Arianna start point.

Coruscant, once the proud, beating heart of the Old Republic, had seen better days. Transplanted as the home of the Empire, after the fall of Palpatine and the start of the New Republic, it had begun to be ignored. In an attempt to start fresh and welcome a new era of prosperity and liberty, the powers that be tried to distance themselves from Coruscant as much as they could. Than the First Order came and quickly took the glittering heart of the galaxy as its own once again. Now, with the Battle of Exagal having promptly defeated the tyrants, hope courses through the blood of Coruscant once more.

Hope, as they say, is a poor substitute for a plan.

Some emboldened citizens have taken to the streets and attacked the First Order oppressors and their supporters. Slight success has encouraged others and disparate factions, each proclaiming their own idealistic flavor. The city-planet has descended into chaos and open war. Who will become victorious in the end, and what that victory will have cost, is anyone's guess.

Among the rebels, is a whisper. The people of Coruscant today cannot continue to be blamed for the actions of Coruscant a half century ago, and they will not allow themselves to be ignored, or forgotten.

The Resurgent-Class Star Destroyer Tempest emerged from hyperspce and began its inexorable approach to Coruscant. Final Order TIE sf/o and sf/f fighters immediately began launching attacks as Resistance fighters and warships, taken completely off-guard tried to bring themselves around to meet this threat but they faced withering fire from Tempest which forced them to withdraw.

A squadron of red and black TIEs with triangular wings launched as escort for two troop transports which started in towards the bright lights of the world-spanning city. On board each troop carrier were 20 red-clad soldiers with weapons at the ready. They didn't move save in reaction to the motion of the carrier. They didn't talk. All save one.

"Remember your training. We advance under cover of fire from the carrier and the TIE Daggers. Jump troops will get to high ground whilst the rest of us move and fire. Always remember: move and fire. Use cover. The troops the Resistance traitors have pinned down are to the East of where we're landing. We land west of them. We shall catch the Resistance in the middle and crush them to the last. We'll form up and with the Final Order troops we're relieving and take back this sector."

She stood still as she talked-red armour gleaming in the dim light of the carrier. The insignia of the Sith Eternal was etched in gold on the left side of the chest plate as was the mark that indicated she was a Lieutenant. Her ST-W48 blaster was locked to her left thigh as she gave orders. "Set the FWMB-10Bs up at opposing corners to catch our enemies in their crossfire. Watch your spacing, everyone and be quick to move and listen for orders from your fire-team leaders. Remember that we are the 5th Revan! For Exegol and FOR THE EMPEROR!"

The answering shout was almost deafening but the young Lt. smiled in her concealing helmet. The troops of the Final Order were out for blood and instead of grief at the stunning losses they suffered at Exegol, they were furious. Coruscant would run crimson with the blood of the Resistance tonight.

The lights in the transport changed colour as the turbulence increased. They could all feel the guns begin to fire and knew their turn was coming. "20 seconds," the Lt. called out and pulled her blaster off. And then they touched ground with a jarring motion, the ramp dropped and she lead her troops down and into the Coruscant night, blasters spitting deadly fire as TIE Daggers gave them aerial support.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Mon 07 Sept 2020.

Once the support touched down, the Rebel firing had stopped. TIEs made a last pass at where the last location they had been at, but beyond that, there wasn't a clue. The streets of Coruscant, normally the most populous, dense planet in the Galaxy, didn't have a single soul walking the streets.

This was the Rebel way. It had always been the Rebel way. They couldn't survive in a one to one fight, and they knew it. They would tuck tail and run as soon as the odds turned poorly. This time, it would be different. The enemy wouldn't be in the attire of the Rebel Alliance, or Grand Army of the New Republic. These were seemingly normal people, indistinct from any other citizen on the street. These cowards would hide in that anonymity for as long as they could.

Battle scars on a nearby apartment building showed where some of the fighting had recently been. With the lights on, there were still people inside. Soldier or civilian, nobody was ready to run outside tonight.

"Find the troops the Resistance were fighting and bring them here to be integrated into our squadrons," Lt. Vex'Morand ordered. "Continue aerial observation," she told the TIE squadrons flying over head.

"We shall pacify this area by whatever means we must before moving on. Travel in standard fire team patterns and shoot any who resist. They are either Resistance or will serve to send a warning to those who are. Maintain radio contact at all times. Move out."

She brought up the sensor suites that showed her the location of all of her forces and kept them up in her armour's HUD. She would know where to send troops if her squads ran into trouble. "I want the FWMB-10Bs set up pointing in either direction. Jump troops take the high ground and destroy any who dare open fire on you."

Once her orders had been given she opened a channel to the Tempest. "The Resistance vanished in the night once we landed, Captain. I have our forces out securing the area and bringing the Final Order troops that were being attacked to me to integrate them into our squadrons. We shall flush out these Resistance traitors and end them. Do you have any additional orders for me, sir?"

"This war isn't going to be won in a single night Lieutenant," a chastising voice responded from the other side. "Your orders are to ensure the safety of your soldiers and to get everyone back. The only way to ensure your position is secure and free from Rebel incursion is to encamp yourself and your team, which is not what you are being tasked to do. If you lose a soldier because you went outside your direction, it will be your head. Captain Faze out."

As soon as you hear the noise of the communication channel shutting, you hear another voice.

"Lieutenant!" One of your sergeants calls, running up, pointing to the battle-scarred building "Through the lights in that building, we can see people gathering up towards the top, but we can't make out what they're doing. Given this is the problem child of the street, they may be preparing an attack. We could end this if we send a few men in."

Arianna nodded once the comm link with the Captain closed. She had thought to use this area as a forward operating base but she recognised the wisdom of staying mobile. "Heavy gunners are to report to their squads. Transports maintain aerial overwatch and engage any hostiles. My squad with me. We move out and begin our own work rooting out these rebels."

She turned to listen to the report her Sgt. gave and looked at the building. "My squad will link up with yours and together we will end this problem before it begins. Move out and get into the battle!"

She keyed a different comm channel and looked at the overlay in her HUD that displayed the squads sent to locate the troops that had been fighting before they arrived. "Have you located the Final Order troops we came to relieve?"

"We have Lieutenant" replied your senior Gunnery Sergeant "I'm not sure what all the fuss was about. No casualties, no injuries to report. Seems to me like they came under fire and just bunkered down for someone else to solve their problem. The Emperor deserves better. We'll lead them to the scheduled extraction point and let you know when they're away."

Your squad forms up outside the main door to the apartment. "Ready and able Lieutenant. What's the orders?"

"Understood, Sgt. Include that in your report. We don't need cowards in the Final Order. Cpt. Faze may need to send them for retraining. Lt. Vex'Morland out." She cut the line to the Sgt. and checked her overlay to make sure both squads were in position.

"Half your squad goes in and moves to the left, the other half in and to the right. My squad goes right up the middle. If there's any resistance shoot them and we'll interrogate any survivors. No resistance then we'll search the area and the people inside for weapons and data whilst we question them. If they refuse to cooperate then make a few examples to loosen their tongues. Get into position, we move on my mark."

She nodded to the Sgt. to get his troops in position and held up a hand, three fingers up. She counted down and made a fist. "Go, go, go!"

The storming of the apartment building took a sudden halt. The moment your first soldier crossed the door jam, a chill ran up your spine as you heard a foreign voice. Not through your helmet, or someone shouting at you, but inside. Like you heard that other voice before, but this seemed much more urgent.

"Stop!" It cried out.

"Hope you have your hiking shoes on Ma'am! The buggers completely severed the lift. Nothing for it but to climb!" The rapid advance up the building is halted, drastically, but the squad leaders are able to adapt and overcome on their own. Effectively, each squad covered the other as they climbed a flight of stairs. It was a long, difficult way of getting up to where the rebels should be, but it kept everyone safe. None of the lower floors made any show of resistance, so the climb continued to where the rebels were known to be gathering.

About half way up, you hear that voice again.

"Turn back now, or be haunted in your sleep forever!"

Shortly after, one of your Sergeants holds back "Lieutenant? The rebels can't not know we're coming. There's going to be a lot of firepower going both ways down a narrow P-way. What are your orders?"

‘I’m already haunted in my dreams by what I saw on Exegol. Hundreds of thousands dead. Ships that were unable to move or raise their shields or even properly target or fire back. Get out of my head!’ She snarled at the voice.

She listened to the details her Sergeant gave her and thought for a moment before clicking on comms for her two squads and waving her heavy gunner up. “Form up into your fire teams. We’ll advance three by three on the right. I want the heavy on the left. We won’t have cover so if they attack drop prone and pour blaster fire on them. We’ll force them back into the room and advance on their position. If there are too many in the room and they have cover we’ll use grenades. I’d rather take prisoners and gather intel but if we have to kill them to the last then so be it. All squads ready? Let’s move!

Reaching down the narrow corridor, the fighting starts the moment the doors are opened. The rebels improvised a barricade to fire behind. Your men took appropriate cover as a storm of blaster came through. True to the seargent's words, mounting an effective counter was difficult. The rebels were brave, that much couldn't be denied. Pinned into a corner with no escape, they fought with everything they had.

Everything they had, wasn't enough.

A grenade was thrown in to distract as the heavy guns were set up in the gap. From there and the torrent of firepower that went back that way, it was all over. The rebels suppressed, the enemy nuetralized, everything went as well as could be hoped. Or so one would would think at first. In the few seconds after the heavy guns stopped whirring, a faint noise could be heard down the hall, from behind the barricade.

The faint, agonizing cry of a dying child. It was as undeniable as it was unmistakable.

Your soldiers all turn towards you. None go into the hallway. In the stillness, you hear the mysterious voice again

"Only now do you understand..."

She opened fire with her men, fighting as fiercely as they did. Standing in front to set an example of what bravery should look like amongst troops of the Final Order and the Sith Eternal. Commands were shouted over their comm channel and, as she fought, she watched her troopers move and was proud. She was serving alongside brave men and women who would have made the Emperor proud.

"Well done," she said once the fighting had ended. "That is how we deal with rebels." She was about to say more when she heard the crying of the child and stopped. She saw her men turn towards her and Lt. Vex'Morland had nothing to say.

She walked towards the barricade and looked over to see the state of the crying child.

Your eyes were invaded by an unwelcome sight. There were at least ten children in the room, and half as many women, either as mothers or caregivers. Either the grenade got further than it meant to, or there were were second order affects, that caused shrapnel and debris to fly everywhere.

All, but one, were dead, as were the men who had fought to protect them. The one child living, a young twi'lek girl, would not have to suffer much longer.

Her gaze took in the scene before her and she went utterly still as she first felt cold travel up and down her spine and then heat. Arianna Vex'Morland wasn't an unfeeling monster and this did not have to happen but neither she nor her troops were the cause.

"All of you, in the room, now!" She yelled over the command channel. When her soldiers had gathered she pointed to the dead children. "Take a good look at this and remember it. The rebels opened fire on us knowing these children were in the room. Did they think they were protecting them by firing on us? Or were they using them as shields as only cowards do? Had they laid down their arms and surrendered these children would still be alive but they are dead by the actions of the men who attacked us first! This is the kind of chaos and evil we are here to end. The First Order: First, Order. Now we are the Final Order and we will continue our battle to end the chaos and disorder in the galaxy that was encouraged by the Republic!"

She was furious but her voice was cold. She pulled out a heavy dose painkiller, walked over to the child and gave her the full dose. She couldn't save her but she didn't have to let her suffer.

"If anyone is unable to commit to the battle before us now is the time to speak up." She gave her stormtroopers a moment before throwing the empty injection down. "Let's go. We have work to do."

'I understand,' she snarled at the voice.'I understand the rebels caused this and now I truly see them for who they are: a plague that I will eradicate and, if I have nightmares of what just happened, add them to the rest. Now stay out of my head, damn you!'

She stalked down the stairs and into the Coruscanti night to continue the mission they were here for.

"Did they now?" The voice challenges in your head. A flash fills your eyes, seeing the room again, frozen in time. In the moment, you leave your own body.


"They barricaded themselves in. From here, they had neither the means nor the desire to attack you. The preconceptions of you and your bloodthirsty men simply a group gathering and assumed hostile intent. They fought and died to defend those children from the likes of you. To prevent those children from becoming you."

Another flash, and you find yourself back on the streets of Coruscant, as if nothing had happened.

"Is the indoctrination of the First Order so severe that you forget your own life? How your cries and screaming for your own parents only stopped when your voice gave out, your captors deaf and numb to your pleas for mercy? has so much of your soul been stripped away that, even in private, you do not grieve at the sight of dead children? Can you truly justify this as the grim realities of war? A war that you were conscripted into; that you yourself wanted no part of."

"No, I do no believe that you can. Crawling like a warm in your heart, will always be the fact that the only reason those children are dead is because of you, because you came here wanting to kill. That worm will gnaw and feed on you until it drives you mad."

"That is, if there is a heart still in that armored shell to feed on. If there is, than I would show you a different way."

'Do not do that again,' Arianna growled once the vision faded. 'Who are you to show me anything? A different way? What different way? You judge me as if you know me. The Sith Eternal took me from my family but they gave me purpose. Something to fight for beyond the empty love of fighting of the people I was born to. When I was young I may not have wanted to go to war but I grew and set aside childish things and yes, this is the grim reality of war. How many died on Exegol? And I don't mean the Final Order forces in the ships but all told?'

She directed her men to fan out as she walked, looked at the overlay of all the troops under her command and spoke to the damnable voice.

'How many were in the Temple? Men, women, and children all died when the Temple was destroyed. Millions died in the skies above and the ground below. Do you mourn them or celebrate their deaths because they believed differently than you? Who are you? What are you besides a voice that won't leave me alone?'

She stalked the streets, alert for enemy troops or spots that might scream out "Ambush!"

