aderek Blaque
Player, 12 posts
Mon 4 Dec 2017
at 21:23
  • msg #36

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

"Well, I have limited experience with military operations.  But Mr. Kismit with my one experience assisting with one of his operations, I don't have reason to believe I would have trouble working for him in the future.  I understand things will be changing one way or another, and I feel confident I will be able to adapt.  I don't presume that we will all be reporting directly to whomever is in charge so it would probably be most important that everyone have confidence in their overall direction."
Fiarr Melan'nel
player, 441 posts
Bothan Female
Talon 6
Mon 4 Dec 2017
at 23:48
  • msg #37

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

"Oh it's a wonderful story Doc.  I'll be sure to tell you over a drink.  How a simple Sergeant pretended to be a Captain and led a small group of tanks against overwhelming Imperial forces and survived.  How she was awarded a battlefield commission and nominated for the highest award for bravery.  Why some of the people will tell you that Kyvarr was knocking AT-AT's over with the power of her kicks and melting armour with her vicious gaze.  I've made it a hobby to gather eyewitness testimony over the Battle at Sindal pass, the most noteworthy moment of the Battle for Praxis IV.  The one time the Imperials were thoroughly trounced by a feisty Cathar Sergeant soon to be Lieutenant posing as a Captain!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:49, Mon 04 Dec 2017.
Kyvarr 'Hammer' Dulvan
player, 433 posts
Cathar Female
Talon 5
Tue 5 Dec 2017
at 03:08
  • msg #38

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Kyvarr laughed.  "A victory?  Is that what you call it?  We got three AT-AT's and rescued maybe two hundred civilians and half a tank squad.  In exchange for the slaughter of thousands who didn't put up a fight and the subjugation of millions?  It wasn't a battle, it was a massacre.  Only reason I succeeded was the Imperial commanding the walkers was an arrogant prick who didn't bother with a layered assault.  Didn't expect anyone to be stupid enough to take him head on like I did."
Kira
NPC, 167 posts
Human Female
Talon 2
Tue 5 Dec 2017
at 03:46
  • msg #39

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Kira raises her eyes at the Cathar's story, impressed with her mind for stradegy. "I'm sure had he been less of a moron you would have figured out a tactic."

She looked at Devon with a smile. "...and it looks liek your promotion is perminant....boss." the woman couldn't help but grin at the man.
Devon Kismet
player, 1113 posts
Talon 7
ID: Rian Cloudrider
Wed 6 Dec 2017
at 00:23
  • msg #40

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Devon regarded the a couple of notes he had taken on his datapad, then let out a long sigh.
Maybe he'd never wanted to lead this team - he'd just stepped up to help them survive Det Akari... and then sheer momentum and stubborness had kept him going.

The past few months had been intense - Det Akari, fleeing Nar Shaddaa and then a hunt for their missing people, scrambling from planet to planet, always one step behind, or so it had seemed to Devon at the time...
Finding - rather, being found by - Kota, the careful measure of cautious trust the old Jedi and Devon had established, escaping an Imperial ambush.  Stealing the container that made the prison mission possible, then the mission itself.  The spy in their midst.

Devon knew he'd made mistakes.  Taking command of the team had been a hell of a learning curve.  Stress had eaten him up at times - he'd virtually been insomniac at points.  He'd even tried to escape the stress by crawling into a bottle, but his friends and forced him to drag his sorry ass back OUT and get one with business.
But somehow, he'd done it.  He'd gotten them through and bought the team into something bigger.  Despite his own uncertainties, he HAD led them succesfully, he'd kept them alive and kept them together.  Whether or not he had wanted to, he had become their leader.


Devon stood up a little uncertainly.
"Well... to tell the truth, back on Det Akari I took control simply to get us outta there alive.  I didn't want the leadership... but here we are now an' you guys do want me."
He paused for a moment, looking for the words that would let him express how much their confidence in him meant.  Like he'd said to them the night before, he was no good at speeches.  He hesitated, then looked down at himself and gave a self-deprecating chuckle.
"Not bad for a smart-ass from Corellia, eh?"

Devon looked down at his feet, the leader of Talon squadron looked up.
"OK, the boss wants applications submitted and us on his ship by 1800 hours an' by the sound of it, you all plan to come along...  Journey time is about only about five minutes, so get your gear stowed on the Ghtroc no later than 1745.
I'm fairly easy goin', but Sheppard ain't.  If he says he wants us aboard at 1800, we better not arrive even one second late.

