NationStates Jolt Archive

((OOC: This is by invite only. Please TG me if you want an invite, otherwise this is CLOSED.
The invite list so far is: Coreworlds, Abh, Wick, Unified Sith, Chronosia, Balrogga and Telros))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIjYr92SJGs

A Viper Pilot runs across the tarmat, he is running as fast as he can, as the rain pounds his body, soaking his clothing. He looks up to the sky, as a bolt of lightning cracks across the sky like the very fury of Jupiter. He continues to run, faster and faster, til he gets to the barracks. He slams open the door.

“You guys will never believe this frakking shit.” the pilot says as he throws down the newspaper.

Several of the pilots look to the man, who just barged in.

“What is it?” one young woman says, just out of flight school.

“The frakkin president, he is making the military, and Commander Hallen his scapegoat.” The rain drenched viper pilot says.

“Frak off, he would not be that stupid.” another pilot says, he needs the support of the military to survive the scandal.

“I am frakking serious,” the viper pilot says as he throws down the newspaper. All of the young recruits look at the front page.

“President Charges Commander Hallen with Crimes Against Humanity” the opening headline stated. Below it in smaller print was a quote from the presidents newest press conference. “I had never ordered nor will I ever order the nuclear bombardment of a planet full of innocent lives.”

The pilots stood their in disbelief. The rain soaked man walked to turn on the TV. As he turned, the younger pilots could see his insignia BSG 22 Battlestar Hera. He turned on the news

Breaking Report : CNN (Colonial News Network)

Hi I am Jania Constintine, with CNN. We have just recieved word that President Adar is about to speak to the colonies about the most recent scandal, in which a Battlestar Group attacked unprovoked a soverign nation of Asfaltum. In the course of this battle, two Battlestars and a gunstar were supposidly destroyed, along with a complete annihilation of the planet known as Asfaltum.

President Adar has up to now denied all knowledge of the attack. Michael Wilkens, the main opposition to the president’s poll numbers have sky rocketed, since the news of the scandal, as President Adars current poll numbers show him as the least trusted and respected President in Colonial history.

The camera on the TV splits into two screens with the young blond woman on the right, and a older man, about 60 years old, bald with gray hairs around the side of his head appears in the left.

“James Dellano, is our senior political analyst”. Jaina says. “James tell me what do you think of the presidents newest move to incarcerate Commander Hallen?”

James replies, “Thank you Jaina. Many people believe that this latest move on President Adar’s behalf is nothing more than a last minute attempt to save his political career. No military officer would ever go into a battle with a unknown enemy, at least no officer I have ever met, and deploy weapons of mass destruction against an unsuspecting society, without presidential authorization.”

Jaina begins to shuffle some papers. “What implications do you think this will have on the morale of the Colonial Fleet if any?”

James retorts, “Well it can not be good. Basically from all of the young brave men and women of the Colonial Fleet who risk their lives every day to protect our way of life, feel like they have been betrayed.”

Jaina replies, “What about the rumors that the president had no idea what happened in the Asfaltum sector, and that the recent visit by the Coredian Emperor Daniel Massaki (Screen shows a picture taken of him and Doran on the tarmat before it fades back to the Jaina and James) was to file a complaint, and to instruct President Adar on how to proceed?

James replies, “For the sake of the Colonies, I pray that those are just rumors. If it is true, that the president has less knowledge of our fleets actions than aliens, allies or not, and that the only reason that charges have been filed is because of foreign powers, then I fear a million battlestars would not be able to keep us safe.”

“Thank you James this is all the time we have, I am hearing word that President Adar is about to speak.”

The scene cuts to President Adar’s inner office.

“My fellow Colonials, I come to you today under the gravest of circumstances. Over the course of the last month, my office has held secret inquiries into the matter of the Asfaltum system. It has come to our attention, thanks in part to our Coredian and Abh allies that several of our key personnal have gone rogue, and not only destroyed billions of innocent lives, endangered people under their command, and wasted billions of taxpayers cubits in weapons deployment. My office did not know of this, nor did I authorize the use of weapons of mass destruction on any force.

Over the course of this many weeks, we have discovered strong evidence that the Military knowingly and willingly disregarded all sanctity of human life, to wage a war of unspeakable terror against inhabitants of a planet to avenge the destruction of one battlestar. These actions may have begun a war with a great and powerful nation or nations, and have set a spiral effect that will effect us all for generations. It is with this knowledge, that I have decided to order Commander Hallen’s command be revoked, and placed her under arrest under the charges of Genocide, unlawful deployment of weapons, and crimes against humanity.

I also come to you with sorrowful news. Two weeks ago, when Emperor Daniel and Prince Doran came to inform this office of the gross disregard of human life, Admiral Helena Cain made first contact with a fanatical religious race known as the Chronosians. Admiral Helena Cain after meeting with the leader of a unknown race, began to engage in diplomacy, and ordered all Colonial forces to not engage a enemy of the Colonies and it’s allies.

She completely disrespected the office of the presidency and attempted to sabotage the alliances we have so vigorously defended. I have asked the Admiral of the Fleet to resign, but as of today she has refused. I will hold a special meeting with the Quorium of Twelve to ask for her immediate termination. My fellow colonials, I know there has been rumors of corruption of alien powers running rampant throughout the colonies, but I come to you today to inform you, the corruption is within the military itself, not this office, and I will spend my remaining time as president, and if you re-elect me, my next term rooting out the source of this vile corruption from the colonies.

The young Viper pilots turn off the news in disgust. “One of them yells, so it is not enough to lay the blame at one commanders feet, now he is attacking the entire military institution.”

Another one turns around, we have to do something...

Meanwhile on the Battlestar Ares, Admiral Cain listens to the presidents speech along with all the other Battlestars.

The CIC on the Ares was as silent as a tomb, all eyes looked at Admiral Cain. She was just implied to be a traitor, the woman who planned the final battle of the second cylon war, the woman who was once a strong advocate of the president of the twelve colonies. She looked downward, stunned, as if the wind had been knocked out of her. She grabbed her throat, trying to catch her breath.

Commander Fisk looks at her, “What do you wish to do Admiral?”

“Send a message out to the fleet. If the majority of the Commanders agree with the president I will step down. If they do not, then I will stay resolute. Jack come with me to my room, we need to discuss something...”

Tagged. For sure.

Tag

pretty shweet/tagz0r

OOC:

Wow, great post!

Good job OG

- Illum In Orbit- Rise of the Empire One Hundred and Five Years Ago -

The scarred wreck of an Imperial Star Destroyer fell through the cold clouds of Illum as though it were a weeping tear from the sun. The blazing knife of the Imperial Navy, the Haven was reddened and burned anew as the air itself scoured her very bowels. Crews screamed from within their tomb, their hands clawing against bulkheads and buckled escape pods until their voices were mercifully silenced. Crashed without mercy upon a continent as cold as the Empire itself, the silver dagger of the destroyer evolved effortlessly, cocooning itself within the quiet atmosphere of the night into a brilliant mushroom cloud of poison and fire. The screams yearned from the wreckage, as the light, which illuminated the horizon floated loftily above the serenity of the chaos, while the heavens began to rain fire and damnation.

Green bolts of hells fury ignited from the skies above, the horrendous thunder from the Gods cried out to the tribes below, while the wreck, the gasping corpse of a Star Destroyer struggled against fate. Twisted and broken, pain engulfed her body, while yet more blades fell upon her back. Fires consumed the planet that night, the crystal caves of the Jedi shattered in an instant by a rogue traversing the peace of Imperial order.

In orbit, another great destroyer lurked, another vessel of the Empire dealing out the Emperors justice.

“The Haven has been destroyed.” Came the final report from Commscan. The view, the order, the perfection of it all was amusing. Death came so quickly to these vessels, it came almost without a fight, victory was something that his crew were all to used to.

“Do we have our prize?”

“Yes sir, we have captured the vessels captain and one bounty hunter.”

“A bounty hunter?”

“Yes sir, he claims to have evidence to prove the guilt of the Havens crew.” The shadow grew from its chair.

“What does this bounty hunter have to say?”

“He claims to know the location of a planet off all existing star charts, the rebellion have been using it for some time, Captain Warist has been allegedly supplying them.”

“Commander, perhaps you can provide me with information I can't see with my own two eyes?”

“My lord, the bounty hunter has also said that the rebels are reportedly about to conduct a high level meeting.”

“Indeed?” The command chair began to swivel from side to side. “And who will be attending. The Coredian Andrew Masaki, Yoda, Luke Skywalker? No I'm afraid this bounty hunter will have to do better.”

“We have applied significant persuasion sir.”

“I think, I will talk to them myself, it seems there is a conspiracy to keep the reality of the situation concealed from our truth.”

The commander stood slightly more rigid as his master rose to his feet. His long frail hands grasped a tight crooked cane, it's black stained surface had the slightest red stain upon the side, while his robes trailed along the floor. “Shall I begin plotting coordinates for the system sir?”

“Yes, and ready two landing parties, as well as a scouting team. I'm going to want to take at least a few prisoners, that is of course if the information you are telling me is genuine?”

“It comes from the bounty hunter sir.”

“Indeed it does commander, but now it has come from you.” The black cane thudded against the floor as its owner walked perilously towards the internment quarter blissfully unaware of the many eyes following his pure white robes.


****

The screams came from the chamber with comforting regularity, the sterile silver corridors were perfectly clear of any blood and other... undesirables. “My lord.” an officer said as he stood to attention, his face filled with fear. “The prisoner, he is in the detention cell as we speak, he is claiming he has new information.”

“Has he now?” The shadow asked with a smile. “I trust he is not too damaged?”

“The prisoner is conscious my lord.”

“Then take me to him.” A salute followed and the Imperial officer led his master through a small maze of force fields and corridors. Battledroids lined the walls while the solid Neutronium gratings below hid countless vents and gratings.

“Cell One, Five, Zero my lord. The prisoner is fully restrained.”

“Wait for me here, while I see to this abomination.”


Present Day

The Super Star Destroyer Eclipse was poised in the darkness above some nameless world. The system dead and lifeless held nothing but an outpost and a dying star. Inside the vessel, within the embalming chamber of the emperor, sat Darth Vader upon his throne.

The emperors eyes were focused upon nothing as the calm sterile chamber gave him the slightest relief from the terrors of his wounds, yet, all the technology, the devices and droids could not protect him from the horrors of his past.

“Anakin! You're hurting me.” The words filled his ears as though they were spoken for the first time.

He felt it again, the force gripping the throat of his love, the mother of his children, its insidious nature grappling his heart, choking it, until he could feel no mercy, no forgiveness for her betrayal.“ You betrayed me!” He shouted with passionate anger. “How could you betray me Padme', I loved you!”

“I loved you.” The words stayed with him a while as his “guest” continued to detail his discovery.

“......I believe it is time that we can negotiate our.”

“I am not interested in our arrangement bounty hunter only upon your success.” Vaders voice cleaved through the formalities of fear. “Where are the planets, where are their people, and where are the traitors that killed my master!” Vaders fist crushed the end of his throne as he continued. “I have not forgotten your families debt to the empire bounty hunter, it has been some time since you last paid fealty for you fathers crimes.”

“My lord, my father did not kno...”

“He knew exactly what he was doing bounty hunter, he was strong, unlike the rest of your pathetic race. You stand before me in fear, cowering. Your species are weak, only the strong will survive in my empire bounty hunter, and you or your race have much work to do if you are to be spared. Extinction is natural, a way of life, shall I make it your way of life bounty hunter?”

“My Lord, we have discovered the worlds you sought after.”

“Give me something I did not already know, something that will make you useful to me bounty hunter?”

“There is one, one more thing Lord Vader. We did, my lord, discover a thirteenth planet, occupied on the fringes of the aliens space. Lightly populated, but it does hold.”

“Why did you not come to me with this before?”

“My lord, we thought it best to wait, in case.”

“You did not foresee me being angry bounty hunter?” Vader rose his right hand. “Your family has done enough already for me to wipe you off the face of my Galaxy.” Sounds of choking started to grumble through as the emperors guest started gasping for air.

“We didn't mean to.”

Vader continued to choke him. “Something useful bounty hunter, you have more secrets that you are willing to divulge.”

“Vader.” A voice commanded. “Release him.” Tarkin stepped forward entering the fray. His shallow eyes glancing at the emotional Sith lord. Vader grudgingly complied and dropped the alien upon the floor. “He has given us enough to begin the retribution of the emperors death, you, you may leave us, continue with your mandate for now bounty hunter.” Vader turned away from the scum, ignoring his pitiful existence for now. From above numerous mechanisms and machines slowly released the seal upon his helmet. “This race Vader, these colonies are violent and resistant.”

“So were the Jedi.”

Tarkin laughed a little. “Yes, but the Jedi were not aware of the storm growing upon the horizon. This race has had twelve years to prepare for our arrival. Their worlds are guarded, their fleet expecting of an incursion at any minute. But, I have been working on another way.” Tarkin walked around the throne. “I have seen to it, that the Chronosians have begun a civil war in the colonies. Their military, their way of life is crumbling. The time is ripe for us to strike, but they're cornered and dangerous.”

“I care little for dying beasts.”

“No, but the superlaser platforms our intelligence has discovered should give you sufficient concern. Vader, I recommend we proceed on another path. There is no need to keep all of these worlds intact, the destruction of one will be enough to force them all to surrender.”

“I am told the Chronosians want them relatively undamaged.”

“The Chronosians. Must see that a major part of the empires success is fear. We must prove to the galaxy that we are prepared to strike with all our force at the slightest provocation. The stability of the Empire is at stake. A planet is a small price to pay."

Darth Vader paused for a moment, flashes of Alderran still clear in his mind. "If your plan serves our purpose it will justify itself." Tarkin clasped his hands.

“I shall begin the preparations then.”

“Take your time Whilhuff, a cornered beast has no where to go.”


****


~ A Week Later ~

Whilhuff Tarkin lamented upon the success of his new and growing empire. His fleet, vast and sprawling from system to system was slowly surrounding the colonies. Probe droids had been sent on ahead, their sensory data providing invaluable tactical data for the final strike that was due any day now. The holographic map showed a sector of space filled with warships and activity. Red blips indicating small skirmishes covered the display. None were to be concerned about. Most were attacks upon miners that had strayed too far from home, or the occasional rogue Viper pilot that was foolish enough to charge an Imperial Star Destroyer.

These colonials had odd ways of doing things, their system was unusual. They used large and bulky reconnaissance craft, apparently they had limited sensory capabilities and of course, Tarkin had given orders for them not to be destroyed, he wanted his enemy to know what terror they were facing. Hundreds of warships, all spread throughout the region of space, thousands of fighters and smaller craft and an emperor enraged at the death of his master.

Vader was easy to manipulate. This war was too easy to fulfil.

As Tarkin looked out of the bridge windows his eyes lovingly cherished the sleek shape of the Galaxy Gun as its bow was pointed towards a target of little importance. Everything was going perfectly, until, from the background chatter of the bridge, he heard the fated words. “Warmaster Remiel has arrived.”

“Commander.” Tarkin said with calculated speed. “Covey my apologies to lord Vader that I cannot be present at the reception for our Warmaster, I will be back in moments.” Tarkin walked briskly from the bridge nursing his arm.

0900, February 18th, 2683 (Military Calendar)\
Battle Fleet Orion, part of GE strikeforce

In the midst of the vast display of power and might that the Galactic Empire had gathered in this system, a small portion of them displayed the proud insignia of the Terran Imperium. A fleet of sixty ships, carriers, cruisers, destroyers and frigates, and one special ship, all making up the entirety of Battle Fleet Orion. This fleet was sent by HIGHCOM when the call from the new Emperor, Lord Vader, had been received. With a significant portion of their strength off fighting the Covenant, they had to be careful where they sent any of their military resources. However, a call from their alliance could not be denied. So, they sent what they felt was enough to do immense damage in the name of the GE but would not compromise their position much, especially with the threat of the Shivans long past, twelve years of waiting having gained nothing. So it was that the Battle Fleet Orion was organized and sent to join the Galactic Empire strikeforce. Five carriers, seven cruisers, seventeen destroyers, and thirty frigates, and one Hydra-class cruiser, with the callsign of its class, the Hydra. It was the special project that HIGHCOM and ONI had worked on for several years, and would now be used to see if it could be integrated into Terran military doctrine.

In command of this mighty force was Admiral Collins. A good, strict man, who followed the rules by the book and had risen through the ranks by inventing easier and more effective ways for the reactors to produce power and limit waste, as well as helping to clean up HIGHCOM's administrative mess several years ago. That and his service in the Katarian War had elevated him to the post he held today. Gripping a cup of iced tea, he took a sip and gazed out over the fleet. His bridge crew kept busy but it was quiet, the quiet before the storm. They were prepared, all they needed was the go-ahead from the Imperials and they would move out. But until then, maintenance and status reports would be the name of the day.

Collins put down the cup and turned his attention the holographic map, detailing the makeup and position of the vast Imperial fleet. They were in green and it showed their position brightly on the projector, along with the Super Star Destroyer and the Galaxy Gun. Such bastions of Imperial might, all against a simple target...it didn't make sense. They had enough to wipe out an entire solar system, nay, several! He understood projecting fear but that could easily be done without massive fleets. The Covenant had done it to them, and not only had their fleets been immensely smaller but they had even smaller ships than they did. A flicker of white coalesced into a towering angel being in shining gold armor and eight massive wings. "Admiral, what troubles you?"

Collins glanced at the A.I. and chuckled. "Oh nothing, Raphael, just the constant worries one gets in command."

A pause.

"It's more than that. Not only do my readings on your heart rate and temperature say otherwise, but I know you Admiral, and I know that this is not like you." The Admiral chuckled.

"Yes, you are good at that now." A sigh. "I just am....uneasy with the Galactic Empire." The A.I. paused for two seconds.

"That's a very...volatile statement, sir."

"I know that, Raphael. But you know it isn't just me. Hell, even a lot of the military and the A.I. community are worried about the GE. It is destructive, abusive and has destroyed many."

"So has the ESUS."

"True, but it was only a few nations in the ESUS and it's leader did not get involved unless forced to. The leader of this alliance gleefully has killed many in his path. However, Palpatine had a touch for diplomacy, something Vader does not. And with Vader's ascension....I fear for the galaxy."

Raphael was silent for several moments.

"Well, what would you have us do? Leave?"

"I don't know Raphael...and thats the problem."

Both the Abh and Coredians knew that events were unfolding in the galaxy that would shape its destination for years to come. The only difference was that one nation cared and the other didn't. Let them squabble over the scraps on a map when carving out their petty empires. It would only be a matter of time before the constant infighting and bickering would humble them all before order and logic.

Still there were the powers that be within the Empire that knew not every event could be left to run its own course. One of the two Galactic Federation Jedi temples in Abh controlled space, was still monitoring and guiding galactic events in coordination with the second Jedi temple and the people of D'Hara. The lady of the temple was in charge in the absence of Doron's pressence. Right now, an eye and an ear was needed in another realm. Ideally, Doron himself should have gone but Jessyka knew that there was no time to wait for him.

Unfortunatly, an Abh tended to stand out in a crowd if people knew what to look for. In this case she was taking two other comapnions with her. Her personal apprentice, Erickson was already packed and ready to go. It would be his second mission since the demon wars in Zetan space. Beside him was a blip in the Empire. The Betterman council was sending one of their greatest pressence back out into space. Lamia waited in his typical rocker style with dark sunglasses and multi colored hair.

"Definatly a colorful crowd. Human, Abh, and...other. We'll be taking a Bluestar into Colonial space where they will hopefully not detect us. Once enroute I'll detail the specifics of our agenda. This is only a monitor job so there should not be any combat. However remain on your guard, even I cannot foresee the end to this journey."

Finished with her speech, Jessyka appraised her crew. Erickson was young but had already proven himself in battle with a lightsaber and his ability to use the Force to aide his fighting prowess. Lamia was a completely different story as his exploits were endless and varied. He was the rock to their foundation.

Outside the earthen temple waited one of the small Bluestars that had been alotted to the Force Users for their own personal use. It was perfect for this particular mission of going undetected and getting in and out space quickly. With her crew in tow, the only other Abh Force User fired up the engines and launched them into space.

Admiral Cain walks quickly to her quarters. She slowly began to take off her Admiral’s jacket, revealing the Grey and black tank top underneath. She took off her pistol and laid it on the table, as she pressed her hands on her back.

Since she was a young Viper pilot, her back had always given her trouble, especially in times of stress. Usually it was from planning a battle, or just before she had to go and pretend to enjoy the company of politicians, but today was different.

She turned to the wall and stared at the Colonial flag. It was purple, with golden edges, in the center, of the flag, was the common phoenix, with it’s twelve razor sharp feathers stretching to the sky. This flag was more than a piece of cloth, it was a symbol. A symbol of her home, of a life dedicated to serving and protecting the colonies. She stared at it as her mind thought back to that one conversation with Remiel twelve years ago.

"I know nothing, my dear. I am merely a servant of greater forces than any of us can truly understand. You need not be a Goddess to save your people, but the power that we could offer you would make it so that none of them need suffer needlessly. Ask yourself this, how did the Masaki's move so quickly to crush the Cylons?

How did the Coredians know how and when to strike? Was it mere coincidence that their weapons we so effective, their power so absolute, their Battlestars so like yours...

Ask yourself this, with such power as they have. Their force...Why did they leave you to suffer so absolutely? He may never have broken a promise, but perhaps that is because he knows more than he says. Perhaps our dear Daniel, is not all that he appears. He too returned from the dead, did you know that? He blew himself up to attempt and destroy the Imperial Capital Coruscant and the Emperor with him...Only to return to flesh, in a new body...Not born through flesh."

Admiral Cain asked herself out loud, “Was it really a coincidence, the timing of it all?” Her mind continued with the memories of that fateful conversation.”

"You have been deceived and you have been betrayed, Admiral. The Coredians thrive on such villainous deceits. They make you think that you do the work of the Gods, when they themselves are godless heathens. They bring together forces merely to defend themselves and their ailing rebellion. They are not even a nation!" He sighs. "The true Coredians have sworn allegiance to the Empire and to the powers of the Sith.

Yet you are deceived by lies and falsehoods. We do not hide who we are, we do not shirk from our dark destinies, instead we fight for what we believe in. I need you to fight now, Admiral. For me. For Chronosia. To accept our aid and our power and to liberate your people. When all your fleets have shed their blood for the Coredians, when all those bodies have been offered up to your Gods, last prayers and final rites....What then will the Cylon do?"

He sighs again, almost empathetically. "What will they do when the Coredians have traded your friendship for blood?"

"Your duty is to the people of the Colonies, not the bureaucracy that would oppress them! How long will the Quorum argue while the Coredians lie and deceive and use you? How long will they even be effective when the Jedi turn their mind tricks upon them?"

She stared at the flag, as Jack Fisk walked into her quarters. He stood there, and saluted, waiting for the Admiral to notice him. He felt the weight of a thousand terrible things, the very weight of the colonies, on his already obese torso. “What was she thinking, and planning?” Commander Fisk thought to himself.

Admiral Cain turned from the flag, “My duty is to my people, to the Colonies.” she said to herself, as she turned to Commander Fisk.

At ease Jack, she said as she walked over and grabbed a bottle of scotch and poured two glasses. She took one, and handed it to Commander Fisk. He grabbed it, and replied, “Thank you sir.”

“Jack I will be blunt with you, years ago, at test area 52, when we made first contact with the Chronosians, do you remember that?”

Jack did not like where this was going. He felt nervous. He took a gulp from the scotch the Admiral gave him. “Yes sir I do remember, they were odd people to be sure.”

Admiral Cain smiled. “Yes they are, but that is irrelevant. Remiel told me that the Coredians would use the colonies as meat shields to protect themselves, and that they would use their force powers to infiltrate and subvert our government. At the time I thought he was spreading propaganda to distance ourselves from at that time our only ally. I was wrong, I should have listened to him.”

Jack knew what was going to be said next, he dreaded the upcoming words, but after serving under Admiral Cain’s command for 15 years, he knew her.

She looked at him her eyes piercing any doubt of her lack of seriousness. I want you to change the president’s guards, and the Quorum of Twelve’s. I want these men completely loyal, willing to do whatever is needed, without any hesitation. I want you to hand pick them, and when I tell you to, I want you to execute case orange. I want you to terminate the Colonial Government starting with President Adar.

Commander Fisk stood there shaking. What she had just told him was treason, and if the plot was found out he would be executed along with untold others. He also knew that if he did not, that he would be shot in the head by the Admiral herself. He grabbed his drink, his hand shaking, and gulped it down.

“Can I count on you Jack?” Admiral Cain asked.
Jack looked at her, his mind racing, his heart pounding in his chest. “Yes sir, you can always count on me.” As he spoke, he could hardly believe what he was saying, but he knew that she was usually right. She might be ruthless, but she does everything in the best interest of the colonies, he assured himself. He just wished there was another way.

Soon an akward silence fell in the room, as he stood their looking into her brown eyes, trying to figure out how everything came to this moment. The silence fell as a buzzing noise came in over the comm system. Admiral Cain pushed the speaker button, "This is the Admiral."

The voice on the other line began to speak. "Admiral we have just recieved a reply from the Colonial Fleet. Out of the entire fleet, only 167 Commanders have sided with the President out of the 437 Battlestars currently operating in Colonial Space, and the 1400 Gunstars and Missile stars. It would seem Admiral the fleet is behind your decision."

"Thank you, that will be all." she pushed the off button. She felt relieved for the moment, but the true trial was about to begin.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

In sector 201, just outside the border of Colonial space, three mining vessels were approaching their target, a small astroid. This astroid had always been a rich source of tellium, but after years of mining there were only a few shipments left within it’s carved out body.

Each of these ships was equipt with a short range FTL drive. Although the FTL jump drive was unlimited in it’s range, the computer’s required to make an accurate jump over more than five light years was restricted by the military. Only the battlestars and other military ships had the computer power to make far longer, and more accurate jumps. Luckily though this one being so close to colonial space, the FTL was not necessary. To conserve power, they were off line. Today that would be a tragic mistake.

Geminion breaker, this is the Canceron Miner, we are approaching the target. We will radio you as soon as we get confirmation of a successful landing.

Canceron Miner, this is Geminon Breaker, you are in the green, you have a go.

The Canceron miner, a huge telium ship began to descend to the Asteroid. The Pilot watched the screens, as the descent was nearly flawless. This was the last sight he ever saw, as the ship was soon engulfed by flames, and then exploded.

“What the frak was that, the Captain of the Geminion Breaker yelled, as he watched helplessly at the destruction of the mining vessel. He looked to the sky to see green bolts of fire fly towards his own ship. In a moment, the other mining vessel began to explode.

The third mining ship began to fire up it’s FTL drive as it spun up it’s main engines. The ship was slow, but the Captain knew that they had to get out of their.

“This is the Saggiation Explorer to any Colonial Vessel. We are under attack by an unknown enemy, I repeat we are under attack by an unknown enemy. As he looked out the window, the captain saw a horror of horrors, four dagger like ships, the size of a battlestar, and one ship that dwarfed even the Ares class battlestars hung their in their ominous and dark presence. He watched helplessly as the FTL drive attempted to spin up as fast as it could, but it was not quick enough. Small ships, the size of a viper, but with a strange H shape flew in, firing green bolts, soon their was nothing left of the mining vessel. All hands were lost, by the unknown pirates.

McCaffee City
Slotter Key
Farstar’s Confederacy

Kylara Vatta wished she was dead. surely death would have been easier than this. Anything would have been better, oh gods she knew what she did to deserve this but she could not have know it would turn out this way. After all she was just trying to help out a friend, a fellow cadet a year her senior and a quite good looking one at that. She could not have guessed what he would have done with her advice, but the concequences were hers alone to bear. She shuddered at the memory as she shut her eyes awaiting transportation back to her families home, it all came back to her.

+ + +

“Cadet Vatta,” The Kommandant said. No thawing at all, his left eyelid drooped ominously,

“Sir,” she said.

“I won’t even ask what you thought wou were doing,” he said. “I don’t want to know. I don’t care.”

“Sir?” she said.

“Don’t play the innocent with me, Cadet.” Rumor had it that if his left eyelid actually closed, cadets died. She wasn’t sure she believed that, but she hoped she wasn’t about to find out, “You are a disgrace to the service.”

Ky almost shook her head in confusion. What could he be talking about?”

“Going outside the chain of command like this”-he thumped the sheet of paper-“embarrassing the service.”

“Sir-“ She gulped, caught between the etiquette that required silence until she was given leave to speak, and a desperate need to find out what had the Kommadant’s eyelid hovering ever nearer to its mate.

“Sir, with the greatest respect , this cadet does not know to what the Kommandant is referring to.”

“Oh you can play innocent all you want , Cadet, and maintain that formal folderol, but you don’t fool me.” He paused. “Well since you insist, let’s try this: do you recall the name Mandy Rocher?”

“Yes sir, Second year, First Squad.” Ky said quickly.

“And you can think of no reason why I might connect that name and yours?”

”Sir I helped Cadet Rocher locate a Mizarian priest last weekend, because Chaplain Oser was away…” A dim glimmer of what might be a problem came to her but she couldn’t believe there would be that much fuss about a simple little…

“And just how did you locate a Mizariian chaplain, Cadet?”

“I er Called my mother, sir, Asked her to refer me to a local chaplain.” Ky said.

“You called your mother.” He hissed the words as if they were obscene. “You didn’t tell her what he wanted to confess?”

Ky felt her face heat and her eyebrows go up, “Sir, I don’t know what he had to confess. I only know that he was in distress and needed a chaplain, and I thought….I thought it would save trouble if I just got him one.”

“You had no idea that what he wanted to confess concerned the honor of the Service?”

“No, Sir!”

“That he made a formal complaint to this Miznarii, in addition to his confession, that the chaplain immediately took to the Bureau of War, where it fell into the hands of a noxious bureaucrat whose sister just happens to be on the staff of Wide Exposure, so that I found myself on the horn very early this morning with High Admiral Tasliki, who is not amused at all?” It was not a question but rather a rant. “So even if you did not know, Cadet Vatta, what Cadet Rocher wanted to confess, you may be able to grasp that by going outside the chain of command you have created a very very large public relations problem, embarrassing the entire general staff, the Bureau of War, and- las but not least- Me personally.

“Yes sir.” She could understand that. She could not, have anticipated it.

“You are an embarrassment Cadet Vatta.” He said, “Many people want your hide tacked to the wall and your head on a pike. The only reason I don’t, the ONLY reason-“ His eyelid went up a millimeter. “Is that I have observed your progress so far, and it has been within the limits of you ability that of an exemplary Cadet. When I though you had done it on purpose I wanted to throw you to the wolves. Now-since I suspect that you simply fell for a sob story I’m simply going to take the hide off your back in strips and see your resignation on my desk by 1500 hours. Now get out of my sight.” He finished.

+ + +

Now a week later she stood in front of her father, Gerard Vatta CEO of Vatta Enterprises, one of the four largest trading firms in the Farstars. She supposed he would offer her a desk job, perhaps in accounting on one of the expansive tik plantations. So she was quite surprised when he suggested something else entirely.

“Well actually it was your brother Cal’s idea, he deserves the credit, but I think we have found something that will work out famously for you my Kylara.” He said warmly, “I realize that perhaps you would like a few more days to work out the unpleasantness you’ve had.” She definitely did not need more time, “But your Aunt Grace,” A family figure of elemental infamy, she was their head of personal and security. “Has made a good case for getting you off planet.” Out of the eye of the media in other words. “The Glens Joan, had an engineering casualty on her last run, as such it can only make one more trade run, you are to take it along with a small convoy to Armistice Station in the Twelve Colonies, to deliver supplies, once those are sold you are to go to Faraway station and sell the Joan to the breaker and secure private transportation back home. It’s a scrap yard run, but we should turn good profit if you do it right. And be on alert, you’ve heard the Emperor is dead and gone but the Empire is as active as ever.”

“Yes Father, I will do the family proud.” She said to him.

”I am sure you will.”

The sun was shining, as the small raptor landed on the tarmac. Hera, opened the raptor hatch, as she jumped out of the small ship. She looked around, as she felt the warmth of the sun on her face, the slightly cool breeze whisk past her face. Soon her troubles would end, soon these jedi would help her to figure out what was wrong, and what was going to occur.

Jedi knight Ryan soon followed, as a hover car pulled up to the vessel. Hera had never been to Khohka, nor had she actually ever left Colonial space before. She felt excitement as the vehicle sped away, towards the jedi temple. As the world flashed by, she could not help but to see the beauty of their city, the cliff with the faces of the great Coredian leaders carved into it, a testament of time, and durability.

Then the vehicle pulled up to a strange looking building, the center of the jedi. Jedi Knight Ryan left the vehicle, with Hera in tow. As she entered the complex, she stared at the walls, the pillars, the artwork that seemed to melt into the building itself. It was beautiful, yet they were all still objects. And objects were nothing without meaning, purpose. An object is empty without the idea behind it. As she continued to walk towards the Jedi high command, she looked and noticed snakes in the center of the floor. She stopped and screamed, watching the snakes. Although they were not really there, they were quite real, staring at her hissing. She began to back up, as she felt something squishy beneath her feet. She turned in terror, as a snake attempted to bite her leg. She jumped back, and looked around, as thousands of snakes encircled her, hissing, snapping their venomous fangs at her, yet never leaving the circle. Only the snakes numbering 10 and 2 were within.

She pulled out her pistol and pointed then at the hallucinations, and began to sqeeze off her clip at the floor, attempting to kill the Phantoms. The bullets bounced off the walls, as Jedi Knight Ryan stopped and turned. Using the force, he yanked the pistol out of her hand, as she continued looking around in a circle, in complete panic.

The Snakes numbering 10 and 2 began to fight each other, Biting, and wrestling each other to the ground. They bit and hissed, fighting over dominance, ignoring or oblivious to the other dangers around them. Soon the two rebellious snakes fled, towards the circle, fading into the floor covered with the disgusting creatures. Hera screamed, as the Circle collapsed and the snakes charged, her covering her body, piercing her flesh with their venom, their insidious muscles climbing on her, and through her, she was violated and poisoned. She fell to the floor screaming, helpless. She felt the world going black, as if she was going to die, then the snakes were gone. She lied their crying, feeling the pain of the bites that never occurred. All she could do was whisper...”It has begun.”, as tears fell like rain onto the floor.

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“All Rise” a marine shouted, as a panel of Five Admirals walked into the room. Commander Hallen with her lawyer stood up. She was nervous, her life hung in the balance. She comforted herself, “I did what was right, I stopped a foothold into this galaxy.” She looked around with her eyes, watching the Admirals, hoping beyond all hope that they realized that truth.
She stood their, as the Admirals began to sit at in their chairs. She looked behind them at the thirteen flags, six flags of the colonies; Aeralon, Aquaria, Canceron, Caprica, Geminon, and Leonis. In the middle was the Colonial Flag, It hung vertical instead of Horizontal, it’s beautiful purple flag with gold trimming. Unlike the Flags of the colonies with a greek letter in the middle, stood the Pheonix, a unified Colonial government, with twelve razor sharp feathers pointing to the sky.

Hallen continued to look across the flags, to the remaining six; Libris, Picon, Sagittaron, Scorpia, Taron and Virgon. She took one more glance at the Picon flag, the home she always knew, the place where she was born, and if the Admirals agreed with the president, the place she would die.
Commander Hallen felt a drop of sweat fall down her right side of her face. She was nervous, but with allies like Admiral Cain, she thought she would be found innocent, she had to be, she did nothing wrong.