'The death of those children bothered me,' she conceded. 'Because it didn't have to happen. They assumed we were going to attack but we would not have had they not opened fire first. We're not here to conscript their children. Our orders were to rescue the stormtroopers under attack and secure this area. I have a heart and it pounds right now with anger because those children were killed because of preconception but not ours. My anger burns and it is a righteous anger. I will not go mad because of what just happened. What I saw on the planet I grew up on was far, far worse. Ponder that as I continue to do my duty.'

"Do not play that game with me, child" The voice refuses to be ignored. "The Fleet of the Final Order was designed to eliminate entire planets. Not a single regard for collateral damage or innocent life lost. The violence there was necessary to prevent galactic genocide. Had your Emperor not created the fleet, the battle would not have taken place. Had the First Order not forced themselves on the people of this planet, your crime against all that is decent would not have had happened."

"The Galactic Civil War. The Clone Wars. The Great Purge. The Jedi Civil War. Every great conflict that has spanned the stars has been because of the forces that stole away your freedom, and who in return you have pledged your undying loyalty. The Sith."

"I am one who has grown tired of the bloodshed and the violence. For a moment, I thought that one such as yourself had potential. I see that was the foolish wishes of an old woman. You can either aid me and be remembered as a redeemer and a liberator, a person of consequence as well as strength, or you can stand against me and fall into an unmarked ditch."

"Nothing will remain. Not your memory, or name. It will be as though you never lived."

'The battle between Jedi and Sith is needed. The wax and wane of light and dark has been the same since the beginning of time and will be the same until the end. If you think you, or me, are going to end forces as inexorable as gravity or time then you are a fool, old woman.'

She checked her HUD to make sure her troops were moving and none had been lost. 'I asked you who you are. Are you a Jedi? One who escaped the Emperor and Vader so many decades ago? You who would have me be redeemer and liberator when that is already the task I have been given. A person of consequence and strength when those are traits I already embody and shall even more when I light the flame of the Sith yet again? Are you the counter to the one who has already spoken to me and told me of a destiny that could be mine had I the strength to take it? Are you the Voice of the Light? Have you taken an interest in me because you are afraid the Sith will rise once more through me? Who are you?'

She directed some of her stormtroopers to check the mouth of an alley as they continued forward. "All squad leaders check in."

"All Good here "Lieutenant" The walk back was painfully quiet, save the voice in your head.

"You would not know my name. My story is not one your masters would know, or be willing to tell you."

"I fought in war, and for all of my callousness and all of justified crimes I never acted as you just did. I was a Jedi. I trained some of the greatest Knights in all of history, only for them to fall to the ways of the Sith. I was punished for fighting in the Mandalorian Wars, and again for having a child. That child helped rebuild the Jedi Order, led by another former pupil of mine."

In a single second, you see the body of the voice that has been speaking to you this whole time.


"I am Jedi Master Arren Kae, and you are my descendant, torn from both your people, your culture, and your true purpose".

‘That was over four thousand years ago. You fought in the Great Sith War again Exar Kun and Ulric Qel-Droma,” Arianna said as they walked. ‘You knew Darth Revan when he was a Jedi, didn’t you?’ She asked, no small amount of awe in her voice.

’I didn’t throw that grenade,’ she said, sounding troubled as she spoke. ’And I wouldn’t have allowed it to be thrown had I known there were children there. I’m a soldier, not a monster.

She fell silent for a moment. The voice that claimed to be an ancient ancestor troubled her. She had no idea of her lineage, the family she had been taken from. She knew well who raised her and whilst there was no love there was duty. She was raised to be unquestionably loyal to the Emperor and the Sith Eternal and now this long-dead Jedi would have her betray everything she knew and all that she was? She knew hundreds of Xyston-class Star Destroyers had survived the Battle of Exegol and part of her duties included finding a way to free them from the atmosphere so the Final Order could truly begin their work.

“Air units: anything suspect going on?”

She turned her attention back to the Jedi. ’Who was it that spoke to me before, during the Battle of Exegol? It wasn’t you.’

<i>"I was Revan's mentor, one of many. His failings was my own. In our hubris to fight the evil of the Mandalorians, we could not see our own descent. One action is justified by another, the semblance of morality abandoned by the necessities of war."

"There is a lesson to be learned here, descendant. You did not wish for the children to die, yet your impulsive desire for battle still caused it. In this, you followed my own Legacy. In fighting the Mandalorians, in wishing to bring an end to the violence swiftly, we destroyed a planet at Malachor, we led ourselves to the Dark Side, and my brightest pupil became the vanguard of the Sith's resurgance upon the galaxy."

"All things are connected, descendant, and any action may cause further actions beyond ones control. What further actions may you yet commit in the name of a dead Emperor?</i>

'Malachor...yes...that's why you know nightmares. You killed Jedi, Sith, Mandalorians there. I hear it's a dead, barren planet covered still by the petrified remains of your victims. You did evil in the name of good and attempt to justify yourself to me? Unlike you I won't turn my back on the oaths I swore and the people who took me and molded me into what I am today. I will not betray my word or my people!'

She hit her wide comms. "All squads form on me. Transports come in for pickup, TIEs keep air support. We have done what we came here to do: relieved the First Order soldiers and destroyed a rebel incursion. Time to return to the Tempest. First round is on me."

She turned her attention back to the spirit. 'You may be my ancestor but I do not know you. I know Captain Faze, I know my men and can trust them to have my back as they trust me to have theirs. I cannot know the future because, as I have been taught, it is always in motion but I know this: you fear me because you know the Sith Flame yet burns and it is my destiny to seize it and bring it forth once again. I was raised by the Sith Eternal. I bowed before the Emperor and swore my loyalty to the Sith. I am a Lt. in the 3rd Revan Legion of the Final Order and I. Will. Not. Betray who I am, who I was raised to be, and who I will become. Ponder that, ancestor and watch from the netherworld of the Force as I become a galactic power! Now get out of my head!'

With that she bent her considerable will - the will that had seen her excel in her training and earn a commission at her young age - towards shutting the spirit out.

Either from your force of will, or having deemed you as a lost cause, the voice of Arren Kae subsides.

The soldiers under your command, the men and women who witnessed the collateral damage, are also quiet. Not knowing what had happened before, one would think this was cause of expert drill and discipline, only communicating when necessary for the mission. You know better; they're all haunted by what they saw, though none would dare say it. This is what is expected of them; to handle the grim necessities of war, or get out of the way.

Everyone returns to base without incident, but also without celebration. Most of the Battallion was away in barracks or on official duty. It's home, or at least as much of a home as you have ever had.

"Detail and stow equipment. Guard details are posted so make sure you know your assigned section and times. Get your after-action reports to me so I can get them to Captain Faze in the appropriate time. If you are off-duty then your time is yours but I expect everyone to be ready to deploy at a moment's notice."

She looked at all and them and sighed softly. "This was our first actual combat deployment and it was a hard one but you all did very well. We relieved those First Order troopers and took out a rebel cell without a single loss. This is what we trained for: to do the hard jobs and we proved ourselves tonight by fire and blood. Train, drink, sleep or do whatever you need to do for the next mission because there will be a next one. And one after that and one after that until we have secured the galaxy for the Sith Eternal. We are the 3rd Revan Legion and we will make the Emperor proud. I'm going to report to Captain Faze so do what you need to do. Dismissed!"

Arianna turned smartly on her heel and walked to the Captain's office.

The Captain's office is a borrowed space; being a Naval officer, rather than the Army of the First Order. Moving about so much, she didn't really see the use or the luxury of an official office space. Most of the operations and interoperability between the Star Destroyers overhead and the ground forces was under her command and purview, giving her a great amount of responsibility, as well as power. You had heard in the Ward Room that she was being strongly considered to be picked up for Commodore, effectively an Admirals position.

"Hold Fast Lieutenant" You hear behind you. Clinking steps behind you come closer, only for them to slowly reveal the Captain herself. Her uniform is pristine and sharp, but her overall demeanor is calm and relaxed. "Glad your team came back all in one peace. Would you accompany me for a small stroll? There's someone I'd like to introduce you to."

Lt. Vex'Morland stopped, turned and came to attention. "Yes, ma'am. The operation was successful though I was not impressed by the First Order troopers we were sent in to rescue. All of that will be included in my report unless you wish to verbally debrief as I walk with  you," She said respectfully and folded in beside her Captain as they walked. Her rifle was attached to her upper leg armour once again and her helmet was still on. She carried the smell of battle with her but was unashamed for she was, after all, a soldier and soldiers lived and died on battlefields.

"I have heard of your malcontent" The Captain said as she began a slow walk through the base "In the future, it would be wise not to express your displeasure over channels that can be overheard and intercepted. Praise in public, chastise in private. One of best lessons I ever took from the Imperial Academy. As for the soldiers themselves, don't be too hard on them. They behaved judiciously, if perhaps not bravely. You don't have to lose a life to figure out you're pinned down. We have numbers on our side Lieutenant, but we can't trust that will win us the day."

She stopped for a moment, to explain a point "This planet, for all of its importance, will become a meat grinder. We lose five men, we are entrenched and committed to make those deaths mean something. We kill ten of theirs, and now they dig in even more to avenge and justify those losses. The longer we fight, the harder it is for the fighting to stop, and I suspect the Battle For Coruscant will become a war in of itself by the time it's all over."

The Lt. matched her stride to the Captain's and listened as she spoke. She nodded as the Captain gave her what was sage advice. "Thank you, ma'am. That is wisdom I shall carry forward from here on. I am grateful for your leadership."

She stopped when the Captain did and turned to face her. She knew the Captain's own reflection showed in the black of her visor but she had not been given permission to remove her helmet so she kept it on in the presence of her direct superior. "I had the same thought, ma'am. A world-spanning city that runs some four thousand levels from the core to the surface? Even if we drive the rebels underground, and not in a figurative sense, the amount of places they will have to hide are infinite. This may well be the longest, most hard-fought battle in the war. Not even our Emperor faced a mass insurgency here."

Faze continued moving slowly "No, worse" The Captain refuted, gently "When he and Lord Vader fell at the Battle of Endor with the destruction of the second Death Star, we lost Coruscant completely. The Empire fell faster than we could keep up with. The Battle of Exagal could prove to be as cataclysmic now. The Emperor is now well and truly dead, as are secretive and doteful acolytes. The fleet he would have fielded to end this conflict once and for all is gone. Generals Hux and Pryde were both killed in the battle, and Supreme Leader Ren and his knights have not been seen since before than. We must assume that he has fallen as well."

She stops outside a door to a simple room. "Whether we win or lose this war will depend on entirely on leadership, up and down the chain of command, but we need to bring ourselves to the present for the moment."

She opens the door from the nearby panel and turns to you "Lieutenant, you will remove your helmet and secure your weapon before you enter this compartment. You will seat yourself quietly and will not speak unless or until you are addressed. You will answer any questions to the best of your ability. Now move."

The room is barren, except for a simple table with chairs on opposing sides. One is vacant for you, and the other is occupied by a man with severe features, and a piercing gaze. Still as a statue, his intense eyes bore straight into you as you sit down. Captain Faze secures the door after you, standing at parade rest behind you.

"Does something trouble you, Lieutenant?" The stranger asks, keeping almost completely still, as if in some form of trance.

Arianna listened and walked as her Captain spoke. "We will need strong leaders like you to keep things from happening as they did when the Empire fell."

She went silent when they stopped outside the door and her Captain issued orders that were odd and troubling but she had been trained well by the Final Order and was a Lt. and a Sith Stormtrooper. She did exactly as she was told and removed her helmet, revealing the face of a young Echani woman. Pale skinned with white hair tied back, braided and tucked so her helmet would seal. Her silver eyes looked slightly quizzical but she did as ordered quickly and efficiently. She set her helmet on, or in, whatever place was ready for it and disarmed herself, securing her rifle, pistol, and thermal detonator before walking into the room and sitting down.

She looked at the man, her features schooled into being utterly dispassionate as she had been trained.

"I am curious as to who you are and why I am here, sir," she said in response to his question.

"You will not speak of this with anyone, so a name is of no use to you. You are here to give an account for yourself." The strange mans lift, his hands touching the top of the table and his eyes still transfixed on you, never wavering.

"You will answer the questions that you are asked. Is something troubling you?"

Starr resisted the urge to wince or rub her head when she felt the pressure in her mind. She wasn't sure what was causing it but she didn't like it. She didn't like it at all.

She looked at the man. "The rebels were holed up in a room filled with women and children. We encountered heavy resistance and a grenade was used. All of the women and children were killed. I'm not troubled, sir-I'm angry. Those children should not have been in the room but they were. Were the rebels using them as a shield? If so there are no limits which they will go to resist us, sir. That is troubling: the nature of the enemy we are fighting."

"Fascinating" the man said, his gaze finally breaking as he takes a minor look at the Captain behind you. "So you had no knowledge of who those children were, or their significance to the conflict? You didn't even know they were there until they were dead?"

His voice drops, his measured neutrality gives way to a tone dripped in disdain "Than your incompetence has saved your life, though not your commission."

Arianna's composure dropped for just a moment as anger flared within her at his words. "Sir? My commission? We were pinned down under withering fire without cover, fighting a barricaded enemy in a room we had no way to recon so one of my men followed his training and used a grenade to break their barricade and allow us egress into the room. What we knew was in the room was a large group of heavily armed rebels who opened fire on us."

She spoke calmly but forcefully; her anger a cold, icy burning that would, could she release it, tear this man, this stranger, to pieces.

"Don't burden me with the list of difficulties you had to endure because of your own poor decision making. You deviated from your mission, because you failed to assess your surroundings. There were multiple signs that you were putting yourself and your men into a position of unacceptable risk. And in so doing, you inadvertently ruined another mission."

"MY Mission."