I'm gonna think on organizationfor the new Black squadron -"
Devon paused, and frowned, "damnit, that sounds wrong, dont it?  We're Talon squadron - anyhow, I'm open to suggestion, but my gut says start with what we got, then build from there.  Which makes you guys" he nodded to Kyvarr and Fiarr "my deputies.  Hows that sound?"

Aderek Blaque
Player, 14 posts
Wed 6 Dec 2017
at 04:18
  • msg #41

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Walking over to Dohr Veen, "Well, if we have to work out reporting arrangements before we board, I would guess that I would report to either you or Ten.  If my expertise with cybernetics is needed to help Mark, I would imagine it would make the most sense to report to you as part of your medical team."
Master Servious
GM, 2190 posts
The ultimate power
in the universe!
Wed 6 Dec 2017
at 22:32
  • msg #42

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

The trip from the Reprisal to Mark's flagship Indefatigable takes a few minutes.  The Ghtroc smoothly travels across and the Talons take the time to admire Sheppard's task force.  The Marauder-class corvette looked like a dangerous predator and those who knew Mark guessed he would no doubt use it to full effect.

Her sister ship and Mark's other command, the Agamemnon was involved in some sort of exercise.  She was involved in a sharp maneuver while Y-Wings poured from her hangar aperture.  Given the small size of the opening, only a single ship could be launched at a time.  While this was a clear weakness in design, the ships were doing a respectable job in launching.  The Talons counted six of the fighter-bombers in total.

Landing clearance was received and the Ghtroc smoothly pulled into the main hangar bay.  She was assigned to one of the two hangar slots reserved for shuttles and the transport was a tight squeeze.

Disembarking a petty officer quickly moved the Talons through the hangar, which contained six Z-95 Headhunters.  Devon and Mika recognised the sole surviving Talon Headhunter though it was already painted in the same style as the other five fighters.  No time was left to linger as the group was moved quickly through the ship, down to the lower level.

When they reached their quarters, it became readily apparent the Talons were in the army now.  They had been assigned to dormitories, each sleeping five.  Across the hall was a second set of dormitories, assigned to the ship's marine contingent, but were unoccupied.  The four dormitories shared a common rec area and galley.


OOC: On the schematics your assigned area is on the last diagram on the bottom left identified as 'Troop quarters' with a green arrow.  You have two dorm style rooms with five beds in each.  The rec room and galley seem to be yours as the other dorms are unoccupied at present.
Lin Daochi
player, 39 posts
Thu 7 Dec 2017
at 09:14
  • msg #43

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

"Well, girls, shall we claim the other dormitory for ourselves? That is, unless you prefer sleeping in the same dormitory with the boys?" Lin, having practically no possessions on top of what she was wearing, was quick on her feet to claim new territory. She was now showing the playful side of herself instead of the cool and detached intellectual she had been on the way out of the prison. It was remarkable how much a while at a refresher, a new set of clothing and some proper food could do for a person.

She picked a bed furthest away from the door and landed on to it softly. "This place will need a bit redecorating, I think", she said in a tone that made it hard to say whether she was only joking or really thinking about decorating the place. "Mika, you think we could scrounge up some parts to begin our project? Maybe we should ask Heigren?"
Kira
NPC, 168 posts
Human Female
Talon 2
Thu 7 Dec 2017
at 10:26
  • msg #44

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Kira followed Lin's train of thought, and entered the room a few steps behind her, opting for a bed in the middle of the room. Her belongings, all packed in her bag were quickly unpacked. Other than all terain clothes, some climbing gear, and her weapons, the woman had little. She placed her knife under her pillow, and had her blasters locked away safely. She looked at Lim with a curious eye."Project?" She asks, lying down on her bed with arms behind her head.

"Be careful asking heigren for anything lim....he is smoother than a greased up hutt and it would probably cost you less."
Heigren
player, 551 posts
Zeltron Male
Talon 4
Thu 7 Dec 2017
at 11:20
  • msg #45

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Heigren stuck his head round the corner of the women's dorm at Kira's combat and smiled.  "Glad to know you don't consider me cheap."  Rather than unpack his gear, he left the dorm and headed off to find the deck officer.
Arcas Endeel
player, 50 posts
Human Male
Aristocratic Officer
Thu 7 Dec 2017
at 12:05
  • msg #46

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Seeing the crew pledge their trust to Devon didn't come as a surprise. They had a long, mutual history, and the man did have a certain sense of sincerity about him; Arcas thought that the man would always at least attempt to do the proper thing. Part of Arcas was a bit relieved; Less responsibility tended to translate into more freedom, which was something he last had when he was a child. He gave Devon a respectful short bow after the briefing was over to ensure that there were no hard feelings.