The third Admiral began to speak, his hair was gray with many years. He wore the Colonial gray dress uniform, with a sash filled with dozens of medals. As he spoke, his voice was harsh, almost like a grinding voice, and was very deep. She recognized the Accent, he was from Aeralon. Funny she thought to herself, not many from Aeralon make it as high up the chain of command as this Admiral did.

“Commander Hallen. We have deliberated for several days and have reached a conclusion. Before we tell you your fate, I would like you to know that the decision was not easy. Although you freely admit to attacking the planet of Asfaltum with enough nuclear weapons to destroy an entire solar system, which resulted in the deaths of billions, both enemies and allies alike. I want you to know that I sympathize with you. You were in an impossible position. The alliance was withdrawing in failure, due in part to poor planning on our allies part, as well as being under armed and outnumbered 1000's to one. It is with great sorrow though that I bring you this news.

Commander Hallen felt like she died. The Admirals knew she was right, and were still going to find her guilty. “What had the president done, or our allies done, to persuade them to hang her. Why would they find her guilty knowing she was right?” She put her hands to her face knowing the obvious truth that was about to occur...

“We have voted, and with a vote of 3-2 we find you guilty on all of the charges. You may have done everything for the right reasons, and even saved us, but such un-wanton destruction without prior orders can not be ignored. Commander Hallen, in thirteen days you will face the firing squad. May the gods have mercy on you.” The Admirals stood up as they began to walk out of the court room.

Commander Hallen stood their in silence, her head hung low. A marine grabbed her by the arm and took her back to her cell. As the door slammed, she sat down on her bed, knowing she was alone. Her death would be celebrated across the colonies, and probably the Empire as well, but she was not sorry. She saved the colonies and the galaxy. All she could do now was wait, for the inevitable.

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Commander Rankin walked into the CIC, with a piece of paper in his hand. As he entered, the crew inside stood up, “Commander on the deck.” one Sargent at arms yelled as the 65 year old man walked to the planning table.”

“Everyone back to where you were, Lt. Yeta, set course for heading 123, Mark 43, Mark 72.” Commander Rankin ordered.

“Yes sir, setting course 123, Mark 43, Mark 72.”

Commander Rankin replied “All ahead full.”

Colonel Huggins looked at his old friend and Commander, “Where are we going?

“To sector 201, supposedly 72 hours ago, three telium mining vessels came under attack by pirates. We have been ordered to investigate the claims.:

Colonel Huggins laughed, “Pirates, what the hell, there has not been a case of piracy in colonial space since the formation of the Articles of Colonization. Some stupid frakker probably put his cigarette out on a pile of telium. Why doesn’t the Colonial Defense Force handle this, isn;t it their job to investigate claims like this.”

Commander Rankin replied, “Although I am incline to agree with you, the CDF has it’s hands full, with the trial of Commander Hallen, and the pressure from the cylon community since that man killed one, and was found not guilty of murder, since the cylon who died was able to testify against him.

Colonel Huggins laughed. “Kinda hard to be accused of killing someone, if the person comes back to life and testifies against you.”

Commander Rankin smiled, “Yes but the Quorum is scared of a cylon uprising, as such the CDF is on high alert, so they ordered the Battlestar Olympia to investigate.”

Several Hours later, the Battlestar Olympia approaches the border of Colonial Space in Sector 201.

LT. Yeta looked at the draidus screen. She could not believe her eyes, all she could do was stare, until the reality of the situation became apparent.

“Draidus Contacts, Outside the border, Oh my gods, it is an Imperial Fleet. I am reading at least 12 Imperial star destroyers, and what the frak is that... she looked as the Eclipse and Galaxy gun appeared on Draidus.

Commander Rankin looked at her in disbelief, “Set Condition one, and send an Raptor to Picon Headquarters immediately. Let them know the Empire is here.”

Lt. Yeta, began to check her equipment, she could not believe what she was seeing.

“Sir the Telrosians are with them, and the Chronosians.” she yelled as the crew was preparing battle stations.

Colonel Huggins looked at her, “That can’t be right, the Telrosians are our allies and are not apart of the Galactic Empire. Check your equipment that has to be a mistake.”

Lt. Yeta looked at Colonel Huggins nervously. I have sir, over 70 Telrosian Battlecruisers are with the Empire.

Commander Rankins looked at the Draidus screen above the planning table, looking at the dots, and their they were green circles surrounding the red. “Are they engaging the Empire?” Commander Rankins asked?

“No sir, they are in formation with them.” Lt. Yeta replied.

Colonel Huggins looked at Commander Rankins, “The bastards betrayed us, request permission to blow the Telrosians to hell sir”. Colonel Huggins requested, trying to hold back his anger at this blatant betrayal.

“Not yet old friend, we do not stand a chance without support. Feed this information to the Raptors computers and send it to Picon immediately. Launch all of the squadrons, and tell them to hold back on this side of the border until we receive further orders. Load all Main batteries with EMB (Electro Magnetic beam) shells, and all secondary batteries with salvo (Armor piercing explosive) shells. Raise the Shields, and prepare the flak cannons. Let us see what the empire and their “new friends” want.” Commander Rankins stated in a surprisingly calm and collected voice. Set the Telrosians as hostile in the Draidus, and inform Picon that the Telrosians are with the Empire now, and have disclosed our location to them.

As he issued the order, the green dots turned red on the screen. The Telrosians were now the enemy of the Colonies.

As he picked up the communication’s phone, fighters screamed out of the Battlestar, alone outgunned, and desperate, even outnumbered and outgunned, betrayed and alone, the Mercury Class Battlestar stood resilient, preparing itself for the worst.

This is the Battlestar Olympia to the Imperial vessels near Colonial Space. You are in violation of Colonial Space. You are hear by ordered to stand down and do not attempt to cross the border, or else you will be destroyed. This is your only warning.

“Moff Tarkin.” the gunnery officer said, nodding his head in salute as Tarkin passed by his station.

“Moff Tarkin.” the communications officer said in a similar fashion.

“Moff Tarkin.” the captain of the Eclipse said in crisp acknowledgement.

Tarkin continued on towards the end of the bridge walkway, hands clasped behind his back in thought of the events unfolding before him. Standing at the forward viewports he scanned the stars with his white prominent eyes, somewhere just out there lies the crucible of my war he thought. “Captain, how long have they been in range?” Tarkin asked unconcerned.

“Fifteen minutes sir, they have issued a transmission I had it placed with your duty logs.”

“Thank you, have they conducted all their scans?”

“They are launching fighter craft and their sensor corvettes sir, no danger to the fleet.”

“Excellent, and Lord Vader?”

“The emperor is proceeding towards the main hanger bay, we have Chronosians on board sir.”

“How many?”

“Enough admiral for me to see that they are contained within certain decks, they shan't be allowed to reach anything of vital importance.” The moff stroked his chin for a moment.

“I want a squad of stormtroopers prepared as well, see to it that the main computer is under a lockdown and place my personal files in strict isolation from the main grid captain. Not that I don't trust our friends from the Imperium, but, their contingent has not undergone any background checks, I'm sure you agree?.”

“Sir.” the captain said as turned towards the crew pit.

“And Captain?” Tarkin whispered. “How long has it been since gunnery control last tested the weapon?”

“Sir?”

"I asked, when was the last time you tested the functionality of the emperors command ship?”

“Eight weeks ago sir.” The captain said quickly.

“I think it's time that we checked everything is still fully functional, prepare a test sequence.”

“If it's your discretion sir.”

“It is.” Tarkin said as he turned back towards the stars. “The planet below should suffice, if not, I think we can find a more appropriate target.”

“Sir there is still a colonial mining installation present.”

“Is it within their borders captain?”

“No sir.”

"Then I am unconcerned with their illegal trading operations, but be sure that our friends witness absolutely everything, I want them to be aware of what possible ramifications our test may hold for their posturing.”

“Yes sir.” Immediately the bridge burst into life as chatter erupted from station to station.

“Commencing pre ignition sequence.”

“Generators four through five are being brought online. Breaker junction eighteen has been pre-set.”

“Vector adjustment to one five three starboard, and Y axis rotation of five six degrees, engine burst commencing.”

“Firing arc will be open in forty seconds.”

“Generator four at maximum capacity.”

Such a wasteful demonstration Tarkin thought to himself. Only one battlestar to witness the first in what will be a line of the empires latest marvels, a pity....

“Generators one though five are now up to full power, capacitors at fifty percent.”

“No need for a full charge, just give them a bow shot.” The captain ordered. “Divert power from main gunnery control and order all hands to vacate the firing tunnel. Open all venting doors and prepare to raise shields.”

“Captain, our allies are demanding to know why we're charging our primary weapon.”

“Order the fleet to raise shields and prepare to detonate the crust on Moff Tarkins command.”

“Any danger to the fleet captain?” Tarkin asked unwilling to risk offending the Chronosians or Telrosians.

“None sir, any ejecta with a fifty percent incursion should only reach fifteen thousand kilometres from the upper atmosphere, all vessels are out of range.” Tarkin rubbed his hands together as his right eye caught Darth Atrox entering the bridge. “Then insure all patrol craft are removed from the firing projectory and proceed at your discretion.”

“Thank you sir.”

“Ahhh Lord Atrox, how I do enjoy out meetings and their frequent inconsistent intervals, I trust you had a safe journey.” Tarkin thought about the several bounty hunters he had paid to kill off the Sith, but still to no avail. Rubbing his arm slightly, the Moff reassured himself in the small device on his arm which protected him from the aliens more unfair advantages.

“The emperor, my master has sent me here for orders, Tarkin.”

“You mean, our master surely?” Atrox remained defiant. “Well, as I'm sure you are aware we are about to conduct a test of the superlaser on the below planet. We require you, to go and negotiate with the colonies. The official line is that the empire is not interested in war, but we are interested in reperations after their most forward of attacks. See to it, that they understand our full intentions.”

“FIRE” Was shouted by the captain from further back into the bridge.

“I believe.” A burst of light illuminated the planet below, as red magma and cracked earth burst upwards from her haven. “That they will want to talk a lot about borders and disarmament zones, insure them, that we meant no hostile intent, and take a shuttle.” Tarkin simply stopped the conversation while Atrox stood there waiting for more. “Oh we're quite done here.” Tarkin said with a snap, “Yes, we're quite done.” Looking through the viewport, he spied his crucible, the burning melting pot that he had been looking for. Now he only needed the colonials to kill that bastard apprentice, which, unfortunately proved rather difficult to do.

Admiral Collins and Raphael continued to talk and discuss several things, not least among them their views on the Galactic Empire and their betrayal of a treaty they had made at that summit at D'Haran, with the Colonies. They did not have a choice, however. Besides, with a schism in place, they could help the new side accept the Cylons. The way they were treated in the Colonies had been made obvious by the information they had gleaned from meetings with both Colonists and Cylons, as well as secret ONI forays into their databases that brought incidents to light.

So it was, that along with the concerns of being in an alliance that demanded they attack an ally, they decided to use the civil war to try and provoke change in those affairs. Besides, they knew the Chronosians had struck some sort of a nerve in the nation. Now, they just needed to know what it was. They were about to continue talking when one of the bridge crew spoke up.

"Sir, we are getting readings in sector 47. It reads as a Mercury-class battlestar." Collins face strained.

"So it begins...." "What have they done so far?"

"Nothing much, sir....Wait." Fingers sped over keys as new data arrived. "I am reading rising energy signatures. They are powering weapons and shields."

A second later.

"Reading Viper squadrons being deployed. What are your orders, sir?" The Admiral hung his head. He didn't want to order this but he knew he had to do. In the future, they would be engaging Colonial forces as it was, so they had no choice. Might as well get started now.

"Have the fleet power up shields and weapons. Have the carriers and cruisers ready energy projectors and plasma torpedoes. The destroyers and frigates are to ready their MAC cannons and pulse lasers. All ships are to arm Archer missile pods."

"What of the Hydra, sir?" Collins glanced at his display, gazing at the single ship which stood out from the fleet. It was the new ship they had tested and made to counter a weakness that the fleet had. It would be here in this battle it would get it's first major field test.

"Have it remain with the carriers, and have its replicators, shields, and point defense powered up. We may need its abilities soon enough."

"Yes sir."

"Deploy Longswords as well." The fleet gathered together, as invisible energy surrounded them as the shields came on. Weapons turned on and began to power up, stopping short of preparing to fire. Weapon locks were not made, but scans swept the Battlestar and its local space, in case they needed to get targeting data. Black darts shot into the void as the Longswords deployed, taking positions amongst the fleet to best cover them from missiles and fighters. Yet again, they were surprised. This time by the Empire.

"Sir, reading massive energy readings from the Imperial flagship. It appears to be building into one point." The Admiral glanced at the ship and where it was gathering. Shock ran through him.

"That's...." The bridge crew was stunned as they saw a beam of energy slam into the planet, causing a huge explosion and sending a lot of of the crust into space. Raphael stirred.

"This coming conflict...will be the conclusion of many things it seems."

"Indeed, old friend."

Enroute to what was disclosed as the main planet for the Colonials, Jessyka began her briefing on the task at hand. The Bluestar was much smaller than the modeled Whitestar but this craft still had all the necessary arrangements. It was simply located all in one small room. A holographic feed of the Colonial system shimmered in the air as it began focusing in on key landmasses.

The Abh Force User allowed the hood of her cloak to hang back, freeing her long blue hair that scraped across her midback. "To put it simply, we are on a fact finding expedition. Erickson, you will be out in the city trying to learn what you can from the locals. Haunt the taverns and any social gathering spot. You are human so you should have no problems. As for me, I will try to get into government complexes and snoop around. Hopefully, together we can compile a solid base of information. If the country seems secure, the we will introduce ourselves to the government formally. Any questions?"

"Master, you didn't mention anything about Lamia."Erickson was quick enough to notice one team member was left out of the plan. Though he had no idea what Lamia would be used for.

Jessyka smiled slyly. "He has the simple task of support. Should we run into any trouble, the Betterman will be there to bail us out. Our ship will not be on the planet to avoid detection. We'll fly in low away from settlements and hump the distance in. Once we are down, the ship will burn out back into Hyperspace and monitor the area. So this is all we have."

"Oh. Okay...well I guess that's it then..."

The Abh woman turned to the pilot who was only a few feet away. "Engage stealth drive and bring us out of Hyperspace."

Unlike normal ships in Star Forces that would tear veils in the realm of normal space, the Bluestar was a line of ships that would simply shimmer into existance. Distortions in space could be detected by normal sensors but scanners would have difficulty locating the anomanoly let alone the lone ship streaking down to the planet. The ship took the most round about way to the planet as possible instead of a direct course. Heading from the polar caps to breach the atmosphere then working its way towards the drop zone.

Fields and farms rolled into view as an unknown force blasted air down to the ground. Three figures dropped from out of nowhere into tall grass. The cloaked ship broke from the surface and shot back into space and eventually to another dimension. Back on the planet, the three lone figures began the first phase of their reconnaissance.

Space was screaming.

It seemed as though a thousand needles pierced the black skin of the universe, tearing it asunder with as much concern as a child tearing at paper, or the ripping of inexpensive fabric. Reality undulated and pierced, thrumming with feral madness as the warp poured through in a torrent, flanking the glorious warfleet dispositions of the Imperium.

Three distinct fleet dispositions seemed to emerge from the tumult of warp-space, each adorned in different heraldries, writhing with maddening imagery and dancing with seductive letters. The smallest disposition, a battlegroup of merely one hundred and fifty ships, based around the immense flagship of the Emperor himself, represented the I Legion, the Nero Angelus.

Three hundred ships hung in the void, steel-grey arrows against the darkness of space, each representing the glories and achievements of the IX Legion, the Steel Fists, the great battering ram of Remiel’s endeavours. The remaining three hundred seemed to be almost invisible against the void, their black hulls only occasionally marked with a deep crimson, each surface running with engraved text. These were the vessels of the most faithful of all the Imperium’s armies, the zealots of the V Legion, the Ascendant Daemons.

Great horns sounded, grotesque trumpet things that roared like weapons in the hands of those marines who held them, scintillating howls of sonic vibration scarring the sanctum of the Emperor, the divine Lord of Chronosia, Warmaster of the Galactic Empire. He himself lounged upon an immense throne of basalt and bone, a gleaming edifice nestled in the heart of his flagship. He let his long fingers close languidly around the hilt of one of his blades, caressing the hilt with an almost carnal fondness.

He looked down upon the decadant throng of his legion, and couldn’t help but feel pride. Here were his blades, ready to carve asunder sanity itself with nothing but the yearning. Perfection, pain, pleasure. He had made them into a hedonistic hurricane that yearned only for sensation and indulgence.

He could only imagine what they would do to the Colonials. A smile flickering across his lips as he pondered the conflict to come.

Before him sat immense tables, heavy with food. Glasses of extravagant wine clinked and shimmered, while metal plates bore countless meats, fruits, and steaming dishes of rich soup and curry. Others ran rich with sauces, spices and herbs, the sheer variety and mind-numbing combination of it dazzling. He watched the warriors of his Legion as they set to feasting, even as he himself rose, grinning like a madman.

“My sons! The hour of war draws near! Even now we ready to bring another enemy under the boot of the Empire and the eyes of the Gods. I will be leaving you to rendezvous with our brothers of the Empire, and my brother-Primarchs.

When I return, we shall begin the preparations that shall force these colonies to yield to us and our might. To acknowledge the glory of our gods and the strength of our legions, and prostrate themselves before our truth!”

Thousands of hoarse throated howls roared into the air, blasts of sonic energy scorching the sky as the gyrating noise marines joined them in their celebration. One howled through stretched jaws, the howl of his weapon echoing about him as fingers tightened on strings with enough force to draw blood. Amps and speakers sparked and screeched with undulating noise, feedback roaring into his bloodied and overstimulated ear-drums by tubes which split the side of his skull.

“This shall be a glorious day! The first step in our grand campaign! Our new brothers shall be enlightened! And their old ways turned to dust!”

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

The Sanctum Chaotica of the flagship of the Ascendant Daemons was ringing with the sounds of worship. Incense filled the air, thick and heavy throughout the immense structure nestled in the heart of the warship. The walls were not of the metal that most vessels would be made of. Instead it was stone, thick, black and strong. It was flawless, carved from the deepest mines of some nameless and long forgotten world. So beautiful and pure, that one could almost see their faces in it.

In places it ran thick with runes, carved artfully in a glittering gilded script, runes and sigils in countless ancient and forgotten languages gleaming in the dark, praising the dark lords whom the warriors worshipped.

Gabriel himself stood upon the central Dais, his armor gleaming with crimson, his faithful Apostles gathered about him, knelt at his feet. He let his eyes roam the chamber, noting the countless battle-brothers who had come forth to watch him speak. He smirked, an almost self-satisfied grin as he raised a hand, beginning to speak.

“We have been forged in the fires of war and betrayal. Forged in the name of the Gods to lay low the foul heresies of the enemy! Now we face an enemy ripe in its own idolatry! They worship false gods and bow to false idols! They are filth and scum without equal!

But we should have hope for our wayward brothers. For we bring the light and the glory of Chaos to all corners of this benighted universe, that they might know light!”

Cheers rang out through the colossal fane, the temple alive with the praises offered to the Gods. Gabriel raised his arms, closing his eyes as he once again began to speak, his breathing was quickening, his voice nearly a whisper.

”Are you ready?”

Each Apostle nodded, rising from their supplication, their Crozius’ alight with flame and thunder.
“We serve only as we can, great Lord. We serve the Gods and you, in all things.”

“And the Emperor?”

”He is our Lord, but not our Master.”

“I am going to meet my brother…When I return, it shall be with our mandate for war…And conversion.”

More cheers rang out, the cries of maddening devotion rising to echo throughout the ship, and throughout the rest of the fleet as Gabriel’s words were carried across the ships of his faithful. Many prostrated themselves before foul altars, their cries echoing out across space.

They were the truest warriors of the Gods, their servants and their supplicants. The bearers of the light and the Word of Chaos. They would not fail their dark masters, and the Colonies…Well, the Colonies would learn the true Path.

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Aesri’s fleet was alive with the roar of the furnace and the clash of the hammer against metal. Each warrior saw to his wargear, tending to his weapons and armour with infinite care, readying them to a mirror shine on the bloody march to war. Bare chested, Aesri slaved amongst them, his flesh streaked with soot and sweat. He could feel the fire of war raging within his heart, burning over like the flames of the furnaces.

War called. The howling maelstrom of battle. How could he, or any other among their number, ignore it? He could feel it pulsing in his veins, thrumming in his head. It was intoxicating, the urge to wage such a brutal and a bloody war. He looked around, beholding the warrior elite that were his Captains, his Warsmiths. Everything was already in place. The great siege guns ready to spill the blood of the foe, the warriors each ready to penetrate and scuttle any enemy defences.

“We are ready” He snarled, his voice raised over the cacophony of brutal industry. “My sons! We are ready! Who amongst all the warriors of the Crusade has lain more bastions low than we? Are Gabriel’s little zealots our equal? Are Cabot’s blood crazed maniacs?”

“NO!”

“The Steel Fists, and the Steel Fists alone, stand as the battering ram of our endeavour, the breakers of worlds! Who will say that we are less worthy? To war, brothers! To war! It calls, and we shall not ignore it! I go to see the Emperor himself, my brother shall send us forth to war! He may even fight at our side! Strength in hatred, Anger through iron!”

“Strength in hatred! Strength in hatred!”

Every voice was raised as he stood, attendants swarming him, to fit him with the hulking glory of his armour. Softly, he closed his eyes, gazing out over space. He let a smile flicker into being across his harsh features.

How could this not be glorious?

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

Three Thunderhawk gunships deployed from the Chronosian fleet, one from each major disposition, all to come to land upon Vader’s vessel. Each sat down with a hiss of hydraulics and a snarl of metal on metal, each squatting on its legs as the ramp unfolded.

From one, came the mighty form of Aesri, clad in his steel-grey armour, flanked by two of his most trusted Warsmiths. Next, came Gabriel, draped in a fluttering red cloak, his armour covered in devotional texts and inscriptions, gleaming coldly in the half light. With him came two of his Dark Apostles, each coldly regarding their surroundings.

Finally, from the most extravagant of the Thunderhawks, came Remiel. His armour was gleaming, aglow with polish and purpose, almost radiantly blazing with his might. He chuckled lightly. To one side, the severe form of First Captain Turel, almost the mirror of the Primarch. To the other, came Anton Gentyr, Second Captain. He was recently returned from other duties, his armour a riot of colour. He held an eternal grin on his face, taking in everything about him with a satisfied grimace.

It all seemed…So radient. He felt his flesh shudder, twisting on his bones, undulating under his armour with raw sensation.

“Well, we’ve arrived.” Remiel spoke first. “And now, the fun can begin.” He raised his hands as he moved forward, regarding those appointed to meet him with a feral smirk. “Take me to your leader.”

He chuckles, pausing for a moment. "I wonder how the people of the Colonies must be feeling right now, don't you Gaius?" He turns to the human slinking off of the Thunderhawk with a smirk. "It's exhilirating, is it not? To return in glory and vengeance?"

Sirens sounded across Caprica, the air deafened to all other sounds. One young boy ran across the street, oblivious to the cars and vehicles that might be coming. The boy looked to the right side of the road, as he heard a screeching noise, a black SUV bearing down on his small body. The boy froze instinctively, as the driver watched in horror. The driver swerved barely missing the young boy, as he ran into another car. The boys mother watched in horror and screamed, but the boy stood still. He looked up into the sky at first a flock of birds flew away as if their lives were in danger, then a moment later, 5 squadrons of Mark VIII Vipers flew overhead. The sonic booms erupted over Caprica City. No one knew what was going on, but all knew that it would not be good.

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President Adar stood before the Quorum. He cleared his throat, looking around the circle of twelve delegates. Behind each of them was the flag of their perspective colony. He walked up to the podium, past the loyal marines that watched his every move, as he stepped into a circle, of the colonial symbol. He gently tapped the microphone, as the television camera’s began to roll. This address would be to the nation, to the worlds, as well to the Quorum. He picked up his speech, and placed it on the podium, gently sorting the pages that was about to be read. Everyone knew what he was going to ask for, the termination of Admiral Cain’s command.

Members of the Quorum, distinctive guests, Admirals and judges alike. As you all well know our government has been corrupted by an out....

The president never had time to finish his speech. Sirens blared, as the marines grabbed him, and pulled him down the hallway. Kicking and screaming, President Adar looked at them.

“What the hell is going on?” he demanded to know.

“There has been a security breach Mr. President, one of the Marines shouted. Come with us we must take you to a secure location.”

President Adar felt a lump in his throat. He immediately complied, as they rushed him out the back entrance into his limo. He jumped in, as it sped away going to the nuclear presidential bunker outside Caprica city.

He looked out the window, staring into his own pale reflection, his messed up hair, and his ruined makeup, as he looked out the window. People were running in terror, a habit from the second cylon war as the sirens continued to scream through out the city. He looked to the two Generals in the Limo with him.

“George what the hell is going on?” Presidenet Adar demanded to know. General Delphi reached down and pulled out a black briefcase. He unlocked it, as the President sat their waiting in anticipation. Seconds turned to hours, as the General took out several pictures from his briefcase.”

“These are satellite photos in orbit around Caprica. Fifteen minutes ago, this object, the general points to a fireball entering from the northen pole, flew into the atmosphere. President Adar handed him back the picture. “Why would a meteorite cause such a disruption to national security?” President Adar asked.

General Delphi, pulled out a second picture, one that had zoomed in. As he stared the white icecaps in the background of the fire, President Adar could see all too clearly, the outline of a ship, one that was not colonial.

President Adar stared at the General, in horror, “Where did the ship go?”

General Delphi replied, “We are looking for it now, once it entered the lower Atmosphere, the fire died and the ship vanished by some sort of holo cloak. We have launched our land based vipers and raptors in a reconnaissance search of the northern hemisphere but as of yet we have found nothing.

The General began to hand the President another picture as the door to the limo swung open. Bright light from the sun flooded the dark and tinted limo. President Adar put his hand up, shielding his eyes from the light as he exited the limo. The General quickly put the pictures in his briefcase and locked it as he and the other General exited. Two Colonial Marines saluted the President, as the president walked briskly into the bunker.

Down a long flight of stairs, seemingly miles deep within the crust of Caprica, the men walked. The stairway was grey, nothing adorned it, except a few cracks here and their from the concrete. The florescent lights flickered as they came to the end of the stairs, a huge steel bulkhead. The men walked into the room. The room was bustling with activity, computers adorned every desk as hundreds of people were working. Satellite images, draidus screens, the entire defense mainframe for the colonies were being controlled from this room. Soon afterwards the Quorum followed, under the same escort. One thing about a bunker, it stops people from coming in, but it can also trap those inside it’s protective shell.

The president and the Quorum walked past the armed guards, and the hundreds of people slaving away, as if a war was going on.

The president walked into a room, with two doors. On the wall were television screens from across the colonies, and a single long rectangular table, with 13 black leather chairs, and one flag in the corner of the room, the Colonial Flag. The government sat down, waiting to find out the mystery of why their lives were so abruptly interrupted.

The General walks to a television screen.

“At 13:24, the General began to speak, after the incursion oft he unknown alien craft, the Battlestar Olympia sent word that it has met with over 1000 alien vessels.” President Adar watched the screen in disbelief, as the images of Star Destroyers, Telrosian Battle cruisers and Chronosian warships appeared on the screen. Along with them were two unusual vessels, one roughly shaped like a giant star destroyer but with a much more blunt nose, and another unknown vessel, smaller than a Star destroyer. “ The enemy contacts have been on the opposite side of our border for an undetermined amount of time, the General continues, but our analysts have determined that they have been here for at least 72 hours.

“What do they want” one quorum member asked, voice shaking in fear.

“That at the moment is undetermined, ma’am” the general replied, but soon afterwards we sent out Raptors to the edge of Colonial space. The feedback was most disturbing, the general stated.

He pulled up a screen, showing all of colonial Space, and the green shielding that had risen since the first ship entered into Caprica. Outside Colonial space were thousands of red dots, designating the position of the enemy.

“Mr. President, our forces are on the highest alert, and we await your instructions, the General stated. As he turned to shut off the screens, his arm badge was visible. Colonial Defense Force, Caprica.

Adar stared at the screen even after it has been turned off. “What about Kobal General, is their any indication that it has been located?”

“Yes sir, The Battlestar Group in orbit detected and destroyed about 25 probes entering the system. When they were brought on board, it was clear by their markings that they were Imperial.”

“My gods,”Adar exclaimed, they know of our fallback position. “How is this possible?” Then he thought to himself, only one person could have given them that much information, even the traitors from Telros had no idea of Kobal’s existence. Only the highest level Government personal, and out of them, only one had contact with the Empire, or the Chronosians... Admiral Cain.”

The president picked up the phone system, “Get me the Battlestar Ares NOW!” he yelled. The quorum watched him, his anger rising, the vein in his forehead protruding, as the answer came from the other end.

Admiral Cain picked up the com, on the CIC, she held her hand over the mouthpiece on the black phone for a second, “Put it on Speaker and record this.” she ordered.

Over the speakers, came a voice, “Admiral Cain, do you care to explain why the Chronosians and the Galactic Empire are on our borders?”

Admiral Cain replied, “It is obvious, they have found our location.” she replied in a calm voice, as if only to state the obvious. “We are coming up with a battle plan, incase they decide to cross, but for the moment, they appear content to sit there.

“Admiral, I order you to come to Caprica immediately and consider yourself under arrest for consorting with the enemy in time of war. Commander Fisk you are in command of the Ares, I want you to begin preparations to attack the Empire at once.” the angry voice on the other side of the com system stated.

Admiral Cain’s back began to ache, but she knew this moment was coming. She could not flinch, flinching would cost lives of innocent people. She stood there and looked at Commander Fisk. Commander Fisk looked at her, and saluted. "I am with you Admiral", Commander Fisk replied.

She felt relieved, then anger came into her voice. “Mr. President, I am sorry, but I no longer take orders from you. As of this moment, I am terminating your presidency.” As the words reached the other end of the phone, gunshots could be heard, the screams and cries over the loud speakers. Chaos ensued, as the speakers revealed the horror that was occurring. When the gunshots ended, all that could be heard was the gurgling of those drowning in their own blood.

The trio made their way to the fringes of the capitol city. Here they parted ways in order to best cover their objectives. "If anything goes wrong, you contact me on your clyuno and fall back to the rendezvous point. Otherwise, I'll see you all in six hours."

Already they could hear sirens sounding across the country figuring that their little manuever into the atmosphere had drawn some attention. Still, it was unlikely that they would discover anything. Jessyka only hoped it wouldn't jeopordize her mission. Infiltrating government complexes was going to be difficult as it was but she didn't need them goind underground out of fear.

Erickson made his way through the crowds of people looking for shelter or running back home. This was not going to go well if people were scattering out of fear. Still, the young man searched as best he could for some sort of local tavern or bar to sit down and listen and collect some information. The first one he found a few blocks in. It didn't appear to be the best of establishments but it was a start and it was open. Erickson looked around to see how many patrons were in today then he found himself a table off to the side and took a seat. From his pocket, the young Jedi took out an ear peice that amplified sounds. Just in case there were any hush conversations.

Jessyka found herself with the daunting task of sneaking into a secure government facility. She only assumed it was one with the national flag hanging and guards milling about the area. Around her waist hung a prototype stealth built that would bend the light around her and mask her heat signatures. The Abh had never been big on personal stealth devices and honestly, the woman could already think of several ways to detect her. Her only real shot was that they might not be looking for her at the moment. Still, a simple light trick or something of that nature and gaurds would be alerted that something wasn't quite right.

Now she kept her fingers cross as she tried to make her way inside.

Remiel was bored, yawning lightly, almost theatrically, as he meandered about the area he had been waiting in. He disliked the notion that he was being made to wait, instead prefering to let his mind wander to the action to come. The glory that would be done in his name.

Gabriel and Aesri were silent, merely waiting as he turned from them with a sigh, allowing his eyes to roam the interior of the ship. It wasn't much in terms of design or artistic form. Instead it was built merely for function. Aesri would rightly be fascinated with it, but Remiel demanded a pleasing form from everything he created...

He lifted his helmet to his head, allowing his senses to mesh with those of his mighty power armour, breathing in as he tasted the air, as he felt everythign rushing in at him, perfect, sensational. He let his eyes close, accessing the vox link with his flagship as he began to speak.

"Raise Admiral Cain, see what the situation within the Colonies is. I imagine she'll want to know why we've come so far." He chuckled lightly. "I will bring Vader fine news..."

There was a click as the signal switched, crackling into life as he began to broadcast out into the void, a hiss of static fading into the nothingness of clear channels. He let a smirk cross his features beneath the ceramite helmet, drumming his fingers along a railing as he did.

Admiral Cain! A pleasure to once again contact you. You must have many questions. I would call off your wardogs before my allies do something unfortunate, they are rather testy.

There is much we must talk about Admiral, much I can do for you. If you but accept our offers. Even now, the enemy moves to undo all you have built, to lay low the Colonies from within.

They have already removed one of your more courageous and important Commanders from power, have they not?

The room was dark, except for a minimum amount of lighting coming from the lamps on the wooden tables. The Patrons in the bar sat in silence, except a few that were a bit more inebriated, with fine liquors. From across the room one man yells, “Damn cylons we should have shot them all instead of placating to them, they are probably attacking right now.

Another man yells, “Shut the frak up you loud mouth drunk. You do not have a gods damn clue what is happening, so sit your fat ass down and finish your pint.”. This man was older, about in his 70's and wore a wide brim hat, and a trench coat.

The bigger man stood up, and began to walk to the skinnier man who told him to shut up. “What did you say? The skinnier, older man reached under the table and pulled out a Military issue Picion 5 pistol, and aimed it skillfully at the bigger man’s head. “I said shut the frak up, before I treat you like a frakkin toaster.”

The Bigger man, slowly backed up, and reached behind him. As he did a gunshot rang through the bar, Blood scattering everywhere, as the head of the man exploded. Blood, and pieces of brain and skull fragments blew everywhere. As the man dropped, out of his hand fell a 5 inch long knife. Everyone else in the bar ducked, as the man with the pistol walked over to the phone.
“Hello Police, I would like to report a shooting.

“No sir, I shot him, he was about to pull a knife on me.”

“My name is Cavil.”

“Yes I am...”

“I will wait here.”

He hung up, and sat back down at the bar. Everyone else looked nervous, as Cavil walked up and turned the TV on. As he had his back turned, many people began to run out of the bar. Cavil took little notice. He grabbed a napkin off one of the tables, and wiped the blood off the screen, as he sat down, waiting for the police to show up.

This is CNN, with breaking news.

A screen with a background of Caprica City appears, with the theatrical trailer called, Caprica in Chaos. The theatrical screen fades, as a young woman with brown skin, and dark brown hair, almost like an Indian, appears on the screen.

“This is Tina Lauren, with Caprica News Network. Moments ago, the Quorum was evacuated, along with the president and the vice president. From the city of Caprica. Details are still coming in, but it would appear that an alien craft has landed in the city of Caprica. The Military has placed all government buildings on lock-down and are currently evacuating the capitol.

The TV screen pans out to a picture of the Capitol building. In the corner of the screen Erickson can see a small waver of light, as the building doors open. People begin to rush out, Aids, Pages, and low level lawyers, lobbyist, and other sorts of non-high level government administrators. Soon the courtyard is filled with hundreds of people, as they pour out like water out of a glass.