The man takes a deep breath, the closest he comes to expressing his own emotion "I will stress again that whatever is said in this room does not leave it. Those children were all force capable, though we don't know how viable any of them really were for training. The Rebellion was trying to smuggle them off world to be trained. To where and by whom, we don't know."

"Your blind, cavalier actions not only robbed us of over two dozen candidates we could have taken for ourselves, had they been properly intercepted, but also cost us any lead to find out where they were going. Further, the sight of that many children dead, and the means in which they were killed will only bolster the enemy, serving as propaganda against us. As these failures are solely attributed to you, your life is forfeit to me. Because I sense there is great potential in you still, I am sparing you, so that you may yet be molded into something greater and make penance for your misdeeds. Do not cause me to regret that decision."

"I am your Master now, and will call me Shroud."

Arianna was speechless at the revelation that the children had Force potential. Part of her wanted to argue that she should have been informed there was another mission in her area of operation and that leading troops into danger was part of war but she knew such things would have been pointless to tell this man. This enigmatic man who sat before her and told her he was her Master.

“That pressure in my mind was you. You are trained in the Force. Are you...Sith?” She asked in a low voice. “Something stirred and awoke inside of me when the Emperor was fighting at Exegol. I’ve...felt, sensed things I can’t explain and didn’t know who to talk to to find answers. But it’s you who can answer my questions and teach me. I am yours, Master Shroud. I will learn all you have to teach me and will not fail you again.” She told him, her voice growing stronger, more firm as she made her vow.

Master Shroud's face finally broke to reveal a smile.

"The Emperor and his lapdog would not have labelled me Sith, and would have me killed for claiming to be. We are True Sith. Unburdened and undistracted with the illusions of power in politics and government, we seek only the true power of The Force. We seek to rebuild the Sith Empire, but an Empire that is built on open and proud of what we stand for." gesturing to Captain Faze "We have the greatest military might the galaxy has ever known. It is best that they are left to wage war as they see fit, so that we may fully commit ourselves to our endeavors."

Shroud stood from his chair, his hands behind him "Palpatine worked in the shadows and in secrecy. Now with him truly gone, we will begin to make our presence in the Galaxy known. Your first assignment is to find your way to the an ancient world of Dromund Kaas. There you will find ancient cities of the original Sith Empire. You will find a beacon tower that has fallen into disrepair. You will reactivate it, so that the call may be heard throughout the galaxy for all Sith to return home."

Arianna’s excitement grew the more he spoke, her eyes seeming to shine as he said words that echoed what had heard that fateful day when the Emperor died. She stood, unable to remain sitting as energy coursed through her body. “This is it! This is as he said during the Battle of Exegol! He told me I would be the flame that lights the Sith fire anew and he said my journey would begin on Dromund Kaas!”

She whirled to look at Shroud. “What happened on my first mission was the Will of the Force. It must be, Master Shroud. If things hadn’t happened the way they did I may never have come to your attention. But I have and now what I was is coming to pass!”

She returned his smile. “It shall be done, my Master. I will light the fire and call the Sith home. Shall we reclaim the ancient worlds like Korriban, Ziost, Ossus, and the others long forgotten by the galaxy?”

"Silence!" Shroud bellowed angrily and loudly, his arms moving in front of him clenched fists. The lights in the small room failing as he shouted.

"Know your place." He said spoke again as the room returned to normal "Sith who have studied the ancient secrets of The Force longer than you have been alive have not known the will of The Force. Even members of the Dark Council did not fully understand its nature. Do not presume that you know anything about what The Force wills or your place in it. If The Force willed you into failure than perhaps I am wasting my time with you."

"You are not the first to claim to hear the words of the Ancient Sith Lords. Nearly all who have done so before you have been driven into madness by them, surrendering to delusions of grandeur, believing their power to be orders of magnitude greater than what it truly was. There will be a glorious future for The Sith, with or without your presence. Pass this first test, and you may yet be made privvy to larger plans."

He raised his hand again to make a brief brushing movement to the door "You have your task, now leave. How you do it is beyond my concern, just see that it is done."

Captain Faze moves towards the door to open it for you, waiting for you to exit first.

The door closed behind her, she finally chooses to speak.

"A small point of order Lieutenant. He may be taking you from me, but I am the one around here who makes the call as to who gets discharged."

She pulls out her datapad and makes a few movements "You are officially relieved of your orders, but you still retain your rank and position within the First Order. You'll have access to our resources for as long as you may need them..."

The Captain spoke a little more quietly "and it sounds like you'll probably need them. Sounds to me like he's sending you on a suicide mission." She hands you a small comlink "This is a secure communication, directly to me. You find anything out there of value, you let me know."

"Finally," She says as she looks over her shoulder "You have one last order before you are properly relieved" As she extends her other hand with a small credit chip "You go make sure those kids are given the final respects they deserve. Out of uniform. Regardless of circumstance, their lives were brutally and tragically cut short, and I'll do what we can to at least attempt to make amends."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Wed 30 Sept 2020.

Arianna immediately and instinctively snapped to attention, her enthusiasm waning in the face of Shroud's anger and the dressing down she was receiving. She knew he spoke truly and that she had overstepped her bounds quite drastically. "Apologies, Master. I let enthusiasm overwhelm decorum and the wisdom you have to teach. It will not happen again. I will depart apace for the task you have set before me."

She bowed before leaving the room and stopped when Captain Faze spoke. She nodded when she was told she retained her rank and position. "Thank you, ma'am."

She took the comlink and tucked it into a pouch on her belt and then took the credit chip. She had to swallow hard before she could speak and when she did her voice was hoarse. "You are both a good CO and a good woman, Captain. I would be honoured to give those children the respect and rest they deserve. And offer to them my apologies for what was done. I'll handle that task and then comm you to see about getting a ship suitable for travel to the Unknown Regions."

She reached for her helmet and the space she had secured her weapons and put them on her belt once more. Her helmet remained tucked under her arm as she came to attention and saluted her Captain before turning on her heels to walk to her quarters to clean up, change, and take care of the task her Captain had given her.

The next day, it had taken some work in order to find out what happened to the women and kids from the night before. Having been taken first to a morgue for autopsy and analysis, they were dispersed to several funderal homes, as no one facility would have been able to handle them all.

Thankfully, this worked in the favor of you and the Captain; paying for all of that in one, anonymously would have been uncharacteristically generous and possibly brought the wrong kind of attention. Taking care of it in this dispersed way allowed for a greater sense of plausible deniability.

The last one you visited was also the one with the largest number of bodies; including the Twi'lek girl you had given a shot to in order to ease her passing. As you finished up here, you saw that, true to Master Shroud's prognosis, events had turned the public even further against the First Order. There was a huge gathering of protestors and mourners outside the building. A detail of security forces were watching them from across the street.

Normally, a detail would have put down a protest like this; one would have to wonder if they were ordered not to, or if they just saw attacking people angry about the brutality of the First Order as only further proving the point. Either way, being outside of uniform and with your own work to do, it would probably be best to avoid this and carry on with your true mission; finding a way to get to Dromund Kaas.

Getting a ship would mostly be a matter of nursing the bureaucracy. The problem would be getting there; it was illegal for ship navicomputers to hold coordinates or navigational routes to Dromund Kaas or the other ancient Sith homeworlds. An older, pre-Empire vessel might have the data, as would the Royal Hall of Records. The Imperial Palace, formerly the Jedi Temple could have it as well, although that would be incredibly dangerous to attempt. The right person in the black market may have the information.

The Force could be your guide as well, although you would likely need more training and a stronger affinity to pull that off.

Arianna finished paying for the funerals and asked the people running the final funeral home if she could see the young girl. "She has no family left to say their farewells. I understand it's not a pleasant sight but I've seen worse," she told them as she rested her arm on her blaster. She was in civilian clothes, all one set she owned, but still projected an aura of menace even when she was there on an errand of...not mercy. Neither was it charity but perhaps it could be called seeking some measure of forgiveness.

She was a soldier, not a monster.

"Leave me," she commanded the employee as she looked at the young girl. When she was alone with the body she put a hand on the small, cold head. "You never had a chance and this should not have happened. There is plenty of blame I could throw around but the final call was mine and between us there are no excuses. You are beyond them. I cannot change what happened but I can make sure nothing like this happens again because of me. I may become something else but that doesn't mean I have to surrender all sense of honour and I tell you this now: I shall not. No matter what I am. You rest now and know something I never will: peace."

She left without looking back.

She started on her way back to the barracks and commed Faze as she walked. "Is this line secure, ma'am?" She knew Faze said it was but there could always be ears somewhere.

"I'm trying to be the arbiter between two mid-level officers, Lieutenant." She replied, her voice carrying the tone of annoyance, having been brought into this "I can step away for a moment if this is a private matter, but please be quick."

"It is, ma'am," Arianna replied and waited for Faze to get back to her. "The matter we discussed has been taken care of, ma'am and I am going to be attending to the other matter. Do you know if the one who has set me upon this task has a ship here or on the Tempest? I need to collect some data."

"One moment" She replied, and there was a minute or two of silence "He came to our base on a shuttle, and returned to the Tempest that way as well. He's clearly not a part of Ship's Company, so he would have had to come aboard on his own vessel."

There was another very brief pause "I don't want to know what you're looking for, but I think I have a good idea what you're thinking. This is your one warning Lieutenant. Be extremely careful. I can't protect you."

"I understand ma'am. You of course have no knowledge of what I am thinking but I shall return the word of caution to you for if he is what I think he is, and part of what I think he is part of - be very careful as well. He is dangerous beyond anything we have yet to see from even the Empire or the Final Order. Something ancient and long-thought lost. Lt. Vex'Morland out."

She put the comm unit back and returned to her quarters where she took off her civilian clothes and dressed in her armour. The few things she had to pack went into her bag. When she was finished she went to the shuttle pad and waited for transport to the Tempest.

Transport back to The Tempest was slow going. The shuttles were usually accounted for on the return trips, so finding one that had space available for an unannounced passenger took some time.

Aboard the star destroyer, things were a hive of constant activity in the hangar bay; arguably the most important part of a ship like this. Shuttles like the one you just departed were serving as vital logistics chains, TIE's departed and flew sorties in space for patrol and training, as well as in atmosphere for close support.

One corner of the vessel however was noted for its distinct absence of activity. A vessel, seemingly unattended and unused, sitting proudly by itself. It's presence was undeniable, but all seemed to make a point to act as if it wasn't there.

An Upsilon-Class Command Shuttle. Only a few of them were in service, and those who had the distinct privilege of using them, such as Kylo Ren, were not to be trifled with.

Vex'Morland took a look at the shuttle as she walked through the hangar bay. That it was unattended was good as it would make her job much easier. She kept walking until she was in the corridors leading to the officers' barracks but first she stopped at one of the automated laundry rooms. Some of the higher level officers wore black cloaks with their dress uniforms as did certain special troops. She was looking for something very specific: a black, hooded cloak or something she could use to make into one.

There were just too many people aboard a ship this size to meddle with washing one person's clothes at a time. Instead, the Sailors, Marines, Aircrews, and any guests aboard a ship would provide all clothing to be washed in a sack. Numerous sacks would be loaded into one machine and washed and dried together, in their sacks. Dress uniforms and other accoutrements that required a more delicate touch were handled separately from the main operation, in a corner of the room. The whole thing was a mess of an operation, conducted entirely by droids. All 2nd class droids, they weren't equipped with vocabulators, but their Binary beeps and boops were clearly enough to tell you that you were not welcome in this compartment of the ship.

OOC: Make a perception check to see what you can find among the dress items.
 If you want, you can "Take ten" and assume you roll a 10, being average and get the results.

You can also "Take 20" on the roll, getting the max result, but will have spend 20 times as long in the act.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:59, Sun 11 Oct 2020.

Arianna ignored the rather rude comments the droids were making - comments they didn't think she understood. She was too focused on her search. For the plan that was taking shape she needed some very specific items. Or one, in particular.


18:12, Today: Arianna Vex'Morland rolled 20 using 1d20+7 ((13)).

Making your way to the corner, there's a motley collection of dress uniforms cleaned, dried, and hung, awaiting pickup by their owners. Among them is a dark cloak attached to the dress white uniform of a naval officer. Would be impossible to know for sure, but the chest candy on the left side would indicate it belongs to someone highly decorated and probably senior in rank.

If this goes missing, someone somewhere is going to get an earful.

She looked around for something that could be used as a hood in case the cloak didn't have one. Regardless she quickly took the cloak off the uniform, hopefully hood as part of the cloak or a separate piece and left the room. She made her way to a storage closet and quickly stripped down to the black undersuit that was work beneath her crimson armour. From her bag she pulled her black dress boots out and slipped them on before breaking the armour down and putting it in the bag. She strapped her gear belt on and then slipped the rifle in its holster before putting on the cloak and letting it cover her as completely as it possible before pulling up the hood and settling the cloth in such a way as to hide her face in shadow.

Once she was finished she took up her bag, sealed it shut, walked out of the storage closet and made her way back to the hangar bay-a menacing figure dressed all in black and covered in a voluminous cloak and hood. The mysterious figure made her way to the Upsilon-class shuttle as it she had every reason to be there and, as she walked, she told herself she belonged there.

'This is my shuttle. I am not to be trifled with. Cross me at your peril. This is my shuttle,' she thought to herself repeatedly as she strode with all the confidence she had within her for the ramp of the black craft.

Not a soul interupted you on your ascent into the shuttle craft. With how busy the ship is now it's possible that nobody even noticed you enter.

At least from the outside.

As you made your way towards the cockpit, there was mechanical sound of metal on metal, followed by a synthesized voice of a very bitter droid.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you that Curiosity Killed the Selkath?"