For a cursory observer Arcas' silence over the course of the transfer could have been a sign of discontent from the meeting. But in reality Arcas was again pondering on his situation and taking in details from what he could see. After witnessing a Star Destroyer group perform a seek-and-destroy exercise, with hundreds of TIEs flying in tight formations and turbolasers turning gunner targets into molten slag, this operation felt quite quaint.

This Sheppard may be right in that this is a war, Arcas thought, but fighting will not bring victory.

Politely taking the other dormitory from the women, Arcas placed his carrying bag on the nearest bed. Inside was the ragged and dirty Navy uniform that he had defected in: All of his current possessions. While he couldn't wear it anymore, he still didn't want to simply get rid of it. Receiving the uniform was one of the most proudest moments in his life; Arcas wanted the moment he could burn it to be even more proud.
Kyvarr 'Hammer' Dulvan
player, 434 posts
Cathar Female
Talon 5
Thu 7 Dec 2017
at 23:26
  • msg #47

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Kyvarr quickly threw her gear on the bed nearest the door and began organising her space.  It was almost comforting to be in the military environment.  It was almost like coming home.  She's spent most of her adult life in the army and the structure had become familial.

Once unpacked she went to examine their recreation area.  There would be no five mile runs on board a ship so she'd need to modify a workout plan.
Aderek Blaque
Player, 15 posts
Fri 8 Dec 2017
at 01:18
  • msg #48

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Aderek drops his things, off on the closest bunk to the door that wasn't taken, noting some had been.  He doesn't bother to unpack just yet.  Having shared living areas was not much of a change, from recent ordeals but he admitted to himself he would have enoyed even having a small space to himself.  However, it wasn't that important to him, and where specifically he bunked was less important to him as it might be to others.  If others asked him to swap, he'd almost assuredly oblige them and so it didn't make sense to unpack just yet.  It wasn't like there was much, so it wasn't like he needed to get a head start.

Instead, he took a moment to look around the immediate vicinity, looking at the common area.

Noticing the former imperial seeming to be in a contemplative mood, Aderek comments vaguely in Arcas's direction, "Interesting the path life seems to lay out before one when you least expect it, isn't it."
Mika Trake
player, 887 posts
Talon 10
Shore leave Kimy Stell
Fri 8 Dec 2017
at 03:34
  • msg #49

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

"Sounds like a plan.". Mika says about annexing one of the rooms to the newly christened girls dorm.  Whe moves in and gives the place the once over.  Deciding on a bunk, she shrugs at Lin's question about decorations, Whatcha' got in mind?  Get some good mood lighting, something like that?"

Moving on to the bunk she'd picked out, she doles out her stuff.  Mostly clothiers, a few other bits of equipment.  She keeps her tool kit near at hand of course.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:27, Sun 10 Dec 2017.
Dohr Veen
player, 502 posts
Kel-Dor Male
Talon 8
Fri 8 Dec 2017
at 06:37
  • msg #50

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

In reply to Aderek Blaque (msg # 41):

"Yes. You will be reporting to me. Our roles outside Talon Squadron missions is yet not fully clear to me, but I am certain there will be a briefing as soon as we have settled in. Although assuming is not something one should do in the service, I would still call it a fairly safe guess that you and I will be acting as part of the ship's medical team."

Stepping out of the Ghtroc, Dohr took in the view of the hangar bay. Six fighters and six bombers, not bad. Not bad at all." As they were lead into their quarters, the dormitories came as a bit of a surprise to Dohr as he had already grown accustomed to a private bunk on the Talon transports and the Shrike. The thought of being back in the military did make him smile though. It was all familiar to him and brought back some good memories from his youth.

Dohr’s bed had been picked for him already as there was a portable container of Dorin gas and helium mixture as well as a breathing mask waiting on top of one. The Doc was happy to see a maintenance kit for his Antiox apparatus included too. He lowered his backpack on the floor and sat down on the bed.
Master Servious
GM, 2191 posts
The ultimate power
in the universe!
Fri 8 Dec 2017
at 10:35
  • msg #51

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Less than ten minutes after the Talons arrival a protocol droid approached Devon.