Cavil turns to Erickson who is the only other person left in the bar at this point, “This is quite entertaining, do you not agree?” Cavil’s wrinkled face cracks a smile, as he leans over his chair, before returning to the tv screen.

The news abruptly cuts out, as a new Breaking news signal appears over the screen. This time there is no theatrical title, as the News reporter looks in horror, as the unthinkable has occurred.

We have just received word from the Colonial Defense Force that, President Adar, the vice-president, the Quorum of Twelve and all of the ministers and cabinet officials have been brutally murdered. Police are swarming the houses as several of their guards, those sworn to protect them, have turned and murdered them in cold blood. The woman stopped as she stared into the television screen, stunned, a tear rolls out of her eye. We go now to General Nathan.

The TV screen goes live to the press conference, where General Nathan is waiting. He is standing behind a podium, with the great colonial seal on the front. Behind him are several men in black suits, with small earpieces in their ear. He clears his throat, “Today the Colonies have suffered a terrible loss, and new and grave dangers. Reports indicate than an Imperial Fleet is blockading Colonial space. We do not know their intentions as of yet, but they are poised to strike, sitting outside the border of colonial space. This is an unprecedented threat to our national sovereignty, one in which we will respond to.

I also regret to inform you that as of 09:34, A communication was sent to the Battlestar Ares, in which President Adar ordered Admiral Cain’s arrest. Shortly after this order was given, the Colonial Government suffered a large and unprovoked strike and assignation. We have determined that out of the entire Colonial Government only one successor to the presidency has survived, Secretary of Education Laura Rosylnn. She has been taken to a secure bunker, and is being sworn in as we speak.

Many of the reporters begin to shout, asking questions but the shear volume of it makes the questions inaudible.

The General points his hand to one reporter, Yes.

The reporter stands up, a young bruinette woman. “Hi I am Fredricka Slovavk, with The Geminon Daily, “Is this assignation the first wave of an invasion?”

The General begins to sweat a little, with the hot bright lights in his face. He looks at her, “We do not know? Next Question.”

The crowd jumps to life again, as the General points to another, “Yes.”
A young man stands up, “Hello I am James Taylor with the Scorpia Sentinal. “Have you heard from Admiral Cain as of yet?”

“No we have not, but I would be very interested in hearing from her. As of now the arrest warrant stands, and Colonial Defenses are being brought to bare against her and the Colonial Fleet. That is all thank you for coming.”

One reporter now yells out, “Is this a civil war?”

The General stops, and looks at the unknown reporter. “Only if Admiral Cain and the Colonial Fleet make it one. Let me be completely clear. If Admiral Cain and those involved in the conspiracy decide to come to justice, no one will die. However if she resists, and if the fleet protects her, and her traitorous consorts their will be a war. We will not lie down and let a woman with delusions turn the colonies into a Military dictatorship.”

Cavil walks up and turns off the Television. He smiles and walks to Erickson, and sits down. “So what do you think of this?”

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A young girl, sits alone in a room. The room is dark, except for a few torches that adorn the wall. The light flickers in the room and reveals many white pillars, like the Greek Temples, with gold trim at the top. The floor is a white and grey marble, yet the walls lack any kind of artwork. The girl is working hard, pressing leaves into a clay cup, she picks up a press and begins to grind the leaves into a powder, smearing the green succulent leaves against the edge. She begins to reach over to grab a pot, as her red hair, with slight gold streaks falls in her face.

Annoyed, she pushes her hair behind her ears, and picks up the ordinary tea pot. As she begins to pour the steaming water into the cup, the steam brushes against her face. It’s warmth and wet feeling, she loved, as she knew soon she would receive a vision of the gods. She picked up the cup and blew on it, blowing the steam aside. She then grabbed a spoon and began to stir, it til the liquid became cool enough to drink.

She takes a sip, the bitter taste of Chamaea ran rampant through her mouth. It was disgusting, so she turned and reached for a candy, a nice dark chocolate. She ate the small candy, it felt like heaven, melting in her mouth. As she stared at the wall, enjoying the moment, the temple faded, then reappeared. She saw a light on the other side of the door. She got up to open it. As she opened the door, flames blew over her, knocking her back. She began to roll in pain, as her clothes were on fire, the white robes she wore now in flame, she quickly took them off.

Standing their naked, she got up in a panic, to see the beautiful temple of Delphi in fire, smoke rising to the heavens, the fire in every corner of the temple. It was beautiful, the yellow and orange flames, and towards the middle of it, a blue flame. Beauty in destruction, it was amazing how the world acted.

Then the Temple began to shake, as if it were a toy in an earth quake. She ran out, as the roof came undone. The heavy dome, being peeled away like a child opening a can of peanuts, she looked up, to see a demon. Wings like a bat, with red skin, the demon looked at her and laughed, its dark voice echoing through the halls. She ran out into the courtyard, normally adorned with plants, and priests conversing, the courtyard was now the image of hell, Demons, and half man half machines walked the courtyard. On an alter, made of human skulls, a hooded person in a black robe took a knife, and stabbed a victim. Dark rites were being chanted. She screamed in terror, as the holy site was defiled, desecrated, into an abomination.

As she sat down and cried, the cold rushing over her body, someone approached. The person wearing a white robe, kneeled before her, and smiled. “You have seen this, and this is what will pass. You must save yourself, save the sacred scrolls, and go to the stars. Do not worry for material objects, or this temple. You must save the faith, you must save the worlds.

The young girl looked up, to see the face of an angel. The woman smiled. Go now or this will befall you. She took the girls hand, and grabbed it. She took her to the alter, the victim was her.

“Who are you?” the girl asked the woman? The girls eyes, were blue, but her pupils were wide, she stood there shaking from the cold.

“Do not fear, you will be alright, if you heed my words. I am Athena, the goddess of wisdom and battle. I have come to you so that you might be spared, and those that will listen.” The woman replied, with grace, her voice comforting the girl.

“Why, why must this happen, the girl asked Athena. Athena’s eyes turned red as fire, as she looked at the girl, “The price to return to Kobal MUST BE paid for in Blood. You have defied Jupiter, and now you will all pay the price.”

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Vipers flew in formation, thousands, screaming across the sky. They began to climb, as the sky changed at first from blue to purple then ultimately to black. A formation of this kind had not been seen since the second cylon war, but their mission was more insidious. Today they would be sent to murder one of their own, today they go against the hero of Picon, and the most heavily armed Battlestar in the fleet.

As the vipers approached, Other vipers began to scream out of the battlestars, then out of the entire colonial fleet. They took formation, Hundreds of thousands of Vipers and Raptors took to space, to begin a bath of blood amongst the stars.

Admiral Cain watched the entire thing unfold, from the safety of the CIC, watching the inevitable climax of the corruption occur. They did this, she thought to herself, as the Ares took several missile hits from the defense satellites.

“Bring us about and target the satellites, and fire. Order BSG 32 to begin to bombard the military instillation is grid 34, 67, and 73. As the order went out, the ship began to shake, as missiles were slamming against the shields of the Ares.

Battlestars began to turn about the skies above the colonies grew bright with tracer fire. As the projectiles entered the atmosphere, they were stopped, by a white glowing aura, the Planetary colony shields.

Vipers began to engage vipers, as the flak cannons roared. Hundreds of lives lost in a instant, hundreds more in the following seconds, as no one knew who was on who’s side. Vipers became scrap metal, their shields unable to stop the heavy cannons of the battlestars might.

Then the moment of death, a green glow emitted from Caprica, as the Battlestar Griffon was destroyed in an instant.

The crew on the Ares stood their stunned. In a single shot, the planetary laser with the power of the deathstar discharged and obliterated a battlestar, as a child destroys wrapping paper.

Admiral Cain looked at her crew, “Prepare the Jump drive missiles and target the main power grid for the colony lasers on Picon, Caprica and Aquaria.” Fire.

One of the crew members looked at Admiral Cain, who now looked and sounded like Hades, the god of death. “Sir, that will leave the colonies defenseless.”

“They crossed the line, they brought this upon themselves. War is our imperative, so we will fight to win. Fire.”

The young woman looked stunned, yet felt Admiral Cain’s strength and confidence. She began to speak into a microphone, as Battlestars began to fire the missile payload. As the missiles streaked across the sky, the planetary flak cannons fired, hoping to shoot down the missiles of death. They were of no avail. As the missiles locked on, they vanished in a white brilliant light, only to reappear above their target. Soon mushroom clouds appeared over the generators, and the shields and colony lasers powered down.

The skies above Caprica became as red as death, as fire streaked across the atmosphere, shells rained down on the CDF’s military installation, as battlestar hulls fell through the sky. Their broken hulls fell like the fallen angels they were, coming to harvest death on the ground. Civilian pilots began to take off, and jumped out of the planet, scattering amongst the stars, as the cannons from the surface covered the night sky. The war would be devastating.

“Sir, I am receiving a message, from the Battlestar Troy.”

Admiral Cain looked at the young Lt. “Put it on speakers.”

Admiral Cain, although we support you, I can not have in good conscious fire on the colonies.” the voice on the other end of the phone stated.

“So you are choosing them, those who betrayed us?” Admiral Cain snapped at the officer on the other end of the phone.

“No sir, I do not, but I can not obey.” As he said t his 167 Colonial vessels vanished, running from the war that they would be forced to fight, including the Battlestar Hera.

Admiral Cain lowered her head. “How had all this come about, why so quickly? She was right, and she would show the colonies how right she was. “Ignore them for now, continue with the operation.” she ordered.

Moments later, the Lt replied, “Sir we are receiving another message... it is from the Chronosians.”

Admiral Cain continued to watch the battle unfold, until she realized that she had not remembered the Chronosians or the Empire. “Frak she said. Prepare to move the fleet out to the border, we need to maintain our borders in case of incursion. Keep BSG 22-47 here, and tell them to keep firing til they receive a surrender from the CDF.

Over 400 Battlestars and many more support ships disappeared in a blink of an eye, to reappear outside the Colonies range, to the Border. As they appeared, intel pictures of the Eclipse’s “test” began to be downloaded. The picture printed out, as a major grabbed it and showed it to Admiral Cain. The weapon was impressive, she said, but they are doing it for show. She stared at the Draidus, obviously outnumbered, and outgunned.

“What do you want to do Admiral, the Chronosians are still waiting.” She smiled, they want us to know they are here, she said. They do not intend to invade, otherwise they would have. They would never lose the element of surprise, unless invasion is not what they desire.

She picked up the com.



Admiral Cain! A pleasure to once again contact you. You must have many questions. I would call off your wardogs before my allies do something unfortunate, they are rather testy.

There is much we must talk about Admiral, much I can do for you. If you but accept our offers. Even now, the enemy moves to undo all you have built, to lay low the Colonies from within.

They have already removed one of your more courageous and important Commanders from power, have they not?

"Tell me Remiel, why are you here? And why did you bring your most unwelcome friends", Admiral Cain responded.

She had tried to sneak up on Glens Joan without being spotted, but Vatta security here on the station was far too good to allow that. She had been spotted before she reached the gates and had an escort all the way to her ship, and when she got there she saw Gary Tobai her ship’s master left off polishing off the Vatta family seal on a bulkhead and turned to her.

“Well if it isn’t the newest captain in the Vatta fleet. Mouth got you in trouble again, did it?”

“All I said was, well if you know that much you know I did nothing wrong.” She said.

“Wrong, no. Wrong way to do something right maybe. I thought you were supposed to be our white hope with the fleet.”

“I thought so too, so when I saw something that needed to be fix…” She told him.

“You jumped in and fixed it, I understand that and even respect it. Although you should have anticipated that it would cause trouble.”

“I was trying to avoid trouble.” Should she even explain how convoluted the right procedures were. No, she wouldn’t bother; if he wanted to condescend to her he would no mater what she told him. Others certainly had. With that in her head, what he said next surprised her.

“You were not bred to avoid trouble, your family takes it on and shed’s it like a dog would a rat and tosses it to one side.” His voice softened. “As you did Captain.”

Captain, he had actually called her Captain. She pushed aside the rest of what he said, “So, what can you tell me about my ship?”

“You didn’t read the listing?” He scowled.

“Glens Joan 2500 meters long, 350 meter beam…” She told him the rest as they made their way to the bridge.

An Hour later they were ready to cast off.

+ + +

OOC: I have to work and for the sake of time and getting a post in I skipped the formation of the convoy, and we are now arriving at the station. Can’t miss all the fun

IC:
Convoy 11.6
Armistice Stations
Periphery of Colonial Space
Due to the War between the Republican Remnant and the Galactic Empire, no freighter ever moved inside of Republic space or out without a convoy, and a naval escort. For intra-system work these escorts would consist of corvettes, Light Attack Craft (LACs) and or snub-fighters. Out side Republic space the escorts were much more substantial, as it was for the ten freighter convoy, of which four were of the Vatta Guild commanded by Kylara. The rest were a mixture of other trader guilds and independents, and they carried everything from raw materials, foodstuffs, medicine, even small arms and ammunition. Given the net value of the convoy a light flotilla was assigned as their gunslingers. BatCruDiv 32 with four light cruisers and six destroyers screened the dozen freighters as they made their approach to the system. Each battle cruiser was 1.5 km in length and massed over 797,000 tons, they were equal to any capital ship in the fleet under the tonnage of a Dreadnought and had much greater maneuverability than those ponderous battle-wagons. As they approached the station the Convoy held its position 500,000 kilometers out. It was a standard distance when dealing with unknowns, light speed weapons like imperial turbolasers would take almost three seconds to cover that gap, it was also half the powered flight envelope of a Republican missile. The convoy’s commander hailed them,

Armistice Station, I am Commodore Hendricks of the Republic, requesting permission to remain on station until further orders from the Colonial government make us aware of our destinations for cargo transfer.”

OOC: will post more when I get off work, I just wanted to get something up in the mean time.

Erickson had ordered up a drink to maintain his appearance as a normal patron though matters seemed to be heating up. The young man barely flinched as the gunshot sounded laying low one unfortunate individual. It seemed there was a military official around afterall. He had hit a lucky stroke on the first attempt. Now came the difficult task of syphoning information from the man but he was proving garrolous already as he walked ever and sat next to Erickson.

He took a quick sip while he had the chance. "It all seems most unfortunate what with the president assasinated and most of the high ranking officials. I can't believe the only one left alive to succeed the president is the Secretary of Education. On top of that there seems to be an issue with Admiral Cain and loyalty to the Colonies."

Erickson slightly adjusted his hearing piece by acting like he was scratching his short black hair. "You look like you've served in the military. What do you think about all this?"
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With the quick evacuation of the building Jessyka was investigating, it freed up some room for her to move around in but she was also worried that she would not be able to complete her mission like she hope with all of the officials gone. Still, every situation had a bright light with some being harder to find than others.

Right now she needed to move quickly through the halls and find a computer terminal to tap into. Jessyka only hoped that she could gather some information on what was truly happening here. She walked quickly down one of the halls and headed into a room where she could lock the door and get to work. The room had to be right where there were plenty of exits if need be. A window was always a good option so long as it wasn't locked and needed to be broken.

Jessyka sat down and went to work.

Remiel shuddered. His potent mind could taste the Immaterium, could taste the roiling seas of madness. Death stained it, a psychic scream echoing throughout the universe with the unmitigated roar of savagery. Nuclear flame scoured clean worlds, flame tore through the great achievements of the Colonials. He saw all reduced to ash and blood beneath the hand of Admiral Cain.

She had killed all she loved with a mere word. How glorious must she be in the eyes of the Gods? Did Khorne have his mark upon her? He let his thoughts collect, eyes closed, flickering beneath their lids, before he finally began to speak.

"Admiral, it pains me to bring this to your attention. We have recieved information that points to the total corruption of the civilian government by the forces of our enemies. They would have mobilised you against the Empire, used you as puppets and meatshields. They would have left you bled dry, destroyed by their trickery and their lust.

I have petitioned the Empire to bring its forces here, to allow you to see our act of support. We bring the fire of the Gods to lay low the enemy. The people of the Colonies need leadership, leadership untainted by the whispers of the unclean alien. Only we can help you, Admiral. Only we can bring you the victory you yearn for. You can taste it, can't you? The need for triumph? The hunger for success. You will lead your men forth, you will lay low the vermin who oppose you...

You will spill their blood, take their skulls! Nothing shall stop you with us at your side." He hisses, his speech rising to a crescendo of hate and power, his charisma spilling over in every word.

"Who are they to oppose you? You are the Salvation of the Colonial people, you are the hammer of the Gods. A blade of Ares, thrust into the hearts of the traitorous and the unclean. You have been betrayed, Admiral! Every last collaborator must be laid low, every last dissident crushed.

And the Empire will help you do that. The Imperium will be at your side...I will march to war with you. We will swear ourselves to your cause, if you but swear yourself to me, to us."

"Admiral, we are picking up a transmission from Remiel's flagship." Collins turned and moved over to the communications officer's station. Putting a hand on his shoulder, he nodded at the officer, who proceeded to relay the link to their ship. The Admiral was anxious; the Chronosians were not known for their patience and mercy, if they even had any. If they started a war here, prematurely, then they could be in a bad way. Yes, they did have a large fleet. However, when one was attacking a nation, even if they had knowledge of their defenses, it was prudent to strike hard, fast and when you wanted to. His thoughts were interrupted by a transmission."

Admiral Cain! A pleasure to once again contact you. You must have many questions. I would call off your wardogs before my allies do something unfortunate, they are rather testy.

There is much we must talk about Admiral, much I can do for you. If you but accept our offers. Even now, the enemy moves to undo all you have built, to lay low the Colonies from within.

They have already removed one of your more courageous and important Commanders from power, have they not?

Raphael appeared on a nearby console, while Collins narrowed his eyes. He had heard something of contact with the Chronosians, ONI had picked up on that with their agents. "So, this Admiral Cain was involved somehow. Hm. This adds another piece to the puzzle."

"Sir!" Collins whirled about and saw the sensor officer with an anxious look on her face. "There is...The Colonists....You need to see this, sir."

"Forward screen, Lieutenant." The screen flickered and showed the forces of Admiral Cain engaging the Battlestar Ares and others, as Vipers engaged each other in mortal combat, their guns blazing and ripping through each other like paper. Explosions filled the void of space, along with the blasts from the mighty guns of the battling fleets and the splashes of energy on the planetary shields. It was an awe-inspiring yet horrifying sight. Brother turning on brother, sister betraying sister. A civil war of great magnitude not seen since the Rainforest Wars and the battle with the Koslovics and the Frieden over Mars. Collins gripped the chair tightly, his blood pumping and pushing its way through his circulatory system.

"Sir, detecting reply coming from Admiral Cain. Patching it through now..."

"Tell me Remiel, why are you here? And why did you bring your most unwelcome friends"

Collins knew he was amongst the mentioned. They had already received word from their hidden contacts amongst the Colonies of the terror, devastation, and most of all, the anger at the Terran Imperium for "betraying" them. HIGHCOM had ordered him to mend fences as best as possible. Here was a perfect opportunity. However, he had nothing to go on. As he wracked his brain for an answer, it was found for him by none other than Remiel:

"Admiral, it pains me to bring this to your attention. We have received information that points to the total corruption of the civilian government by the forces of our enemies. They would have mobilized you against the Empire, used you as puppets and meatshields. They would have left you bled dry, destroyed by their trickery and their lust.

I have petitioned the Empire to bring its forces here, to allow you to see our act of support. We bring the fire of the Gods to lay low the enemy. The people of the Colonies need leadership, leadership untainted by the whispers of the unclean alien. Only we can help you, Admiral. Only we can bring you the victory you yearn for. You can taste it, can't you? The need for triumph? The hunger for success. You will lead your men forth, you will lay low the vermin who oppose you...

You will spill their blood, take their skulls! Nothing shall stop you with us at your side." He hisses, his speech rising to a crescendo of hate and power, his charisma spilling over in every word.

"Who are they to oppose you? You are the Salvation of the Colonial people, you are the hammer of the Gods. A blade of Ares, thrust into the hearts of the traitorous and the unclean. You have been betrayed, Admiral! Every last collaborator must be laid low, every last dissident crushed.

And the Empire will help you do that. The Imperium will be at your side...I will march to war with you. We will swear ourselves to your cause, if you but swear yourself to me, to us."

Collins let out a breath. He knew what to do. "Open a channel to Admiral Cain's ship." The atmosphere in the bridge thickened almost immediately. They knew that the Colonial Admiral would not appreciate them, and would most likely get enraged by their presence. However, they knew that the Admiral was going to try and if he was to try, he had to do it now.

"Channel opened, sir." Taking a deep breath, the Admiral began.

"Greetings, Admiral Cain. I am Admiral Collins of the Terran Navy. Now, you have been lead to believe we have betrayed you. That...is not true. We "betrayed" those who sought to destroy your nation and your very way of life. We are speaking, of course, of the President and those who were acting against your and your fellows in the military. Commander Hallens action on Asfaltum was commendable. Although it was an act to halt my allies advance, those of us in the Terran Imperium applaud Commander Hallen and her fellows. She was faced with a decision: to follow morality and ethics, and try in vain to find a way without destroying so much life.

Or...

She could destroy the very things her enemies sought, and deny them victory. Striking a key blow and saving the galaxy from a massive assault. As well as opening a possibility for a counter-attack. That was the right path, however controversial. If there is one thing we Terrans are, it is practical. After nearly being completely wiped out by the Covenant, much as you were twice over by the Cylons, we become masters of practical warfare. If the action is needed, do it. This is something President Adar did not understand. You do, however, and are in the right for resisting the call for a scapegoat, to appease an angry public which is horrified at the deaths of so many. Well, war is war, something I am surprised your people have not remembered from the earlier wars.

In short, Admiral, we chose to come here to offer our aid, as Remiel here has done. I, personally, will aid you in gaining control of the Colonies and destroying the traitorous elements as well as rescuing Commander Hallen. I do not wish to see her image annihilated because of a foolish leaders mistake.

The Terran Imperium will throw its support behind you, alongside the Chronosian Imperium."

Darth Atrox walked off the Bridge of The Eclipse. Whenever he came close to Tarkin he felt a buzzing that seemed to be electronic in nature. Tarkin’s curious new habit of nursing his arm seemed to indicate a recent injury or implant. Atrox managed to get a good look at the arm using the senses of the Kython Suit he wore. There was a definite electro-magnetic field located in his arm where there should be none. Since Tarkin broadcast the thoughts of a turnip, he could only deduce the Grand Moff had implanted some sort of resonating field device to shield himself in an attempt to counter the Ta’Nar’s psionic ability. Too bad he didn’t know about his Eldritch abilities too. Ba’El/Atrox kept that to himself so he would have several decks of aces held in reserve. If Tarkin wanted to play rough, he would find out what opposing a Ta’Nar would be like.

Before he left, Atrox turned and watched Tarkin gloating in his display of power as the mining colony was being ruptured like a rotten melon by the weapons of The Eclipse. He could only shake his head at the primitive emotions of the meatbag and left. He would probably find another bounty hunter hired by Tarkin. It was good the old human feared him but his taste in what he considered competent was vastly different from what it would need to take Atrox. He had rummaged through the minds of the recent ones and found out where they were contracted through. He couldn’t prove anything yet but he knew it had to be Tarkin. He would inform Vader of what happened to his Emperor when the time was right, he had already made the recording of the event and only needed to wait until the time was right. Contingencies were made and things were ready.

Atrox walked through the white halls of The Eclipse on the way to the flight deck. He passed by a heavily guarded room and lightly touched the minds of the clone troopers standing guard. The troopers were nervous about the people waiting within the room and for good reason. Remiel himself had landed and awaited audience with Vader along with the warchiefs of the other Chronosian fleets. Atrox had not met the legendary warrior himself but hoped to one day. He wanted to get an accurate measure of the Chronosian Most Favored. You never know when you might have to oppose someone and getting a feeling of their strengths was as important as their weaknesses. His fate dictated he was to go elsewhere so he continued to the hanger where his personal shuttle was waiting.

Atrox used his own private access to open the security door to his personal hanger. Tarkin insisted keeping his ship separate from the others, probably because the meatbag feared it. It seemed after an invasion long ago, the Empire distrusted biologically enhanced ships. It was their loss, the Kython Vessels were superior to anything in the Empire he had seen and in his position, he would have seen a lot. Oh well, their loss, not his.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v248/beldragos/?action=view&current=StilettoShuttle.jpg

As Atrox entered the private bay, the overhead light came on and cold white light flickered into existence. The Stiletto shuttle remained exactly as he had left it, hovering silently in the center before the large bulkhead doors leading into the main bay. When the ship recognized Atrox, it greeted him with a telepathic greeting and a rundown of her systems.

Master, it is so great to see you. All systems are green and we are ready to serve you.

Atrox walked to the sleek ship and trailed the fingers of his hand along the shapely curves and the hull ripples with barely contained excitement. The side of the shuttle melted and ran down the side of the ship, forming three independently hovering steps. The newly revealed door silently opened and the interior lights came to life, gently pulsing with the life of the ship. Atrox stepped into the ship and the hull sealed behind the Ta’Nar.

Link with the Eclipse and get the navigational data for the current positions of the Colonial Fleet. Plot a course for Admiral Cain’s ship.

Yes Sire.

The ship quickly complied and the activation codes for the bulkhead door were sent. The massive construct slowly slit into the ceiling and the shuttle slid forward until it was over the open docking bay. The darkness of the Abyss yawned beneath the shuttle as it fell out of the massive ship to be completely lost in the inky blackness of space.

Keep track of any changing details and coordinate activities of the Third Fleet waiting in T-Space.

Sire, the fleet reports they detected a Hyperspace B aperture near the main colonial planet. There was not enough time to get any reading on the ship but the disturbance was certified.

I see, inform the Admiral to send a Battlegroup into Hyperspace B to cover any change there is other ships hanging around. They are to capture if at all possible but nobody should be allowed to leave.

Yes my Lord, orders transmitted.

The orders were indeed transmitted. Deep within T-Space, a full fleet was waiting and aboard The Zeus, Ba’El’s old ship before he was promoted, Admiral Sla’Tehr was receiving the message through their Space Minus Transmitter. Momentarily one of the Battlegroups reverted to Real Space and made the transition into Hyperspace B and began to scan the system as well as for any hint of Hyperspace Navigational Beacons.

Several minutes later the small shuttle approached Admiral Cain’s Battlestar, The Ares. It came to a halt a respectable distance away without actually crossing over into Colonial Territories and transmitted a short message in Greek.

<This is Darth Atrox. I am here to speak to whoever is in charge.>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esQJyWcZYa4&mode=related&search=

Commander Giles stared out into space, watching the cargo freighters sitting by. Coredian, Abh, as well as a few other cargo ships sat off the docking hatch, waiting to unload their precious cargo, worth billions of cubits. He knew they must be getting impatient, but with a blockade of the system, as well as the storage area’s in the Armistice station filled to capacity, there was little else he could do. He had been in command, since the first contact, and had supervised the stations growth, from a diplomatic center, into the major trading hub of the Twelve Colonies of Kobal. Entire sections were added, for the Telrosians, the Abh, and the Coredians. The station, over the years had transformed from a simple space station, to a living vibrant city, each nation in control of their one section. They had planned on further expansions to allow the new trading partners, the Old Republic access to the neutral station, but all plans were on hold, til the colonies stopped murdering each other.

He picked up his cup of coffee, watching the steam hover above the hot, black liquid. He blew on it, and took a sip. Ahh, he said, as the liquid burned his lips. He looked at it, before sitting it down on his desk. He opened a drawer and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and poured a single shot into it. He smiled, “That should cool it off.”

“A little early to be hitting the sauce”, a voice came from behind him. Commander Giles sat there, staring out the window, into the cold black of space. “Perhaps, but with the lockdown here at the station, there is not much else to do.

Besides when this war is over, we will have our hands full. We might as well enjoy the break. How is the war going?” Commander Giles asked, still looking out the window. “Not well, the colonies and the colonial fleet both are taking heavy losses. The last report I have heard was Caprica City was under siege, and that the fleet is landing troops. With the colony shield and laser down, the ground forces now have to use more conventional weaponry.

Commander Giles turned to the woman that was in his quarters. He stared at his desk, at the picture of his wife and six month old son. He sighed, missing his family. “Let me know if you hear any word from Aquaria. I want to know if my son and wife are alright. The woman saluted, as she turned around and walked out the door.

Peace, and quiet, Commander Giles thought to himself, as he looked at the sanctuary that was the Armistice station, the only truly neutral spot in this war.

Buzz, Buzz

Commander Giles reached over and pressed a button, “Yes any word from Aquaria?” “None yet sir, we are receiving a transmission from the Rebellion cargo fleet. They wish to know when they may dock, and transport their goods to the colonies.” A man said over the com system. “Let them know that there is a state of civil war, and until the war is over the Armistice station has been ordered not to receive any shipments, to safeguard the lives of those on their ships.”

“Yes sir.”
The young Lt., reached towards the communication panel,

Commodore Hendricks, this is Armistice Station. Permission to remain at the station has been granted, however the Twelve Colonies of Kobal are currently in a state of civil war. Our space is considered under lock down until the war is over to avoid any unnecessary death. Please be advised that our space is also currently under a blockade by an Imperial Armada.
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You look like you've served in the military. What do you think about all this?"

Brother Cavil smiled, as he took a sip of his pint. He began to gulp down his glass to the last drop of ale, leaving nothing at the bottom but a white foam. As the glass was gently placed on the table, a low rumbling sound began outside, and soon it got louder, almost to a shriek.. , “You are not from around here are you?” Cavil said, looking into Erickson’s eyes. “Do not worry, I will not tell. Several things are giving you away, first of all I was in the military but not the colonial. I am a cylon.” He said with a smile. “I fought against the colonials before the end of the cylon war, so what do I think of it, it is what they deserve. Humanities first crime, is it’s best. Murder, bloodshed, destruction, enslavement. Humans, are so flawed, not logical like we are. It is in their nature, they have no choice.” Cavil said his voice as cold as ice. Soon his pupils began to dilated, “Duck”, he said, as he jumped below the table.

A thunderous roar permeated through the bar, as shards of glass filled the air like confetti in a parade. The light glimmered in the sun, as a raptor began to land in the middle of the now abandoned street. The door opened, as 20 marines, jumped out. White sparks and black dents dinged off the raptor, no further than 20 meters from Erickson and Cavil, as the marines ducked and began to shoot back at their unknown assailants. Bullets flew overhead, as several tank sells hit around the Raptor. Massive explosions hit the road, sending pavement and tar into the air. Smoke began to pour into the bar, as screams and cries came from the road. Out of the smoke, like several men began to run inside, looking for any cover they might get. One of the marines, sat next to the blown out door, next to a pile of broken bricks and began to fire.

As the raptor tried to lift off, a shell hit the cockpit. The raptor about 20 meters in the air came crashing down, smashing four of the marines, that were still in the street. Hell it seemed has found it’s way to Caprica City.

At the Capitol building, Jessyka found an office. She looked out the window to see tanks rolling down the street, as anti aircraft missiles and flak cannons streaked across the sky. As she continues to look out, Vipers and Raptors, swooped down, firing missiles and deploying conventional bombs on the forces down below.

The sight was horrific, as pieces of military hardware, as well as people, began to scream. In the distance she could see a little girl, crying over the body of her dead mother. She looked up, for a moment, then vanished in a bright blaze. Nothing was left, but a crater and smoldering fires.

As Jessyka, sat at the small desk, she could see numerous pictures, of a brunette, small, skinny, with a cute smile, holding a 4 year old boy. Another picture, was of the boy, about age 7, playing at the beach with a young girl, no more than 3 years old. Jessyka turned on the computer, after a few seconds of booting up a screen appeared.

USER NAME:
Password

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Hera sat in the Jedi temple crying, her body shaking, after the assault of her vision. She laid their broken, torn, raped, and out of her mind. What kind of place had she entered. Her dreams were always powerful, but never before had she been harmed by them. What had happened, what mystical force would tear at her so, attacking mind body and soul.

She could see people in robes surrounding her helpless body, staring at her. They looked at her “Are you a crazy person.” one person turned to her and said, yet het face never moved, nor her lips. “What is going on with her?” another person said, without moving his lips. She was being stared at, like some animal in a zoo.

One person bent down to talk to her, as Hera jumped up and kicked her in the face. Her motion was flawless, her reactions like a bolt of lighting, the Jedi stood back, blood gushing out of her nose, barely aware of what happened.”

“STAY AWAY FROM ME!” Hera screamed like a cornered and rabid cat. She put her hands to her face, covering her eyes, out of her mind. Although she could not see them, she could feel them, their thoughts, their emotions. She did not know if they were actually speaking, or if it was another dillusion. She put her ands down and looked to Ryan, the only one to show her kindness, hoping the white rabbit would show her the way out of this torment.”

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"Admiral, it pains me to bring this to your attention. We have received information that points to the total corruption of the civilian government by the forces of our enemies. They would have mobilised you against the Empire, used you as puppets and meatshields. They would have left you bled dry, destroyed by their trickery and their lust.

I have petitioned the Empire to bring its forces here, to allow you to see our act of support. We bring the fire of the Gods to lay low the enemy. The people of the Colonies need leadership, leadership untainted by the whispers of the unclean alien. Only we can help you, Admiral. Only we can bring you the victory you yearn for. You can taste it, can't you? The need for triumph? The hunger for success. You will lead your men forth, you will lay low the vermin who oppose you...

You will spill their blood, take their skulls! Nothing shall stop you with us at your side." He hisses, his speech rising to a crescendo of hate and power, his charisma spilling over in every word.

"Who are they to oppose you? You are the Salvation of the Colonial people, you are the hammer of the Gods. A blade of Ares, thrust into the hearts of the traitorous and the unclean. You have been betrayed, Admiral! Every last collaborator must be laid low, every last dissident crushed.

And the Empire will help you do that. The Imperium will be at your side...I will march to war with you. We will swear ourselves to your cause, if you but swear yourself to me, to us."

Admiral Cain held the phone to her ear, as she listened to Remiel, his voice so soothing so sincere. Too bad the story had more holes than swiss cheese. Admiral Cain held her hand over the mouth piece and looked to the Draidus officer, Lt. Kendra Shaw.

“What is the status of their fleet?” Admiral Cain asked?

“Sir they are holding position?” Lt. Shaw replied in a Caprican accent (British)

Admiral Cain uncovered her mouth piece, “Remiel, my friend,” Admiral Cain said, with a bit of scarcasm in her voice, “If what you say is true, then why did you attack several colonial miners outside of our space, and why did you feel the need to attack that dead planet, with nothing more on it than a mining outpost?”

“Sir we are getting a message from Pegasus.”

Admiral Cain muffled the mouth piece, “What does the message say?”

“Sir, Aeralon has offered an unconditional surrender. They want to know what your orders are.”

Finally the first bit of good news all day. “Tell Pegasus actual to secure the cities, and prepare to redeploy to Virgon.”

“Yes sir”

Admiral Cain picked up the phone again. “So Remiel, what do you have to say?”

“Sir another transmission, from the Telrosian traitors.”

She reached down and pushed the hold button on the com. She looked to the communication officer, “What does it say?”

“Sir they are adding to the Chronosian point of view, they claim that they are here to help remove the corruption in the government as part of their alliance with us. They wish to pledge their forces to aiding us.”

Admiral Cain looked around, so now they wish to be our heroes. One does not shoot your dog, then knock on your door to ask to fix your car.”