Arianna turned to look at the droid. "I never knew my mother and this isn't curiosity. This is a very secret mission for Master Shroud who, I can assure you, will not tolerate any delays in the carrying out of this mission. So the sooner we are off the more pleased he will be. We're headed to Dromund Kaas to call the Sith and save the galaxy from the corruption of the Republic. Are you in or out?" She asked as she closed the ramp and began the pre-flight sequence which included checking the nav computer for coordinates for the jump to Dromund Kaas.

The droid leaned against the wall, arms crossed, metallic fingers holding a cylindrical object. It's disdainful tone showed the emotion that's in neutral face could not.

"I dare say I know Lord Shroud better than you. He would certainly never have permitted you take this ship." His open hand waived dismissively.

"Go ahead, take the ship, if you think you can even pilot it. I'll even accompany you. Someone has to bring the ship back after your spectacular failure and death."

The navicomputer did have coordinates to Dromund Kaas, thankfully.

"Thank you for your confidence in my abilities. I think I like you. He did not say I couldn't take this ship, just that I get to Dromund Kaas and accomplish the task he has set before me."

She set the coordinates for the jump and powered up the shuttle. "What is your name? I'm not going to say, 'Hey droid' for the duration of this trip," she asked as she waited for the shuttle to be ready for departure. As soon as the checks were complete and it was powered up she began their exit from the Tempest and began flying towards her destiny.

"Did you have to be told not to shoot your Commanding Officer in the back? Or did you inherently know not to do it?" The droid pulled away from the bulkhead, standing straight in the narrow hallway "I am T-4D. I facilitate all manner of things that Master Shroud should require, including data recovery, piloting, training, and his defense"

"You bring up a fair point, T-4D but after calculating all variables I decided that this was the most efficient way of insuring the success of my mission. There is a reason the lost worlds of the Sith are lost. If everyone knew where they were that would hardly make them lost. We are going to Dromund Kaas to light the torch to call the Sith home. Join me in this task and our chance of success increases greatly. The dream of a True Sith Empire will be realised."

She turned to look at what he had in his hand before beginning the takeoff procedure.

"ya ya ya, sure mate. Look, can you just on with it, or do you have more rousing oratory to get through? Sooner you get going the sooner I get to watch you cock this up."

The droid starts to head somewhere else in the ship, leaving you to your work. As he walks away, you can hear it talking to itself "This is the most excited I've been in years, actually"

"That makes two of us," she said to herself as she started taking the ship out of the hangar bay and extending the wings for flight and the jump to hyperspace.

"Peace is a lie. There is only Passion"

She entered the coordinates for Dromund Kaas as they started to break away from the Tempest.

"Through Passion I gain Strength."

She started accelerating the ship.

"Through Strength I gain Power."

She changed their heading to take them away from the Tempest and Coruscant.

"Through Power I gain Victory."

The wings were fully locked and ready for the jump to light speed.

"Through Victory my chains are Broken."

Her hand hovered over the controls.

"The Force shall free me."

She made the transition into light speed.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Mon 12 Oct 2020.

OOC: You're not out of the woods just yet!

Departing The Tempest is smooth. You can definitely feel the difference in the superior engineering of this vessel versus the more utilitarian, older platforms.

Fully exiting the hangar bay, you hear warning signs in the ship, as well as communications from the Star Destroyer.

"Upsilon shuttle Sion, who is at the controls? you are not cleared for departure at this time. Return to the Tempest immediately, or face the consequences."

TIE fighters quickly began to scramble, trying to form interdiction patterns around you. Being in your vessels path, the ships computer prevents you from heading to hyperspace to avoid a collision.

"Damn it." Arianna began accelerating and trying to break the interdiction, manoeuvering the shuttle so she could get a clear path. "Upsilon shuttle Sion, this is the apprentice to Lord Shroud on a classified mission. Withdraw TIE fighters at once or you will have to explain to him why you delayed me."

She powered up the weapons systems. If they didn't move she was going to move them. "I repeat, Tempest, withdraw TIEs immediately and delay me no more."

"Sion, this is the Tempest's Air Commander, we have no record of a Lord Shroud. You are in the process of stealing a vessel belonging to a governor of the First Order. Return the ship now, this is your last warning."

More TIE's departed the Star Destroyer, preparing to attack.

Arianna made a sudden course correction and fired blasters towards the TIE fighters in front of her. She wasn't firing to hit them but simply the plow the road, so to speak. Between the fire and the rapid course change she hoped she was able to get a clear path to make the jump to lightspeed.

"Come on, voice in my head that told me to go to Dromund Kaas. A little help would be very appreciated right about now since that is what I am trying to do."

She keyed comms again. "And this is an officer of the Final Order and member of the Sith Eternal under orders by said governor. Stand down all TIE fighters."

She made another jarring course change and again fired close enough to the TIEs to make them scatter, looking for that brief opening so she could jump to hyperspace.

"T-4D, some help with clearance codes would be very nice right about now!"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:49, Tue 13 Oct 2020.

"Clearance codes now? You're closing the barn door after the Nerf's got out!" You hear synthesized laughter as the droid pulls back up into the captain's cabin. More problematic than the laughter was that the last shred of patience had been spent, and the fighters now began firing on Sion, trying to overload its shields.

"I'll nurse the navicomputer for you, try to get a hyperspace route out of this mess you created. Let's hope you're better at piloting than you are at logistics!"

OOC: You'll need to make a number of successful piloting checks to outfly the TIE's while a course is plotted.

If you want to fight back and fire on the ships to thin the numbers, that can improve your chances, but could lead to some long term consequences

"I've been making this up as I go along! It's not like I have experience in this kind of thing," Arianna growled as she started making erratic course changes. "Had...I thought about...it, I would have...asked first!"


17:44, Today: Arianna Vex'Morland rolled 15 using 1d20+7 ((8)).

17:44, Today: Arianna Vex'Morland rolled 11 using 1d20+7. ((4)).

17:44, Today: Arianna Vex'Morland rolled 10 using 1d20+7. ((3)).

17:45, Today: Arianna Vex'Morland rolled 24 using 1d20+7 ((17)).

17:47, Today: Arianna Vex'Morland rolled 25 using 1d20+7 ((18)).
This message was last edited by the player at 21:48, Tue 13 Oct 2020.

"Some apprentice you're turning out to be!" The droid calls out amid the chaos of the firefight. "You're lucky Shroud is picky about his ships! Here we go!"

With a sudden lurch of the ship, the Sion begins to power up for the jump to Lightspeed. As it accelerates, it dangerously drives through an interdicting fighter, rather than try to fly around it. T4D must have bypassed a security measure somewhere to allow that to happen.

"I'm brand new at this apprentice thing and damn it, you flew us through a fighter! That one's on you. I am not taking the blame for that!" Arianna shouted as the black of space was replaced by the shimmering blue of hyperspace.

She sat back in the seat and took a deep breath. "How long is it to Dromund Kaas? Long enough for you to start training me because, unless I miss you guess, you were holding a lightsaber when I came onboard."

"Not a chance." The droid responds derisively "I only have the one, and I am on strict orders from my Master to not train anyone. Besides, I'm not going to be responsible when you hurt yourself."

In a mocking display, the droid points the open end, where the blade would emit from, directly in front of its face, and pantomimes turning it on and striking itself through the head.

"You know what, grunt? I didn't catch your name either, and I'm certainly not about to start calling you Master."

"Lt. Arianna Vex'Morland. I wouldn't expect you to call me Master but you could teach me the basics. Rudimentary forms and stances. That way I won't stab myself in the face with a lightsaber which is really rather foolish. Who points a lightsaber at their face, Jedi?" She asked in an equally derisive tone.

"I imagine it's going to take us at least a few days to get to Dromund Kaas so why not use the time to learn something of use?"

"That's on you" There was a metallic slap as T4D's hand motioned against the ship's computer
"Plenty of material in there for you to read on, at your leisure. I'm not your nanny droid, or your tutor."

"Master Shroud obviously didn't pick you for your personality," Arianna grumbled before looking through the computer to see if there was anything there on Force or lightsaber learning techniques.

"How long is the trip, T-4D?"

"We'll be there before you know it. Ships hyperdrive is adapted from CEC technology. Course we might get there a little faster if I got out and pushed..."

The computer system does not have anything about the finer mysteries of the Force, or of using the lightsaber. Shroud would have little use for them, as he likely learned most of what he knows well before he came to own this ship.

What it does contain, is an academic primer on Dromund Kaas; it's history, it's geography, and it's threats. It also has information on other far off worlds, some Sith, some not. There are wider histories about the Sith as a whole, though it seems to be either incomplete or deliberately redacted. There also appears to be a few dossiers about people throughout the galaxy. All of them are code-worded, making it impossible to attach the data about these individuals to their real names without the secondary document, which is not available. It is probable that Shroud keeps that secure on his person, so nobody can know the full measure of what he does. In there are assessments as to who would probably constitute a new Dark Council.

There's some other information in here that may be useful for later, but not at the moment. Theories as to how the Jedi Order may be rebounding despite all of its members being dead. Thoughts about the rumored academy. Like the rest, there's lots of codewords and redactions, making it impossible to fully comprehend. Shroud clearly kept his secrets close, even in his own private ship.

"By all means - please do so. I'll be in here doing something useful," she responded before beginning to read the information on Dromund Kaas and the other worlds of the Sith. "Master Shroud does fancy his secrets, does he not?"

She looked up at the droid. "The Sith I'll be calling with the beacon - the Sith who survived the fall of the Old Empire, are they not? The Empire of Vitiate, Darths Marr, Howl, Malgus, and others. Dark Lords who scattered when the Empire fell and were never heard from again. When the Emperor was destroyed once and for all the Sith simply vanished. Those of us who make a study of the Old Empire believe they took off for secret locations deep within the galaxy to await the time when they would be called back. That time is now, isn't it."

"To use your organic expressions, you have to walk before you can crawl. The only thing you can be really sure of, is the present moment you are currently in. The future is an enigma to even the greatest minds in the galaxy, and your fleshy brain-meats don't do so well with remembering the past." As he pointed towards his head.

"Worry about what Shroud has asked you to do. That should be enough to keep you busy. If this grandiose return of the Sith is really at hand, than it will come either way"

"I imagine the two of you get along famously and my brain-meats remember the past just fine, thank you. I've made a study of the past over my scant years and recall all I've learned just fine."

She scrolled up something on the screen she was reading. "I am quite dedicated to what Master Shroud has tasked me with but that doesn't mean, as we travel towards that task, that I can't wonder what it means or ask questions. That is how one learns or has your metal and plastic brain-meats not figured that out?

"And it's crawl then walk. Not walk then crawl. Unless you were quite well-developed and skipped a step."

(Starting Point for Aaron Trask)

Back On the planet surface, repercussions of Arianna's actions spread throughout. The First Order, even when they had a firm hold on the planet, were never especially popular on the former home of the Republic, but the news of the First Order attacking and killing a group of innocent children spread immediately through the planet.

In the resulting days, animosity spread to growing action, as those wishing for vengeance and retribution were eager to join the Resistance, to finally throw these monsters off their world. The recruits they gained were frankly more than the local Resistance leaders were ready for and knew what to do with, and some of them were obviously unscrupulous.

And so you find yourself, a fellow recent recruit, generally unaware of recent events on the planet, surrounded by this huddled mass, being led through a Resistance Camp, by your new boss, Gunnery Seargent Durcia

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This message was last edited by the GM at 04:24, Sat 13 Feb 2021.

Following the Gunnery Sergeant through the camp Aaron noted the large number of new recruits. The majority of them he wouldn't trust as far as he could through a Bantha. Whatever had caused the large number of recruits must have been serious, he would find out soon enough. For now he would follow orders and do his job as a soldier and hopefully along the way find some answers to a number of questions, as well as deliver some payback to the First Order.

He had not been on Coruscant long, he wasn't even sure why he had taken the journey here. Whatever it was that had drawn him her was one of his numerous questions. He could still feel the presence but it had not given him any hint or nudge since he had arrived.

Pushing those thoughts to the side he decided to risk a question to the Gunnery Sergeant. "Gunnery Sergeant Durcia. Mind if I ask you a few question?"

It was hard to read the facial expressions of a Bith, with their pure black eyes and unusual face, but the way this one used his voice more than made up for it "Questions? You've been here all of two seconds and you already have questions?" Durcia bellowed his deep voice loud  to carry far and clear, and stopped dead in place for everyone to take note "You will address me as either Gunny or Sir, now tell me, how can I help you today?"

He quickly reigned in his tongue, remembering he was a soldier now. His mother had always scolded him for speaking out of turn or to sharply. He was beginning to wish he had kept that same mouth shut but it was to late so sighing to himself he continued.

"Yes Sir. I only recently landed on Corscant but when I was recruited and sent here I was lead to believe that Resistance forces were not this large on planet. Just sorta wondering..." He paused for a moment looking around at the large collection of new recruits, "...what happened? Sir."

Gunny looks at you, than at those around you. His mouth opens for a moment, wanting to begin his normal tirade of putting down the new recruits, but restrains himself.

"You must not check the news vids that much, recruit. The First Order crossed a line. They crossed THE line. We had one of their units pinned down in the street. No casualties, but stuck. When the backup came, we pulled away to save our own skin. Out manned and out gunned. As their combined force headed back, one of their teams went completely berserk. They went to the top floor of a residential building, and slaughtered a dozen kids, along with the Resistance members that were trying to protect them"

He waved nonchalantly at the rest of the recruits "everyone here is to get payback, and to make sure the First Order never has the chance to kill or abduct a single child ever again."

He took a large, single step towards you "What about you recruit? Why are you here?"

He stood his ground as the sergeant stepped up to him. "No sir. Unfortunately didn't have much time to check the news." He paused for a second before answering the last question. "Here for the same thing sir. To get a little retribution on the First Order. But my reasons pale in comparison to what you just described, I see why there are so many know." As he scanned all the faces of the new recruits. "Guess I'll just add that First Order atrocity to the top of my list of things deserving payback."