"Identity confirmed.  Kismet, Devon.  Please follow me.  Your meeting with the Brigadier will start in five minutes.  I am to escort you to the flag briefing room."
Devon Kismet
player, 1114 posts
Talon 7
ID: Rian Cloudrider
Fri 8 Dec 2017
at 23:42
  • msg #52

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Devon looked around their new... 'barracks' was the only word that seemed to fit.
It was definitely a change from the private rooms they'd all had back in the Talon nest, or aboard their now defunct cruiser.
He stood in the middle of the floor, kit bag dangling from one hand as the others pushed past him.
"Cosy." he said, dubiously.
The he shrugged and tossed his bag onto an available bed.  He started unpacking.

Master Servious:
Less than ten minutes after the Talons arrival a protocol droid approached Devon.

"Identity confirmed.  Kismet, Devon.  Please follow me.  Your meeting with the Brigadier will start in five minutes.  I am to escort you to the flag briefing room."


"One moment." he told the droid, and pulled a couple of small holo-pictures from the bag.  The pictures was stuck to the wall just above the head of his bed.
Kicking the bag under his bed, Devon stood and followed the droid out the room, calling over his shoulder
"Guys, try not to break or steal too much crap whilst I'm gone, OK?"


If anyone examines the two pictures:
One shows a group six of people outside, standing round a clearly custom built speeder, arms round each others shoulders as they grin, wave and (in one case) pull faces at the camera.  Devon is in the group, a couple of years younger than he is now, grinning as he joins the others in cheering at the camera.
The picture has 'Buunta Special:  1st place' hand written across one corner.

The second picture shows a beautiful Falleen woman wearing a slinky dress sitting on an overstuffed sofa, her legs curled up underneath her, an enigmatic half smile on her face as she gazes at the camera.  On the floor in front of the sofa is an empty wine bottle and a couple of glasses.  Devon had apparently not felt it neccesary to write on this one.
Fiarr Melan'nel
player, 442 posts
Bothan Female
Talon 6
Sat 9 Dec 2017
at 21:19
  • msg #53

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Fiarr sticks her head in the male dorm and looks to Devon.

"Quaint boss, very quaint.  Haven't slept like this since officer training."

When she sees Devon's choice of artwork she makes a mental note to find some suitable posters of her own.

She says nothing when the droid comes to 'collect' Devon.  She decides not to follow this time.  From what she knew of the boss, he wouldn't take kindly to her snooping around.  She headed for the rec room instead.

"So this place got simulators?  What about some decent drinks?"  At least Heigren could probably handle the latter.
Master Servious
GM, 2192 posts
The ultimate power
in the universe!
Sun 10 Dec 2017
at 22:34
  • msg #54

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

The recreation area is set up more for soldiers than for pilots.  It has plenty of exercise gear and a well stocked gym, a holovid and Dejarik table.  It does not currently have any simulators.

The kitchen areas has two powered down serving droids.  There are snacks (mostly protein bars) and drinks in the fridges.  There is a powered down caf machine (with no caf).  There is a small stock of rations.  If the Talons are going to be eating here, you're no sure how!

There is no alcohol in the bar!
Devon Kismet
player, 1118 posts
Talon 7
ID: Rian Cloudrider
Mon 11 Dec 2017
at 20:58
  • msg #55

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Devon ambled into the small dining area the Talons had been assigned to and plonked himself down into the first available chair he found.
Cor would be sending messages out, telling everyone to gather here.  Devon waited a few for them to arrive, flicking through the files on his datapad.  After a while, he got up and started exploring the contents of the fridge, hoping to find something tolerable to drink.

Once everyone had arrived, Devon got straight down to business.
"So we got our first mission already, guys.  But before I get to that, there's other stuff we need to cover.

OK, so due to some admin BS, the whole idea of the Talons as a team don't sit will with the current command structure.  Simply put: if you look at our actual skill set, then on paper we don't really fit in anywhere.  Our skills have impressed people... an' we could probably all walk into commissions elsewhere in the Alliance with no problems.
For example, Mika?  You could probably score a Chief Engineer slot an' maybe captain of your own ship inside a year."

Devon let that sink in for a moment.  He'd made the mistake of thinking the Talons were unwanted himself, he was hoping to help the team past that.
"The trouble isn't any of us... its the group as a whole.  We're clearly not a Starfighter squadron, so what are we?  The only way to keep us all together was to get a bit creative with the book keepin'.

On paper we're a Marine squad, one of two on this ship.  An' we answer to a LT over on Agamemmnon.  Given our backgrounds, there's only a few of us that would be allowed any kinda rank... and all but one of those eliminate themselves by being from the wrong branches of their military, or by being very recent Imperial defectors... which leaves us with only one candidate."