“Sir Draidus contact, bearing 217 mark 32. It is a shuttle.”

Admiral Cain held her back. This could not be good, she thought to herself, as the pain streaked from her spine to her skull. She reached behind her and began to rub her neck. This was too much, for one day.”

Sir, they are hailing us in.... our language...

“What are you certain?”

“Yes sir, the translator did not need to cycle it through, they claim to be a man named Darth Altrox. He wishes to speak with you on behalf of the Galactic Empire.”

She lowered her head. If they wish to talk so be it, open a channel to the Galactic Empire.

This is Admiral Helena Cain, on board the Battlestar Ares, to all Imperial ships. If what you say is true, then prove it. Send one shuttle with a representative to the border, near the location of Darth Altrox. Send only one representative, per nation, and that person is to be unarmed. You may escort your unarmed shuttle to the border, and from their we will escort them to the Ares. If what you say is true, you do not need to fear us...dear friends... If we find you violate this simple rule, we will kill them.

As the transmission ends, two Defender Class Battlestars and a squadron of Mark VIII Vipers and a squadron of Mark II stealth stars under holocloak approach the border, waiting for the guests to appear.

After Admiral Cain hung up, she noticed Jack looking at her, desiring to ask, yet not having the courage to do so. She smiled at him, “What is it old friend?”

Jack gulped, “Sir is it wise to meet with them in person?”

“If they are telling the truth, then we will need all the allies we can muster, and if they are lying, then they will not fire on a ship that has such high level members on board. Either way we need to find out what they want and why they are here.”

From the vast depths of space, the Star Destroyer Right to Rule exited hyperspace, followed by dozens of other ships, leading the Tenetian contiguent of the Empire to battle. In the center of the fleet stood a vast, black ship looking for all the world like a three-legged spider, with an escort that looks similar to a blade of some kind. The Yeerk Empire, subjects of the Tenetian Empire, have come to take prisoners...

Lady Nightshade sat on a comfortable chair on the Eclipse, pleased with the plan she has cooked up for the Colonies, should they resist the Empire's overtures.

This is Admiral Helena Cain, on board the Battlestar Ares, to all Imperial ships. If what you say is true, then prove it. Send one shuttle with a representative to the border, near the location of Darth Altrox. Send only one representative, per nation, and that person is to be unarmed. You may escort your unarmed shuttle to the border, and from their we will escort them to the Ares. If what you say is true, you do not need to fear us...dear friends... If we find you violate this simple rule, we will kill them.

This could be an interesting parley. Lady Nightshade thought with a grin.

=====

Hera sat in the Jedi temple crying, her body shaking, after the assault of her vision. She laid their broken, torn, raped, and out of her mind. What kind of place had she entered. Her dreams were always powerful, but never before had she been harmed by them. What had happened, what mystical force would tear at her so, attacking mind body and soul.

She could see people in robes surrounding her helpless body, staring at her. They looked at her “Are you a crazy person.” one person turned to her and said, yet het face never moved, nor her lips. “What is going on with her?” another person said, without moving his lips. She was being stared at, like some animal in a zoo.

One person bent down to talk to her, as Hera jumped up and kicked her in the face. Her motion was flawless, her reactions like a bolt of lighting, the Jedi stood back, blood gushing out of her nose, barely aware of what happened.”

“STAY AWAY FROM ME!” Hera screamed like a cornered and rabid cat. She put her hands to her face, covering her eyes, out of her mind. Although she could not see them, she could feel them, their thoughts, their emotions. She did not know if they were actually speaking, or if it was another dillusion. She put her ands down and looked to Ryan, the only one to show her kindness, hoping the white rabbit would show her the way out of this torment.”
Jedi Knight Ryan didn't say a word, but he sent waves of calming energies to the shattered girl as the Council was called. The bloodied Jedi was taken to the infirmary and the others decided to give her a wide berth.

"Knight Ryan." A Council Member said, as she entered the hallway. "What is the problem here?"

"She is frightened, Master Rydo. From what I could determine, she's seeing events of her homeland, the Twelve Colonies that may come to pass and she can't deal with it."

"I see." The older woman's face softened. "I'll do what I can to help her."

"Yes, Master." Knight Ryan said. He turned to Hera. "Master Emily Rydo here is our best at interpreting visions, Hera. She can help you come to terms with them."

"I simply help out when I can." She smiled modestly. "Tell me, young lady, what is troubling you?"

“Moff Tarkin sir, the sith shuttle has left the docking hanger.” The Moff clapped two hands together in celebration.

'one down only one more to go.' He thought congratulating himself.

“Captain, is Lady Nightshade within her appointed quarters?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good, I want you to send her a communication, tell her that Darth Atrox is proceeding to make first contact with the colonials, and that it, being merely a junior diplomat, that she is to have seniority in all diplomatic proceedings and all subsequent favour earned in the emperors eyes. Be sure she understands the latter captain, the Sith are often too dulled by greed to understand the finer points of political progression. Have her instructed to use my personal shuttle, I'm sure she will enjoy the privileges that come with it.” Tarkin thought about the upset Atrox would be forced into enduring over such a political snub. “And the colonials captain?”

“Our last reports from commscan indicate their continued refusal to stand down sir, they're waiting on our move.”

Tarkin stood silent for a moment, his eyes were focused intently on the holo image of the colonies. “Have we scouted most of their surrounding space captain?”

“All reconnaissance units have reported in sir.” The captain glanced down quickly at his datapad making sure. “All but one, they're examining a trading station, they should be in contact shortly sir.”

“Very good.” A series of clicks and heavy drones punctured the quiet conversation as the nearest turbolift hissed open as Tarkin once again found his attention drawn to the holomap.

“Sir?”

“Ahh yes, raise an inhibitor field over enemy territory, and signal the bulk of our forces to press on the border of Kobol. No action yet, just intimidation.” Tarkin stood tall and rigid as his taunt to the colonies went forward. The technological superiority of the empire slowly crippling the morale of the colonies, the danger of their forces, and stripping Admiral Cain of her most strategic advantage. Her drive systems. These engines fascinated Tarkin, who was all to aware that the rebellion had been constructing working prototypes; and he was sure the various techs at the Maw cluster were looking forward to getting their hands on the raw, original technology itself.

****

The doors of the docking bay slid open as Darth Vader made his way through the thronging mass of Stormtroopers and armaments. Today the emperor would receive a rare and most valuable visit from the Chronosian Chaos beast Remiel, Warmaster and personal friend of the Galactic Empire.

Though this visit would not be the same as countless others. Some things had visibly changed with Darth Vaders ascension to the throne. Unlike his former master, Vader did not relish on ceremony or protocol, instead he preferred a more simple approach to receiving his guests, granted he would have preferred it if Remiel had not been forced to wait, but under Palpatine the situation would have been far more grevious. His former master would have demanded legions of Stormtroopers to be assembled within the cavernous bay, but Vader preferred a more practical celebration of a guests arrival, and the war effort, was something that should not be impeded, not even for an emperor.

Walking forward intently, his black-masked face betrayed no emotion, tall and fearsome Vader was wearing the same bodysuit, armour, boots, gloves, and cloak that had both sustained his life and camouflaged his disfigurement for years. “Lord Vader!” A trooper snapped to attention as the emperor passed by.

It had been some time since he had met Remiel, their past encounters had been brief, Vader preferring the quiet sanctuary of his own torture to that of the aimless wandering of false proclamations of Godhood and power. 'There is only one power in this universe.'” Vader thought to himself. 'And that is the power of the force.' The cold, desinged deck was nearing its end, and Vader could now clearly see the Chronosians through his ocular implants. Remiel was discussing something with one of his primarchs, while nearby officers looked on nervous and obviously gratified of the active AT-AT's nearby.

“Emperor.” Vader crackled through his respirator as Remiel turned to face him.

The bridge waited on baited breath for Admiral Cain's reply. What she said would determine the fate of many lives in the fleet and the course of the war. So when the communication's officer spoke up, everyone jumped. It had been so quiet that his voice resonated throughout the room.

"She's replying, sir. It's aimed at the Chronosians." Collins nodded, and the Lieutenant patched it in.

“Remiel, my friend,” Admiral Cain said, with a bit of scarcasm in her voice, “If what you say is true, then why did you attack several colonial miners outside of our space, and why did you feel the need to attack that dead planet, with nothing more on it than a mining outpost?”

Collins gritted his teeth. Another reason for him to hate the Galactic Empire at the moment. Their gleeful idiocy in committing acts of atrocity and destroying anything they choose was haunting them. Rubbing his head, he spoke. "Anything else?"

"Yes sir. A message from a...Darth...Atrox was sent from a shuttle to Admiral Cain. She has replied with a message to all of us.

"This is Admiral Helena Cain, on board the Battlestar Ares, to all Imperial ships. If what you say is true, then prove it. Send one shuttle with a representative to the border, near the location of Darth Altrox. Send only one representative, per nation, and that person is to be unarmed. You may escort your unarmed shuttle to the border, and from their we will escort them to the Ares. If what you say is true, you do not need to fear us...dear friends... If we find you violate this simple rule, we will kill them."

Collins made a motion to the Lieutenant, who opened the channel again.

I agree to your terms, and will be sending an unarmed shuttle to the border. I do warn you, Admiral. If we keep to the rule, and you fire on us for any reason, there will be hell to pay. My offer goes far, but not that far. Admiral Collins out.

The message was sent and the Admiral spoke again. "Have a Pelican prepped in Hangar Bay 2C. Lieutenant Barberis, you are in command." A black-haired young man blinked for a second before saluting.

"Yes sir." Raphael stirred.

"You are going, alone?" Collins closed his eyes.

"It is the best way, you know that. With our "betrayal" looming over us, as well as that mining incident, damn Tarkin, we have no better choice." Raphael nodded slightly.

"Very well, Admiral. Godspeed. I will remain here and make sure everything doesn't fall apart in your absence." The Admiral grinned.

"Thanks Raphael." The Admiral exited the bridge, just as the sensor officer yelled out.

"Spacetime rupture in Sector 3A-4G. Energy signatures coming through....they appear to be the forces of Lady Nightshade!" Barberis moved over and sat in the Admiral's chair, allowing him a moment of wonder, running his hands over it, before looking up, eyes focused on the task at hand.

"Thank you, Lieutenant. Keep an eye on her forces; we don't want anything going down while the Admiral is out."

The sensor station officer nodded and went to work. Barberis took a breath and relaxed. Only to tighten up again when the sensor officer's now anxious voice cut through the quiet.

"Sir, I am detecting a powerful inhibitor field being deployed by Tarkin's fleet. They are also moving forward towards the border." The communication officer joined in.

"Receiving a message, sir....Tarkin wants us to advance on the border and press the Colonials!" Barberis's eyes tightened and his teeth clenched. Raphael appeared on the holopad next to him. He glanced at the A.I.

"Any suggestions?" The A.I. didn't even move as it replied.

"Just do what comes natural." The Lieutenant closed his eyes, thinking. He had to move carefully but the Admiral's safety came first.

"Open an encrypted channel to Tarkin's ship, Lieutenant."

"Aye aye, sir. Opening..." The sound of tapping keys filled the bridge, along with the mounting tensions. The bridge crew could see that whatever Barberis was going to say, it was not going to calm things down. "Channel opened sir."

Nodding, he took a breath and began to speak.

Tarkin, what in the name of God do you think you're doing? Admiral Cain is on the edge of shooting at us, hell, she probably has her finger on the button! Admiral Collins is going out to meet with her, as she requested. Any and all actions, such as this one, will put him at risk. The Terran Imperium has obeyed its orders thus far but this action is putting us at risk for no gain. There is a limit to how much we will take of the Empire's rash actions, such as your little stunt with the mining world. Take your next few steps cautiously, Tarkin, the Imperium does not have infinite patience."

"A show of force, Admiral. The Empire is not like us, not civilised in its opening volleys, instead it seeks to sow fear amongst a foe it does not understand. But we can't exactly say we don't understand each other, can we Helena? We find ourselves in uncertain times, when friends have become enemies, the stars have gone mad and shut out the light and all seems futile beneath the darkness.

But I bring with me an army of strength and unity and truth. I bring light, Helena, light that will never abandon you or your men so long as you open yourselves to it. I can give you the power to lay low your enemies, to bring the Colonies back from the brink of betrayal. To do that, I need you to trust me...I need you to trust in my allies, and the cause we represent.

We do not peddle our truth because it is convenient, we do so because we know in our hearts that we go forth to do the right thing, to bring light and liberation and faith to the galaxies."

He paused for a minute, allowing his words to sink in. The key to masterful oratory was knowing when to leave your audience to stew in your thoughts, and when once again to take up the charismatic sword.

"I have some pressing business to attend to, but I assure you I shall return. You have my word that no one shall fire on your vessels, and that we mean you no harm."

He sighed, sliding the helmet from his head, disconnecting the link, and shaking out his hair just as Vader approached, warranting a grin from the Emperor. Remiel stood straight, watching him with barely contained glee. Everything was going to plan, Cain was as good as within their power and soon...Soon the Colonies would know the touch of the warp.

"Vader." He grinned ferally, almost like an animal sizing up its prey, eyes dancing with wry amusement. "An honor to finally meet you. A shame I couldn't have visited earlier, but you know how things are. I am, after all, your Warmaster. Considering this point, I would hope that you could encourage your wardog Tarkin to slow down his approach. The more delicately we handle Cain and her fleet, the more easy it becomes for us to solve this problem.

We will be liberators, keepers of the peace. We will bring our fleets in to save them from the chaos and the madness of Coredian terrorism. We even have all those old recordings to prove their traitorous proclivities.

I imagine we have much to talk about when we consider the dear Admiral, and the future of the Colonies." He gestured to one side, the human figure of Gaius Baltar shuffling from behind Remiel's Primarch brethern.

"This is Gaius Baltar, say hello Gaius, one of the finest minds in all the Colonies. He's on...Indefinete lone from them, but the information he's provided is first rate. I've used his advice to coordinate the main Chronosian battle-plan, with divisions assaulting Aerelon, Saggitaron and Gemenon. I'll lead a joint strike force with your forces against Caprica, with Telrosian and Balroggan assaults spread across other worlds.

Cain's aid in this is essential, so I would advise that I be sent, with others, to negotiate diplomacy that will get her under our thumb, and utterly within our power."

"Darth Atrox is proceeding with the first-contact negotiations. As such, you are requested by Grand Moff Tarkin to attend as well. You are to have senority over the diplomatic proceedings and all subsequent favor earned in the Emperor's eyes. Furthermore, his personal shuttle is yours to use as you see fit for the time being."

He intends to coddle me with favors and gifts. Nightshade thought with a thin smirk. It would have worked had I still been a girl, but not now. I know better. Still, I will allow myself to indulge.

"Send Moff Tarkin my acceptance and thanks." She said to the flunky. "I will leave immediately."

She left her weapons with her sons, entrusting no one else to her arms and strolled out for the Grand Moff's shuttle. Soon enough, it was sent out and strolled over to the Colonial fleet.

=====

Coredian Embassy, Caprica City, Caprica

Frantic Embassy officials were rushing about, trying to keep on top of all the news. A civil war brewing from within the Colonies, with President Adar and Admiral Cain at odds with each other, the Empire's at the footsteps of the Twelve Colonies, and to top it all, the Ambassador and his crew were trapped by the lockdown, wincing every time a bomb exploded in the city.

"Yes, Master Elendil. Caprica City is currently under seige. The troops are on alert for any incursions. No, none of the Jedi or Shinobi are anywhere but the Embassy, not without Adar's agreement."

"Very well. Keep us appraised of the situation. The debate is ongoing, but rest assured that it is likely that the Emperor will send some force to deal with the situation." Grand Master Armas Elendil replied. "At least, after the meeting."

"Yes, sir. Be sure to tell him to be quick about it. If the rebels" The Ambassador felt odd calling Cain's forces 'rebels' but brushed it off. "try to take the Embassy, I don't know how long we can hold them. In the meantime, are there any instructions for me?"

"Hrm. See if you can contact the President and get his permission to cross the border if we need to. Other than that, sit tight and don't do anything rash. We'll rescue you as soon as possible."

"Of course, Master Elendil." The Ambassador bowed. "The Force be with you."

"And with you."

The holoprojector disappeared and Ambassador Halson sighed. "Get me the President. Request an audience."

"Don't know where he is, sir." The underling replied.

"Do what you can. I'm going for a coffee." The older man said.

"Yes, sir. We'll do our best."

Hands rubbing his temples, Ambassador Halson went to raid the kitchens for the caff-laden drink.

Darth Atrox sat quietly in his shuttle enjoying the solitude. He was brought out of his meditation by the presence of a prickly feeling. He quickly looked around and seeing nothing addressed the ship.

Ship status?

We are holding position waiting for the other commanders to arrive.

Atrox felt uncomfortable and stood to stretch his legs. The prickly feeling washed over him again and he returned to his seat. That feeling had come to him many times over the past decade and he had learned to trust it more than any other being both alive and dead. It had warned him of the time the assassin tried to remove his head in the Alpham system, it had warned him in the Denegar system when he was transferring from the Buried Hatchet to the moon base of Denegar VII. Apparently a mysterious explosion just happened to occur in the fuel tanks blowing the shuttlecraft with barely enough time for him to exit the airlock. There were more but he didn’t think about them, instead he turned towards the panel and addressed the shuttle again.

Ship, have you been logging all the transmissions?

Of course, Sire.

Both sides?

That is standard operational procedure.

Play back all the transmissions excluding ones that are routine.

Yes Sire

Moments later a flood of communications began to flow through the cockpit of the shuttle. Atrox listened carefully to each one.



Admiral Cain! A pleasure to once again contact you. You must have many questions. I would call off your wardogs before my allies do something unfortunate, they are rather testy.There is much we must talk about Admiral, much I can do for you. If you but accept our offers. Even now, the enemy moves to undo all you have built, to lay low the Colonies from within.They have already removed one of your more courageous and important Commanders from power, have they not?


"Tell me Remiel, why are you here? And why did you bring your most unwelcome friends", Admiral Cain responded.


"Admiral, it pains me to bring this to your attention. We have received information that points to the total corruption of the civilian government by the forces of our enemies. They would have mobilized you against the Empire, used you as puppets and meatshields. They would have left you bled dry, destroyed by their trickery and their lust.

I have petitioned the Empire to bring its forces here, to allow you to see our act of support. We bring the fire of the Gods to lay low the enemy. The people of the Colonies need leadership, leadership untainted by the whispers of the unclean alien. Only we can help you, Admiral. Only we can bring you the victory you yearn for. You can taste it, can't you? The need for triumph? The hunger for success. You will lead your men forth, you will lay low the vermin who oppose you...

You will spill their blood, take their skulls! Nothing shall stop you with us at your side." He hisses, his speech rising to a crescendo of hate and power, his charisma spilling over in every word.

"Who are they to oppose you? You are the Salvation of the Colonial people, you are the hammer of the Gods. A blade of Ares, thrust into the hearts of the traitorous and the unclean. You have been betrayed, Admiral! Every last collaborator must be laid low, every last dissident crushed.

And the Empire will help you do that. The Imperium will be at your side...I will march to war with you. We will swear ourselves to your cause, if you but swear yourself to me, to us."





"Greetings, Admiral Cain. I am Admiral Collins of the Terran Navy. Now, you have been lead to believe we have betrayed you. That...is not true. We "betrayed" those who sought to destroy your nation and your very way of life. We are speaking, of course, of the President and those who were acting against your and your fellows in the military. Commander Hallens action on Asfaltum was commendable. Although it was an act to halt my allies advance, those of us in the Terran Imperium applaud Commander Hallen and her fellows. She was faced with a decision: to follow morality and ethics, and try in vain to find a way without destroying so much life.



Or…



She could destroy the very things her enemies sought, and deny them victory. Striking a key blow and saving the galaxy from a massive assault. As well as opening a possibility for a counter-attack. That was the right path, however controversial. If there is one thing we Terrans are, it is practical. After nearly being completely wiped out by the Covenant, much as you were twice over by the Cylons, we become masters of practical warfare. If the action is needed, do it. This is something President Adar did not understand. You do, however, and are in the right for resisting the call for a scapegoat, to appease an angry public which is horrified at the deaths of so many. Well, war is war, something I am surprised your people have not remembered from the earlier wars.


In short, Admiral, we chose to come here to offer our aid, as Remiel here has done. I, personally, will aid you in gaining control of the Colonies and destroying the traitorous elements as well as rescuing Commander Hallen. I do not wish to see her image annihilated because of a foolish leaders mistake.

The Terran Imperium will throw its support behind you, alongside the Chronosian Imperium."




<This is Darth Atrox. I am here to speak to whoever is in charge.>





This is Admiral Helena Cain, on board the Battlestar Ares, to all Imperial ships. If what you say is true, then prove it. Send one shuttle with a representative to the border, near the location of Darth Altrox. Send only one representative, per nation, and that person is to be unarmed. You may escort your unarmed shuttle to the border, and from their we will escort them to the Ares. If what you say is true, you do not need to fear us...dear friends... If we find you violate this simple rule, we will kill them.




"Darth Atrox is proceeding with the first-contact negotiations. As such, you are requested by Grand Moff Tarkin to attend as well. You are to have senority over the diplomatic proceedings and all subsequent favor earned in the Emperor's eyes. Furthermore, his personal shuttle is yours to use as you see fit for the time being."



I agree to your terms, and will be sending an unarmed shuttle to the border. I do warn you, Admiral. If we keep to the rule, and you fire on us for any reason, there will be hell to pay. My offer goes far, but not that far. Admiral Collins out.




Tarkin, what in the name of God do you think you're doing? Admiral Cain is on the edge of shooting at us, hell, she probably has her finger on the button! Admiral Collins is going out to meet with her, as she requested. Any and all actions, such as this one, will put him at risk. The Terran Imperium has obeyed its orders thus far but this action is putting us at risk for no gain. There is a limit to how much we will take of the Empire's rash actions, such as your little stunt with the mining world. Take your next few steps cautiously, Tarkin, the Imperium does not have infinite patience."




"A show of force, Admiral. The Empire is not like us, not civilised in its opening volleys, instead it seeks to sow fear amongst a foe it does not understand. But we can't exactly say we don't understand each other, can we Helena? We find ourselves in uncertain times, when friends have become enemies, the stars have gone mad and shut out the light and all seems futile beneath the darkness.

But I bring with me an army of strength and unity and truth. I bring light, Helena, light that will never abandon you or your men so long as you open yourselves to it. I can give you the power to lay low your enemies, to bring the Colonies back from the brink of betrayal. To do that, I need you to trust me...I need you to trust in my allies, and the cause we represent.

We do not peddle our truth because it is convenient, we do so because we know in our hearts that we go forth to do the right thing, to bring light and liberation and faith to the galaxies."

He paused for a minute, allowing his words to sink in. The key to masterful oratory was knowing when to leave your audience to stew in your thoughts, and when once again to take up the charismatic sword.

"I have some pressing business to attend to, but I assure you I shall return. You have my word that no one shall fire on your vessels, and that we mean you no harm."


Atrox thought over what he had just heard and could only see a single conclusion. Tarkin had his own ajenda and it involved open war. The commanders were to be placed in the middle in unarmed shuttles. His Sense was warning him of trouble. Tarkin ordered Atrox in and then sent that Nightshade character, that meatbag was planning something, he could feel it. Most likely another assassination attempt set up so there was no way to pin it on Tarkin himself. He also planned on having that Nightshade bitch take over his position after Tarkin killed him. Well, he saw through the obfuscation so he would not fall for the ploys of that old fool.

Ship, prepare for evasive maneuvers. I suspect you will be using them soon. If there is an attempt, I want you to get out of here ASAP. Keep all sensors open to the maximum, even your Psionic ones. I don’t want to fall for this trap in that is what it is. Don’t let on to any others of the precautions we are taking, the Colonials might take our precautions as us not trusting them. Keep a satisfactory distance from the other shuttles but make sure we are the one in front, closest to the Ares.

As you command.

Also continuously upload all the data to The Zeus; I know Tarkin cannot get his fingers on her.

Yes Sire.

The Stiletto shuttle moved to obey the commands of Darth Atrox as he carefully kept his inner eye on the situation. He didn’t trust Tarkin and he was damn sure he would not fall for another one of the Grand Moff’s clumsy traps. Perhaps he would make a mistake so Atrox could finally get some evidence to take to Vader...

Commodore Hendricks, this is Armistice Station. Permission to remain at the station has been granted, however the Twelve Colonies of Kobal are currently in a state of civil war. Our space is considered under lock down until the war is over to avoid any unnecessary death. Please be advised that our space is also currently under a blockade by an Imperial Armada.

It took the Commodore's shocked mind one critical second to process the message the Colonial station transmitted. His mind analyzed the situation and he fell back up the standard operating procedures for this situation as expected of a professional Navy officer.

As the commanding officer of a convoy in neutral space with the disposition and composition of the enemy unknown, he had two options. The first was to cut and run back to friendly space, the second was more risky but it would not abandon the convoy's mission as the first choice would. He chose the second course of action.

"Beat to quarters, Convoy is to execute defense plan Zulu-three-Niner." The commodore ordered.

With those orders, the pale yellow light of the bridge turned to a dark angry green, as the warship went to battle stations.

The bridge crew quickly changed in times into the tight fitting skin-suits of the Navy, once the suits were sealed, they locked themselves into the shock harnesses around there respective stations, and finally they sealed there suits helmets. The skin-suits, were the equivalent of futuristic space suits, they were completely self-contained, and were capable of endure the vacuum of space until there oxygen supply was depleted, they were also ribbed with an advanced weave of carbon nano-tubes, making them quite an effective ballistic armor as well. If there was explosive decompression the bridge crew as well as the other crew member of the vessel would be protected.

The plan would take several minutes to execute as the freighters were quite slow switching their impeller wedges from normal space flight to FTL, it would take at least five minutes before they were ready to jump into hyperspace. One of the more agile destroyers had already completed the process and jumped into hyperspace returning to their home base, with news of the Civil War and the encroachment of the Galactic Empire. Hendricks did not enjoy using the warship as a glorified courier but he had no choice. His next decision was even more difficult as it would place one of his ships in harms way, but that was their job, and besides Tin Can commanders were a strange sort of officer. He punched a few buttons on his key pad signaling another of the escorting destroyers, the Swiftsure.

“Commander Gramalich, I need you to take the Swiftsure into Colonial space. Do so quickly but discreetly. Stay on the systems periphery, you are not authorized to proceed past the system’s hyper limit. Using your discretion identify the imperial combatants in the system, and any infighting from the Colonials. Once you have gathered the information return to the station. If you are attacked proceed back to this station, if we are attacked here we will return to Concordia Fleet Base. If this station is in Imperial hands when you return here you will withdraw to Concordia. If will take you five days to reach Colonial Space, if you have not returned in two weeks time we will assume your ship lost. Do you understand your mission Commander?”

The young commander responded only after a pause. “Yes sir, I do. My men and women will do their best. May I speak freely sir?”

“Go ahead commander.”

“My wife is due in two weeks. Tell her my Grandfather’s name was Wilburforce. It’s a rare name,” He said with a smile, “But a strong name. tell her I would have liked a son by that name, if you know…”

Hendricks remembered it was the Commander’s first tour as a ship’s commander, he felt guilty at putting him in this situation. Scouting unknown systems required a lot of experience and an iron will, more of an art than anything, but the commander and his ship was the most expendable.

“You will see your son when we get back home son, it not your time to buy the farm. But if you find yourself walking in the golden fields of Elysium do not worry I will tell Wilberforce of his father, and his brave sailors.”

“Thank you sir,” The officers first slammed against his chest, in salute. “Strength and Honor.”

The Commodore returned the salute. “Strength and Honor, go with the gods.” The channel closed and a minute latter the ship disappeared into hyperspace.”

“Jump status?”

“Three minutes Commodore” His navigational officer, another young ensign just out of officer basic, a cute red head to he saw, reported. Tense situations like this always got his libido going, or maybe he was just becoming an old man with a dirty mind, probably both.

“I want a square formation around the freighters until they complete the jump, push the Sprite and the Dart out 1 million kilometers coreward and spinward. Launch recon drones and have them cover any gaps while we sit here all fat and happy.” If there was anything out there within 1 light minute they would be detected very soon.

Erickson wasn't overtly concerned about someone realizing that he was not from this part of the galaxy. He had assumed that there had to be at least some number of foreigners either visiting or working on the planet. Still, he hadn't expected to meet a Cylon on the first go round.

As civil war broke out right outside the bar he was in, the young Jedi stole a few glances at the action. There was no way for him to tell who was fighting who or for what reason. However there was probably one person that could help clear the situation now.

Erickson looked at Calvin and pulled the Cylon closer to him. "Alright you know this city, this nation, and these people better than me. I'm going to need your help though. You don't like the human race and you might not like the nation as it is now but something is coming that is far worse if you sit here drinking beer and ignore it all. But if you help us now, perhaps my people can help you in return. Right now I need your analysis of what is going on. Who is fighting who and what's coming next. What do you say?"

As Jessyka, sat at the small desk, she could see numerous pictures, of a brunette, small, skinny, with a cute smile, holding a 4 year old boy. Another picture, was of the boy, about age 7, playing at the beach with a young girl, no more than 3 years old. Jessyka turned on the computer, after a few seconds of booting up a screen appeared.

When the screen asking for a username and password came up, Jessyka let out a groan. By no means was she really a hacker of computer systems which is why she carried a remote patch with her in her hair. The problem was she had no idea if the two programs would be compatible. The program ran through codes within computers to punch in appropriate passwords. A primitive method but still relatively dependable. She only hoped that if it failed, alarms wouldn't sound.

The Abh woman put in the two prong device into the drive and let the patch run its course. While her drive worked, she monitored the situation outside as it unfolded. This place was becoming less and less inviting as the moments passed. They were scheduled to rendezvous in six hours, but the current course of events looked to be altering her plans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUiVV8wQo4s



Jedi Knight Ryan didn't say a word, but he sent waves of calming energies to the shattered girl as the Council was called. The bloodied Jedi was taken to the infirmary and the others decided to give her a wide berth.

"Knight Ryan." A Council Member said, as she entered the hallway. "What is the problem here?"

"She is frightened, Master Rydo. From what I could determine, she's seeing events of her homeland, the Twelve Colonies that may come to pass and she can't deal with it."

"I see." The older woman's face softened. "I'll do what I can to help her."

"Yes, Master." Knight Ryan said. He turned to Hera. "Master Emily Rydo here is our best at interpreting visions, Hera. She can help you come to terms with them."

"I simply help out when I can." She smiled modestly. "Tell me, young lady, what is troubling you?"

Hera sat their against the wall, her knees pulled up to her chin, shaking, her head laying down against her legs. She sat their in silence shaking. Her body was freezing, as if she was in the very depth of space, immobilized by her fear, knowing the truth, yet unable to comprehend it's horrible message. What was doing this to her, tormenting her night and day, what power was in this place that would cause her visions to take a physical manifest of pain and suffering.

She slowly peaked to the crowd, now understandably keeping their distance from the disturbed teenage girl. Her black uniform, now soaked in sweat, she began to peer out. She looked at Emily, eyes like daggers piercing flesh and bone, she replied.

" They are crawling all over me, tormenting my mind. They are in my head, swimming around, eating my brain, and I can not pull them out. I see the fire from the sky, the screams of the innocent, and the guilty alike. The sky is filled with blood, as the twelve snakes battle each other over who gets to bite me first. I am surrounded, yet alone. As she talked, from her perspective, the room turned black, as she stood over the place she called home. Explosions in the sky, rock the earth, as the second great blaze is coming. It is in the past, the future, yet it is happening now. She looks to the ceiling, if she could see one, and cries, "Oh God, take this away from me, it is too much to bear. She is being tormented by the forbidden fruit, and has committed the first murder. We are all exiled from Eden, alone in a barren wasteland.” Hera said, her voice surprisingly calm. For the moment her voice sounding very innocent, like a young girl.

As Hera spoke, she could still hear the crowd, that was saying nothing. She put her small, pale, sweat soaked hands to her ears, trying to block out the noise of silence. She looked to one of the knights, "I AM NOT CRAZY!"

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

The room was dark, as hundreds of people continued to work diligently. Draidus outposts were picking up world wide planetary bombardments, as Raptors seemed to be landing more and more troops on the surface.

“Sir we have multiple bogeys inbound, to parameter Zulu delta 44. Sam’s and Flaks are running hot, but bogeys are still pressing the area.”, one young enlisted man exclaims, as he watches helplessly, at the inbound vipers heading directly towards the command bunker.

Although the bunker was a mile underground, he knew that Cain was smart enough to have bunker busting missiles, and would soon destroy the bunker. He looked to a picture of his wife and two sons. “Did they live? Are they ok?” He thought to himself, knowing that if he failed, they would certainly be destroyed, their lives over in an instant, as the field commanders would be plunged into chaos.

The General walked over to the enlisted man. Have them concentrate their fire here, as he points his finger to a certain point on the screen. The general said, calmly. He has seen this approach before, as he had fought with the fleet in many battles during the cylon attacks. “They will be weak here, , and you will force their formation to run into each other, or the flak screens.” the general said, as he placed his hand on the enlisted man’s shoulder, to give him a reassurance.

The enlisted man begins to distribute the orders, as the Vipers begin to vanish off the draidus. As explosions appeared on draidus, he silently thanked the gods. Any one of them would have been able to destroy the bunker. “Sir we have confirmation, enemy is destroyed.” The young E-5 said, excited that for the moment, he would live. The longer he lived, the longer he had hope his family would.

The General looked to the other screens. “How much longer can we hold off the fleet?” The General looked around, as the bunker shook again. He knew that the battlestars, defenders, and Missile cruisers would soon begin to bring their full guns to bear on them. He knew that if they did not have help, Admiral Cain would soon lose her patience, and begin to nuke the planets, saturating them with death, disease, decay and destruction.

“The defense satellites are destroyed sir, as well as multiple bases on the ground. They have achieved nearly total space and air superiority, yet we hold the ground firm. The Fleet does not have as many marines, nor vehicles as we do. We should be able to hold out til the Coredians or Abh figure out something is wrong and send in a fleet.”

The General smiled. “Very good, Cain can not fight the colonies and our allies. What about the Empire, what are they doing?”

“Sir we do not know, but they seemed to have placed an FTLi up. The Raptors stopped jumping in and out, and are instead using conventional drives. This is being reported across all the colonies.”

The general smiled, for the first time since this war started. “Thank the gods for small favors. Have they crossed the border yet?” He asked looking at the command staff.
One man looked to another draidus screen. “No sir, it would appear that the fleet is spread out across the Red line, along with the majority of battlestars. It would seem that Cain is blocking their entrance to the colonies.”

From across the room, one man held a phone, covering the mouth piece. “General” he yelled, “The Coredian Embassy is on line 4. They wish to know what is going on, and wish to speak to President Adar immediately.”

The general replied, “I do not have time to talk to politicians, tell them Admiral Cain has successfully removed the Colonial Government, and that we are trying to bring her to justice now. Tell them everything they wish to know, but make it brief, we have to hold out.”

“Yes sir General.”

“Keep up the pressure, and we will get through this. Prepare all defenses to continue with the suppression barrage, I do not want another Raptor getting through.” the General ordered, hoping that his false confidence would give the men hope. He knew the truth though, that once they turned their full attention to the planets, the colonies would not last too long. The general thought to himself, Thank the gods that the Empire is here, to keep her at bay.”