"Oh, you have an actual list? Maybe later we should sit down and compare notes" He replied with obvious sarcasm. "Get back in the group, and all y'all keep moving!"

As the group started continuing to the rally point, he shouted like a typical drill instructor.

"Make no mistake, I do not care what any of your reasons are for being here and joining the Resistance. I do not care what you think, I do not care what you want. You are here, and you are under my command. That means that you will want nothing except what your Gunnery Sergeant wants, and I want to personally send the new Supreme Leader directly into the black death of space. Is that understood?"

Well one thing was for sure, Gunny fit the description and stories he had heard about every Gunnery Sergent in history. Falling back in with the other recruits Aaron made his way to the rally point.

At the Sergent's last statement he was quick with a "Yes Sir." He preferred not to get on the sergeants bad side, if he hadn't already.

He had joined up both for a chance for a bit of payback but more so for answers. Answers he doubted he would get anytime soon.

The rest of the group responded in kind, though with varying degrees of sincerity and intensity. There was some quiet murmurings around you, though you couldn't make out anything specific. There was a voice that you could hear, quite clearly, though removed from any person immediately around you.

"Be cautious" The familiar voice starts "Blind adherence and strong emotions are a gateway into the Dark Side. In fighting against evil, one can easily walk down the path yourself."

You and the recruits are brought into what looks like an abandoned storage depot, though the insides betray the outer exterior. While not exhaustive, this is a well supplied depot for the Resistance, where each recruit is provided a functional blaster rifle and other basic gear. Once outfitted, other NCO's start to break the recruits up into divisions. You find yourself in the division directly under Gunny

Aaron looks around at the other recruits as the voice speaks in his head. It was familiar by now but this time it was far more clear and distinct than before. Was it being here on Couscant or was he just becoming more attuned to it.

After picking up his gear and rifle he waits patiently as he and the other recruits are split up. He wasn't sure how he felt about being stuck with the Gunnery Sergent, but at least he had some idea of what to expect.

As he waited he gathered his thoughts and focused on what the voice had said earlier. He had never tried to respond to the voice before, if he was being honest with himself he had always been a little leery of attempting it. Calmly as possible he tried to see if the voice would respond, "Why have you guided me here to Coruscant?"

"Coruscant was my birthplace" The voice began "and while a Jedi tries to remove themselves of any strong emotion, even in death it pains me to see my home torn apart by war."

"Beyond the personal, Coruscant is where all eyes of the galaxy look to. If the Rebellion succeeds here, it will cast ripples of light and hope throughout the galaxy, and hopefully bring a peaceful existance after nearly a century of endless wars. If it fails here, it is probable the rest of the Resistance will fail with it, and the Dark Side will blanket all of known space."

The divisions started to split off, with no immediate clear guidance. While this seemed haphazard and chaotic, all became clear in a moment, as you lost all sight of the depot you left, or the other squads.

"Alright, listen good. We're here to make noise and cause distractions." Gunny said as he tapped some of the grenades he kept on his person "Make it seem like we're a bigger force than we are. The other squads are goind to be doing the same, draw the defenses out, while a few squads raid one of their armories. Get whatever they can out, and blow the rest. The more havoc we cause, the easier their day is. Undertand?"

Aaron stood quietly listening to the voice in his head and what Gunny was detailing. One thing was for sure he would have ample opportunity to repay the First Order. Assuming he lived long enough.

He was a little surprised the voice had responded and with so much information. "I see." the first statement of the ghost in his head was a bit hard to accept. "I have heard some of the legends of the Jedi but had assumed most of it was just embellishment. How is it you can speak to me if you are dead?""


While discussing the legitimacy of the voices claim he made sure to give attention to Gunny. No sense in being called out a second time if he could help it.

"In my life, I had committed myself to the understanding and will of the Living Force. It is through that understanding I was able to join with it as I passed on."

"There are countless mysteries of the Force. With training and patience, I believe you can begin to understand and feel it. There are those out there, even here in Coruscant, that are trying to recreate the Jedi Knights. We must find them."

Aaron was not sure he bought the whole idea of a spirit of a dead Jedi speaking to him in his mind. He silently wondered if there was some other explanation.

"Rebuild the Jedi Knights, huh. Are you sure you got the right person? Far as I know I have never exhibited any magical abilities." He checked to make sure he wasn't missing anything important from Gunny before continuing.

"By the way do you have a name or should I just call you spirit?"

The squad had moved quietly into position, waiting to create an ambush.

"It is exceptionally rare to use the Force without training. Even the most powerful that I had met could only subconsciously tap into their true potential. My name, is Qui-Gon Jinn."

"Showtime!" Gunny said loudly, but not so loudly that he could be heard through the metal of the transport they were attacking. He threw a series of grenades out in rapid succession, each setting of a large explosion of fire and sound immediately on impact.

"Give em hell!"

Aaron took cover behind the sturdiest object he could find and started shooting at any First Order troopers foolish enough to give him the chance.

"We will have to discuss this later. That is assuming I survive." He knew it wasn't the time to be discussing old orders with a ghost in his head.

"Trust your instincts, and the Bith. He is crude, but I sense he means well. He is a reluctant soldier."

The squad fans out widely to find cover and to try and surround the vehicle from above. Gunny's grenades made some initial dents and damage in the carrier, but the barrage of blaster fire from you and the other soldiers doesn't penetrate the heavy armor.
The heavy turret at the top pivots towards your location, and you can hear the timing belt attempt to fire, but malfunction. Without that, the soldiers inside were in a predicament. They were protected from most pedestrian blaster fire, but couldn't fight back.

He knew this was nothing more than a diversionary tactic but they need to at least keep some attention on them. Surveying the area he looked for anything that might give them an advantage or be usable against the transport.

"So, any advice on how to crack open an armored troop transport?"

"Trust in the will of the Force. An opportunity will present itself in time. A wise general once said, put your men in position where there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight."

17:12, Today: Midichlorians, on behalf of Aaron Trask, rolled 18 using 1d20+2 ((16)) If the mobility systems of the vessel were weakened, or if for some other reason it seemed like they would have to fight their way out, than they may exit the transport.

Aaron made a quick low dash over closer to Gunny, "Gunny, we need to find a way to block off ahead and behind them. leave an opening where they think they can escape on foot." He probably was doing a good job explaining his thoughts, but with all the blasterfire and shouting it was hard enough just to be heard.

Gunny took a peak from his cover to survey the scene.

"You're talking some big risks recruit, but I like your spirit. This all works, and Life Day just came early..." He quickly put down his weapon and started uncoupling square pads from his chest belt.

"Here, take these, and take him" He pointed behind you "You and your new best friend are going to find something to use these on in order to box them in. I'll keep drawing fire, make sure nobody comes out of there gunning for you. Now get going, recruit."

The new best friend was big, which was good, something to hide behind, if you needed to, but communicating would probably be a little strangled.

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/fc/8...9d75b4c16c83b92d.jpg" data-lightbox="images-msg-100">https://i.pinimg.com/564x/fc/8...9d75b4c16c83b92d.jpg" alt=''>

Taking the pads he nodded. Looking over his shoulder he grinned at the the Gammorean, "Okay big guy lets go." Staying low he darted from cover to cover looking for something ahead of the transport that he could use the some of the explosives on to block their forward movement.

And hopefully something that wouldn't cause a lot of unnecessary collateral damage.

As you move along, you have the strangest feeling, almost like Deja Vu. Immediate, visceral Deja Vu.

You see inwardly an image of fighters coming in close, followed by a drop ship. The fighters, flying escort, fire a few rounds from their cannons to provide covering fire. You reflexively duck down, only for the exactly series of events to happen again.

21:11, Today: Midichlorians, on behalf of Aaron Trask, rolled 11 using 1d20+1 ((10)). Search Your Feelings.

The drop ship hovered over the personnel carrier as stormtroopers jumped out, trying to secure and protect the transport.

"Well, I guess we're doing our jobs boys" Gunny shouted as he tried taking a few potshots at the soldiers as they dropped. The rest of the squad also remained in their spots, as well or poorly chosen as it was, as blaster fire flew around in all directions.

OOC: As you head down the stairs to the street level where the transport is, make another Use The Force Check.

OOC:
11:56, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 8 using 1d20+1.  Use Force.

No luck this time.

Heading down the stairwell quickly, you ran squarely into two unaware Stormtroopers as you turned the corner.

"What the?" One shouted as he turned around and blind fired, missing you by inches.

The Gammorean behind you reached forward and slammed him into the wall, collapsing to the ground immediately.
The other Stormtrooper panicked and started to backpedal to the center, hoping to gain some cover.

Arron didn't even have time to curse for his carelessness. Though a few select words did quickly cross his mind. He quickly drew his pistol and fired at the remaining trooper.

OOC:
21:33, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 7 using 3d6.  Damage.

21:33, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Shot w/ blaster pistol.

The storm trooper was quick to dodge the attack, and had even gotten a quick shot in himself, striking you in the upper leg. Not a debilitating strike, but pain is pain.

19:06, Today: Midichlorians, for the NPC Stormtrooper, rolled 9 using 3d8. Damage
19:05, Today: Midichlorians, for the NPC Stormtrooper, rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Attack.

In backing away from you, he had gone out into the main street near the personnel carrier. His situational awareness had failed him, and soon came under a barrage of fire from the Resistance fighters around and above you.

There were still plenty of para-troopers that had found better spots of cover. Most were focussed on the fighters above them, but at least a few recognized the threat you two could have as a flank, and started firing indiscriminate rounds in your direction. Not especially focussed on striking you or your partner, but at least enough to keep you in your place.

OPTIONS, include but not limited to.
*Trying to Use The Force to see if you can predict and work your way through the bullets coming your way, getting closer to the areas you need to hit with the demolitons.
* Getting behind cover and having a good old fashioned shootout
* You and the Gamorrean head in all guns blazing to plan the explosives and bugger off in the confusion after they blow

Holstering his pistol Aaron unslung his rifle and tossed it to the big guy. "Keep'em ducking!"

Then crouching low he darted out toward the target weaving in and out as he tryed to get close enough to plant the explosives.

OOC: 09:34, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 7 using 1d20+1.  Use Force to try and evade any shots.

OOC: Well, you didn't get any help in this regard, but on the other hand, they still didn't hit you, so you're okay.

Reminder, you can always burn a Force Point to add a d6 to your result (so long as its done before)

16:25, Today: Midichlorians, for the NPC Stormtrooper, rolled 14 using 1d20+2.
16:24, Today: Midichlorians, for the NPC Stormtrooper, rolled 13 using 1d20+2.
Foolishly, I forgot to check the actual rules for explosives, which is a mechanics check, which you don't have. We'll play this 'cinematically' for now, and work with it a different way.

The Force did not give you any clairvoyance into the time to move; but instinct and a fair amount of luck.
The Gammorrean laying down a hail of suppressing fire certainly helped.
You heard the singing fire as a few rifle shots nearly hit you in the head, but that quickly stopped once they saw the detonite that you were placing against a large cylindrical pylon. The bullets your way stop, and instead one of the stormtroopers comes at you with a vibrodagger in a violent stabbing motion.

A grazing shot near his knee starts to drop him; who it came from was hard to tell. A few others get the same idea, but find themselves exposed as the Gamorrean charges in as a distraction. The enemy reconsiders their tactics and returns to their positions, trying to take shots at him as he grants you further cover fire.

OOC: You'll have a full round action for getting this done, so you won't be able to do anything this turn, except perhaps talk to either the Gamorrean or Gunny. Let me know what your plan is once this is set.

Taking as much cover as possible behind the pillar Aaron works at planting the charge. Briefly wondering if he should have asked Gunny for a bit more instruction before attempting this insanity.

Once done he didn't take the time to check over his work, praying that it would work. With a quick wavy to the big guys he sprinted for cover and hopefully out of the immediate blast radius.

OOC: 12:48, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Use Force - avoid getting shot.

For a few brief instants, you could see the blaster fire before the weapons were fired, and were able to pivot your body accordingly.

The first one planted, the Gamorrean charged off to plant the second one. He didn't have the benefit of foresight, but he did have the benefit of a high pain tolerance; the reason they were so useful for Hutt's.

A stromtrooper briefly flew into the air as your new friend tossed him out of the way, setting his explosive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FHw2aItRlw

OOC: Now it's your turn, you gotta provide cover fire for him.

Rolling to a stop behind a portion of the wall he drew both pistols and started firing at the troopers. A hit would be great but he really only needed to keep them from shooting at the big guy.

OOC:
14:17, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 18 using 1d20.  Blaster Shot.
14:18, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 15 using 3d6.  Damage.
14:17, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 10 using 1d20.  Blaster Shot Off-hand.
14:18, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 10 using 3d6.  Damage.

Using two guns at once isn't nearly as easy as it looks in the action vidz, you find out all too quickly. Still, out of either luck, the force, or some superior skill, your able to strike one of the stormtroopers with your predominant side, finding a gap between the plates of their armor, and bringing them down quickly. The other fire is not so lucky, but you were at least able to bring someone down.

Killing one of their friends, if that's even the correct word among the First Order, definitely did what you intended, bring a hail of blaster fire in your direction.

08:13, Today: Midichlorians, for the NPC Stormtrooper, rolled 8 using 3d8 with rolls of 1,3,4.  Damage.
08:13, Today: Midichlorians, for the NPC Stormtrooper, rolled 17 using 3d8 with rolls of 7,8,2.  Damage.
08:12, Today: Midichlorians, for the NPC Stormtrooper, rolled 19 using 1d20+4.
08:12, Today: Midichlorians, for the NPC Stormtrooper, rolled 18 using 1d20+4.
08:12, Today: Midichlorians, for the NPC Stormtrooper, rolled 6 using 1d20+4.
08:11, Today: Midichlorians, for the NPC Stormtrooper, rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Attack.