Devon smiled a warm, happy and altogether malicious smile, fully aware of the effect of the bomb he was about to drop.  He wondered if the victim had seen it coming - not that there was anyway they could take cover even if they had...
"So, this Trooper would like to congratulate Sgt. Kyvarr Dulvan on her promotion and command of this squad."
He snapped to attention and ripped off a text-book salute.  (he'd practiced in the lift on the way back)

Devon waited a few seconds for the hubbub to die down.
"Like I said - this is simply a way to keep the data-pushers off our backs till Sheppard can find a way to force our REAL command structure - the one you guys voted for - through official channels.  Until he does that, everyone except Kyvarr is a lowly Trooper - so watch yourselves - an' Kyvarr gets to handle any datawork that needs doing to show what a good squad of loyal an' obedient Troopers we really are.

Everyone got that?  Any questions?  If not, time to move on to the important stuff."

Kyvarr 'Hammer' Dulvan
player, 435 posts
Cathar Female
Talon 5
Mon 11 Dec 2017
at 21:35
  • msg #56

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Kyvarr managed to keep a surprised look of her face, at least she hoped she did.  Given the large number of officer candidates in the room, Devon's announcement was a surprised.

"Uh, thanks?  I was never a marine, I was in armoured corps but I know how to be a Sergeant.  You can start Trooper Kismet by working on your salute and saving it for officers.
 I work for a living!"


She paused and considered.  "So if I understand you we have to play the role of a marine crew while on board ship but revert to our own command structure when on 'Talon business'?  I serve as the buffer between us and the crew?"  Already she was making plans.  They'd need uniforms, a structure, this Lieutenant whoever they were would want readiness reports.  She looked to Heigren and wondered how he would explain him.
M4-33F
NPC, 7 posts
Messenger Droid
Mon 11 Dec 2017
at 22:03
  • msg #57

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Cor's M4 hovers quietly nearby, largely unobtrusive.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:37, Tue 12 Dec 2017.
Kira
NPC, 169 posts
Human Female
Talon 2
Mon 11 Dec 2017
at 22:19
  • msg #58

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Kira listened as Devon spoke of his meeting with with Brig Shepard and Col Jax. She couldn't help but smile at Kyvarr's promotion, and thought that they chose right. The Cathar was very miliatary minded and had a keen mind of strategy and weapons.

....they would be in good hands.

As for the group being a marine unit, though it made sense, she couldn't help but role her eyes a little. She saw her brother that though the military, and her training was pretty much opposite that. But she saw how this grou worked, and despite their differences, they worked well.

She looked at Kyvarr and smiled again. "Congratulations Sergent....or would you prefer sir?" Though her voice had all the respect for the woman, it also had a tinge of humor in it
M4-33F
NPC, 8 posts
Messenger Droid
Mon 11 Dec 2017
at 23:04
  • msg #59

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Cor's voice sounded through her droid's vocoder.

"Sergeant Dulvan, if I may recommend: if the Talons are to fit within a military command structure, perhaps it would benefit the team if you put the Troopers through a compressed version of basic training - to familiarise them with military speech, rank, expectations and so forth.  It would not do to have the superiors aggravated by perceived lack of military professionalism.  A basic course in military life may help smooth the waters and keep diplomatic trouble at a minimum."
Aderek Blaque
Player, 16 posts
Tue 12 Dec 2017
at 04:15
  • msg #60

Re: Act 8.0.1 - Prologue: A new dawn

Responding to Dohr Veen "Point well taken.  I'll do my best to keep that better in mind sir." had been Aderek's response to not making assumptions when they first had talked about reporting arrangements earlier.

He had been glancing over the rec area when there had been the call to meet.  After their commander had spoken (or I suppose more accurately, their commander had been announced) he looks vaguely surprised, but not upset.

Given a chance later he mentions.  "Assumptions obviously can be wrong, but you almost have a prophetic way about yourself.  I have much to learn.  Sir."  He is smiling as he says it, intending it as a bit of light hearted humor, but his tone is also respectful, or was meant to be.

When the subject of training came up he listened.  Given an appropriate quiet he will add.  "I've heard plenty of stories of what basic training are like, but recognize they are second hand at best stories.  I would hover say that at a minimum, for improved communication with other parts of the force, some sort of training would probably be of significant value.  However, if we already have a mission, that might put a damper on training time."
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