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Cavil reached down and yanked Erickson’s hands off him. How dare a human grab him, he thought to himself as Erickson began to explain to him the situation. Cavil began to cough, the dust and insulation, fragments, along with the now pulverized mortar from the bricks filled the air, creating quite an unpleasant atmosphere.

“We need to leave, there is a back entrance. He pointed to behind the bar, as a brick from the ceiling came crashing down hitting his hand. He screamed, “Mother frakker!” as the crushing wieght, broke a few bones in his hand.

As he screamed, one of the marines turned his attention to inside, where he spotted the two, one a cylon, and the other an oddly dressed man. He walked over to them, holding his rifle at the pair. “Who are you, and who are you with?” he replied to the two civilians. Cavil held his hand nursing it. “You know who I am, and we are not a part of your damn civil war. Both Cain and Adar are idiots, and you know this.” he replied.

The noise was incredible, as the gunfire echoed in the building. Shots bounced off the wall, as one of the marines ducked down. He grabbed a clip, and reloaded his gun, looking out to return fire. Another marine began to do the same, as a shot went through his neck. Blood began to squirt everywhere distracting the curious marine for a moment. Cavil grabbed Erickson by the hand, and yanked him outside.

As the pair ran, the one marine fired off slowly aimed at them, having Erickson in his sights, he squeezed the trigger, as three bullets began to fly directly towards it’s intended target.

Jessyka attached the prongs to the computer, as the small pad began to adapt to the Colonial Computers. The data pad began getting to work, nanoseconds went by as the first user name and password was incorrect, then a second, still incorrect, then the third. As the third attempt failed, alarms sounded as glass walls descended. 3 feet thick, the glass dropped, as a clicking noise began. The computer screen began to flicker, Security breach, security breach, in bright red letters, as the computer began to lock itself down.

Things could be going better, as the building began to shake. As Jessyka looked outside, the railguns and main cannons of the battlestars began to pummel Caprica City. Buildings began to shake, and some vanished in a cloud of smoke and fire, leaving only rubble behind. She knew she had to get out of their soon.

As she turned back to the computer, the data pad found something interesting, a hidden back door, using an unfamiliar code to colonials.

“USER APPROVED, computer lock down aborted.” the screen showed. ACCESS GRANTED.

Jessyka was now able to search the computer, for what ever data she wanted.

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Admiral Cain watched as three shuttles lined up on the Red line. She stood their in anticipation, the noise of the wireless blaring in the background, of pilots and battlestars, their voices, their stress, their eventual victory being broadcast across the system, under secure lines. Admiral Cain stood their in victory, knowing soon the alien corruption would come to an end. The skies were owned by the fleet, and soon the ground would be blasted into submission. Today would bring the end of corruption, and the end of foreign alien wars.

“Sir three vessels are ready,, one carrying A Darth Altrox, and Lady Nightshade to represent the Galactic Empire, and Emperor Vader. The Telrosian Admira lis also waiting for an escort.” the draidus officer stated. Admiral Cain smiled, she was right. The Empire had no real desire to go to war. Was it from the fear of what happened at Asfaltum, or her estranged relationship with Remiel, she was not certain.

Admiral Cain turned to the draidus officer. “What about Remiel, is he on his way?”

The Draidus officer looked puzzled at his Admiral and commanding officer. “No sir, he has not.” She turned thinking to herself, what is keeping him. He loves glory, he loves war, and she knew that he wanted to get his hands bloody. She knew that with him by her side, the loyalist would soon fall. Then she could begin the daunting task of rebuilding a new government, one in which the people still could vote, but one where the civilians had no say in military matters. One free from the confines of the political apparatus, a colonial government free from corruption.

Cain looked up to the screen. “Tell them to hold their position while we scan for weapons. Stall them til Remiel comes, I know he will not want to miss this party. She looked around the CIC, at all the brave men and women that served under her. She was proud of them, proud to serve with each of them. She loved them, as a mother does her children, and as a family they stood by her.

“Tell the squadrons if they detect so much a slingshot mounted on the shuttles to open fire without hesitation.” Admiral Cain ordered.

“Yes sir.”

She looked to Jack. "Set up a table and a chair for each of our guests. Make sure it is in the holding cell, I do not want them to cause any trouble during their stay. The room should be big enough for all of them, as well as very secure. Be sure also that there is some food and wine, I know Remiel at least has quite an appetite.”

Jack saluted, as he walked over to a phone, to have the arrangements prepared. Cain looked to the Damage control screen. She walked over to the officer in charge. As she did she stared at the lights, the beautiful green glow, she pointed her hand to a deck, nearest the 4th flight pod. “When I go to meet with them, keep an open channel to my location. If you hear any trouble, any at all, I want you to vent the atmosphere, and lock down the deck.

“Yes sir”

Hyperspace B:


The Battlegroup hovered within immense red clouds of fury, crimson lightning discharging randomly in any and every direction. The howl of Hyperspace B tried to tear at the shields to get at the ships held securely within. Aboard The Dagon, Commander Sn’Klahr sat in his command center, listening to the data streams of the other vessels in his Battlegroup.

“Commander, scanners have located a couple Hyperspace Navigational Beacons. They can easily be obtained if you wish.”

Sn’Klahr thought for a moment before speaking to the officer.

“Have them destroyed immediately, no hold that order. Have them moved to point to a location that leads nowhere. Anyone tries to leave will be taken to a dead end and there will be no escape. There would be nothing to do but either return to the planet, or try to strike off into Hyperspace and getting lost. Request another Battlegroup to take position near the end of the false Hyperspace lane. If the ships try to find their way home, the Battlegroup can help them become “lost”.”

“Yes Sir. Frigates moving to the beacon and changing their locations as you ordered.”

Sn’Klahr sat back with one leg crossed upon his other knee.

“Excellent, now all we have to do is sit here and wait for someone to fall into our web.”





The Red Line:



Darth Atrox sat patiently listening to the conversations between the ships. He was sure they were still waiting for someone else to join the three already waiting shuttles, probably someone from the Chronosian ships, perhaps even Remiel himself if he was done with his meeting with Lord Vader. That would explain the delay. Atrox was a patient being, having already lived more years than most anyone else here. If one does not learn patience when you have a long lifespan, you end up making mistakes, ones that would shorten said lifespan considerably.

Sire, I am detecting scans from The Ares. They seem to be scanning us for weaponry.

That was expected. We are fine, the only weapons on the whole shuttle are my sabers.

They requested unarmed diplomats.

I will be unarmed when I leave the shuttle. I just refuse to give that meatbag Tarkin the satisfaction of being taken without a fight if he tries to pull anything.

I understand. I am still monitoring the situation and I am ready for evasive maneuvers as you requested.

Good, remain alert even after we land. If I need you, I want you ready to jump immediately in case Tarkin arranged something with this Cain. I am still getting that feeling and I don’t intend on ignoring it one bit.

The scans of the shuttle and Darth Atrox would only reveal two light sabers on his person. There were no other weapons present.



OOC:

Please note, Hyperspace A is the SW type and Hyperspace B is the Bab5 type

Hera at their against the wall, her knees pulled up to her chin, shaking, her head laying down against her legs. She sat their in silence shaking. Her body was freezing, as if she was in the very depth of space, immobilized by her fear, knowing the truth, yet unable to comprehend it's horrible message. What was doing this to her, tormenting her night and day, what power was in this place that would cause her visions to take a physical manifest of pain and suffering.

She slowly peaked to the crowd, now understandably keeping their distance from the disturbed teenage girl. Her black uniform, now soaked in sweat, she began to peer out. She looked at Emily, eyes like daggers piercing flesh and bone, she replied.

" They are crawling all over me, tormenting my mind. They are in my head, swimming around, eating my brain, and I can not pull them out. I see the fire from the sky, the screams of the innocent, and the guilty alike. The sky is filled with blood, as the twelve snakes battle each other over who gets to bite me first. I am surrounded, yet alone. It As she talked, from her perspective, the room turned black, as she stood over the place she called home. Explosions in the sky, rock the earth, as the second great blaze is coming. It is in the past, the future, yet it is happening now. She looks to the ceiling, if she could see one, and cries, "Oh God, take this away from me, it is too much to bear. She is being tormented by the forbidden fruit, and has committed the first murder. We are all exiled from Eden, alone in a barren wasteland.” Hera said, her voice surprisingly calm. For the moment her voice sounding very innocent, like a young girl.

As Hera spoke, she could still hear the crowd, that was saying nothing. She put her small, pale, sweat soaked hands to her ears, trying to block out the noise of silence. She looked to one of the knights, "I AM NOT CRAZY!"
Throughout the outbursts, Master Rydo reached into the Force, seeking the visions and what they mean. She had a suspicion, but wasn't about to air it out in the open.

"Leave us." She commanded the Knights. One by one, they left, leaving only Ryan and the Master. "The twelve snakes represent the Twelve Colonies. We have learned that they are ravaged by civil war. I do not know who is this woman who have committed the first murder is, but I fear it would be soon. Though you may be exiled, know that you of Kobol are never alone. Know that you have friends who will help your people. No, my dear child, you are far from crazy. But you are lost and frightened, not knowing how to cope with your visions. We can help you cope."

From across the room, one man held a phone, covering the mouth piece. “General” he yelled, “The Coredian Embassy is on line 4. They wish to know what is going on, and wish to speak to President Adar immediately.”

The general replied, “I do not have time to talk to politicians, tell them Admiral Cain has successfully removed the Colonial Government, and that we are trying to bring her to justice now. Tell them everything they wish to know, but make it brief, we have to hold out.”

“Yes sir General.”
"Damn it." The Ambassador replied quietly as he heard the reply about Admiral Cain's reply. "I'll notify my government. But I need whomever in charge to grant permission for the Coredian Navy to cross Colonial borders. I also need the extent of Admiral Cain's treachery so I can give the High Council the evidence it needs to vote in favor of intervention."

Cain looked up to the screen. “Tell them to hold their position while we scan for weapons. Stall them til Remiel comes, I know he will not want to miss this party. She looked around the CIC, at all the brave men and women that served under her. She was proud of them, proud to serve with each of them. She loved them, as a mother does her children, and as a family they stood by her.
Lady Nightshade's shuttle stopped and she drummed her fingers as she awaited the scans. She noted that Darth Artox's shuttle was just ahead and thought about the whole affair, hoping to sink her own claws into Cain to further the goals of the Empire...and her own agenda.

Cavil reached down and yanked Erickson’s hands off him. How dare a human grab him, he thought to himself as Erickson began to explain to him the situation. Cavil began to cough, the dust and insulation, fragments, along with the now pulverized mortar from the bricks filled the air, creating quite an unpleasant atmosphere.

“We need to leave, there is a back entrance. He pointed to behind the bar, as a brick from the ceiling came crashing down hitting his hand. He screamed, “Mother frakker!” as the crushing wieght, broke a few bones in his hand.

As he screamed, one of the marines turned his attention to inside, where he spotted the two, one a cylon, and the other an oddly dressed man. He walked over to them, holding his rifle at the pair. “Who are you, and who are you with?” he replied to the two civilians. Cavil held his hand nursing it. “You know who I am, and we are not a part of your damn civil war. Both Cain and Adar are idiots, and you know this.” he replied.

The noise was incredible, as the gunfire echoed in the building. Shots bounced off the wall, as one of the marines ducked down. He grabbed a clip, and reloaded his gun, looking out to return fire. Another marine began to do the same, as a shot went through his neck. Blood began to squirt everywhere distracting the curious marine for a moment. Cavil grabbed Erickson by the hand, and yanked him outside.

As the pair ran, the one marine fired off slowly aimed at them, having Erickson in his sights, he squeezed the trigger, as three bullets began to fly directly towards it’s intended target.

Erickson yanked free his hand from Cavil. In one blinding motion, the young Jedi had his lightsaber free and ignited. The brilliant green energy blade took out two bullets in one humming swing followed by a quick slash to incinerate the third. Erickson raised his other hand for a Force Grab at the attacking marine and tossed the trooper into a group of others to cause a small distraction.

Banishing his energy blade, Erickson caught back up to Cavil in quick order. "Better get over your disapproval of humans real soon or else get use to a slave's status in your society. Now, will you cooperate or do I have to find someone who is not as thick headed as you?"

“USER APPROVED, computer lock down aborted.” the screen showed. ACCESS GRANTED.

Jessyka was now able to search the computer, for what ever data she wanted

The Abh looked around to make sure things were clear in the halls. Guards porbably had more important matters to worry about at the moment but Jessyka wanted to hurry anyways. She pulled up references to a court marshall but the files couldn't be retrieved. A few other interesting facts came up about the nation as a whole but nothing ground breaking. However she eventually stumbled across something far more intriguing.

Changing phases on the patch, the pictures were downloaded and saved. Jessyka brought her clyuno close to her mouth. "Erickson, meet me outside the governmental district as quickly as possible."


While running with Cavil, his clyuno flashed in coordination with Jessyka's voice. "Alright but we have a situation on our hands. I'll try to be there as soon as possible."

The light burnt. It seared his skin, the pain from the tiniest amount of radiation shrieking in his veins. Twig-thin fingers withdrew back into the robe, and Golheas's voice rustled out from beneath his volumous green robes.

"Captain. When are we to arrive at the battleground?"

The captain spoke calmly, without facing Golheas, every facet of his being bent on the difficult transit between realities. "Presently, m'lord. We will arrive a fair distance outside the main Imperial fleet, and a considerable distance from the actual battle, should there be one such."

Golheas coughed, each cough hacking, and shuddered when he had managed to stop. "Thank you, captain. I wish to see the new Emperor myself. To see if he is.. worthy of our loyalty. Palpatine did not command our obseiance, merely our fleets. If Vader is satisfied with such an arrangement, so shall we serve him."

"Why, my lord? Why do we serve the Empire?"

Such a question was dangerous, and in the robe, Golheas's eyes flashed with anger. He hissed in frustration.

"Because, captain, we exist too close to Imperial space. Should we choose to strike, whilst enemy fleets were away, we are large enough to chance overrunning Chronosia or the Union. Such a happening would cripple an Imperial war effort, thus, we are permitted to exist only whilst we serve the Empire. And, of course, for the time being, the ends of the Sovereign are served by the means of the Empire."

He chuckled quietly. "Now, Captain. I have heard it once before, but I would care to hear it again. Report on the fleet we have before us. It may not be mighty, as so to make the worlds tremble as leaves would before a storm, but I believe, nonetheless, it has some strength to it."

The captain saluted. "Yessir. We have a single Dreadnought, the Terror of Multitudes, which is recently-built, forty-six cruisers, some eighty destroyers, and one-hundred and fifty-four frigates. A sizeable force - approximately seven hundred out of the eight thousand standard capital ships worth of power we are approximated to have. Oh, and my lord, we are exiti-"

His voice was cut off by the howl of the exit of the fleet into reality, where space was sundered, and where empty space was displaced by glorious ships, the magnificent fleet of the Sovereign, indefatigable in their resolve, strong in their faith. Each ship was placed in position around the grand flagship, the Terror of Multitudes, adorned with a thousand mosaics in the shields, and the weaponry, each dedicated to showing the Sovereign in all his glory and power.

They had not been expected, he believed. Perhaps Tarkin or Vader had foreseen their coming - outmaneuvered him. It was possible.

"Send a message, captain."

The captain nodded, relaying the message to the diplomat aboard. Encrypted many times with codes only those in the highest echelons in the Empire had access to previously, none who were rebels, or mere pilots would be able to decipher such a message. Wards protected the ship from being heard by others, by means both normal and abnormal, and Golheas was confident that his message would be heeded only by those he had sent it to.

"This is Servant-Tyrant Golheas of the Kingdom of the Sovereign, anointed and blessed in his might and glory. I come in a show of faith to the new Emperor. Let him not think that we are.. lax, in the execution of our duties to the Empire. As soon as it is possible, I am desirous to speak with Emperor Vader, and Grand Moff Tarkin, so that I may ascertain the direction of our forces, and how our devotion may be put to best use."

Tarkin clasped his hands as he watched his shuttle fall out towards the thin line that masked the invisible border between realms. The Empire had claimed this dead system, as damnable as it was, and within mere minutes, the Grand Moff would be claiming more than just a dead world, but he preferred to lament over the prize for just a little while longer.

It is not secret that Power is all Tarkin is concerned with, power is all he has, and soon he would have it all. The Eclipse equipped with the latest Jedi destroying devices provided him with great confidence; and his charisma did the rest. “Captain?” Tarkin asked. “Open a channel to admiral Cain, make sure it's entirely secure, a direct link only.” Captain Aron turned a flicked hand in the general direction of Commscan.

“The channel should be open in moments sir.”

“Excellent, and captain. The contents of this transmission are not to be recorded.” Tarkin smiled slightly, a wry smirk just bubbling beneath his icy veneer. “Prepare to issue orders to the fleet, make sure the Tenetian vessels do not break rank once their empress is slaughtered. Tarkin continued to peer towards the far distance.

“We have Admiral Cain sir on a secure channel.”

“Ahh Admiral Cain, such a pleasure that we finally get to chat.” Tarkin pulled his comm device a little closer to his mouth. “I am afraid admiral, that our representatives have not been entirely honest with yourself in regard to the lack of armed vessels you insisted upon. I'm afraid the more recent arrival is carrying; the officer that ordered the attack upon the mining installation below my very vessel, and, I regret to say, a Mag four pulse canon. My emperor has bid me contact you as soon as possible so that we may best show our true intentions admiral. I assure you, we are more than happy for you to take the appropriate measures necessary.” The channel closed and Tarkin continued peering out of the forward viewports, waiting for a tell tale explosion. Of course, his hand graced his communicator ever so slightly, just in case he required to use more abrupt measures.


OOC: Wicks post coming tomorrow. Chrons post coming tomorrow.

“Ahh Admiral Cain, such a pleasure that we finally get to chat.” Tarkin pulled his comm device a little closer to his mouth. “I am afraid admiral, that our representatives have not been entirely honest with yourself in regard to the lack of armed vessels you insisted upon. I'm afraid the more recent arrival is carrying; the officer that ordered the attack upon the mining installation below my very vessel, and, I regret to say, a Mag four pulse canon. My emperor has bid me contact you as soon as possible so that we may best show our true intentions admiral. I assure you, we are more than happy for you to take the appropriate measures necessary.” The channel closed and Tarkin continued peering out of the forward viewports, waiting for a tell tale explosion. Of course, his hand graced his communicator ever so slightly, just in case he required to use more abrupt measures.

A crackle hissed in the background, as Tarkin hung up his com. Draidus showed the targets, her guests waiting on the border. What was Tarkins game, she wondered, as his words, if true would cause the death of an Imperial Diplomat. She ran her fingers over the white table next to her, the model, slowly pushing the Imperial Shuttle with her fingers.

Jack looked to her, "I do not like it sir", he said. There is no reason for them to tell us this information, he is trying to set us up. If we fire, and the shuttle is unarmed, we are guilty of violating our own criteria. It will be cause for open war."

Admiral Cain looked to the Vipers, Defender Battlestars and Gunstar models that adorned her table. "How far are the Vipers from the marks, she asked?

"They are currently holding position on our side of the red line, scanning for any weapon systems." One enlisted man grabs a long stick and moves the models to their current position in space. As he does, he stands up straight, at attention.

Admiral Cain quietly diverts her eyes to the Draidus screen wondering what Tarkin's game plan truly is, a cry comes over the speakers.

"Ares this is Starbuck, One bogey has a turret, repeat one bogey is armed, request instructions."

Admiral Cain picked up her hand, and placed it over her mouth, in disbelief. "He was telling the truth, she said. Jack responded almost instantly, "Admiral I do not like this, it is too convient. Why would they come in an armed shuttle, after knowing what we will do?"

She turned to Commander Fisk, perhaps it is a test to see if we are bluffing, or perhaps they wish for an excuse to go to war. Either way if they are looking for a fight, they will find a way, order the vipers to attack that shuttle.

Admiral Cain began to slowly pace back and forth across the cic, her fingers reaching to her chest, feeling the imprint of the nuclear launch key. She knew her decision could cost the lives of her crew, but today she had lost far more than that. Her home was on fire, burning with the fires of war that the aliens had brought. They did this, she thought, as her emotions grew stronger. Here they are now, violating the simple rule of parley, she thought, as she clutched the launch key. “Status on the Jump drive nukes?” she yelled.
“Sir there is a problem, our computer is showing that there is a problem with the FTL drives in the missiles and the engines.” Lt. Shaw replied, with her thick Caprican accent.

Cain looked over to the Draidus screen, her eyes like daggers, her heart filled with hate. “Frakking FTLi, those damn Picon eggheads have not yet figured out how to beat it. Frak it all, arm and load all nuclear missiles. If the Empire wants a war, they will have it. If a single fighter crosses the line, target the flag ship and fire. She grabbed her key and put it in the launch computer. She looked to Commander Fisk, as he nervously put the key into the computer. She tapped the end of the key, slowly, as Commander Fisk spoke up. His voice was filled with fear, “Sir, perhaps we should hold off on the nukes for now. All it will do is begin a chain of events that will spiral out of control.”

She looked up at him, her other hand tapping the end of her pistol. His eyes grew wide, wondering if that would be the last thing he said. “You are right, she pulled the key out of the computer. and slowly pulled the chain, containing the key around her neck, “Order the attack.”

Jack felt relieved, nearly adverting a holocaust that the fleet could not afford. She briskly walked over to the com system, and secured the line. "All Vipers this is Ares Actual, weapons free on Bogey 3, repeat weapons free on bogey 3."

Blue Squadron was the first to respond to the call, as vipers screamed towards the armed shuttle. Like flies over a rotten corpse, the vipers flew all over the shuttle, it's turret shining in the feint sunlight from the distant sun, dormant, yet visible. The shuttle's energy signature was through the roof, one pilot noticed as they locked on.

"Alright you nuggets, you heard the Admiral, Vipers 23-46 use cannons, everyone else fire missiles." Starbuck ordered, as she punched her stick, flying as hard as she could. Tarkin’s shuttle sat their, like a giant bulls eye in the black of space. Her adrenaline began to flow through her veins, this is what she was born to do, and what she knew would eventually kill her. She smiled, as she slowly squeezed the trigger. Two missiles fired, as streams of tracer rounds flew towards the waiting shuttle.

Missiles and cannons lite up the black backdrop of space. The pilots, coming out of a sphere formation began to unload their payloads Shots came from everywhere, above, below, behind, every angle conceivable was filled with cannons and missiles from the Mark VIII Vipers, towards their unshielded target.

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"Leave us." She commanded the Knights. One by one, they left, leaving only Ryan and the Master. "The twelve snakes represent the Twelve Colonies. We have learned that they are ravaged by civil war. I do not know who is this woman who have committed the first murder is, but I fear it would be soon. Though you may be exiled, know that you of Kobol are never alone. Know that you have friends who will help your people. No, my dear child, you are far from crazy. But you are lost and frightened, not knowing how to cope with your visions. We can help you cope."

The air was crisp and cold, as the snakes continued to battle. Hera pulled her body tighter, hoping they would not see her. She could not handle another assault. They looked at her hissing, slithering towards her, their beady red eyes glowing. They were coming back for her, to eat her, to pierce her flesh again. Her body shook as she sat their in her silent terror. Only this time it was different. As Emily began to speak to inform her of her vision, the snakes grew, and became planets, her home, the colonies.

She stood above them, watching the events unfold. Without meaning to she spoke as she watched the horror.

“Above the Colonies, brother fights brother, sister fights sister. The Fleet is attacking the ground, as Cain stands by the gates, barring those who would cause harm frm the colonies. Oh no, the snake is speaking, causing her to murder a smaller snake. Ttttaarr... Tarkin, he wants her to murder. They are screaming, firing, and destroying all they love, yet they think they are saving it. She is manipulated, she hates all, she hates you.”

As she spoke, the world returned normal. The Jedi temple stood strong. It's pilliars glistened, as Hera placed her hand on the floor. Her index finger, slid into a hole in the marble, caused by her bullets. Hera watched Emily and Ryan, as Emily and Ryan watched her. Emily's goodness radiated like an angel, her beauty and youth shined like the rays of the sun. She watched her, as Emily looked to her, "I want to help you" Emily said, while not speaking. Hera slowly held her hand out to Emily, extending her arm as if to ask for her aid in getting up. She peered over her knees, her face obfuscated by her long black hair, Hera asked her voice so sweet, so innocent, so unlike the tormented woman before, "Who are you?"

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"Better get over your disapproval of humans real soon or else get use to a slave's status in your society. Now, will you cooperate or do I have to find someone who is not as thick headed as you?"

Sweat begins to drip down Cavil’s old wrinkly face, as the two duck into an alleyway. Breathing hard and deep, Cavil looks to Erickson. “I will aid you, after all you stopped me from having another headache.” A boom is heard nearby, as the building across the street begins to collapse. Dusk and insolation, is quickly picked up by the air and rushes through the alley. The wind is strong, blowing at 200 kph. When the gust is over, Cavil, laying face down in the alley, picks himself up, covered in the fine white powder from the debris from the collapsed building. “We need to go somewhere safer, follow me.” Cavil begins to run again, his cylon body moving faster than a man his age could normally run. Bullets fly by, and explosions rock the ground, but he continues on, ducking through the city, trying his best to avoid meeting marines, or the wrong end of a artillery shell.

Soon, Erickson comes to a small stairway leading underground. The steps are made of old concrete. Small blades of grass protrudes from them, as he runs down the steps. Cavil reaches into his pocket, as quickly as he can, until he pulls out a set of keys. Boom, another shell rocks the area, shaking the brick building in front of the pair. He calmly puts the key into the door and opens it.

Cavil walks inside, the large and open underground room. The walls are adorned with artwork and photographs. The room is only separated by a glass wall, that leads into another room. Cavil throws his keys on a table, and looks to Erickson, “Welcome home priest.” As he said it, your eye catches a glimpse of a young blond woman. She sees Erickson and smiles, running her fingers gently as she walks over to Erickson. She walks slowly, seductively, as her hips move from side to side. She walks up to Erickson, gently touching his shoulder and walking behind him, her fingers running across the jedi’s back.

“Who is this you brought home?” she asks grinning


Changing phases on the patch, the pictures were downloaded and saved. Jessyka brought her clyuno close to her mouth. "Erickson, meet me outside the governmental district as quickly as possible."


Jessyka looks out of the window, the hell storm outside growing worse. Fire reached across the city, consuming it. Smoke filled the sky, as blasts of artillery shells and missiles shook the very foundations of the earth.

Soon a raptor began to enter orbit, as the rain of flak cannons filled the air above Caprica. Unwavering, the raptor came closer and closer, flying to the Capitol building. Many points of light appeared from it, as missiles slammed the tanks and troops below. As the fire consumed all of the troops outside, and brushing the tanks aside, as a child pushes it’s toys away, Jessyka realizes it is time to leave. She turns to leave the room, and sees in front of her, a three foot wall of bullet proof glass.

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""This is Gaius Baltar, say hello Gaius, one of the finest minds in all the Colonies. He's on...Indefinete lone from them, but the information he's provided is first rate. I've used his advice to coordinate the main Chronosian battle-plan, with divisions assaulting Aerelon, Saggitaron and Gemenon. I'll lead a joint strike force with your forces against Caprica, with Telrosian and Balroggan assaults spread across other worlds.

Cain's aid in this is essential, so I would advise that I be sent, with others, to negotiate diplomacy that will get her under our thumb, and utterly within our power."


Gaius was nervous, as he stood before the Dark knight, lord of the Sith Darth Vader. He saw first hand the corruption of Remiel, he felt it, as Remiel pulled the information out of him, to attack his beloved homeland. Baltar stood their, quiet, taking in the scene, as Remiel discussed the matters at hand, the subjectation of the colonies, and the termination of the cylon race. His eyes wandered, as he felt a warm touch on his back.

"Welcome home Gaius." the warm sweet voice said behind him. He turned to her, to Caprica. "I am home, he said, but what will happen now?"

"Your true reward, God has spared you. He loves you above all others Gaius, and now, they will die for their sins against you."

Gaius stood their in silence, as Remiel described his role in the planning phase. "I did not do all of that. I merely taught Remiel of our culture our way of life, he replied. "Do not be so modest Gaius, you know you wanted revenge, for your humiliation, your betrayal. You have what you always secretly wanted Gaius, and now you have it."

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Commander Hallen sat in her cell, in prayer. She held onto her dieties tightly, looking at the small pocket Idols of Reah and Chronos. She smiled, looking at the images of her gods. "Lords of Kobal hear my prayer. You know I am right, I did everything I could to save my people. I am absolved of any sin. I beg you though, send me a miracle. I want to live. I want to see my fleet again, I want to be seen as I am, not a villian, but the saviour of the colonies."

She put her dieties in her pocket, as she stared out the windows, watching the pilliars of smoke and fire consume the sky. Miles away from the attacks, she could hear the small bangs of the war, the deaths of millions. What had happened to cause this war. She reached in her pocket and touched the idols that she worshipped. She whispered, while the bombs exploded, "Let me live."

The Red Line:



Darth Atrox began to wonder about the other two shuttles drifting lazily along the border between the two armed forces. He was about to ask for an update on them when the ship interrupted by sending a telepathic communication to Atrox.

Sire, I am detecting a tight beam transmission from Tarkin’s ship.

Where is it directed?

Towards The Ares.

Did you get the contents?

Not the whole thing, just bits and pieces.

Let’s hear it.

The speakers crackled into life as the static filled transmission was played back for Atrox.

“Ahh Admiral Cain, such a pleasure …… our representatives have not been entirely honest with yourself ………. the officer that ordered the attack …… a Mag four pulse canon …… as soon as possible ……. true intentions admiral. I assure you …… take the appropriate measures …….”

Atrox felt the Rage rise within him.

Tarkin was willing to risk total war with these colonials to assassinate me? All these soldiers killed just because the meatbag was jealous of me and my close connection to Lord Emperor Vader? That bastard did not even deserve to wear the Imperial uniform. As soon as I get back to The Eclipse I will find that weasel of a meatbag and…

Atrox’ thoughts were interrupted again by the shuttle’s thoughts.

Sire, there are Vipers approaching on attack vectors. Their weapons are hot. I am picking up radio chatter from The Ares instructing them to attack Tarkin’s shuttle.

Scan the shuttle, quick.

The shuttle is armed and I am detecting a power surge.

Shit, evasive maneuvers. Get us out of here. He is going to try to take me out as collateral damage and make it look like an accident.

Evasive measures being taken.

The Stiletto shuttle simply rose straight up and shot away sideways, barely clearing the Terran shuttle with Admiral Collins inside. Within a couple seconds, it was a distance away where any damage would have to be directed and could not be considered accidental. At no time did the Stiletto shuttle move either forward nor backwards, it remained exactly dead on the Red Line just in case there might be something salvaged out of this mess. Inside, Darth Atrox was seething in anger and Rage.




Hyperspace B - False Pathway:



Battlegroup Bets had just settled into position just above and below the end of the false trail. They were waiting for any unlucky ships to enter Hyperspace, get their bearings from the relocated beacon, and follow it into their ambush. The ships were disguised adequately by the way Hyperspace scrambled the sensors and if you did not know where to look, the seventeen ships would be nearly undetectable. Their weapons systems were deliberately kept offline as well as any power signatures. The ships were running dark and silent. They were not even using their sensors to track the Beacon pathway, they were using something much more powerful. Psionics.

A curious side effect of Hyperspace B is it amplifies psionic abilities monstrously. To the Ta’Nar, that was like giving the already pure psionic entities a virtual planet-sized shot of power in the arm. The Gestalts between the crew and the Shipminds could barely reach as far as the edge of the thirteen colonies if they tried, but at that range the power would be extremely weak. They instead concentrated their searches along the Hyperspace Pathway. When prey would be detected, the gestalt minds would pull back and wait for them to arrive at the end. Then things would get bloody.




Hyperspace B, The Dagon:




Commander Sn’Klahr watched as Battlegroup Beta took their position near the end of the Hyperspacelane they created.

"Tactical, order all our ships to go dead and hide in the distortion field. When they fall for the false trail, we will provide support if they try to flee back to the system. We will also give chase if they want to risk becoming lost and trying to find their way on their own."

“Yes Sir. Relaying orders. Battlegroup reports silenced. Reactors are muffled. Weapons are powered down. The Battlegroup should be dead to sensors.”

“Good, now we lie in wait for our prey.”

Lady Nightshade scowled when she spotted the incoming Vipers. The targeting computers warned her that they were on an attack vector. "Sithspawn!"

Though for some reason, the Force was not with her today, she still had her smarts. She knew that Tarkin always had an escape route and the shuttle must have an escape pod as a result. Ordering the pilot to maneuver the slow shuttle as best he could, she headed for the escape pod and jumped in. She was barely strapped in when the escape pod roared out, moments before the shuttle exploded. She grasp the controls, dusting off long-unused fighter training and the escape pod, which was surprisingly agile, began dodging the Viper pilots' shots. She quickly returned to the Imperial lines, knowing that the fighters would not dare attack or risk war with the Empire. As she sped towards relative safety, she began to brood on what went wrong...

“Who is this you brought home?” she asks grinning


Erickson gulped down a mouthful of air. He had been running for a great while dodging shrapnel and falling buildings. Such exercise was tiring on the body. The Jedi wiped beads of sweat away from his brow trying to make himself presentable for the woman.

He gave a curt, respectful bow. "Erickson ma'am."

Taking in the scene around him, the young man turned his attention back on Cavil. "What is this place? Your home?"

Remembering the mission at hand, Erickson knew that Jessyka would be waiting for him eventually. "Cavil, I need to get to the outside of your government's building. Someone is waiting for us."

Soon a raptor began to enter orbit, as the rain of flak cannons filled the air above Caprica. Unwavering, the raptor came closer and closer, flying to the Capitol building. Many points of light appeared from it, as missiles slammed the tanks and troops below. As the fire consumed all of the troops outside, and brushing the tanks aside, as a child pushes it’s toys away, Jessyka realizes it is time to leave. She turns to leave the room, and sees in front of her, a three foot wall of bullet proof glass.


Jessyka grabs her little computer hack and stuffs it back in her long hair like a pin. Looking at the glass wall, she quickly comes to the general Abh method of dealing with a situation. Her lightsaber floats precisely into her waiting grasp and the blue blade ignites matching her long flowing hair. The lightsaber blade crashes against the glass bringing it all down.

She gingerly steps over the broken glass and makes her way outside into the storm of chaos that was brewing. No time to waste, Jessyka made a mad dash through the warzone to get away from the capitol building hopefully in one piece. She dodged fire and falling bodies whenever possible as she made her way out.

Warning: This post may depict graphic violence. Parental Discretion is Advised.

Panic, terror, anger were the lessons learned in the last couple of days, and the colonials were becoming A students. There homes were violated, there children killed, there possessions stolen, and not by an outside enemy, but by their own.

There minds were corrupted, their souls twisting in the seething hate. Chaos laid the foundation, yet hate built the structure. At the end of the day millions of lives had ended in a single moment, planets had burned, destroyed in the unbridled hate of one woman. It was only the first day.

Today would have been a normal day, people shopping in the malls, going to work, perhaps where it was summer people would have been enjoying a back yard barbeque, and indulged in the taste of a cold brew. Today was different, today the colonies burned, smoke rising to the heavens, as a true sacrifice to Ares, to the gods that sent this blaze upon the earth, to the twelve colonies. Today was the true loss of innocents.