One of the shots from their blaster rifle found it's mark, you, and hit well. Another of the barrage nicked you. Neither enough were enough to bring you down, but some bacta would be necessary later on, you're sure.

You can use a swift action to get your Second Wind, will let you gain back the greater of your CON, or 1/4 of your total HP; meaning 10, for now. You can only use this once per day. You've also moved -1 on the condition track, as the first attack exceeded your damage threshold,
-1 on your defenses, attack rolls, ability checks, and skill checks. Taking three swift actions (your entire can) can allow you to recover

The second charge placed, you hear Gunny shout at you

"That's good, now you two get out of there and hunker down, fast!"

Gunny's shouted warning was all he needed to hear. With the second charge placed he moved as far as possible away from the area, keeping to as much cover as possible. Hopefully the big guy was doing the same.

OOC: Will use a swift action to recover 10 hp and move to cover farther away.

Your partner moves right behind you, his breath heavy from exertion. That and pain; getting close to one another in a brief moment of calm, you see he's even more battered than you were.

The explosion came without warning. The concussive pressure hit you before the you could see or hear it.

16:48, Today: Midichlorians rolled 32 using 7d6 with rolls of 2,5,2,6,5,6,6.  Explosive Damage.

The areas you planted the explosions on react appropriately, as two pylons fall down, trapping the armored carrier, and conveniently taking out the last of the paratroopers. Left with no other option, the soldiers come out.

"Hold Your Fire!" Gunny Calls out, which took a few moments for the order to be comprehended and followed. The soldiers inside exited the carrier with their hands up in surrender, completely unarmed.

Make a Use The Force Check to Search Your Feelings.

OOC:
09:56, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 11 using 1d20+1.  Use Force.
Quess that would be a 10 forgot the -1

You get the sense that something bad is about to happen. You can sense more than just anger in opposing armies, or the grudge forming in a defeated enemy.

There's hatred in the air. Rage. Vengeance. Not in Gunny, strangely, and not immediately next to you in your comrade, but in the other soldiers, who are following Gunny down as he follows your path to secure the surrendering soldiers.

There's also a sense of something being hidden; something about the transport. It's all too vague to know anything.

You're free to talk to whoever you wish, and while you do, make another UTF roll.

Looking over at the Gamorrean he nods and smiles, "Come on big guy, lets talk to Gunny." Moving over close to Gunny and speaking loud enough for anyone close to hear. "Well looks like they have surrendered. What now?"

OOC:
08:16, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 6 using 1d20.  UTF.

"I need a medic over here!" Gunny calls as he moves quickly to you and the Gamorrean "You guys are in rough shape, but don't worry. I've seen worse make it through, nothing a few shots won't fix. You both get points for bravery, as well as hardiness. I was worried that I'd been -"

Gunny's conversation got cut violently short with the short and rapid fire of blaster rifles. As he turned around, you quickly see what happened. The enemy soldiers face down in the dirt, all of them killed by three soldiers who took matters into their own hand.

Gunny runs over to one of the soldiers, seemingly the lead, and drives the butt of his rifle into his gut

"Who gave you permission to fire on a prisoner!? Are you so stupid that you forgot who is in charge here, or are you so arrogant that you violated your chain of command, to say nothing of the Law of Armed Conflict? This is why they call us Terrorists!" For having a meager body, the Bith was able to bellow with the best of them, shouting for everyone to hear, not just those who pulled the trigger.

"This is not who we are. This is not what we do. You've got a vendetta to clear? Fine. You've got a dead friend or relative you need to get payback for? Even better, but petty vengeance isn't how we're going to win this!"

As he continues to shout at the squad, something else is amiss

One more UTF Check, as well as if you want to say or do anything.

Arron doesn't say anything, he just slowly moves his had closer to his pistols. He could, on some level, sorta understand the three soldiers actions. But killing someone in cold blood was just a little more than he would have been willing to do.

OOC:
10:00, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 3 using 1d20.  UTF.
Okay, pretty sure the die roller has it in for me.

The Gunnery Sergeant's tirade probably could have continued for days, and with his hand on the trigger of his own heavily modified rifle, there was worry about whether he would exact his own "non-judicial punishment" for insubordination. It came to a slow stop, as he detected something nobody else had.

He held his hand out "everyone shut it and hold fast!" as he turned towards the transport. He tepidly took a few steps towards it, than moved in a panic

"Move! Now! It's a trap!"

Everyone in the area scurried wherever they could for a spot for cover, and true to Gunny's words, the transport had been jury-rigged with it's own explosives. The thing tore itself apart from the inside, shrapnel flying in every direction. It seemed like an eternity before you heard or saw anyone move.

"Everyone whose still alive, sound off."

Shaking his head trying to clear the ringing as he stood and knocking some dust and debris from his face and hair. "Still alive." He looked around to check and see if the big guy was still with them.

The grunting was undecipherable, as normal, but it at least indicated he was okay. Everyone else sounded off, and having slowly congregated together near the husk of a personnel carrier, it appeared that everyone was okay.

"Luck is a fickle thing, gentlemen" Gunny said loudly, to be heard over the flames "It's a damn shame that we couldn't have gotten this carrier and taken it back. Would have been damn useful for the rest of the mission, and to the Resistance as a whole. Still, look to your left, and to your right. Count yourselves fortunate for every one of you that is still standing, but we're not done yet. We haven't gotten any word from the other team, which means one of two things."

"Either they're done, or they're dead, and we gotta go figure out which. Five minutes, and we move out"

Arron nodded and found himself a seat somewhere out of the way. A few minutes rest to recover a little from the battering he had just went through sounded pretty good at the moment. Especially if they were going to have to track down the other group and see what happened.

OOC: Arron will recover as best he can in the few minutes they have.

In the calm after the battle, the voice of the deceased Jedi spoke again.

"You passed the first and most important test, resisting temptation. You only attacked when was necessary, and focussed on the mission at hand."

"There are secrets of the Force, ways in which one can use it to attack and kill others. Using the force in such a way is effective, but is blinding. Almost without exception, once someone begins to use the force as a weapon, it ceases to be anything else to them."

Aaron wasn't sure about that at the moment, but he was to sore and tired to think much about the so called first test. "Passed huh. I'll take your word for now. Sounds like pretty much like everything in my opinion. Just like a blaster, a dagger or anything else the quicker you resort to using it to violently solve your problems, the quicker you become nothing more than a murderer. Lashing out at anything and everything that doesn't fit your view of the universe."

"It is that perspective that defines a Jedi, perhaps more than their knowledge and understanding of the Force. Jedi are revered and called upon to be arbiters of peace and justice. People turn to us for the answers because we see solutions that nobody else considers. To do that, one must expand their horizon to include multiple points of view and perspectives, within limits. The descent to the Dark Side can be slow and gradual at first, but it's a course that once started upon, one rarely changes course from. Many a Jedi lost their way and descended into the Dark Side, beginning with simple curiosity into what else was there, and before long, they became members and even leaders of the cult of the Sith. It is rare for one to start down the path of the Dark Side and return from it, but there are rare cases of redemption and absolution."

"This was a chaotic moment, but even still, there was a moment where you able to see through the force, perceiving things before they happened. With more practice, you will be able to hear the Force more clearly. As you do, you will begin to better understand what it means to be a Jedi."

Aaron leaned back resting for a moment as he thought about the last several minutes that had passed. He wasn't totally sure about all this force stuff, but if it wasn't real there was only one other option and that was that he was indeed losing his mind. But it just didn't feel that way.

Looking around at the others, he waited for Gunny to say it was time to move out. "So whats next, anything specific I should know."

"A wise Jedi Master once said that the future is always in motion. Be within the moment. A sign will present itself at the right time. For now, I'm sure your attention is needed with the other soldiers."

Aaron shook his head, a sign yeah he had never been what anyone would call very perceptive when it came to noticing signs. Hopefully this one would be easily noticed.

Standing he walked over to the Gamorrean "You okay for another round big guy?"

A singular shout pipes in before you could get an answer.

"Wow!" You hear, as a eager face comes running towards you both "Can I just say, you two were awesome back there!"

He's young, even younger than you are. If the Resistance even bothered asking for his age, he probably faked it somehow. He at least knew how to carry a weapon safely, but his size and youthful eyes full of wonder spelt worry.

"I'm Jon, by the way"

Turning to face the young man Aaron was surprised to see how young he was. "Ah, yeah well most of that was just us trying to keep from getting shot."

He smiled at the kid, "Good to meet you Jon. I'm Aaron." gesturing to the Gamorrean "This is Big Guy for now, my Gamorrean isn't much and to tell the truth I haven't even had a chance to see if he speaks basic yet." As he glances over to the Gamorrean.

"Hey, that's great actually! I can be your guy's translators! Don't worry, most Gamorreans understand Basic, even if they can't speak it"

The Gamorrean finally piped in, and Jon started to look a little worried, crestfallen even.

"He says his name is Squig.... and that he doesn't want to be babysitting a child."

Aaron grinned, and looked over at the big guy. "Glad to know your name Squig." He then looked at the two of the the large Gamorrean and the kid, "Well if you don't mind Squig I'll keep an eye on Jon, as long as he promises to stay behind us and to keep his head down when any shooting starts." He looked over at Jon with a raised eyebrow.

A smile dissapeared from his face as quickly as it appeared.

"Oh come on!" He said, louder than intended, getting the attention of Gunny and some of the soldiers, a stones throw away. Not wanting to get any more eyes on him, he came in close you both quieted down, but was still  angry. "Come on you guys. I know my way around a fight. First Order would already have me brainwashed if they had gotten their hands on me. If I'm old enough to fight with them, I'm old enough to fight against them."

Aaron raised a eyebrow at Jon's outburst and smiled. He wanted to laugh but was afraid Jon would take it the wrong way.

With a small sigh he nodded at the last part, "Yeah your right. But you have to remember the First Order doesn't care if there troopers live or die. To them they are just tools to be discarded when the are done with them or they break."

"I would prefer you stick around a while and learn everything you can. So when your time comes you'll be ready to put an end to the First Order for good."

He bristled under this idea, but was still following the two of you "Whatever." He said dismissively. "I know how to fight. How to kill. Just you watch...."

"Please keep an eye on him..." You hear in your voice. "He is capable, strong, and smarter than he appears, but his rashness and the fear he refuses to show can lead to his own destruction." The Jedi Master voiced to you internally "Reminds me of someone far younger I knew, who had a tragic falling to the Dark Side."

There was an explosion off in the distance, in the direction you're supposed to be heading. On instinct, Gunny called out "That's our friends! We need to move! Double time!"

OOC: This will probably the only time I ask someone do this, but make an Endurance check, to see how well you fare and how 'fresh' or 'winded' you are by the time you and the force get there.

As Gunny gave the order Aaron looked back at Squig and then Jon and sighed, "Okay, lets move. Let's try not to end up face down in the dirt." He then headed out along with the others.

OOC: 11:09, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 1 using 1d20.  Endurance Check.
Okay that was not even funny.

Oh man. This is going to make it interesting. But hey, now I can introduce another character, for whatever that's worth.

You feel fine at first, but the moment you start to take more than slow, casual steps, you find yourself  in stark, sudden pain, that stops you hard. Sensing that something is wrong, Squib immediately grabs you and pulls you to the side, sitting you on an abandoned planter box.

"Medic!" Jon calls out, bringing Gunny and a heavily armored soldier you hadn't seen before

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/4b/e...7197a1ac13b6f34f.jpg" data-lightbox="images-msg-139">https://i.pinimg.com/564x/4b/e...7197a1ac13b6f34f.jpg" alt=''>

Gunny takes one look at you "This isn't your fault soldier, but we don't have time for this." and immediately turns to her "The rest of us will push on. Catch up when you can."

She simply nods, as Gunny and the rest are already on the move. Her eyes are fixated on you. Without a word, she starts to tear open your shirt, exposing an injury around your ribcage.

Grimacing a bit as he sat down he looked to the medic that showed up. Strange that he hadn't noticed her before.

As she investigated the wound he tried to keep from flinching to much. "I guess what they say about adrenaline masking pain is true. I hadn't even noticed anything."

"That's the weird thing" She replied, as she looked you in the face for a while "This doesn't look like too serious an injury." She pulls a compact medkit out of of one of the countless pockets built into her armor, spraying the wound quickly.

"That should help deal with the pain and prevent the area from getting inflamed, which may affect your lungs."

She looked to her side, the rest of the force having already gotten out of the line of sight, and sighed "put yourself back together, see how well you can move. We need to catch up, but don't push it. I don't want to have to drag you out of here, okay?"

Pulling his shirt back into place and shouldering his gear he shrugged. "May just be in that poor of shape." He smiled at the medic, "Or maybe I just thought it would be a good way to finally meet you."

The smile quickly faded and he nodded, "Your right though we should catch up with Gunny." As he started off after the rest of the group.

Her face was stone "It's a good thing you're a better shot than you are a comedian.". She was still enough of a good spirit to extend an arm out to help you to your feet.

"I want you to keep going." She said talking to Jon and Squig "If he's too injured to fight, we don't need to lose three good soldiers, understand?"

They both nodded silently "Good. We'll be right behind you. Don't look back."

The medic spoke up while running, "Sure hope that whatever we're going after is worth it. Sure is a big mess we're creating."

Arron made a hurt face at her comment. "And here I was thinking I may have a new career once this was all over."

Tagging along after the others at his best possible speed he looked in the direction of the smoke. "Hope the others are not getting in over their heads."

"You may still have that opportunity" She responds quickly "We both make it out of this war alive, there's some farmland back home, and I could use a Nerf Herder." Her sarcasm was dry and cutting, but she  moved so fast as to not allow opportunity to comment.