It was dawn, on the second day. The sun rose on the new world, in orbit battlestars laid broken, as the ground trembled. What was left was nothing more than ruins, relics of the old world. Empty bombed out buildings, broken ground defenses, shells that used to be vipers or raptors. Craters now stood where cities once existed, and bodies littered the streets, a testament to the destructive power of the Colonies. Yesterday was only a preview of what was to come.

As Jessyka ran out of the capitol building, tanks and SAM missile sited smouldered, obliterated by rage, by corruption. Some were turned upside down, others completely shattered. Jessyka ran, as her foot hit something, causing her to stumble. She got up quickly, to see her foot got stuck in part of a solder’s head.

She shook it off, the head of a man, who gave all to defend his home, his family, and his friends. She continued to run, trying to reach the meeting spot, one that was unscathed by the war, a place of peace and solitude, a place that was becoming harder and harder to find.

She ran as she heard screams, one man laid half dead on top of a hummer, the top half of his body severed, his entrails laying open for all the world to see.

“Help me.” the man screamed, as blood began to pour out of his mouth. From across the bombed out road, other screams could be heard, men and women wearing khakis uniforms, and black uniforms alike, moments ago divided, soon they would be united in Elysium, in the arms of Hades.

Jessyka looked to the sky, as something in this distance shined. Moments went by, as the object grew bigger and bigger, licked by the flames of the atmosphere burn, it descended towards the city. Soon it became apparent, it was a flight pod from one of the injured or destroyed battlestars falling to earth.

Was anyone alive inside, did it matter, soon they would not be. The flight pod crashed several blocks away, shaking the ground, as a cyclone of smoke, dust and debris swarmed through the channel of the buildings. The ground sank from Jessyka’s feet, as the wind caught her, throwing her around like a rag doll in the mouth of a pitbull. She slammed into a building, her blue hair now white from the dust. Her back ached from the impact, her body bruised, as she slammed into a stone wall, picked up by the force of the wind. She felt a sharp pain in her left hand, to see a nail sticking through it.

She knew she had to get out of the streets. She tried to dust herself off the best she could, but the dust held on tightly, clinging to her, as she held on to life. She looked to her hand, as dark red blood rushed from the palm of her hand. The pain was throbbing, but that was the last of her concerns.

She looked up, and through the dense gray smoke she could see dozens of Vipers screaming through the sky, their sonic booms were deafening. She got up, and began to run again, she had to find Erickson, but where was he?

He gave a curt, respectful bow. "Erickson ma'am."

Taking in the scene around him, the young man turned his attention back on Cavil. "What is this place? Your home?"

"Cavil, I need to get to the outside of your government's building. Someone is waiting for us."

Caprica and Cavil laughed, as 5 more people walked into the room. One a young Asian woman, another tall, black, with a shaved head. Two more tall Caucasian me, and another blond woman, yet different from Caprica. walked in and looked at Erickson.

Cavil looked at him, forgive me, you do not seem to understand. The Capitol, I am sure that is what you are referring to was just attacked. Anyone who was outside, was killed. Cavil grinned at the thought of dead humans, their bodies broken by their own murderous hands.

He picked up a piece of candy and popped it in his mouth, watching Erickson’s stunned expression. Cavil slowly unwrapped the candy began to suck on the candy. He held out the crystal dish for Erickson, “Want some?”

OOC: Waiting on Sith to post before I can continue with the space theater

The air was crisp and cold, as the snakes continued to battle. Hera pulled her body tighter, hoping they would not see her. She could not handle another assault. They looked at her hissing, slithering towards her, their beady red eyes glowing. They were coming back for her, to eat her, to pierce her flesh again. Her body shook as she sat their in her silent terror. Only this time it was different. As Emily began to speak to inform her of her vision, the snakes grew, and became planets, her home, the colonies.

She stood above them, watching the events unfold. Without meaning to she spoke as she watched the horror.

“Above the Colonies, brother fights brother, sister fights sister. The Fleet is attacking the ground, as Cain stands by the gates, barring those who would cause harm frm the colonies. Oh no, the snake is speaking, causing her to murder a smaller snake. Ttttaarr... Tarkin, he wants her to murder. They are screaming, firing, and destroying all they love, yet they think they are saving it. She is manipulated, she hates all, she hates you.”

As she spoke, the world returned normal. The Jedi temple stood strong. It's pilliars glistened, as Hera placed her hand on the floor. Her index finger, slid into a hole in the marble, caused by her bullets. Hera watched Emily and Ryan, as Emily and Ryan watched her. Emily's goodness radiated like an angel, her beauty and youth shined like the rays of the sun. She watched her, as Emily looked to her, "I want to help you" Emily said, while not speaking. Hera slowly held her hand out to Emily, extending her arm as if to ask for her aid in getting up. She peered over her knees, her face obfuscated by her long black hair, Hera asked her voice so sweet, so innocent, so unlike the tormented woman before, "Who are you?"
Emily merely placed her arms around the girl, so tormented, so plagued with visions of a terrible happening. She whispered, "One who protects. One who heals."

Ryan's mind whirled with the information. Tarkin's involved? Then the Empire...it will help this Cain bring ruin to Kobol. And who is Tarkin seeking to murder?

Jessyka groaned with the aches of pain her body was going through. Luckily her body could quickly repair itself faster than most humans, still that didn't mean pain instantly left her. She needed to get up and move into a secure area where bombs would hopefully not be falling. Jessyka decided to make her way through buildings and alleyways hoping that would be of little significance to attacks. If Erickson was late for the meeting, he would certainly regrett it.

The young man frowned at the cylon. "If you believe that Master Jessyka could have been killed by a mere bombardment of ships, then you greatly underestimate her, the Abh, and myself. She is still alive and waiting for me. Now I'm giving you the opportunity to help us in order that the favor will be returned. If you are afraid to go into a warzone, then just say so and spare me the time. I do have a mission to complete."

The Imperial Star Destroyer Principle dropped out of hyperspace perfectly on schedule, electing to hover several million kilometres above the ecliptic in grid three five nine. This was one of countless patrol orders from Grand Moff Tarkin, which had been clearly expressed to the task force in consistent droning details, emphasising the necessity of nullifying all Colonial installations that bore none to little chance of communication with Admiral Cain and her forces. The bridge, was as usual filled with activity as the warships adept sensors begun their scans.

Captain Lucian Grathis was the first to observe the situation from the relative safety of the forward the observation deck. Always an eccentric the good captain often enjoyed the odd frivolity in his command, and the Principle was no different. Having converted the primary lounge into a tactical bay, filled with holographic projectors, Lucian found that he could submerge himself within a conflict easily instead of being confined to the turmoil of the command deck.

This was his private sanctuary, and it was also the room in which he forged his career, medals and adornments lined the walls, each of them hand crafted in his own personal strategy that more often that not had succeeded in obtaining the vital victories necessary for the empires survival. Clicking a small button upon his comm, Captain Grathis activated the holographic projection as to be immersed within the scenario at hand.

Detailed in view was his own Imperial Star Destroyer, a mark one class vessel, an older yet more trustworthy model that the mark II's. To either side lay her escort, a Victory Star Destroyer and three Lancer Frigates, a most potent force to be commanding for one, firmly inferior installation.

Four Reconnaissance Tie fighters left the launch bay and streamed into Hyperspace for a flickering moment. “Re-image to sensor data from sources five through nine.” Grathis waited for a moment as the room faded and reappeared quickly enough. Before him, was several faded yellow grids, each marking the limits of distant gravity wells deemed to be inconsequential to imperial drive systems, and amongst these lay the projected destination of armistice station.

A small pulse wave originated as the small vessels began their scans. The wave filled through the overlay tactical layout causing several signals to be returned, most hidden and huddled around the structure itself. Clicking on several coordinates on his data pad, the captain increased the resolution ever so slightly before ordering an image change. “Zoom in on section one three four, eight nine seven.” The recon craft continued to approach their destination with significant vigour, before until the readings returned back positives for Republican IDC's.

Grathis smiled ever so slightly as he ordered further scans of the area.

As Vader approached, a quick flicker of hand signals sent Remiel's two Captains back into the Thunderhawk, where voxed instructions awaited them. As the Emperor was tied up with arranging the assault and dealing with Vader, they would represent him in his stead. They had come with no weapons, respectful of their Imperial allies, and now they proceeded across the void. The Thunderhawk paid no heed to the recent conflagrations that had seared the void, instead progressing calmly, their message of diplomacy flickering across to all fleets.

Turel sat, his jet-black armour aglow in the interior of the Thunderhawk. He was the Captain of First Company, Remiel's right hand, Lord of the Nero Angelus' Terminator elite. He let his cold brown eyes gaze out across the void, remembering his countless actions in conflicts long since dead, anticipating the bloodshed yet to come. He brushed his hair with one hand, stroking it through the black hair, bound into a topknot.

Anton let his eyes rove the interior, his tongue flickering across his lips as he manically drew them into a smirk. He could feel everything, the slightest movement of the ship, the flickering of the lights. It all added to his roiling senses. His armour was aglow with colour, splashes of vivid pastel that drew the eye and seared the mind. He grinned impishly as they drew near, requesting docking permission with Cain's vessel.

Ready to deliver the will of their Master to the faithful.

ISD Principle

The holoprojection glistened within the observation lounge, space seemingly infinite was a toy for Captain Grathis a mere tool to be used and lie at his disposal. The recon craft were now within two million kilometres of armistice station, their sensory data incoming at peak efficiency. Grathis looked at the structure, it was seemingly pieced together haphazardly, bit by bit, a testament to this races rather inferior and barbaric culture.

He had prior to the operation done some research on the Colonials, modelling himself after the great Grand Admiral Thrawn, and just like his teacher, Grathis too tried to understand the empires enemies by the study and learning of their art. He knew the colonies had religions, a pantheon of Gods, such foolishness. He knew they were divided into tribes, loyalties to democracy and the military, defensive and mistrusting of their cylon population, and most importantly chaotic and bound by their emotions. Weak was all that came into his head, weak and reliant on...... Several red grids appeared upon the projection, Grathis turned and took notice focusing intently. “Magnify and project data for all blind spots, I want a full three dimensional depiction, and classification of those ships from the database, find me their class and origin commodore.” Grathis considered closing the comm line as Several more grids appeared. “Probe Droids.” Grathis narrowed. “Commodore, plot Hyper coordinates for Armistice station and sound general quarters through the ship, order the scouts to return immediately.” Grathis took a small moment to consider the implications.

Eclipse

Darth Vader greeted Remiel with all the respect the Warmaster was due. Both were here, meeting and consolidating the new power structure within the Galactic Empire. It was a time of testing, not so blatantly as Palpatine would have enjoyed it, but rather a more hidden source of trust, one that would take years to form fully, if it all. Yet the Imperium needed the empire and the empire needed the Imperium, Vader was firmly aware of such a fact.

Vaders cloak bellowed in the exhaust of the Thunderhawk as its engines slowly pushed off from the cargo bay, while Remiel and Vader both walked forward towards the command centre of the Eclipse. “Considering this point, I would hope that you could encourage your wardog Tarkin to slow down his approach. The more delicately we handle Cain and her fleet, the more easy it becomes for us to solve this problem. Remiel waited for a response as the two entered a turbolift.

“Tarkin is seeing to his duty and other more special assignments.” Vader emphasised the latter. “However I do believe that his demonstrations have ended, the colonies on my last report are eager to begin representations. Admiral Cain is holding her ground, fitting they call their border the red line.” Vaders respirator bellowed low in taking a deep surge of air.

“Lord Vader.” Tarkins voice interrupted through the link. “The colonial vessels have fired upon Lady Nightshades shuttle, apparently she was adamant on taking an armed vessel. Last reports indicate that she has survived and is en-route to the Eclipse, the escape pod is on automatic retreival and is being directing here, she will be arriving in shuttle bay five momentarily. I have ordered a security detail to escort her to an internment cell for debriefing, do I have permission to continue?” Tarkin waited on the other end of the line.

“Continue Tarkin, see to it that she is undamaged however, she must be punished for such stupidity.” Vaders bass voice rumbled the lift as it came to halt. The doors slid open revealing a long grand marble corridor, opulent and coated in Obsidian. The designs were previously produced for the emperor Palpatine and Tarkin had found it unneccessery to remove the wealth from the empires most potent flagship.

Lieutenants and officers stood to attention as the two emperors passed. “Lord Vader, Warmaster.” They saluted before attending to their duties.

Passing the tactical stations, commscan and firing control Vader was met by captain Telkani as he saluted both Remiel and Vader. “Awaiting your commands Lord Vader.” He said crisply.

The two emperors continued forward this time they were met by Tarkin, who stood facing outwards towards the stars. Hands clasped he turned to Remiel his face showing nothing but a familiar smile. “Warmaster, how excellent it is to meet you again in person.”

“Emperor.” Tarkin addressed Vader next. “We await your orders, all ships are converging upon Kobal and report ready to strike, we are waiting on your word.”

“Have we completed our survey of all Imperial space?”

Tarkin glanced down at his datapad. “We are still waiting on one task force, Captain Grathis I believe on reporting in, I was about to send additional ships to assist with your permission?” Vader held for a moment.

“Order the Trident and Black Hand to investigate.” Tarkin inputted the orders on to his data pad causing them to be distributed amongst the fleet.

“And Admiral Cain emperor?” Vader paused and looked at Remiel.

ISD Principle

“Captain.” Grathis was interrupted as he studied the markings along the hull of one of the unknown warships. “Moff Tarkin demands an update on the situation.”

Grathis sighed slightly, the interruption was intolerable. “And do you have anything to update him with Commodore?”

“Yes sir. We have cross referenced the vessels in our database and deem them to be Farstar warships.”

“They're a very long way from home.”

“Yes sir.”

“We believe the larger vessels to be nothing more than freighters, lightly defended. Shall I commence the jump?”

“Make the jump captain.” Grathis looked out of the viewports opting for viewing the shimmering distortion of spacetime to the flux of the holoprojection. It lasted for merely a second until they had arrived in system, all ships suddenly appearing from nowhere.

“Commodore, launch fighters and bombers and open a channel to armistice station.”

“Channel relayed to your Comm sir.” A small tone indicated the transfer.

“Armistice station, we have detected pirates in your area and are moving to assist. Please raise your shields.” Grathis terminated the channel quickly and saw to the projection.

The ships in the grid were spread evenly apart and were quite the distance away. Almost four million kilometres from the Star Destroyer herself. He had a few options, all of them involved a firing solution. “Grathis, open a channel to the Rebels.” Grathis ordered the escorts to take a wide position, five hundred thousand kilometres from both port and starboard of the Principle, while the Turmoil a Victory Class warship took point five hundred kilometres below the Principle herself. A standard assault pattern.

“Republic vessels, you have illegally entered Imperial Space. Cut power to your engine drives and prepare to be boarded.”

Grathis looked carefully at the projection one last time. “Relay everything to high command commodore. I'm on my way to the bridge.”

Remiel smiled at Vader's handling of the situation, from the assurances that the demonstrations had come to an end, through the handling of Nightshade's folly and up, onwards into the belly of the beast. He nodded his greetings to those officers who addressed him, revelling in his might. He was Warmaster, Emperor of his own vasty dominion and lord of every armed force within the Galactic Empire. Equal to the Emperor himself, subject to the will of none, symbioticly intertwined and coiled within the Empire, an insidious and writhing skeleton.

The opulance of the interior was not lost upon him, the extravangance with which this sanctum had been adorned, the vessel molded to be a symbol of power and wealth. Such things were the hallmark of a Chronosian universe, power and indulgence, power and the displays inherent with its wielding.

And then they came to Tarkin.

Remiel regarded him with a quiet smirk, peering past the man, almost as though seeing through him as he lightly nodded his greeting. "Hello there Wilhulf. I see you've been impressing the finer points of fear upon our new friends."

He turned back to Vader as he regarded the news flooding in. The time was drawing near, war sang in his veins, boiling in the countenances and the swift movements of his brother Primarchs. Even Gaius might seem unnerved by the change that seemed to have gripped his Chronosian masters.

"Admiral Cain is a valuable asset in this war, Vader. With her at our side, we possess indepth tactical knowledge of the Colonies and her fleets. I would suggest that we move the fleet to a war footing, ready to strike at the points in the Colonies that I have outlined already.

We will move like a Hydra, imobilizing them with our venom and our wrath. Cain, on the other hand, should be placed in a position to weaken those....Traitors in their ranks. I have convinced her of Coredian deception and alien influence, I have led her to believe that our path is hers...That only I can help her, that only the Empire can offer salvation.

We must use her trust. My Captains are already preparing to notify her of my next plan. The doom of Asfaltum has fallen upon one of her more capable Commanders. If we rescue her, her loyalty will be ours...As will Cains, utterly.

My very finest, 1st and 2nd Company stand ready to execute this extraction. Glory to the First Legion. Glory to the First and the Second Companies." A feral smile splits his lips.

"Assuming, I have your approval and your mandate."

Tarkin stood perfectly still waiting for Vaders response as much as Remiel did. “Sir.” Captain Telkani interrupted. “I think you should view this.” Tarkin was handed a datapad with the latest information regarded as critical. “It's from the Jurai system, first reports from Black Source.”

“Thank you captain.” Tarkin began scanning the data pad.

“You have my mandate Warmaster.” Vader agreed. “Leave as much intact as possible, if possible.”

“Emperor, Warmaster, if I may briefly interject?” Tarkin interrupted and moved closer to the two. “We have just received information regarding the escaped colonial vessels. They have fled to Jurai no less.” Tarkin handed the pad to Remiel who glanced at it then Vader. “Our agents managed to release a signal to the distant holonet transceiver we previously thought inactive, perhaps a small change in tactics could be advised.” Tarkin smiled a small but brief glance at Remiel. “Of course the Warmasters plans adept and noble as they are could be perhaps, held back slightly? The Colonial planets are going nowhere and chaos will only continue to serve our position. They are already filled with fear from military conquest, why not hunt down their last hope as well?”

Tarkin pointed to the holo projection depicting colonial space. “I propose that we flood this system with interference, blocking and eliminating all transmissions, leave them to cower as the shells fall from their own armies and military, while we have Admiral Cain, how, how should I put this? Charge into a two door trap? I propose we give her the location of the fleeing colonial vessels, I also propose that we request of her to exterminate the planet Jurai. Using these colonials to bleed upon Jurai is surely preferable to Imperial lives? These colonial worlds are of no consequence yet, the planet Jurai certainly is.” Tarkin waited for the emperors reply however, Vader stood silently, his heavy breathing betraying none of his thoughts.

"By all means have Cain engage in her crusade against her erstwhile allies, but the Colonies must be secure. Our influence must be undeniable, not merely as saviors, but as conquerers. Bringing the rule of law and the Imperial Truth to the degenerates who cower and scuttle beneath the fires of broken skies....That should be the role of the Imperial forces! To secure where there is only tumult.

There will be rebellion to put down, to quash the will of the people beneath the will of the Empire. The Coredians will be struck and disorientated, their allies laid to waste, and by the time they return here, what shall they find?

Only the manifest might of the Empire and the Imperium. Only the True Way and the path to glory! We will not be caught with our pants down as they shall be, instead we shall face them with more than twelve worlds, bent to our will and fortified against their intent.

Fear, Tarkin, Fear is your commodity is it not?" Remiel smirked. "Fear is the weapon, the instrument by which these worlds will be made compliant. Have them look to the sky and fear the witches and the idolators of the Coredians! Have them cower in fear at the very mention of the Alien!

These worlds have languished too long from the sight of the worthy, and been denied the pure and honest rule of MAN!" He breathed deeply, almost panting with exertion.

"There can be no pity for our foes, no remourse! The blood of the Colonials shall be spilled upon Jurai, their blooding into our Order, into our brotherhood! But when they return, bloodied and broken...When they have expended their might and their hate...What then? If they return to anarchy, they will be broken in spirit, they will turn their hate upon us.

They will return to strength, and to glory, and to rearm and affirm their might.

A house divided will not stand, and neither will the Colonies if we do not reinforce the foundations with our power, with our hate, with our truth...Whatever we chose to have it be."

Admiral Collins was sitting calmly in his shuttle, awaiting Admiral Cain and her Vipers to guide him to her ship when all hell broke loose. All of sudden, hundreds of Vipers converged on an Imperial shuttle and ripped it apart with their weaponry. The Balroggan shuttle, veering off, barely managed to clear his shuttle, buffeting it. Collins swore, clenching his seat, as the A.I. went into overdrive, shoot the shuttle far to the right, following after the Balroggan shuttle. Once again, Admiral Collins had been caught in the thick of it, and barely survived.

As he slumped in his chair, rubbing his head, he pondered the question every admiral had thought since the day conflict began.

Why me?

OOC: Telros is that you?

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, is how the old saying goes, and today Admiral Cain would learn that lesson first hand. She watched, in joyful glee as the shuttle broke apart, shattering like a glass that fell from the table. As she watch, smiling, at the would be sabatour’s ship exploded in the backdrop of space, a small dot appeared, flying as fast as a viper into the red line.

As she watched she could see the vipers in hot pursuit, firing their cannons, the rail cannons firing thousands of shells a second, the vipers zig zagged attacking, the lone escape pod, a few hits here and there, but nothing substantial was destroyed. The escape pod, was surprisingly agile, as agile as a viper, as it went across the red line.

Admiral Cain looked to her communications officer, “Recall the Vipers now, do not let them cross the red line.

He looked in panic, as he opened the channel, “All Vipers, All vipers, do not cross the red line, repeat do not cross the red line, Abort the mission.”

As the call was received, many pilots began to cuss over the com, but the vipers pulled an immediate One-eighty, firing their afterburners, they went back to colonial space, back to their original duty, of scanning the Imperial ships for any fraud, and destroy them if the did. The ships pull back into their original spots, waiting for the final member of the Galactic Empire to come, the Chronosian representatives.

“Draidus Contact, bearing mark one twenty-seven, mark seventy-four, sir it is carrying Chronosian IDC’s” Lt. Shaw shouted, as the shuttle left the Eclipse. Admiral Cain smiled, soon this would begin, and soon she will discover the meaning of this “visit.” “Bring them on board, she ordered, there is no longer any reason to delay this meeting. I want a few detachments on the flight pod, armed to the teeth, to escort our guests to the meeting room.”

As the Chronosian warship lined up with the Balroggan and Telrosian shuttles, the Defender Class Battlestars and gunstars moved quickly over to the shuttle. They began to do detailed scans, and when they were complete the shuttles were given the clear.

One by one, escorted by a squadron of vipers, each to a different flight pod. The representatives could see landing lights, as they entered the long shaft inside the massive War Star. Lights began to glow, at the elevator shafts, and the pilots slowly drifted towards them, touching down softly. A clank could be heard throughout the shuttle, as the magnetic seals locked onto the shuttles. Slowly they descended into the flight deck.

One Marine stood by nervously, as the shuttle was pulled into the flight deck. A hiss sounded, as the hatch opened, revealing one of the representative. He raised his rifle, as well as his comrades, as Altrox came out. The huge bug like creature was imposing. He thought to himself, where is a can of Raid when I need it. He walked up to the bug, knowing that if anything happened, the other marines would not hesitate to fire, killing both of them. “Why did I get the short straw” he thought to himself, as he began to pat down the giant bug, looking for any sign of weaponry.

He turned to the other marines, after a through search, “He is clean.” He thanked the gods that he was not stupid enough to bring a weapon on board. The giant gruesome bug, stepped forward, escorted at gun point down the grey hexagon shaped corridors. As he walked though, the bulkheads to all other compartments were locked. Massive steal bulkheads, much like those on a modern day submarine kept all in or out of the other areas, effectively containing this section of the ship.

Soon, they came to a gray bulkhead. One of the Marines pulled out a key card, and slipped it down through the strip. He pressed a number of keys, and opened the door. Inside the room was pure metal. Nothing adorned the walls, upon entry. When Altrox, and soon the other guests arrived, they were taken inside. Inside the room was thick heavy plastic walls. Three feet thick, unbreakable glass stood there. The door was open, with a giant table, filled with fresh food, drinks, wine, enough food for a single Chronosian, or thirty normal people.

One of the Marines held his hand out, gesturing towards the inside of the room. “If you will sir, Admiral Cain and the other representatives will be with you soon. As Altrox walked in, the glass door sealed. The magnetic locks engaged, as several massive stral rods entered small sockets on the sides.

As the other representatives came, they received similar treatment, taken to the same room. The doors opened to allow them inside, then sealed as they entered til all of the representatives came within it’s walls.

Minutes went by, the ticking of the clock, the only noise in the room. Twelve Marines stood silent inside the room, rifles ready, waiting for any treachery that might occur. Soon a woman opened the door, escorted by several marines. She had long Brown hair, and brown eyes. Her skin was as white as a pearl, her eyes that of a predator.

“Admiral, these are your guests.” one marine stated, as he opened the cell door. She turned her eyes to her guests, looking them up and down. The hidious bug creature, Darth Altrox, was fiersome to look at. Admiral Cain wondered if it could even speak, let along talk at the table, or was it more for show? Her eyes turned to the human, Admiral Collins. He was an officer not unlike herself, a man who did his job, his duty. Still here he was a traitor to the colonies, one who gave away the colonies position to the Galactic Empire. One of many mistakes Adar made, Cain said thinking to herself. Her eyes turned to the Chronosian representitives, gorging themselves with food. She looked a bit disappointed at these civilized beasts. She had hoped Remiel would come, but that was beside the point. She had a job to do, and a society to save. Today she would suceed or fail in her task.

Admiral Cain entered the cell, her eyes looking around the walls. If walls could talk, these walls would be screaming. She smiled, looking at the cell, the cell where cylons were tortured, the claw marks still on the floor, where Gina was brutalized, tortured, raped. She looked to the wall, where Lt. Thorton smashed her head against the wall. She loved this room, it stood as a testament of what would happen to those who defied her. The pain, the suffering that occured in this room, echoes throughout her mind, and those who would be able to pick up on it. She thought of her once love, turned traitor. The blond woman, Gina, she was an enlisted, yet had the most gorgeous facial features. She loved to touch her lips. Then she felt the pain, the anger, when her love was a cylon, and murdered over seven hundred of her crew. Gina was locked away, brutalized, and eventually killed after the fall of the cylon homeworld. Unlike other cylons, Gina was dead, actually dead, as the coredian shells obliterated the resurrection chamber of the cylon home world, and wrecked havoc on the resurrection ships of the cylon fleet. The thought of Gina Gina caused a physical pain in Admiral Cain's chest as hate grew in her. It was her burden, her reminder, never get to close to anyone.

“Gentleman and things, I do hope you are comfortable. Let us begin”, she said staring at the representitives from the other side of the glass panel.

“Emperor, there is still the outstanding matter of Kobal?” Tarkin pressed for Vader to make his decision.

“Order Admiral Cathin to begin the assault upon the star system, insure that he is aware of what is required.” Tarkin nodded dutifully.

“I will order the assault immediately emperor.” Tarkin held for a moment. “Emperor, just one more thing; what of Lady Nightshade?” Vader turned towards the viewports.

“She is a relic from my masters reign, see to it that she never interferes with us again. Contact Captain Ralak and inform one of her offspring that they are in command of the Tenetian throne, I will expect to see whatever one of them within the hour.”

“And Commander Coril, he is awaiting instructions in the hanger bay?” Tarkin suppressed a wry smile as everything was proceeding to plan.

“See to it personally that she is escorted to her cell.” Tarkin took back the data pad and inclined his head.

“Your will emperor.” He said as he made for the grand bulkhead doors that guarded the bridge. As he made his way to the turbolift he opened a small channel to captain Corin to ascertain the status of the situation.

“Lady Nightshade has yet to be removed from the escape pod sir, the hatch was jammed upon exit from the combat zone, we are proceeding with extraction.” A small detonation could be heard through the link.

“Excellent commander, hold her there for the mean time until I arrive.” Tarkin clicked his fingers causing two Red Robes to follow him. “It is time that you proved your worth to the new order.” Tarkin entered the lift catching a brief glimpse of Vader and Remiel as they talked over the grand strategy.

Thankfully captain Telkani was nearby and he was a man who could be trusted, he knew where his loyalties lay, he was a man not too bright but sound, and Tarkin looked forward to hearing his report when he returned.

Five squads had been assembled to deal with Nightshade. Each group of Storm Troopers had their rifles carefully aimed towards the former empress of Tenetia. “Raise your hands into the air and drop face first to the ground.” Coril boomed through the interlink on his helmet. A warning plasma burst was shot past her head just so she was sure of the emperors commands. “Lady Nightshade by the orders of Grand Moff Tarkin you are placed under arrest, and are to be held for questioning.” The room was empty of containers and other such un-pleasantries allowing the storm troopers to encircle the enchantress completely.

“Oh please Lady Nightshade come quietly.” Tarkin asked sympathetically as he emerged from a side door. “The emperor only wishes to know how deep you.... 'treason' runs?”

It was a surprisingly calm Nightshade that exited the escape pod. "Then the Emperor shall know how shallow it truly is."

She knew Tarkin had a hand in her attempted assassination and she knew Tarkin knew she knew. She cursed herself for being caught off-guard by Tarkin's treachery, but she knew that as long as she was alive, even if it means being stripped of her political power, she could plot retribution.

Nightshade said nothing more as she allowed herself to be arrested. She will earn her loyalty back however she could. In the meantime, she would only speak with Darth Vader.

In the meantime, her sons approached from their room. Janus still has her lightsaber, and now it would be his. Tenetia's throne has been passed on to the next generation. A little early perhaps, but never too early for the ambitious but fiercely loyal young Sith.

OOC:

Atrox is wearing a black powersuit so it would be difficult to tell he is a bug. His form is certainly not human and he is only about 2 meters tall outside the suit. The suit does seem to have insect-like characteristics but it also has human ones too. His antennae would actually fit into two of several connections at the back of his helm he is wearing. His four arms are very visible but the second pair might be robotic… I’ll assume your post reflected the wearing of his powersuit. Also, the Stiletto is not magnetic but it behaved as if it was to further the post.





IC:



Sire?

Yes?

I am detecting the approach of another shuttle. The ship corresponds with a common type used by Chronosia.

Good, finally this show will get underway, provided their shuttle doesn’t try to blow up too.

We are receiving a message from The Ares. They state we are to proceed to the ship and follow docking procedures.

Allow their navigation computer to take over but be ready to take control if they try something. That transmission Tarkin made should not be forgotten. If anything is suspicious, contact me through COM link in my suit.

Yes Sire.

As the shuttle settled onto the landing deck, it remained hovering a couple centimeters off the deck. The side of the shuttle seemed to melt, the liquid metal dripping down the side until it too halted, individually hovering forming three steps.

Sire, we have stopped and there appears to be a crown waiting for you outside.

Record everything that happens. Open the door.

Sire! Your sabers!

Atrox looked down to his belt. He had almost forgotten they were there. He took both out of their holsters and reached up to the ceiling. As they touched the metal, it flowed over the two sabers and absorbed them into the hull of the ship.

Keep them safe for me.

I will Sire.

The exposed door slid open and a form over two meters stepped out of the shuttle. The black powersuit worn by Darth Atrox was unmistakably both humanoid but still obviously it contained something that was not human. The first thing noticeable was there were four arms instead of the normal two. The second was the weird bend of the legs, almost as if they were extra joints in them. The overall appearance was distinctly alien over familiar. A flowing metallic cape hung from his shoulders rippling as if it were either liquid or alive, or even perhaps a bit of both.


Atrox could not help smiling to himself. Their paranoia was worse than his, and he had Tarkin trying to kill himself.

“I am Darth Atrox, the Envoy from Emperor Vader. We have much to discuss.”

One of the officers came forward and began to search him for weapons. Atrox simple held his arms out sideways to allow him to search easier. After the human nodded to the others, Atrox was escorted to another room. This was obviously a holding cell even though it was a lot larger than the ones the Empire used. A large table was set up in the center of that gray room and shortly the other delegates were brought to share his room. He was the first to arrive so he took a seat in one of the chairs and waited. The chairs were not especially comfortable but they were obviously designed for that purpose and his suit adjusted accordingly. It was an old tactic to make dignitaries uncomfortable so they would not be o their top form, instead being distracted by their discomfort. This Admiral Cain was a shrewd person and sharp as a tack. The imposing walls of the cell were also a tactic. She had already earned a couple points in Atrox’ regard.

Atrox leaned back and took in the flavor of the room. He could feel the taste of fear, despair, and hatred ingrained within the room, probably from the past inhabitants. It pleased Atrox she would use this location because the build up of the negative emotions would also subliminally affect those others who were to soon join him. That would help him too in his negotiations. The Hate, the Despair, and the Rage seemed to energize him.


Sire?

Yes?

I have some data from Lord Vader. It seems they have located the ships that fled when Cain took over. I am forwarding it to your suit’s databanks.

Thanks.

Atrox quickly read through the data files by linking his mind with the suit itself. The details were interesting, quite interesting indeed. He was sure Cain would find this quite valuable.

Moments later the door opened and in stepped Admiral Cain. Atrox could feel a multitude of emotions flowing from her without even using his active psionics. His passive ones were quite enough to hear her subconscious as if she were shouting through a megaphone. This room was a perfect match for her.

“Gentleman and things, I do hope you are comfortable. Let us begin”, she said staring at the representitives from the other side of the glass panel.


Atrox stood and spoke.

“Yes, let us not waste time with trivialities. You have several ships in your territory that are dangerous to you and probably the cause of the troubles your people are experiencing.”

These insurgents are dangerous and their expertise in subjugating foreign nations by causing instabilities in the governments and corrupting them is quite well known. The nations of CoreWorlds and Abh are on the top of the list. They are not to be trusted. They are two faced and quite frequently lay the blame for their actions on others they call friends.”

“Not only would I not be surprised if you had spies from them in your colonies as we speak, I would be willing to wager a year’s salary right now. This is because I know they are there.”

Atrox chuckled inwardly at Cain’s expression but gave her time to digest his words with silence before continuing. Atrox retrieved a holo emitter from his belt and placed it upon the table. The tiny device linked up to his suit and he played the data from detecting the hyperspacial gate.

“We detected them entering your system some time ago and we have ships waiting for their escape in Hyperspace B. Abh uses that type of Hyperspace Drive so if you can find their ahip and it looks like two frogs humping, it is probably one of their Whitestars or Bluestars. This is what their ships look like.”

The display changed from the hyperspace rupture to a scene from the Mirfalk invasion. Several Whitestars and Bluestars were pictured firing upon several black ships that were obviously made of the same material as the suit Atrox was wearing. The scene switched to the meeting aboard Danials flagship where Abh ships were again pictured. Finally several Abh ships were pictured as they also took upon themselves to begin an attack upon Asfaltum. Their bombardments that missed their targets were striking instead the planet itself.

“The rebels and their allies can be trusted as far as you can throw them. They will betray all they claim to hold dear to them. They betrayed me at Asfaltum, as well as your Colonial Soldiers that accompanies us there. Daniel and his Abh lapdog cannot be trusted.”

"The Coredians corrupted the government which you so adequately terminated." Turel spoke, rising from his seats as Anton continued with his pleasure-seeking gluttony. "I am First Captain Turel of the Nero Angelus Legion, the Legion of the Emperor himself. I come in his stead, and I offer to you congratulations Admiral."

He bowed at the waist, offering his praise and his homage to this woman, this frail mortal flesh-thing, so highly regarded by his Master. He let a grin spread across his features at the thought that by aiding her he would be as honored by the Emperor, even more his favored instrument.

"Had you not destroyed the civilian government as it had stood, then the corruption would have been impossible to remove. But now, the Coredians plans are beheaded, their wickedness is shattered and broken. Now, they are forced to rely upon their foolish allies.

We are also aware that they have divided your command structure, a Commander....Hallen." He consulted a dataslate "Is currently in their custody. As my Lord cannot be here in person, he offers the First and the Second Companies to liberate your Commander in preperation for the..." He paused, the word invasion would leave a foul taste in the Admirals mouth. "...Liberation."

He smirked at his own sadistic genius, casting them as the liberators, as the salvation of this culture. He yearned for their enlightenement, just as he yearned again to march to war.

"The Emperor sends his regrets at being so delayed, but once the mandate for war is received, he shall make his way here at best speed. He misses the inspiration of your company." A smile crossed his lips, let them feel as gods in the eyes of his favor, let them know contentment before his wrath descends.

“Hyper Footprint!” Lieutenant Anna Comenlui reported quickly. “A small one gravitic sensors made it to be two or three capital class ships, and about the same in escorts.”

“Where?” Commodore Hendricks asked.

“Almost three light minutes above the station, their locus makes it likely they came from the colonies, sir.” That thought chilled the Commodore to the core. The Colonies would not jump their ships so far from the station, they would have came in much close, they also would have had no need to start pumping out ECM in their own system. No, those were imperials out there and they were scanning the system and they would soon know about his Convoy flooding about outside the station.

“Get the Sprite and Dart make into formation, no more than 100 k klicks. Alert all ships to imminent arrival of enemy forces, approximate composition of three capital ships and escorts. Time until the freighters jump?”

“Ninety seconds, sir.” Reported his navigational officer. Thousands of questions ran through the commodore’s head. When would the Imperials move in closer, did they intend to attack, did they have reinforcements on the way? “I want the Bold and Attack to deploy their own Warshawski sails they are to jump into hyper when the freighters do and will escort them back to base.”

Hendricks eyes watched the Holotank as he saw the first freighters disappear in to the relative safety of hyperspace. One, two, three… that was when the four new contacts entered the scene roughly four million klicks “above” the stations, quickly angling down towards his Convoy in a standard Imperial Assault Formation.

“Contact, four million klicks, locus 90 degrees by 75 degrees. Enemy acceleration almost 200 kps!” The gravitic operator reported, the enemy force’s distance from the convoy and their bearing, above and to the bow to starboard quarter. It was their acceleration rate that bothered Hendricks, an ISD accelerated at nearly three times his fastest ship and six times that of a freighter, and unfortunately his own force was coasting along at just under .08 c. the fifth and sixth freighter disappeared now.

“Engineering casualty on the Glens Joan, Captain Vatta estimates 20 minutes repair needed. The Vatta ship Ashokan’s Farewell is remaining behind to escort.” Captain Vatta ship was headed to the scrap yard, it seemed that they didn’t decommission it early enough, at least it was protected with farewell near it. Still they had to buy time, twenty minutes against two Star Destroyers, no problem! “Skew to port, roll ship, bring our bow up chief.”

The formation turned parallel to the approaching Imperials vectoring slightly away and interposing their impeller wedges. It effectively blocked any LOS weapons at the freighters, even though at this distance it would take more than twenty seconds for any turbo laser to reach them. It was not much of a wall, but then again the Imperials did not have the ships in system to envelope them, they clearly were not expecting such targets in the system.

“Tactical, deploy ECM pods and decoys. Weapons are free, engagement plan Charle-November.” From the two battle cruisers dozens of decoys and ecm pods were launched. Some were autonomous drones others “tethered” to the ship. They were very effective over the distance of 5 light seconds, the Imperials were more then four times that away atm, and with their crazy fast acceleration rate they would be entering powered missile range much sooner then normally. Moving quick offered all sorts of advantages, you could gain with the enemy quite fast, but once you exceeded his base accel what was the point, pure accel only would get you so far, tactical maneuver and formations are what mattered. And that Imperial formation was clearly designed for standard “rebel” tactics. It was incredibly ineffective for missile intercepts the Lancer frigates were simply too far away from their escort. LOS weapons such as Turbolaser moved only at the speed of light, just under 300,000 kilometers a second. It would take any point defense mounted on the lancers more than a second and a half to intercept any incoming missiles. The Imperial navy would soon learn that a second could make all the difference. Besides any quad laser cannon, the best Imperial point defense had to offer had a low rate of fire and could only effectively engage star-fighters moving at a paltry 5,100 gravities, Farstars’ impeller driven missiles accelerated at more almost twenty times that rate, the Battle Cruiser’s standard missiles could reach upwards of 85,000 gravities. The Imperials would find that their point defense would be woefully inadequate. Hendricks noted with a predatorily grin as the first broadsides left his ships and its consort. The two Battle Cruisers had a much longer ranger range then the smaller escorts.

The two Redoubtable class Battle Cruiser put out 22 anti ship missiles per broadside, that were launched perpendicular to their enemy, but over at less then 500,000 km from their mother ships the missile vectors converged as an 88 missile broadside sped towards the Imperial Victory Class star destroyer. With the Lancers to far away to be effective, and their point defense inadequate to begin with, the Vic represent the a sizable portion of the enemies combat strength and would be more easily damage and destroyed than an Imp Star mk I. They were not out for kills anyway, if the ship was forced to break away it was a mission kill and that’s what mattered most.

“Broadside away, TOT (Time-to-Target) Two-two seconds, mark”

“Roger that Guns.” Hendricks told his tactical officer, who was already reading the tactical updates on the Imperials position for the next broadside that would be delivered 24 seconds after the first, they were so close in tactical terms that fire control would be unaffected as the initial broadside would have already reached its target before the next launched.

“Stand by to launch counter missile at star-fighters as they enter range….” Hendricks ordered already planning the next layer of defense.

OOC: Sithy I just need the number of missiles you can intercept to RP the first broadsides effects…also the Vic is a missile launcher so I am expecting u to reply in kind  Good stuff eh.

“Hyper Footprint!” Lieutenant Anna Comenlui reported quickly. “A small one gravitic sensors made it to be two or three capital class ships, and about the same in escorts.”

“Where?” Commodore Hendricks asked.

“Almost three light minutes above the station, their locus makes it likely they came from the colonies, sir.” That thought chilled the Commodore to the core. The Colonies would not jump their ships so far from the station, they would have came in much close, they also would have had no need to start pumping out ECM in their own system. No, those were imperials out there and they were scanning the system and they would soon know about his Convoy flooding about outside the station.

“Get the Sprite and Dart make into formation, no more than 100 k klicks. Alert all ships to imminent arrival of enemy forces, approximate composition of three capital ships and escorts. Time until the freighters jump?”

“Ninety seconds, sir.” Reported his navigational officer. Thousands of questions ran through the commodore’s head. When would the Imperials move in closer, did they intend to attack, did they have reinforcements on the way? “I want the Bold and Attack to deploy their own Warshawski sails they are to jump into hyper when the freighters do and will escort them back to base.”

Hendricks eyes watched the Holotank as he saw the first freighters disappear in to the relative safety of hyperspace. One, two, three… that was when the four new contacts entered the scene roughly four million klicks “above” the stations, quickly angling down towards his Convoy in a standard Imperial Assault Formation.

“Contact, four million klicks, locus 90 degrees by 75 degrees. Enemy acceleration almost 200 kps!” The gravitic operator reported, the enemy force’s distance from the convoy and their bearing, above and to the bow to starboard quarter. It was their acceleration rate that bothered Hendricks, an ISD accelerated at nearly three times his fastest ship and six times that of a freighter, and unfortunately his own force was coasting along at just under .08 c. the fifth and sixth freighter disappeared now.

“Engineering casualty on the Glens Joan, Captain Vatta estimates 20 minutes repair needed. The Vatta ship Ashokan’s Farewell is remaining behind to escort.” Captain Vatta ship was headed to the scrap yard, it seemed that they didn’t decommission it early enough, at least it was protected with farewell near it. Still they had to buy time, twenty minutes against two Star Destroyers, no problem! “Skew to port, roll ship, bring our bow up chief.”

The formation turned parallel to the approaching Imperials vectoring slightly away and interposing their impeller wedges. It effectively blocked any LOS weapons at the freighters, even though at this distance it would take more than twenty seconds for any turbo laser to reach them. It was not much of a wall, but then again the Imperials did not have the ships in system to envelope them, they clearly were not expecting such targets in the system.

“Tactical, deploy ECM pods and decoys. Weapons are free, engagement plan Charle-November.” From the two battle cruisers dozens of decoys and ecm pods were launched. Some were autonomous drones others “tethered” to the ship. They were very effective over the distance of 5 light seconds, the Imperials were more then four times that away atm, and with their crazy fast acceleration rate they would be entering powered missile range much sooner then normally. Moving quick offered all sorts of advantages, you could gain with the enemy quite fast, but once you exceeded his base accel what was the point, pure accel only would get you so far, tactical maneuver and formations are what mattered. And that Imperial formation was clearly designed for standard “rebel” tactics. It was incredibly ineffective for missile intercepts the Lancer frigates were simply too far away from their escort. LOS weapons such as Turbolaser moved only at the speed of light, just under 300,000 kilometers a second. It would take any point defense mounted on the lancers more than a second and a half to intercept any incoming missiles. The Imperial navy would soon learn that a second could make all the difference. Besides any quad laser cannon, the best Imperial point defense had to offer had a low rate of fire and could only effectively engage star-fighters moving at a paltry 5,100 gravities, Farstars’ impeller driven missiles accelerated at more almost twenty times that rate, the Battle Cruiser’s standard missiles could reach upwards of 85,000 gravities. The Imperials would find that their point defense would be woefully inadequate. Hendricks noted with a predatorily grin as the first broadsides left his ships and its consort. The two Battle Cruisers had a much longer ranger range then the smaller escorts.

The two Redoubtable class Battle Cruiser put out 22 anti ship missiles per broadside, that were launched perpendicular to their enemy, but over at less then 500,000 km from their mother ships the missile vectors converged as an 88 missile broadside sped towards the Imperial Victory Class star destroyer. With the Lancers to far away to be effective, and their point defense inadequate to begin with, the Vic represent the a sizable portion of the enemies combat strength and would be more easily damage and destroyed than an Imp Star mk I. They were not out for kills anyway, if the ship was forced to break away it was a mission kill and that’s what mattered most.

“Broadside away, TOT (Time-to-Target) Two-two seconds, mark”

“Roger that Guns.” Hendricks told his tactical officer, who was already reading the tactical updates on the Imperials position for the next broadside that would be delivered 24 seconds after the first, they were so close in tactical terms that fire control would be unaffected as the initial broadside would have already reached its target before the next launched.

“Stand by to launch counter missile at star-fighters as they enter range….” Hendricks ordered already planning the next layer of defense.

OOC: Sithy I just need the number of missiles you can intercept to RP the first broadsides effects…also the Vic is a missile launcher so I am expecting u to reply in kind  Good stuff eh.

Soon after the mess concerning the Imperial shuttle, Admiral Collins was escorted to the Battlestar Ares and he landed, the Pelican putting down all three of its wheels and landing smoothly. Gripping his hat, he set it on his head and, putting the shuttle into standby mode, walked out. He saw several Colonial Marines walk up and he stood still, face neutral, as they patted him down and made sure he had no weapons or anything else of the kind. He could feel they were rougher than usual, not unexpected. Considering they considered them traitors. He made no comment on it; he was here to fulfill his duty; that was it.

Finally, when they were done, he was led down a dull gray corridor with large, thick bulkheads until they reached a door. After the Marines opened it, the Admiral stepped through, seeing the dull, imposing walls, and the spare table. The only thing bright at all was the food. He raised an eyebrow. "Trying to intimidate us, eh? Well, we Terrans are not so easily cowed, Admiral Cain." Glancing around, he saw a Chronosian Space Marine, two in fact, one stuffing his face, the other looking alert and ready to speak. The other, in dark spacesuit, sat there, quiet and calm. The Admiral was not a Force-user, but he could get what he would call "mental auras" off them; letting him have an idea of what they were like. The aura of dark power and slight familiarity caused him to stop in mid-step for one second, before he kept going.

This meeting was going to be interesting. Sitting down, he carefully selected some food from the table and set it on his plate. He nibbled on what he had, seeing as he was nervous and didn't feel hungry. He did drink the wine, trying to calm his nerves. Moments passed but Admiral Cain soon made her entrance. As she swept her eyes across the table, when she looked at the Admiral, he saw the hostility in her eyes and countered with a determined and honest look in his own eyes. He was determined to show he was not something she should hate.


But that, was not going to be easy. She sat down and the meeting began. The strange man in the spacesuit spoke first.

Yes, let us not waste time with trivialities. You have several ships in your territory that are dangerous to you and probably the cause of the troubles your people are experiencing.”

These insurgents are dangerous and their expertise in subjugating foreign nations by causing instabilities in the governments and corrupting them is quite well known. The nations of CoreWorlds and Abh are on the top of the list. They are not to be trusted. They are two faced and quite frequently lay the blame for their actions on others they call friends.”

“Not only would I not be surprised if you had spies from them in your colonies as we speak, I would be willing to wager a year’s salary right now. This is because I know they are there.”

Atrox chuckled inwardly at Cain’s expression but gave her time to digest his words with silence before continuing. Atrox retrieved a holo emitter from his belt and placed it upon the table. The tiny device linked up to his suit and he played the data from detecting the hyperspacial gate.

“We detected them entering your system some time ago and we have ships waiting for their escape in Hyperspace B. Abh uses that type of Hyperspace Drive so if you can find their ahip and it looks like two frogs humping, it is probably one of their Whitestars or Bluestars. This is what their ships look like.”

The display changed from the hyperspace rupture to a scene from the Mirfalk invasion. Several Whitestars and Bluestars were pictured firing upon several black ships that were obviously made of the same material as the suit Atrox was wearing. The scene switched to the meeting aboard Danials flagship where Abh ships were again pictured. Finally several Abh ships were pictured as they also took upon themselves to begin an attack upon Asfaltum. Their bombardments that missed their targets were striking instead the planet itself.

“The rebels and their allies can be trusted as far as you can throw them. They will betray all they claim to hold dear to them. They betrayed me at Asfaltum, as well as your Colonial Soldiers that accompanies us there. Daniel and his Abh lapdog cannot be trusted.”

The Admiral was surprised at the intelligence this Darth Atrox had, but he shouldn't have been. ONI hadn't been able to infiltrate the CW and Abh governments to enough of a level to get this kind of information. So, it would make sense that they didn't have it. The way Atrox spoke was very calm, calculated and flowing; he was half-convinced already and he was the kind of man who has refused the entirety of FLEETCOM to put rams on their ships.

Then, the Chronosians stepped up to the plate.

"The Coredians corrupted the government which you so adequately terminated." Turel spoke, rising from his seats as Anton continued with his pleasure-seeking gluttony. "I am First Captain Turel of the Nero Angelus Legion, the Legion of the Emperor himself. I come in his stead, and I offer to you congratulations Admiral."

He bowed at the waist, offering his praise and his homage to this woman, this frail mortal flesh-thing, so highly regarded by his Master. He let a grin spread across his features at the thought that be aiding her he would be as honored by the Emperor, even more his favored instrument.

"Had you not destroyed the civilian government as it had stood, then the corruption would have been impossible to remove. But now, the Coredians plans are beheaded, their wickedness is shattered and broken. Now, they are forced to rely upon their foolish allies.

We are also aware that they have divided your command structure, a Commander....Hallen." He consulted a dataslate "Is currently in their custody. As my Lord cannot be here in person, he offers the First and the Second Companies to liberate your Commander in preperation for the..." He paused, the word invasion would leave a foul taste in the Admirals mouth. "...Liberation."

He smirked at his own sadistic genius, casting them as the liberators, as the salvation of this culture. He yearned for their enlightenment, just as he yearned again to march to war.

"The Emperor sends his regrets at being so delayed, but once the mandate for war is received, he shall make his way here at best speed. He misses the inspiration of your company." A smile crossed his lips, let them feel as gods in the eyes of his favor, let them know contentment before his wrath descends.

The Admirals mouth twitched as he fought down a grin. The Chronosians were masters of persuasion, he would give them that. They had their own way of instilling an energy to listen and obey to them. Strangely, with religious fervor. But he had read up on their Gods, so he was not surprised.

Soon, it came to his turn. He was about to speak when something occurred. One of the Marines guarding the room put a hand to his ear, listening to something, then stood up. Walking over to Cain, he whispered in her ear.

"Ma'am, we have another Terran shuttle requesting to be allowed aboard. We do not know who is inside, however. Do you wish for it to be allowed aboard?" The Admiral, having excellent hearing, heard this and blinked.

"I don't remember allowing anyone to send out a shuttle...."

Emily merely placed her arms around the girl, so tormented, so plagued with visions of a terrible happening. She whispered, "One who protects. One who heals."

Ryan's mind whirled with the information. Tarkin's involved? Then the Empire...it will help this Cain bring ruin to Kobol. And who is Tarkin seeking to murder?

Emily smiled, as the dark haired teenager sobbed in her arms, her warm radiant energy flowed through her, aiding Hera to remain calm and docile. Emily took her hand and gently stroked Hera's hair. It was a mess, her hair was all tangled, soaking wet with sweat. Emily looked down to the troubled girl, feeling her cold trembling body shaking in her arms. She could not help but feel pity for her, sympathy.

“Come with me Hera, I will help you.” Emily said, her voice as sweet as a grandmothers.

“So you can prod me with needles, get inside my head, find out what is there. There are monsters in the closet, and daddy does not believe me. My hands are soaked with blood, as my sister conspires behind my back.” Hera mumbled under her breath, her head still laying in her own knees.

“I want to help you, so will not suffer anymore. Will you let me help you, I can give you the ability to stop the monsters, to control the darkness, if you let me.” Emily replied to Hera’s maddening speech.

Hera slowly began to get up, her face still lowered, as her black hair obfuscated her face. Emily wrapped her arm around Hera’s shoulder, and began to walk with her. Slowly they walked through the hallways of the jedi temple, in silence. As they walked by, Jedi cleared the way, already hearing rumors of Ryan’s new “friend’ or Emily’s new “patient.”

Soon they entered a room. Pillows and chairs adorned the outer areas of the wall. The walls looked as blue as the sky in summer. This place radiated peace, the peace of a thousand generations of Jedi, who focused their skill of the force, settling their minds, becoming one with their mystical energy field.

Emily slowly put her in one of the chairs, it’s soft pillow, the silky texture, was soothing. She laid the teenager in her black uniform, gently against it, her body was as limp as a rag. “Close your eyes dear, and allow me to see what you see.”

Hera looked up to her, “Do not take my eyes, do not make me sleep. The man in the dark robe awaits me and I want to hide.” she said, her voice filled with terror.

Emily begins to reach to the force, her calming energy soothing the room around her. “Hera I will not let him get you. Trust me.” Emily replied.

Hera stared at Emily, and reluctantly, and slowly she closed her eyes. Emily followed Hera, using the force, she reached into her hybrid mind, melting the vision into her own.
Storm clouds rose, over the mountain, as Hera stood there watching. The sky was gray, as it crackled with lightning. The winds gusted, as the rain pounded her. The rain was as sharp as needles, pressing leaving small holes in the ground. Emily stood back, observing the vision, waiting to see what would occur. As Emily watched, a man in black robes walked up to Hera. “I know you, and with me we will concur those who defy us. I will protect you, no one else can.” the man said.

As he spoke the valley below erupted into fire, ash and brimstone launched into the air. Hera said nothing, watching the valley below go into flame. Hera turned and ran to Emily, her eyes brown. “Do not let him take me. She said, her eyes tearing up.

Emily opened her eyes, to see Hera staring at her, her brown eyes now yellow. The young girl begins to speak, her voice echoing with the hidden goodness, trying to hold back the evil storm around her.

"Only the Emperor can stop the Prince, otherwise the Admiral will cause the storm to flow over the icecaps." As these words fell on Emily's ears, her eyes turned brown, and the girl smiled. "Did I do good?"
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Commander Ramon stood watch on his new command, the Battlestar Medusa. He stood watch with pride, as his ship, the new command ship of BSG 97 stood guard over the former home of humanity, the place where the gods once lived with man, an supposedly cursed planet, Kobal.

When the people first heard of the discovery, many were excited, however the more religious shook in fear. “Any return to Kobal must be paid for in Blood.” The scrolls of Pythia reported, as the word of Zeus himself. Commander Ramon however did not buy into the myths of the past. Whoever the lords once were, they obviously never cursed the planet. Twelve years had gone by, and the colonies had constructed a small city near the old capitol of Delphi. No deaths, nor great blazes had ever occured. However he knew he had to be careful.

Fourteen hours ago, his battlegroup had encountered imperial probe droids that had scanned in detail the planet and the system. Maybe they were a fluke, but he knew that soon enough, the Empire might show up here at the last beacon of hope for humanity, where over nine million Colonial citizens lived, Kobal.

“Draidus Contacts, bearing 27, mark 84, a sweet young voice yelled. Commander Ramon looked to the screen, they were yet unidentified, but they were coming in fast. He looked to his XO, Action stations.

“Action stations, Action stations, set condition one through out the ship, this is not a drill.” echoed through out the ship, and soon to the fleet. Hundreds of vipers Raptors and stealth stars shot out of the tubes, and began to line up in a wall formation, as the unidentified ships came closer.

Commander Ramon, looked at his CIC, nervously. This was his first non-simulated combat, and he knew one mistake would kill millions of colonial lives. “Load the main batteries with EMB shells, and set the secondary guns for salvo fire. Prepare full flak screen cover, he ordered, as the ships came closer.

The ships on the Draidus turned from red to green. “Sir, we are detecting Coredian Transponders.”

Commander Ramon, looked to the draidus officer. Are you sure? What the frak are the coredians doing out here, this area is top secret. The Draidus officer ignored the rectorial question. No doubt about it, Coredian transponders sir.

He thought to himself for a split moment, Thank the gods, as he picked up the communication line.

Coredian Vessels, you are entering secure Colonial Space. Immediately identify your purpose here, and change your heading to mark 132, mark 74. We repeat you are violating secure Colonial space. Change your course.

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If you believe that Master Jessyka could have been killed by a mere bombardment of ships, then you greatly underestimate her, the Abh, and myself. She is still alive and waiting for me. Now I'm giving you the opportunity to help us in order that the favor will be returned. If you are afraid to go into a warzone, then just say so and spare me the time. I do have a mission to complete."

Cavil shrugs at Erickson. “Do you mean to tell me that you are impervious to missiles, because if you are that is a nice trick..” He says smiling.

The blond woman looked to Cavil, “Be nice, he has hope that she is alive, maybe we should indulge him. After all he can see first hand, his own race’s potential.”

Cavil smiled, “Ok we will go, tell me though where are you going? I can assure you those outside the capitol are quite dead.” Leoban smiles at Erickson, "What is this mission you speak of? What is your objective?"

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A wall was all that separated the representatives of the Galactic Empire from that of the new colonial leader, a thick wall, yet completely transparent. It was almost fitting, two days ago there would have been no parley, just open warfare in the heavens, the screams of angels and demons falling to earth, the planets themselves would have dripped in the blood of the alien, and colonial alike.

Today was completely different, too many lines had been crossed. Friends acted like enemies, enemies acted like friends, and the only judge stood watching and listening to the half truths of the Balroggans and the Chronosians.

Admiral Cain watched Darth Altrox’s evidence, against the Abh. As the blue stars and white stars appeared, fighting the then good Balroggans, she knew she was vindicated. She could see for herself first hand the treachery that the Abh had done to their allies. She watched the battle play out, almost as if it were a science fiction movie. Weapons of terrible destruction, being launched at a whim, untold amounts of death and destruction, as broken hulls and bodies filled the void of space. It was beautiful, Admiral Cain thought to herself.

She listened carefully as Darth Altrox told the other side of Asfaltum, or what she thought was the other side, until he began to mention fighting with the colonials, against the empire. She put her hand to her hip, almost in disbelief. She had seen the video footage from the marines, Ba’el, Daniel, Doran and the colonial strike team. She did not see the humanoid bug in front of her.

She walked up to the glass, “You speak as if you were there, at Asfaltum.” she answered Darth Altrox, “but I have seen the footage, and all of the records. There is no reference to a human bug creature. Our marines are outfitted with cameras, and never once was your image captured, and you expect me to believe that you were there.” She said, thinking to herself how does he believe to convince her when he is obviously lying to her face.

As First Captain Turel, walked up tot he glass, she listened to his statement. She felt a bit confused, why did the Galactic Empire desire to free Commander Hallen? Why do they want to free the woman who completely annihilated a planet that they were trying to invade. She put her hand to her head, as the persuasive Chronosian continued his speech, until the pause...”Liberation.”

She walked over to the tall and fiercesome chronosain, his tall demeanor dwarfed her, his armor was thick, yet she stood before him fearless. She looked up to Turel, her eyes staring into his, almost as if she was staring him down, like two lions challenging each other over prey.

She then turned, and let out a laugh. “You really expect me to believe all of this. Yes we can all agree that the Abh and the Coredians are treacherous. Yes they did subvert the civilian government, and due to their blindness, their corruption, my friends, my family as well as many others are dying. I think we can all agree on this. We even have our own satellite photos of the abh craft entering the atmosphere, and gods only know what the pointy ear devils are doing right now.” she said, a slight hint of anger in her voice.

Her voice began to be raised, “But do you really expect me to believe that you are here as friends. Why then did the GE attack mining vessels? She asked, as she opened a folder in her arms, to show images of tie fighters attacking an unarmed mining vessel. She placed the photo against the glass wall, allowing Admiral Collins, and Altrox to see. She pulled out another photo graph taken of the Eclipse firing it’s main weapon directly at a mining settlement, ripping the planets crust in two.

She looked at them, “If you wish to get anywhere, how about we start being honest for once. You have currently an FTLi blanketing colonial space, as well as an armada of ships on our doorstep. You have outright attacked colonial civilians, and a mining settlement. You expect me to believe now, that you come here as friends, as liberators.” she said, her voice growing more cold. “I also trust that you expect me to believe that you are here for one Commander, one that killed millions of your troops. Why would desire to see her free, she laid to waste your plans at Asfaltum, killing your troops, destroying billions of ‘credits’ worth of equiptment. Why do you want her to be free?”

As she finished her questioning, A marine came in, and whispered to her. “Tell them they may land, and escort them to this cell. Admiral Cain smiles, looks like you have company, she said staring at the up until now silent Admiral Collins.

Turel chuckled softly, shaking his head as he laughed before the Admiral, almost as though in disbelief. "Admiral, we come to you in nothing but friendship, but you must surely confuse us with our enemies. We had no knowledge of the internal situation of the Colonies. For all we knew, those miners could have scuppered any hopes of redeeming or liberating your nation from the taint that has gripped it.

The Emperor, beloved by all, would not risk such measures. Moff Tarkin could not countenance the moment of glory being soiled and sought to intimidate what he thought to be treacherous dogs before the true leader of the Colonies." He bowed his head.

"Commander Hallen matters because she is among your more capable staff. She did what was right, she cleansed and purged those who she thought her foe...And yet she was betrayed. She is a fine officer, a warrior in the finest tradition of the service. I wonder what she would think if she found out that her superior had left her to rot." He smirks, leaning in, his voice a whisper in her ear, harsh and swift.

"You will need her, Admiral. The Emperor has seen it, his prescience tearing back the mists of time. She is of purpose, just as you are. The fate of the Colonies depends upon the strength of the head which you palce upon its shoulders.

Do not think that he goes about this lightly, he has seen you risen up, Admiral, he has seen you blessed...You need but accept the aid of his most favored servants, and you shall know peace."

Cavil shrugs at Erickson. “Do you mean to tell me that you are impervious to missiles, because if you are that is a nice trick..” He says smiling.

The blond woman looked to Cavil, “Be nice, he has hope that she is alive, maybe we should indulge him. After all he can see first hand, his own race’s potential.”

Cavil smiled, “Ok we will go, tell me though where are you going? I can assure you those outside the capitol are quite dead.” Leoban smiles at Erickson, "What is this mission you speak of? What is your objective?"

"They are not immune to missels but she is wise enough to stay out in the open and let a few megatons of missles drop on her head. It seems to be a common misconception about good tactics."

Erickson paced in the room for a moment while contemplating the other questions. "Given what you have told me, I believe it would be best to stay here and wait for her to come to us. As far as what our plan is, I will let Jessyka tell you when she gets here as this is her project."

The Jedi brought his clyuno close to his mouth to contact Jessyka. "Master Jessyka, can you hear me?"

There was a pause for a moment and Erickson called for her again. It wasn't until about a minute later when he got a response. The voice was devoid of emotion but there was an underlying threatening tone that was unmistakenably typical of the Abh. "Erickson, you are late."

"Uh-yes sorry about that ma'am but I came under attack by local military forces."

"As did I Erickson, only it was a missle bombardment on my location. I am still unimpressed with your excuses. Where are you?"

Erickson cleared his throat quickly. "I am with some potential friends in a safe place. I think we should change the rendezvous point and meet here in the apartment. We have some support but they want to know what our mission is. Can you make it here?"

There was another momentary pause. "Fine. But if I walk all that way for nothing, I shall peel your flesh from head to toe."

Erickson chuckled nervously. "Okay. Then we'll see you in a bit."

Jessyka eased up against the crumbled building she was sitting by. She needed the wall for support since her legs were tired and her back was still sore. The Abh kept her cloak pulled low to mask her identity and to avoid attention. Erickson's location was being tracked via their clyunos but he was still a ways off. Jessyka began making her way through war torn streets and dead bodies as she headed for the civilian sector.

Admiral Cain watched Darth Altrox’s evidence, against the Abh. As the blue stars and white stars appeared, fighting the then good Balroggans, she knew she was vindicated. She could see for herself first hand the treachery that the Abh had done to their allies. She watched the battle play out, almost as if it were a science fiction movie. Weapons of terrible destruction, being launched at a whim, untold amounts of death and destruction, as broken hulls and bodies filled the void of space. It was beautiful, Admiral Cain thought to herself.

She listened carefully as Darth Altrox told the other side of Asfaltum, or what she thought was the other side, until he began to mention fighting with the colonials, against the empire. She put her hand to her hip, almost in disbelief. She had seen the video footage from the marines, Ba’el, Daniel, Doran and the colonial strike team. She did not see the humanoid bug in front of her.

She walked up to the glass, “You speak as if you were there, at Asfaltum.” she answered Darth Altrox, “but I have seen the footage, and all of the records. There is no reference to a human bug creature. Our marines are outfitted with cameras, and never once was your image captured, and you expect me to believe that you were there.” She said, thinking to herself how does he believe to convince her when he is obviously lying to her face.

Darth Atrox waited for the Chronosian speaker to finish before he would take his turn. After the soldier was finished, Atrox would address the question of his identity and make it quite unmistakable. When it was again Atrox’ turn to speak he looked at Cain and spoke directly to her.

“I feel the most efficient way to show you my sincerity is to trust you with a secret. This can only be for your eyes and ears only. I will need to talk to you in private.”

Darth Atrox waited a few moments for the statement to enter her mind and several refusals were surfacing but barely held back by her curiosity. He could feel her pushing it down using matters of her own personal security as well as several other excuses. He finally interjected before she could speak.

“I know you have no reason other than curiosity to enter another cell with just me but it will explain everything you are questioning about my identity at this very moment. If you fear for your safety, you may record it to use against me if I am not telling the truth. If I am being honest, I want your word to have the recording destroyed. If I wanted you dead, I could have none it already. I have no reason to harm you, I wish you to know everything. If you want to know the Truth of what happened on Asfaltum, please grant my request.”

As he felt her struggle with his new entices, he “pushed” with his psionic abilities to have her resolve fall before her curiosity. It was not a terrible push, just a little nudge; just enough to have her curiosity barely win over her better judgment. Before Atrox became what he was, he had countless centuries to perfect his gentle touch and it was doubtful even if a psion was nearby they would have noticed anything at all. He was led to the next empty cell and the video recorder was activated. Atrox made sure to stand as far away as he could in the cell, even sitting on the bench so as to allow Admiral Cain the comfort of knowing he would have to stand before he could close the distance between them. There was even a temporary glass screen set up between the two to give her the maximum security possible.

She turned toward Darth Atrox and gestured at the room.

“What was so damn important that you insisted we go through all this?”

“Are the recorders working?”

“I wouldn’t be in here if they wasn’t.”

“I am trusting you to erase them after I show you.”

Darth Atrox paused a couple seconds before continuing.

“You see I am on those tapes you saw. You just don’t recognize my new form.”

Darth Atrox opened his arms, all four of them and a form appeared standing before the figure. Atrox fell sideways on the cot and lay still.

“I was the being you called Ba’El. I originally suggested at the meeting aboard Daniel’s flagship that there should be a covert mission to the surface to see what was taking place in those caverns. I even offered to take the mission down there myself but Daniel instantly took over, letting his ego believe he had the most authority. He took control of a mission that was planned to see what was happening to a neighbor of mine, one he even later admitted never hearing about before he arrived there. Balrogga and Abh were members of the League, which Asfaltum and Ganoxia were founders. Their system was attacked and I did the best I could to ferry out refugees. Asfaltum chose to fortify while their partner chose to flee. I think we saved millions of citizens that day and I believe they were set up in a new system they had already chosen for colonization.”

Ba’El took a single step toward Cain, but in a completely non-threatening way. He spread his hands and an illusion formed to show his memories of the events as he described them. The images were true to the actual events when Cain would later cross reference what she saw with the data from her soldiers and the Cylons.

“Your soldiers and their Cylon counterparts joined in the mission, as well as that Abh prince. During the mission, they began to bomb the ships from long range. I was in my quarters preparing for the mission when I noticed the pain caused by their uncaring misses. They were ignoring the damage their missed shots were causing to the innocents on that planet. I rushed to the bridga and I saw them happily watching the entire proceeding on their large viewscreen. I witnessed dozens of strikes missing their target only to slam into that planet. When I confronted Daniel about it, and as a result I was basically placed under arrest and confined to quarters. As I was being taken out of that bridge, the Abh prince was showing his true colors. His face had the sneer of a jackal and he was barely holding his Force abilities in check. I saw the energy for a strike glowing in his hand.”

Ba’El waited for a moment, allowing Cain to take a couple breaths before continuing.

I realized that to continue would have them attack, or something else that would have jeopardized the entire mission. As I was being escorted off the bridge, they changed their tactics but I do not know what they did after I left. I went back to my quarters and remained there until after we arrived at Asfaltum. While I was trying to monitor the situation, Daniel had released one of his watchdogs on me to try keeping me from finding out anything. Again, so as not to jeopardize the mission, I restrained myself and waited.”

The scene changed to that of the cargo hold aboard The Much Ado.

“We met in the cargo hold and then we were deployed. We snuck through the enemy forces using a device Daniel had which covered the entire group with a holo-cloak, basically making us invisible. While we walked, I was scanning for trouble and managed to stop a sniper who would have probably hit Daniel. That was obviously another mistake I made that day. I then covered the entire group with a photonic illusion, like the one I am showing you, and disguised us all as troopers taking the two royals to the Emperor as prisoners. That allowed us the ability to get through the guards and into the tunnels. A short time later, we came across Lord Vader battling with another and we escorted them to the Emperor himself.”

The scene showed the Embalming room and the battle inside.