"They picked this place for a reason. What that is, I don't know. Whatever it is, we can't afford any more setbacks."

You got air back in your lungs and continued forward, even catching up with Jon and Squint. Bad news was that the answer to the question only became more muddy as you approached. There was the unmistakable sound of blaster fire, along with the sign of billowing black smoke. The gate to the area has been blown wide open. There's a few Rebel bodies face down outside, never having made it in. There's no sign of Gunny or any of the other soldiers you were with earlier, and no immediate way to tell if they're in the fray now or if they didn't make it.
This message was last updated by the player at 01:09, Sat 31 July 2021.

Slowing Aaron took cover and scanned the area looking for any sign of where Gunny and the others may have gone. "I don't care much for this. Looks way to open."

Moving along a wall he got closer to the gate as he watched the area as closely as possible.

There was a heavy plume of smoke that went nearly straight up into the windless sky as some form of building inside the building had been destroyed. The debris and the twisted angle of the gate precluded a great view of the ensuing battle, but having gone closer, you're reasonably sure that there's someone right on the other side.

Aaron stopped listening and watching, almost willing his senses to give him some indication as to who or what waited on the other side of the wall. Slinging his rifle he slipped both pistols free of their holsters. Taking a deep breath to calm himself he eased around the wall, ready to fight or flee at a moments notice.

You hear a call behind you from the Medic Dilancia

"Wait! Don't!", but it's too late for you to turn back. Jon and Squib follow behind you like a shadow. Seeing that the people she was responsible for were charging for into brave and probably foolish option, she had no choice to follow behind them.

Thankfully, Gunny and a few others were on the other side, seeking cover behind a durasteel crate.

"Glad you guys got here in one piece!" Gunny said with a bewildering smile "They're all around us, we have them exactly where we want them!"

Aaron relaxed a bit, a very small bit but a bit. Taking cover he looked around the area carefully before speaking. "Okay, whats the plan?"

He checked to make sure the big guy and Jon had both taken cover also.

"Hunker down, pick your man, and fight to the last!" Gunny pointed to a busted comlink in the dirt.

"We invited some friends to crash this party. I just hope they got the message!"

"Well aren't you just the best party planner ever." Peering from behind cover Aaron looks around for a trooper to take a shot at or possible a better place to defend.

Thrown into fire fights twice in one day, he was beginning to wonder about his life choices. But it was to late for that best to deal with the current situation and move forward.


Calming himself, "So Qui-Gon, or should I call you Master Jinn? got any helpful, if cryptic tidbits of information that may prove useful?"

"Be in the moment. Trust in the Force. Do not let the desire to kill or destroy put your own life at risk."

The voice responded "The Bith is correct. Something is coming, and coming quickly. I would suggest you watch your head."

Yep, as expected. Staying low and behind cover Aaron didn't fire unless he had a clear shot or had to, preferring to conserve the weapons power pack. Waiting for what was inevitable, either rebel reinforcements or First Order reinforcements. The way this day was going it would likely be both and end up a full blood bath for both sides.

He took another quick look around, looking for a more dependable spot or even the chance that there may be a way to end this quickly and with less bloodshed.

Blind Perception Roll: I know what you rolled, you do not.

If there was a cureall for this, it wasn't here in the base itself. Fair enough, given that it probably would have been used if it was here.

On the far end of the base there a space that looked like it was probably an armory, with the reinforced walls and lack of windows. There could be something in there to help turn the tide on this, it might also create a large amount of sabotage and shrapnel if it were blown up; depending on if they built their space right. Getting there would be difficult.

Behind you is a secured building within the base. Going in there could create a more defensible fighting position, forcing the enemy into narrow doorways and halls. Someone would need to slice their way into the door, which would be incredibly dangerous.

To your left looks like a comms station of some kind. Qui-Gon said to watch your head, whatever that meant, being in an area built to support a satelite dish might be a good idea, should something be coming down upon you.

On the far right looks like garage were the armored carrier from earlier was probably maintained and stored. There was a large door there that could allow you and your allies to flee and regroup, though you would be susceptible to fire along the way. It's hard to gauge the size, but if it's larger than it looks, there could be another carrier there as well, though it probably wouldn't be large enough to hold everyone.

Quickly studying the area he gave gunny a shout and pointed out the four locations. "Any of those may be good spots to make a stand. Or cause so serious diversion and damage."

The thought of what Qui-Gon had said echoing in his head. Surely in wasn't that straight forward. "I'm going to head to the comms station over there. Try to get some cover and a little harder defenses. Maybe we can work our way around to that garage over there. Find a transport or two and get the hell out of here."


He pause for a second to see if Gunny agreed before he nodded to the others. Darting between cover he desperatly tried to make himself as hard a target as possible.

"What? You wanna live forever or something?" He asked before firing a wild barrage, taking down one of the Stormtroopers, but catching fire in his shoulder. He pulls back in pain, looking at you again

"Ya okay." He said shortly. "Well cover you." He and his men stuck up again, firing off to keep the First Order from firing at you as you went.
A few heads poked out anyway, and tried to make potshots off, largely missing you, though one did graze your leg just as you made it in.

The comms station was secure, and quiet. Whatever it was supposed to be used for, the emitter was off, but a receiver was on, showing the friends Gunny called.

Close air support, coming in fast.

Arron looked around quickly and listened to the chatter on the comms. Keying his comm he started to give Gunny a heads up that air support was on the way then remembered that Gunny's comm was busted. Quickly moving back to the door he signaled Gunny that the air support was incoming.

Then raced back to the comm station. Keying his comm again he tried to raise the incoming support. Hoping to at least give the guys in the air some idea where friendly forces were on the ground and avoid any casualties from friendly fire.

Gunny quickly relayed the message, tapping on the person next to him, Dilancia the combat medic. Providing cover fire, the squad was able to rapidly move into the comms station.

"Good on ya recruit" Gunny said through deep breaths. "They got the message," He looked around in the now crowded space "We should be reasonably safe in here, unless our friends start going for glory and a pretty show."

"They are pilots after all" Dilancia piped in.

"Than we may be in trouble after all. Get on the horn, and make sure they know not to hit the tower"

Make a Use Computer check to operate the controls. Low DC, unless you botch this, you should probably be pretty safe.

Aaron nods and quickly tries the comms. Doing his best to raise the incoming pilots.

"Aaron Trask to incoming air support. Be advised, friendly units have taken shelter in the comm tower. Repeat friendly forces in the comm tower."

OOC: 13:52, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Use Computer. Well that's about normal.

Thankfully, this was a dead simple task.

"Copy that. Stay cozy ground station. All pilots, negative on the candy bowl, save room for dinner."

The Comms station lacked windows to the outside, so the only way to see what was coming was through a tiny viewscreen, getting camera footage from above. The First Order soldiers were quickly heading in, trying to form a defensive perimeter around your area, so that you couldn't escape. A few were even constructing a turret to deploy heavy and sustained fire downrange.

The heavy insulation of the walls made it so that they heard the incoming planes before you did. Now flanked, they lacked the time or the opportunity to defend themselves. Instead, they tried desperately to shoot at the enemy and bring them down, to no avail. The base was immediately ripped by a torrent of fire from blaster cannons.

"Sweep completed Ground Station. Barring an all clear, coming around for another pass."

As the pilots first message came across Aaron nodded and looked around at the others. "Okay everybody take cover and keep your heads down. It's about to get noisy. May not hurt to pray the guys in the air aren't to enthusiastic to."

As the first pass commenced he watched the small screen. Even though he had a deep seated dislike of the First Order he almost felt sorry for them as the blaster cannons from the fighters opened up. Most of those soldiers were only following orders out of blind obedience most likely.

As the sweep finished he looked over the grounds looking for any threats that may require a second sweep. Looking over to anyone close to the door. "See any signs of movement out there?"

"You should have better eyes than we do, private, but I think we're good. Don't hear anything out there beyond the flames"

Aaron nodded, he hadn't expected much movement after the he saw the results of the first pass. The view on the camera showed nothing moving and Gunny hadn't picked up on any threat from his spot near the door.

Keying the comm again, "Everything appears clear air support. We should be able to handle the clean up."

"Copy all ground station. All flights are currently RTB. Will proceed inbound if further help is necessary."

mall amounts of rocks and debris fall into the space as the doors open, followed by smoke and dust slowly after. A few fires of ignited material were going, but appeared to be self-contained. As you came out, the air wing flew over; providing a short glimpse of them before returning to base.

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d1/5...69fce14e784f255c.jpg" data-lightbox="images-msg-165">https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d1/5...69fce14e784f255c.jpg" alt=''>

Their work did seem thorough and complete. The First Order soldiers were all KIA, from the looks of it. The teams were quick to celebrate the apparent victory, but were put in check in short order

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves soldiers. I want this place checked out top to bottom. Make sure nobody is hiding out. I want the bodies brought out and lined up along this bulkhead" he pointed to a nearby wall "and I want a full accounting of what we got, and what we paid for it, and I want it now. Move!"

As everyone started to move apart in hurried fashion. "I would like to talk with you one-on-one, private."

Aaron had started to head out to help with the bodies and equipment as Gunny instructed. But then Gunny stopped him for a one-on-one talk. Figuring this was going to be either bad or really bad he steadied his nerves and waited to see what was on Gunny's mind.

This had been one whirlwind day. He hadn't even been on planet but close to two standard days and he was already tired and worn out. But he had chose this path in the hopes of a little retribution on the First Order. Of course the ghost of a long dead Jedi silently advising him hadn't been factored in at the beginning.

Sighing he nodded to Gunny. "Yes Sir."

Gunny's nature was loose, almost frumpy, now that the battle was over, and out of sight of the rest of his soldiers. Though it would be hard to make out with the facial structure of a Bith, the tone in his almost denoted a smile.

"Waddya think? Not bad for a first day on the job, ey?"

Aaron hadn't expected that question or Gunny's almost friendly attitude. He grinned, "Have to admit it was a little more than I had expected so quickly."

He looked out the door, watching as the rest of the unit went about gathering up bodies and equipment. He thought this would make him feel better, helping fight against the First Order and getting a little payback for how his parents had been treated. But for some reason it just didn't. He actually felt bad for all those First Order soldiers who had lost their lives today.

Turning back to Gunny, "So what now?" He started to continue but decided better of it.

"I've made it a personal mission to never think I've seen everything, or that things are happening according to plan. Every time I do, fate has a cruel way of proving me wrong. Today was unexpected, in a lot of ways. You in particular" As he patted your shoulder "the other recruits gathered around like a magnet, and you all got things done successfully. Recklessly maybe, but successful. I need about a hundred more of you right now, but I'll take you while I have you."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small item, holding out in your hand. Upon inspection, it was a patch indicating the rank of Corporal. Still a lower rank in the grand scheme of things, but it was the first taste of leadership.

"This isn't official yet, so your first test is to keep your mouth shut. I need to work my magic with the O's, but once everything is done, you'll be under Sergeant Dilancia. Form a small squad of the people we still have, and wait for our next orders. In the meantime, we need to finish taking inventory. We were told this would be a large win; time to see if we got the jackpot."

Aaron's raised an eyebrow, the battlefield promotion was unexpected. True it wasn't official but still it was a encouraging that Gunny actual thought he was capable enough for it. Wait had Gunny actually given him a compliment? This day was definitely alot to take in.

Nodding he stuffed the patch into his pocket. "Will do Gunny." Heading out the door he smiled. "Wonder what equipment the First Order saw fit to donate to our cause?"

"Hopefully nothing else that's booby trapped like it was before. Make absolutely sure our people are being vigilant. If they'll do it once, they'll do it again."

Out of breath, one of the other recruits, Jon Larthol came running up. "Permission to speak Gunnery Seargeant"

"Yes, recruit, what is it that you had to sprint over for?"

"There's something that you should see. Please, follow me."

Gunny looked at you and nodded "very well recruit, lead the way" He was more reluctant to run, feeling Jon's actions were a bit unnecessary. A large double doorway in the armory led to a darkened ramp, into what seemed like a vast tunnel system of some kind.

"Well, good work recruit, you ensured the tunnel didn't run away in time. I'm glad you brought this to my attention."

Sincerity mixed with sharp sarcasm, Jon responded simply "Thank you Gunnery Seargeant"

"Do we have any idea where this goes?"

"No Gunn"

"Recruit, you say Gunnery Seargeant one more time, and I'll have you strapped to the bottom of the transport. Just tell me what you know."

"We don't know" The teenager visibly relaxed "we just sent out a probe droid, it'll take some time for it to get a full report.

"I want a full report from the droid as soon as it's available. Anything else?"

"The comms system overhead is interfering with our comlinks, we're not sure what's going on, but working on it. One of the other soldiers came accross something unusual when we were going over the dead."

"Unusual how?"

"He wasn't dressed like the others, not even like an officer, he had what some kinda cube on him, a computer maybe, we couldn't figure it out." He pulled it out immediately, it was etched with runes and appeared to have complex mechanisms inside.

"Well, I'm not in the need of paperweights, and I'm not fond of my soldiers taking souvenirs. Find somewhere for that to go, so the eggheads can make heads or tails of it. Trask, you have any idea what it is?"

17:25, Today: Midichlorians, on behalf of Aaron Trask, rolled 22 using 1d20+2 ((20))
17:26, Today: Midichlorians, on behalf of Aaron Trask, rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  Use The Force.

You've heard of such things, but had thought they were merely a legend. This is a Holocron, a sort of living computer utilized by the Jedi and the Sith to hold knowledge. Only a person with knowledge in the force could use something like this. There is no Force energy residing in it, meaning it was likely destroyed in the blast, or was already destroyed by whoever was holding it.

The Holocron had drawn Aaron's attention as soon as Jon brought it out. He had heard the tales about such things but had never put much stock in them. Considering them tall tales, much like dead Jedi. And he had seen where that got him. Reaching out he took the Holocron from Jon. "Yeah, I've heard about these. Though I never expected to see one. It's a Holocron, the Jedi and the Sith supposedly used them to store knowledge. This one is dead though, probably destroyed in the attack. Maybe even before."

"That complicates things" Gunny's response was understated, at first. "The battle for Coruscant is going to be hard enough. If there's Sith fighting among the First Order, than we're all in for a lot of hurt."

He makes to sharp pointing actions, one at each of you "Let me be very clear. We did not find a Holocron, and we didn't kill no Sith. I don't want any of those kinds of rumors running around, and I especially don't want those airhead flyboys taking credit for it."

"But, Gu"

"I know!" He responded back sharply "They have enough to gloat over. They start talking about how they killed a Sith, the entire galaxy will know about it in a day. I don't wanna hear it, and more importantly, we don't need that kind of attention."

He stared at the Holocron a second or two "Trask, you hold onto that thing for a while. You seem to know the most about it, maybe you can find a way to fix it. In the meantime, I need a mapping specialist. There has to be something going on for our special guest to be here with that thing, and we should figure out why that is."
This message was last updated by the player at 01:21, Sun 24 Oct 2021.

Aaron understood Gunny's concern about the rumors and what this could mean about the Sith. If the tales were to be believed they would make things even worse in this war. Slipping the device into his pack out of sight he then looked over at Jon. "Was this the only thing they were carrying?"

He was a bit suspicious and wondered if it really was a Sith or possibly just one of their agents.

"Only thing that I'm aware of, but I wasn't the one that moved him."

Gunny motioned towards the bodies for you both to take a look

21:46, Today: Midichlorians, on behalf of Aaron Trask, rolled 15 using 1d20+8 ((7)).

21:54, Today: Midichlorians, on behalf of Aaron Trask, rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  Galactic Lore.



It is not hard to pick out who the person was that was holding the Holocron; the only individual not in Stormtrooper armor. Under the deathly scars, he looked to be in the dress uniform of an officer of the First Order. As you searched him, and the other bodies, shows nothing definitive.

"This is quite unusual." You hear the familiar voice of Qui-Gon in your mind "The Sith are not prone to hide their identities. Sidious was the exception that proved the rule. There is no lightsaber, no sign that the Force was strong with this one. I sense something else is at play here."

Make a Use the Force Check, with a circumstantial +1, so you should be sitting pretty at a net +4
This message was last edited by the player at 02:18, Tue 26 Oct 2021.

Aaron looked at the body and the uniform, "Definitely not dressed like any Sith or Jedi I've heard tales of."

Qui-Gon's voice mentioning that something unusual was going on only made him that much more apprehensive. If the First Order was recovering Holocrons it was for anythin good that was for sure.

08:43, Today: Aaron Trask rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Use Force.

You gained temporary access to the Technometry Force Power

You see the object in it's recent past. Intact,  operational, and unused. Sitting quietly within the archives of the Imperial Palace, previously known as the Jedi Temple. A daring and skilled officer of the First Order managed to sneak inside and take it. "At last" you hear in your mind, as you see him lay his hands on the device <i>"The secrets of a lightsaber are mine". Stuffing it away quickly, he made off with his treasured prize Holocron, before leaving and being found out, going through the tunnels that connect to this base.

It would be impossible from this glimpse to impart information about the officer who took it, other than that they were knowledgeable and skilled in the Force, possibly beyond even what his superiors in the First Order were aware of.

It's puzzling whether the First Order ordered him here or not, given that it's the First Order themselves that control it and have it sequestered off. If they are trying to siphon off the information here for their benefit, they must be doing it while keeping it a secret from themselves.

Aaron stood quietly lost in time for a moment as things from the recent past played out in his minds eye. Catching his breath he looked around at the base, gunny, Jon and then back to the body.

Hesitantly he stepped away from the bodies and closer to Gunny. In a low voice meant for only Gunny to hear, "I'm not really sure how to explain this. But the Holocron held information on how to build a light-sabre. Our unfortunate officer here went to a lot of effort to steal it from were it was being held in the Imperial Palace with out the First Order knowing it, or at least the majority of the First Order."

Looking back at the body and then at the tunnels, "Those tunnels connect to the Imperial Palace Its how he managed to sneak out without being noticed. From what I...." he paused as he tried to think of a way to explain it, "...saw he was working alone."

"I think there may be some faction within the First Order that is working on there own agenda." He still was sure how he had seen the vision or if he really trusted it, but it was so real.

Mentally he focused his thoughts and spoke to Qui-Gon "What was that vision. Was it really what happened?"

Gunny looked around, ensuring noone else was around to hear "Are you playing games with me, Trask? I'm sticking my neck out for you to be made a corporal the same day you join the ranks, and you're pulling this on me? What do you mean you saw all this? Did the battle do more damage to you than we thought?"

Aaron sighed, he knew he had to sound cray. "No Gunny no games. I'm not sure I can even begin to explain it. Not sure I even want to try. But I would  give you a hundred to one odds on that tunnel leading to the palace."

The Gunnery Sergeant looked back at the tunnels, trying to imagine what lay beyond. With the incredible density of Coruscant, even if the tunnels were connected to the temple, he wouldn't be able to see it, despite his imagination.

He turned back to you swiftly "I don't trust soldiers who are willing to gamble their lives away Trask. Gets everyone around them killed in the process, and I've already seen too much death. Republic Credits on the otherhand, I'll take that bet. Don't get any wild ideas though, falsifying a report to win a bet is not only petty, it's grounds for court martial. With there being no JAG on the frong lines, you get 'gunny justice'."

Aaron shrugged, "I'm not the type to be gambling with mine or anyone else's life. If you want pick a squad you trust and we will investigate."

Looking around at the destruction and the dead bodies from both sides. A somewhat sorrowful look clouded his face as he thought about things. I thought this was what I wanted. Now I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't have went about things differently.

"Let's see what the droid comes back with. If this tunnel does go that far, it may connect to a much wider system. If so, that makes this point very lucrative, and possibly very dangerous and hard to protect. We may have to take the valuable equipment and torch the rest behind us as we leave. I'll keep you up to date"

As you think to yourself, the voice of Qui-Gon Jinn comes through

"Wisdom pierces the veil of rage. Decisions, even the best possible ones, come with severe consequences. It is no small thing to end a life. You now understand the necessity of discretion, and restraint. Necessary qualities for a Jedi Knight, and a leader."
This message was last updated by the player at 18:58, Tue 09 Nov 2021.

Aaron nods, "Very well what should we do for the time being? I'm guessing it will take a while for the droid to report back." His question, though spoken to Gunny was truly aimed at both Gunny and Qui-Gon.

It was becoming quickly apparent that he was going to have to develop his patients and discipline.

"Eat, rest, check your gear, tend to your wounds. Whatever you need to make sure that whenever the next fight happens, you're ready for it."

Gunny gave a last moment of gruff humor as he walked away "If we're really lucky, this tunnel connects us to someone who caters"

Aaron grinned at Gunny's joke, who would have thought the guy even had a sense of humor. Working his way back to the comms building from earlier he found himself a place to sit and rest. Doing pretty much as Gunny had said he checked over his weapons and gear as he took the time to grab a bit to eat and to just let the adrenaline dissipate.

He was sure about this promotion Gunny had suggested, but for now he would live with it. Maybe he would be able to do some good after all. Leaning back against the wall of the building he tried to relax as he watched the others in the unit. Some were doing the same as him others were about doing one thing or another. Spotting Jon and Squig he waved them over, "Take a load off guys. get a bit of rest before something else happens and we're on the move again."

"Man, I hope we're not leaving already. All that work just to get here, only to give up the position."

Squib, halfway deep into a canned dinner, tabs the teen on his shoulder "oh, right. The medic chick was asking about you. Wouldn't say why."

"The medic chick? Really Jon, her name is Dilancia, Sergeant Dilancia to be accurate." He grinned "Might not want to let her catch you calling her the medic chick. You might end up needing a medic if she does."

Standing up he stretched a bit as he looked around for the sergeant. "Guess I better not keep her waiting."

Heading for the area where the injured were being tended was his best bet. Spotting the Sergeant he stopped a couple feet short. He wasn't entirely sure how things in this military were suppose to work. So he imitated some of what he had seen in vids and real life. "Ma'am, Private Trask reporting."

There was a noticeable eyeroll from Jon as you walked away. Seargent Dilancia was actually just beyond the injured. She was in the rows of the dead, using small pieces of equipment and an air-propelled optical sensor droid as she studied the dead in exacting detail.

"As you were, Corporal. You may refer to me simply as Technical Sergeant, or Sarge. As you can see, I work for a living. I understand you're my new second."

Aaron's posture eased only slightly as he nodded to Sergeant Dilancia. "Looks that way Sergeant. Though in all honesty I really wasn't quite use to being a private. So this is all coming about a rather quick and taking a bit of getting use to."

He stopped talking before he buried himself to deep. Wondering for the hundredth time or more if he should have chosen a different path.

"Life rarely moves at the pace we want it. War, almost never. If you're going to have any success, especially as a leader, you're going to need to be able adapt quickly. Hopefully, that leads to fewer insane charges into fire to plant explosives."

She sits up momentarily, resting on one knee to look at you properly "I really hope you didn't join the Resistance to die a hero in a blaze of glory."

Aaron nodded, "Yeah, something that is becoming more and more apparent the longer I'm on Courascant."

"Trust me I have no desire to die or be a hero. It was just something that had to be done."

"Good, because I don't how much longer I can spend filling out death reports and consolation letters for unnecessary deaths of soldiers, especially when they're capable of doing so much more."

She sits up, making a few short jabs on her datapad, before looking at you. "I run a tighter ship than Gunny does. Until you can be trusted to keep yourselves alive, don't expect it to change."

She looks down for a moment, her rigid armor showing a slight crack "how's your injury?"

Aaron hand reflexively went to his side, the wound really hadn't bothered him since earlier. "It's good, haven't had any pain or trouble recently. You do good work." He wasn't sure what the sergeant was leading up too but hopefully nothing serious.

"I understand Sergent. I'll do my best to stay alive and keep the others alive as well."

"Well, that's good news, because I'm putting you on first sentry watch. There's a strong chance of a First Order counterattack, so really have to be vigilant in the middle of the night. You, I'm less concerned about. It's Larthol I'm worried about. I don't know if he has  the maturity for this. He'll be on the last watch, so he'll be up with the sun. If he's dozing or slacking off, that's it, no questions asked."

Aaron nods. "I'll speak with him and see if I can impress up on him how crucial the task is. I think he wants to do his best. But like you said if he can't cut it he will have to go."

Aaron felt that Jon would be okay but the sergeant was right. "Is there anything else sergeant?"

"Not at this time, no." She said, as she began to look over the captured biometric information. There was a pause, even after she put it down "I'd better be left to my work. It's a painful collateral duty, but it's important."

Tech Sargent returns to her knees, capturing more images and data of the fallen. "The New Republic wants to try and identify every fallen soldier, on both sides. Many of the First Order soldiers were abducted children, more than anyone can count really. Someone thought it would be worthwhile to their surviving families to know what happened. I don't know if I would want to know that my missing son was brainwashed to be the enemy, but if it's closure for even one person, this will all be worth it."

"There is one thing you could do for me, Corporal" She says as she sits up briefly, wiping the early signs of sweat from her forehead "Our squad's going to need a name, and I'm not good at that. Last time I tried to give my squad a name I nearly had a mutiny. Figure something out, come back to me by morning. Just make sure we're not going to embarass ourselves when we say it over comlinks, okay?"

Aaron nodded and was about to excuse himself as the Sargent started talking again. He hadn't thought much about the First Orders soldiers. The fact that they were mostly abducted children, raised and brainwashed to follow the First Order, was something he had heard as a rumor but had never really thought it was real. The fact that the Sargent was gathering data to try and figure out where each one had come from sounded like a lot of effort. But it did sound worthwhile if a family somewhere would know what had happened to their child.

When she said he needed to figure out a name for the squad he groaned inwardly. It was not something he would likely be good at but he would give it a go. "I'll do my best with a name but I'm not gonna make any promises about how good it will be."

"I should go talk to Jon, make sure he knows whats expected of him."

Jon was exactly where he had been left, Squib near his side and having attracted a couple of other soldiers who could best be described as "scrapping". Lots of trying to talk over each other, loudly, so it was hard to tell exactly what one or the other was saying.

He wanted very much at this point to just find a nice quite spot and hide for a while. But it was to late for that now. With a loud whistle he grabbed the bunches attention.

"Okay soldiers quiet down. We're gonna be sticking it out here for a bit. At least until reinforcements arrive. So in the mean time it falls to use to hold this place should First Order forces decide to try and take it back. So everyone needs to check their gear and if your running low on anything let me know or see if you can scrounge anything up."

He looked around at the others gathered around, "You lot got names?"

The crowd seperates, hearing your loud and declarative voice. A few glares. None bother to address you specifically. One of them stands up and approaches you, as if to size you up, but is quickly intercepted by Squig.

Jon looked at you crossly as he crossed his arms. "Who died and made you CO?"

Aaron gave Jon a rather neutral look for a moment. "No one Jon. The sergeant and gunny both told me to get you lot ready. Just as a precaution. And Sgt. Dilancia has you on last watch Jon. So you might want to turn in early, wouldn't want to fall asleep while on watch. And definitely wouldn't want the sergeant catching you asleep."

"Always have it out for me." Jon says to himself. "I've got the watch. Don't worry, nobody'll catch me"

OOC: if you're done with everything for now, we'll time skip off to the next big event. If there's something you want to do in the meantime, you have the conn.