“During the battle, I received a premonition of a nuke going off and I tried to save everyone. I used the last of my power to move the tactual nuke elsewhere and blacked out. I was jolted awake by the Force storm and took several hits before I found a place of refuge inside a mutating insect that was in the cave. While inside that insect, I was able to feel this Force they talk about and the jolts I took gave me the ability to control it.”

The vision did not show the actual assassination of Palpatine by Tarkin. That was a secret Darth Atrox was keeping.

“What I find suspicious is how after I was rendered unconscious all your soldiers and Cylons were destroyed while those two royals were uninjured. I was forever changed and your men were obliterated so those two could abandon them. They left us all behind that day as sacrifices to their ‘greater good’ they so frequently talk about. That is why I wear this ‘bug’ you commented about. It is a means to make those two pay for their crimes. They will pay for their treacheries.”

Ba’El released the image and it faded away. He stepped back and entered the form of Darth Atrox and the black armored inhuman creature again sat upright.

“I arrive here at the colonies and we not only detect Abh Hyperspace ruptures, but I have just received telemetry through my suit of Cordian forces entering the colonies near Kobol. Another piece of interesting information was waiting for me after I rejoined with my host. It seems we have picked up a large number of Battlestars with a huge fleet of civilian vessels at Jurai. It appears Daniel has lured them there with more of his lies.”

Darth Atrox fell silent; finished with the great secrets he had. He waited for Admiral Cain to make up her mind, monitoring it but allowing her to do so completely by herself.




OOC:

This was typed from memory but it should be true to actual events as Ba'El/Darth Atrox witnessed them in the Phantom Invasion Thread. If there are differences, please assume I meant it to depict the actual events in the other Thread.

The Fall of Admiral Cain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEZb5LVByak)

The cell transformed, into an array of light and color. Cain, standing in the middle of the holograms, watched the events of Asfaltum, as if she were there herself. The quality was amazing, as she followed Ba’EL through the desert, staring at the faces of those long dead, and some resurrected. She could see Daniel, and all of the events that followed in Asfaltum, the nuclear weapon being teleported, the black out, the transformation into a bug. She could see Lady Nightshade Cackling in the force storm, as she with her weapon drawn met the new Ba’el, the killer bug like creature, that stands before Cain even now.

Despite his appearance, and with the aid of his high tech entertainment system, Admiral Cain saw the truth. His events coincided perfectly with that of the Colonial transmission from the live video feed that many marines wore.

She could see from his point of view, even more clearly how she had been betrayed. She grew cold, as her mind thought of revenge, her mind thinking of the planet that Ba’el had just mentioned, Jurai.

The rebellion caused this civil war, they caused the death of millions, she thought to herself, it would only be fitting to repay them in kind. Her mind then drifted towards the traitors, those who ran away, those who would have left the colonies under the influence of dangerous and cowardly aliens. She still could see the Abh ship in the photograph, entering the atmosphere of Caprica. She could only guess at what they were doing there.

“Attention Admiral Cain, contact the CIC immediately, Attention Admiral Cain please contact the CIC immediately.” blared over the loud speakers as the images from Ba’el finished playing.

“Excuse me,” she responded, as she walked out of the cell. “What is it now?” she thought to herself as the speakers blared . She approached one of the guards, and placed her hands on her hips., “Please escort the Empire’s representative back to the cell.” She turned to Altrox, glancing at his hidious form one last time, as she turned to walk down the hallway. It was unnerving, how no one was in the hallway. Even though she had this section of the ship cleared in case they needed to vent the atmosphere, it was still strange. Battlestars always have their hallways crowded, to see one empty, was quite an unnerving situation.

She walked down the hexagon shaped hallway, towards the briefing room. It was the closest area with a direct line to the CIC. Whatever it was, it had better be damn important.

She walked into the room, adorned with the flags of the twelve colonies, and several television screens that were built into the wall. She reached over and grabbed the black corded phone.

“This is the Admiral.”

Commander Fisk was on the other line, “Sir we just got a transmission from Caprica, I think you need to see this.”

She took her left hand and ran her hand over her neck. Her hand breezed past her long brown hair, as her hand contacted with her neck. She gently began to squeeze it, trying to relieve the pain caused by the stress. She tilted her head slightly, trying to find relief, but there was none. There is never an escape for her pain.

“Did Caprica surrender?” Admiral Cain asked, her voice asking almost rhetorically.

“No sir, we have some interesting footage from one of our marine detachments attacking the city.”

“Place it on terminal one in the briefing room.”

Silence came over the line, as the screen played the images. A marine could be seen sitting inside the raptor, as the raptor shook from the anti air flak screen. He then got up, and looked around, as his men began to load the chamber of their rifles and pistols. Soon a bright flash of light and smoke entered the ship, as he and his men jumped out. Through the shroud of smoke, she could see through the camera the brief outline of solders and tanks. Tracer fire began to shoot past him, as he ran for cover. The camera shook unbelievably, as he dived into a blown out building.

He turned back, to see several of his men shot by their own brothers, as their screams could be heard. Admiral Cain watched, the screams of the dead, the final moments of these men, and many like them. She knew the price she was going to pay was high, that many young men and women would die. She watched, her eyes began to tear up for a moment, as she was overwhelmed with sadness.

The marine looked out over the debris he was using to cover himself and began to fire. More bodies dropped. She could do nothing, her sons and daughters being slaughtered on the screen, and she could do little more than feel pity for them. Her chest grew heavy, with despair, as the marine soon turned to see a cylon and some guy in the bar. He went to talk to them to figure out what they were doing there, as the building shook. The cylon began to run, as the marine looked down the sight of his rifle, to the only clear shot he had, the human.

As the bullets flew, a lightsaber ignited, and the marine was soon in the air, as some invisible hand picked him up and slammed him down. His camera shook, as the video soon displayed, the same image for a few minutes.

She grabbed a chair and flung it across the room, as the video soon showed an image of another marine yelling “Sarge”. No response ever came back. The video soon ended.

She looked down to her hands, now shaking like a leaf. She stared at the broken pieces of the chair, while thinking of the image of the lightsaber. She knew what Ba'el had said was true, she knew that the Jedi treachery ran deep, but to openly attack colonial troops. “This is war.” she replied to Jack. "Tell the fleet around the border to go to condition two, and recall the vipers. Tell Capt. Thrace that I want to see her now."

She briskly walked to the Cell where the Chronoisans, Telros, and Imperial representatives were located. She looked in the cell, her face filled with rage, her soul being twisted by the need for vengeance. She knew that the colonies would have to endure weeks more of bombardment, and that the Colonial fleet did not have enough ground forces to secure all twelve worlds. Years of more death would occur, more bodies, more losses. The colonies by the second were growing weaker, as the final proof of the Jedi’s plan was seen. She could no longer do this alone.

She looked at the Admiral Collins, the Chronosians, and Darth Altrox.

“Tell Remiel, that he may begin the rescue operation of Commander Hallen, as well as any other political prisoners on Picon. However I tell you, that there will be no civilian casualties. When you succeed in rescuing her, then I may need your aid in securing the colonies before more deaths occur, before the Jedi attack us again. I also want to meet Remiel and your emperor Vader, soon” she said looking in the faces of the beasts of Chaos.”.

She then turned sharply towards Ba’el. “Find the spies, and bring them to me. If you do this, you can inform your emperor, that the colonies will side with the Empire against those who would destroy us.

She turned quickly to the Telrosains. “What is it that you came here to say?” she ordered.

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Jessyka laid against the wall, her pain streaking through her legs. Her back screaming in torment, as she felt slightly out of breath. She knew she could not stay in the open, the longer it took her to get to the safe house, the greater the chance of getting caught, or worse wind up dead. As she walked away, her long blue hair concealed, she heard the distant sound of land based vehicles approaching.

She quickly ducked into an alleyway, hiding behind a pile of bricks. The noise grew louder. She slowly peered her head up, wondering what the noise was, as three tanks rolled by. As the dust from the tanks flew into the air, Jessyka knew what she had to do. She closed her eyes, and reached into the force. She felt her arms and legs grow faster, and she ran. She ran as hard as she could, dodging alleys.

As she became more in tune with the force, the force guided her along the safest path, to avoid firefights, or incoming orbital bombardment. She ran, hearing her heart beat, her lungs forcing her to breath faster, the dusty, polluted air soiling her every breath.

The world whirled by, as Jessyka came to her destination. She leaned over, breathing hard, as she knocked on the door. Slowly an Asian woman opened the door, “You must be Jessyka.”

Collins was stunned. Who could possibly be coming aboard? He ordered everyone to keep their distance and not send anything, in compliance to Cain's order. He sat in his seat, as the Colonial Admiral glanced at him. He continued to say nothing; he was in turmoil and that didn't help him as he tried to find the right way to say what he wanted to say. While he waited for the new arrival and was trying to come up with what he wanted to say, he listened to the replies by the Chronosian delegate and Darth Atrox.


Turel chuckled softly, shaking his head as he laughed before the Admiral, almost as though in disbelief. "Admiral, we come to you in nothing but friendship, but you must surely confuse us with our enemies. We had no knowledge of the internal situation of the Colonies. For all we knew, those miners could have scuppered any hopes of redeeming or liberating your nation from the taint that has gripped it.

The Emperor, beloved by all, would not risk such measures. Moff Tarkin could not countenance the moment of glory being soiled and sought to intimidate what he thought to be treacherous dogs before the true leader of the Colonies." He bowed his head.

"Commander Hallen matters because she is among your more capable staff. She did what was right, she cleansed and purged those who she thought her foe...And yet she was betrayed. She is a fine officer, a warrior in the finest tradition of the service. I wonder what she would think if she found out that her superior had left her to rot." He smirks, leaning in, his voice a whisper in her ear, harsh and swift.

"You will need her, Admiral. The Emperor has seen it, his prescience tearing back the mists of time. She is of purpose, just as you are. The fate of the Colonies depends upon the strength of the head which you palce upon its shoulders.

Do not think that he goes about this lightly, he has seen you risen up, Admiral, he has seen you blessed...You need but accept the aid of his most favored servants, and you shall know peace."

For the first time in the meeting, Admiral Collins spoke. "Indeed. Admiral Cain, no matter the tension between us, and the conflict that has brought us here, know one thing. Commander Hallen does not deserve her fate. We were not involved in the Asfaltum dispute, no, we were against that action. So, we believe her move was just. But to have the government make a scapegoat of her is just wrong. Even if we are not allowed in this space again, I would like to help aid in her rescue any way I can."

He then quieted down and said nothing more, continuing to think as Atrox spoke. After a few words were exchanged, he was led off to another cell by the Admiral and a couple Marines, leaving Collins to mull over what had been said, the reactions and how to rectify his own situation with the relations between the Colonials and the Terran Imperium.

Soon enough, both came back and the Colonial was infuriated. Whatever had been shown must have struck a nerve, as she looked like the epitome of Armageddon, her wrath almost an aura around her. As she barked out the rights and duties she was giving both the Chronosians and Darth Atrox, Collins couldn't help but feel moved and awed at her power, and her will. When she turned on him, he heard her voice slam into him almost like a blow.

“What is it that you came here to say?” she ordered. He clenched his teeth, as he was not prepared; Collins was not good at speaking, but he would try. But as he opened his mouth, the door opened.

"That would be something I am here to answer, Admiral." Two Marines stepped through, flanking a figured. When he saw who walked in, Collins stood and saluted.

"Sir!"

"Now, now, Admiral, sit down. After all, I am not the main attraction at this party." Dark blue robes with silver trim stepped in, with the symbol of the Imperium, an outstretched silver eagle, was emblazoned on his chest and on the dark blue cloak that flowed behind him. Long brown hair flowed down over the back of this man, and piercing blue eyes gazed out, amusement shining as he gazed at the Admiral. As Collins sat down, he turned and bowed to Admiral Cain.

"Greetings, Admiral Cain. I am Nathan Avarei, the Emperor of the Terran Imperium. I felt that if we were to explain ourselves, I'd be best if I were to do so personally." He reached into his robes, pulling out a data chip. Putting it on the table next to Cain, he spoke. "Now, this 'betrayal' you think we did, giving away the location of the Colonies....never happened. I specifically ordered for that data to be locked behind walls of command codes that only key A.I.'s knew. We did not give up the location, Admiral, and we wouldn't have done so, even if the Emperor himself had threatened us over it. The proof is on that chip."

If the Admiral put the chip into computer, she would find that only the Emperor himself had the authority to give out the information, and all the data logs recorded by ONI, showing several military secrets; proof of the Emperor's trust in her, showed that no communication had been sent or received at anytime that showed the data being revealed.

"As you can see; we never betrayed you. I don't know my fellows in this alliance knew, but they found out somehow. Not from the Terran Imperium, did this leak come from. I personally believe it may have occurred at that summit with the GFFA, hosted by the Abh Empire. Someone might have overheard our conversation, and used that meeting to somehow get the information, maybe spying on either of us or something to that extent. All I know is that it wasn't us."

The world whirled by, as Jessyka came to her destination. She leaned over, breathing hard, as she knocked on the door. Slowly an Asian woman opened the door, “You must be Jessyka.”

The Abh regained her composure as the woman greeted her. Jessyka gulped down a bit of air before steadying her breathing. At last she faced the woman square sensing something...different about her. "And you must be a cylon. I am here to for Erickson."

She pushed her way through the door and into the interior of the building that housed her Jedi comrade. When she spotted him, the woman shot him a deathly glare that curled his flesh.

"M-Master Jessyka. I am glad you are safe and well."

"No thanks to you, sloth."

Jessyka pushed him aside and found a seat to plop down into. "Were you seen?"

"There was an incident at the bar but I escaped with Cavil. Unfortunatly one of the soldiers here attacked me and I had to use the Force to deal with it. I don't know if they could have used anything else to identify me."

The Abh sighed. "Well they probably know you are a Force User than but most likely don't know from where. Anyways we have greater problems to discuss."

She looked around at the Cylons. "I think it's time we all talked."

She then turned sharply towards Ba’el. “Find the spies, and bring them to me. If you do this, you can inform your emperor, that the colonies will side with the Empire against those who would destroy us.




“I will do my best. I will have my ships attempt to capture or otherwise inconvenience the frog-ship of theirs if it is still hanging around just inside Hyperspace. I have the feeling it would be waiting there for a pick up but we will not know until we move in system. We have a couple Battlegroups outside the system in case they tried to leave. I will order them in to search for it and to capture the ship, if at all possible. After informing Emperor Vader of our progress when I return to my shuttle, I will travel to Caprica and assist in their capture. Do you know how many there are? I assume there is more than one since you said ‘spies’.”





After the meeting is over:



Darth Atrox contacted the Eclipse using the suit to connect through his shuttle as he traveled from the meeting after it ended. His black metallic boots were somehow not making a sound as he walked through the halls. His escort could barely keep up with him as they strained to walk without breaking pace. Atrox had a definite mission ahead of him and he was eager to get to it. As he arrived at the flight deck, his shuttle was waiting for him, still floating a few centimeters off the deck. The door opened as he neared the ship.

Sire, I have made the connection you desired. Line three is waiting for you inside.

You did very good. Thanks.

It is my only desire to serve you, Master.

I know.

After he entered the cockpit, he took the seat and closed the door. The Comm flickered to life as he activated the microphone.

This is Darth Atrox. I need a secure line patched through immediately to Emperor Vader. Stat!

She looked around at the Cylons. "I think it's time we all talked."


Cavil looked to Jessyka, "Oh please do, we love a good stroy time." As he said that, Caprica shot him a look that would normally kill. She then turned to Jessyka, her long blue hair dropping over her shoulders. She slowly walked behind Leoban, and folded her hands over top of his shoulder, and rested her chin on it. "Please go ahead, what would you like to discuss." The woman who was now talking was identical to the woman who signed the Alliance with the Abh.

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

As the Balroggan and Chronosian representitives began to depart the Ares, in victory, Admiral Cain walked over to the Telrosian Representitives, their Emperor, and the Admiral.

She walked over to them, her left hand resting gently on the handle of her pistol, and her right arm hanging down. "Tell me, why would you wantto come all the way out here to Colonial Space, just to give me a computer chip. She reached over to the table. She picked upt he silver sqare disk, and held it in her hand. She gently tossed it in the air, and caught it in her hand.

She looked to her guard, "Release Admiral Collins." The marine guard saluted, as he unlocked the door allowing the last GE delegate free. "It is of little importance now, Admiral and Emperor. Someone betrayed us, and when I find out who it was, let us just say it will not be pleasant. For now, I need something of you."

Emily smiled, as the dark haired teenager sobbed in her arms, her warm radiant energy flowed through her, aiding Hera to remain calm and docile. Emily took her hand and gently stroked Hera's hair. It was a mess, her hair was all tangled, soaking wet with sweat. Emily looked down to the troubled girl, feeling her cold trembling body shaking in her arms. She could not help but feel pity for her, sympathy.

“Come with me Hera, I will help you.” Emily said, her voice as sweet as a grandmothers.

“So you can prod me with needles, get inside my head, find out what is there. There are monsters in the closet, and daddy does not believe me. My hands are soaked with blood, as my sister conspires behind my back.” Hera mumbled under her breath, her head still laying in her own knees.

“I want to help you, so will not suffer anymore. Will you let me help you, I can give you the ability to stop the monsters, to control the darkness, if you let me.” Emily replied to Hera’s maddening speech.

Hera slowly began to get up, her face still lowered, as her black hair obfuscated her face. Emily wrapped her arm around Hera’s shoulder, and began to walk with her. Slowly they walked through the hallways of the jedi temple, in silence. As they walked by, Jedi cleared the way, already hearing rumors of Ryan’s new “friend’ or Emily’s new “patient.”

Soon they entered a room. Pillows and chairs adorned the outer areas of the wall. The walls looked as blue as the sky in summer. This place radiated peace, the peace of a thousand generations of Jedi, who focused their skill of the force, settling their minds, becoming one with their mystical energy field.

Emily slowly put her in one of the chairs, it’s soft pillow, the silky texture, was soothing. She laid the teenager in her black uniform, gently against it, her body was as limp as a rag. “Close your eyes dear, and allow me to see what you see.”

Hera looked up to her, “Do not take my eyes, do not make me sleep. The man in the dark robe awaits me and I want to hide.” she said, her voice filled with terror.

Emily begins to reach to the force, her calming energy soothing the room around her. “Hera I will not let him get you. Trust me.” Emily replied.

Hera stared at Emily, and reluctantly, and slowly she closed her eyes. Emily followed Hera, using the force, she reached into her hybrid mind, melting the vision into her own.
Storm clouds rose, over the mountain, as Hera stood there watching. The sky was gray, as it crackled with lightning. The winds gusted, as the rain pounded her. The rain was as sharp as needles, pressing leaving small holes in the ground. Emily stood back, observing the vision, waiting to see what would occur. As Emily watched, a man in black robes walked up to Hera. “I know you, and with me we will concur those who defy us. I will protect you, no one else can.” the man said.

As he spoke the valley below erupted into fire, ash and brimstone launched into the air. Hera said nothing, watching the valley below go into flame. Hera turned and ran to Emily, her eyes brown. “Do not let him take me. She said, her eyes tearing up.

Emily opened her eyes, to see Hera staring at her, her brown eyes now yellow. The young girl begins to speak, her voice echoing with the hidden goodness, trying to hold back the evil storm around her.

"Only the Emperor can stop the Prince, otherwise the Admiral will cause the storm to flow over the icecaps." As these words fell on Emily's ears, her eyes turned brown, and the girl smiled. "Did I do good?"
"You have much to learn, child, but you have taken the first step." Emily smiled. She was concerned about the yellow eyes, knowing she had a lot of work to do. "I will not let the enemy take you."

Cavil looked to Jessyka, "Oh please do, we love a good stroy time." As he said that, Caprica shot him a look that would normally kill. She then turned to Jessyka, her long blue hair dropping over her shoulders. She slowly walked behind Leoban, and folded her hands over top of his shoulder, and rested her chin on it. "Please go ahead, what would you like to discuss." The woman who was now talking was identical to the woman who signed the Alliance with the Abh.

The Abh woman shifted her weight then crossed her legs as she made herself more comfortable. She fished her tiara out of a pocket and put the metal bands around her head, unfortunatly it was not adorned with any wings so there was nothing to signify her rank. "What I would like to discuss is getting the Cylon community to help the Colonial government in this current crisis."

She waited for a moment, knowing that there might be laughter in the crowd. Then she pulled her computer patch out of her hair. Using the two diamond objects on chains at the end of her tiara, Jessyka plugged the patch in and routed the images through her tiara. A new ingenious design by Star Forces research team. A holographic image of the Galactic Empire fleet became visible in the middle of the room. She allowed it to sink in for a moment. "And I would like to discuss this..."

Erickson looked at the images and whistled. "Whew. This must be a fine place it's drawing the finest of people. I see warships from Chronosia, the Sith, something from Balrogga, and a few lesser powers. How did you get this?"

Showing no emotion, Jessyka kept her attention fixed on the Cylons. "How I got this is irrelevant. What is important is that you all understand something here."

The images magnified focusing in on the Chronosian ships. "You might not like humans now but this represents a crusade to liberate all humankind and bring them under a banner of chaos. All other creations are subverted to sacrifices for their gods or used as slaves. While you might not fear death, eternal slavery is slightly less appealing I would believe. Make no mistake, you will find no refugee under their domain. The comfortable lives you once lived will all be gone. You and your families will be hounded and used in ways that I am sure they will find most unpleasant even for a Cylon."

Jessyka banished the image and tied her hair back up with the computer patch. "Now, you might not like the humans on your own planet but you have been allowed to live here with some relative freedom and without much interference. If you want to keep that and perhaps improve it by showing that you are citizens of this nation willing to help, then we need your help and that of the Cylon community."

Darth Atrox sped toward Caprica in his shuttle. As the small craft swiftly navigated the maze of Colonial warships, it broadcast the identity given to it by Admiral Cain’s crew which would allow clear passage. The trip would take a while so Atrox contacted the shuttle.

What is the status on our request?

I have been informed Lord Vader is still meeting with Remiel.

Damn, keep trying. I want to talk to him before that meatbag Tarkin fracks up things.

Yes Sire.

Get me in contact with the Battlegroups we have waiting in Hyperspace B.

Right away. Contact set, channel four.

Darth Atrox switched on the microphone for the Space Minus Transmitter and used the device to talk to the commander of the ships stationed in Hyperspace.

“Commander Sn’Klahr, we have orders for you. I have been granted permission by Admiral Cain to begin hunting any foreign ships you find. You are granted permission to enter Colonial Territory in Hyperspace and search for that ship that was used earlier. Use whatever force is necessary but if they are not suicidal, try to have enough left for a positive identification. Cain indicated it may be an Abh Whitestar or Bluestar so take customary precautions.”

“Yes Lord Atrox, we will attempt to take prisoners, if possible.”

“Atrox out.”

Darth Atrox continued on his trip to Caprica while he waited for Darth Vader to return his call.





OOC:

The Empire of The Humankind Abh
Received: 5 days ago

Hey Bal,

You do realize that so called Bluestar is in Hyperspace watching you right? It left normal space long before you ever arrived.

I have not yet entered the system so I doubt your sensors could detect us from outside the FTLi barrier. I am also assuming we could not detect your ship in there either. Now we are going to come in and search so there is a chance.

Bab5 Hyperspace is tough to detect anything inside so unless you have something special, it would be visual for the most part, like in the show…

And actually, Darth Atrox arrived with the rest of the Imperial forces.

OOC: For the most part that is true but there are a few quirks with Hyperspace that allow some ships to hide as well as detect other ships in relatively close areas.

Sorry about the mixup, I thought you had a fleet within the system. Anyways I was just making sure we were clear where everything was so there were no confusions. Alrighty then. On with the RP.

Turel bowed lightly, silently angered by this woman’s presumption. This…Mortal, despite all the favour of his master upon her, thought herself worthy of ‘ordering’ the Adeptus Astartes to do what she willed? That she could limit the fury of their wrath or the severity of the punishment they would levy against the faithless?

“His will shall be done, the will of Remiel, our true and only Emperor.” He bowed his head again, a new fury bubbling within him. She thought to have them as servants of Vader? They were the sons of Chronosia! They were the chosen of their Emperor, the Warmaster, held as the equal of the Galactic Emperor. “But I would advise you Admiral, unfortunate things can happen on the battlefield. The populace may too have been corrupted by lies. If anyone gets in our way, they shall face the judgement of the Emperor, and the fury of his might. The Gods shall judge them worthy in death.”

With that, bowing again, Turel rose from the table, swiftly followed by Anton. Making their way swiftly through the corridors of the vessel, dwarfing those mere Colonial crewmen that they passed, who admired them with something between fear and awe, Turel let his mind roam. He knew that the battle would need to be swift, decisive. A blade to be driven through the enemies throat.

The journey back within the Thunderhawk was quiet, tense. Almost as though each man could sense the hand of death upon him, the everpresent knowledge that death could be around the next corner. They thrived on it. For Turel it brought focus, a determination that he mirrored on the iron will of his Primarch. For Anton it came from the raw sensations that perforated his being, filling him with the knowledge of his own immortality in the face of the kine-humanity.

He would be prey to no one.

No sooner had they arrived back than the First and Second Company’s elements of the fleet had vanished into the roiling maelstrom of the warp, energy flooding the cold void of space in a cleansing wave. The crackling residue faded, leaving the Imperial fleet alone.

Picon orbit

The Battlestars still loyal to Admiral Cain had been pounding at Picon unrelentingly, fuelled by anger and duty, driven by the will of their singular Master. One cannot imagine their surprise then, when reality itself split with the crackling manifestation of the Warp, tearing itself apart under the strain of the vessels which forced themselves like shattered bone through the rotted flesh of the material realm. To return to the Materium after marinating in the warp was almost an abomination to Anton, his mind seething with the after-images of what he had seen in that parallel universe, the Empyrean, the cradle of gods.

The whispers began shortly after that, as though trailed in the wake of gleaming vessels that seemed more rakish pleasure yachts than warships, deceptive in their luxury. A thousand insidious voices seemed to drift through the minds of those Colonial vessels that found themselves overshadowed by the immense might of the Chronosian war-machine, promising endless pleasures, undeniable ecstasies in the name of a Dark Prince.

“Are we ready?” Turel hissed, his Terminator plate gleaming and polished, aglow with oils and ointments, dripping with the palpable sense of power. He flexed one powerclaw, while his other gauntleted hand slithered over the trigger of his stormbolter. “I want all units ready to drop. No mercy, no surrender! Only death before the enemies of the Emperor” He snarled, his teeth bared in a grin of unequalled malice.

“We do this for our God, for the Prince of Pleasure! Our goal is madness, mayhem! We shall not fail in the education of this world, in the example that we set upon this prison! Within lies our prize, someone of value to our Emperor, someone who shall aid us in bringing these worlds into the fold! Do not fail, do not falter! Seek only those extremes as befit our lord.!” Anton’s armour was a riot of unparalleled colour as he spoke, gleaming with a thousand clashing pastels. He hefted an immense sonic weapon, tubes and wires snaking back into his gleaming armour, speakers and amps twisting about his head and back, ready to resonate his wrath a thousand fold.

“ONWARDS!”

What disgorged from the Chronosian fleet was almost beyond belief. Hundreds of drop pods rained from the sky, the atmosphere crackling with static and flame, as though suddenly the gods had disgorged a divine punishment against the Colonials. Dropships, proud Thunderhawks and mighty Stormbirds, snaked through the pounding of drop-pods and orbital bombardment, bringing men to the ground with a matchless ferocity, mounted bolters whirring and firing as they did. Some idled in mid-air, opening their sides to disgorge their cargo.

They came from above, shrieking themselves into madness from their amplified vox-casters, howling in carnal rage. Jet-packs roared as these, Raptors, descended upon their prey. They were not the graceful fighters of the Colonies, instead they were Marines, almost melded to the jetpacks that they wore, soaring down with a roar of chainblade and bolt pistol. One descended, snarling obscene oaths as he let his power claws slide forth.

The first troops to hit the ground were the command squads of Anton and Turel. The First Captain threw himself forward, surprisingly agile as the micro-fibre bundles of his armour propelled him forward, amplifying and compensating his movements. A roar of fire hurled forth from him, his stormbolter screaming as he advanced, flanked by the finest Terminators of the entire Legion.

Anton snarled, his helmet removed as he sent his men forward towards the fight. He felt the killing music dance within him, singing with lament as he spun, laughing, to meet the first of the Colonial resistance. He felt his fingers tightening, stroking across keys and strings as his other hand pulled at the trigger. The world seemed to turn white as a stab of pain shot through him, blending into the pleasure that such pain brought. A wave of sonic energy, teased and twisting into his own killing song, hurled forth, shattering stone and glass, twisting flesh beneath its music of death, blending into a fell harmony at the side of his chosen, his Orchestra of the Sensual.

He snarled, howling in his own near-orgasmic pleasure, advancing as he watched more and more marines of the First Legion disgorge upon this world. Their objective was in sight, the time for action upon them.

They would not fail their Emperor. How could they with such might at their back?

Super Star Destroyer Eclipse

Vader and Remiel had talked for a time, about glories past and to come, each emperor standing proudly, menacingly, facing the Imperial host with an eagerness not seen since the dying days of the Republic. “Emperor Vader.” Captain Brachin snapped. “We have just received a communication from Darth Atrox, he requests you make contact with him.” Vaders masked eyes looked down upon the officer.

“I will return momentarily.” Vader told Remiel before moving off towards the holoplatform.

In the crampt fighter of Darth Atrox a small miniature Darth Vader materialised upon square platform, arms folded bearing a posture that signalled significant impatience and frustration. “My Lord, we have made first contact with the colonial leader and have ascertained their complete reliance upon Imperial intervention. A Supreme Admiral Cain is in full control of the bulk of colonial fleets and ships, she wishes to meet with you sire.” Atrox held for a moment as his lord considdered the information. “They also desire direct intervention.” Vader looked in the background for a moment as someone else arrived with new information.

“Why are you not returning to the ship?” Vader asked curiously.

“My lord, we have received information that some Abh spies are within the colonies stirring up descent against the legitimate government, I took it upon myself to exterminate them.” Vader merely nodded about to turn off the transmission. “Lord Vader? Admiral Cain?”

“She has permission to dock.” Vader authorised. “Be sure to leave evidence my apprentice and be mindful, control your anger in the hunt, do not let the Jedi use it against you.” The transmission faded only to be replaced briefly by the Imperial cog.

“My lord, Nightshade is firmly within a holding cell be guarded by two sentinels, who shall I place in command of her forces?” Tarkin glanced down at his ever present datapad holding a list of trustworthy names.

“Darth Atrox will command the vassal forces for now, until we can command a more permanent arrangement.” Vader began his walk back to the bridge. “Is everything prepared to the assault on Kobal?” Tarkin nodded.

“I authorised the operation just under an hour ago my lord, the attack will begin in moments.” Vader heavy durasteel boots gave sound command to his presence. “Order the bulk of Imperial forces to begin aiding the Chronosians in the subjugation of all colonial resistance. The Telrosians and other forces have my permission to attack.”

“And the Tenetian forces my lord?”

“They are to hold.” Vader said as he disappeared inside the bridge while Tarkin veered off down a side corridor.

***The Arrival of Admiral Cain***

The raptor slipped between hordes of Tie-fighters and bombers as it struggled to maintain a direct heading. Given authorisation to dock within the primary hanger bay the small shuttle was instantly dwarfed by Imperial mechanised ground forces and prefabricated garrison bases. On drill, was the sixth legion, a thousand storm troopers marching in formation awaiting the order to invade, board and destroy. Captured within a tractor beam, the raptor was handled directly to a landing pad located ominously between two active All Terrain Armoured Transports. Waiting outside was a mere aide, accompanied by two Imperial guards, their red robes flailed slightly in the atmospheric winds.

“Admiral Cain. You are authorised the board the Imperial Super Star Destroyer Eclipse. Relinquish your weapons and choose one staff member to accompany you.” The aide looked up at eyes of steel almost on fire at the very prospect of relinquishing a weapon. Cain however almost instantly did as she was asked throwing her pistol inside the raptor.

“You.” She pointed to a guard. “On me.” Leaving the raptor she followed her guide throw the seemingly endless cargo bay.

“You may be interested to know, that the Eclipse class super star destroyer is over seventeen thousand meters long. The new flagship of the Imperial Navy she serves as the emperors primary hand in crushing rebellion.” An AT-ST passed by causing them to hold for a moment. “Crewed by over seven hundred a fifty thousand personnel and with a stromtrooper garrison of one hundred and fifty thousand, she can rightly so be described as a fleet in her own right.” The primary bulkhead doors could be seen just ahead. “When we reach the bridge, Admiral Cain you will be given the courtesy not to bow to the emperor, while your guard here will incline his head out of respect. Lord Remiel is also aboard the bridge as well as Grand Moff Tarkin.” The aide escorted them to a turbolift. “You need only enter and it will take you directly to command centre.” The aide halted before the doors, “Once you arrive at your destination follow the Obsidian corridor to the bridge.” The officer smiled as he turned to leave. “The Imperial guards will escort you the rest of the way.”

***Murder at Kobal***

Gliding silently through hyperspace a task force of Imperial Star Destroyer received the command to advance upon their enemy. Admiral Kitchin clenched his fist Tarkins encoded message arrived. “You are to advance using primary rebel tactics......” The message went on.

On the bridge of the Honour the admiral pointed towards navigation signalling the command to enter hyperspace.

The starlines quickly dissipated as quickly as they had emerged, the fleet had been waiting less than a light hour outside the system in deep space and now they were impeded by the first gravity well of the system. A force of six Imperial Star Destroyers, accompanied by numerous X-Wings lay at a distance of almost six light minutes away from Kobal.

“Sensor sweep.” Kitcher demanded from his crew.

“One colonial raptor, no escort sir. Shall I train main guns on her?”

Kitchin smiled. “No we need to think and act rebel here, order blue squadron to advance on the raptor and fire at will. No signals for surrender.”

“Coredian IFF's match last known frequencies admiral, the rest of the task force is waiting in the allotted strike vectors.”
“Good, order captain Firlin to enter the system and remain within the shadow of the third planet, his strike force is to order all fighter to mount a rearguard operation if necessary.”

“Sir, the raptor has just jumped we've lost it.”

Kitchin turned in his command chair. “Order order an acceleration of all ships, allow them to flank us.”

“Sir they may surround us.”

“I know.” The calm voice reinforced. “I'm counting on it.”

OOC: Sithy needs to post! Lest you are trying to ingore our arc... :(

Nathan stood still, waiting the Admiral's reply. He had set their proposal on the table, revealed their evidence. Now, all he could do was wait until she replied. When she walked over, hand on her pistol, he tensed slightly; not enough to be detected, but enough to get him ready in case she would try to kill them. He didn't put it past her, as he was still on dangerous ground and he wasn't going to let her take him without a fight. Fortunately, she only grabbed the chip and spoke.

"Tell me, why would you wantto come all the way out here to Colonial Space, just to give me a computer chip.

His reply was short, swift, and to the point. “To reveal the truth, Admiral.” Both his and Admiral Collins gazes were locked on the chip. She tossed it up into the air and caught it; her motion gentle but fierce. When she ordered the Admiral to be released, some of their tenseness retreated. They still had a tough campaign ahead, however. As Collins prepared to leave, gathering up his papers, the Emperor heard Cain speak.

"It is of little importance now, Admiral and Emperor. Someone betrayed us, and when I find out who it was, let us just say it will not be pleasant. For now, I need something of you."

Nathan nodded. “Of course Admiral; traitors deserve the worst punishment imaginable, especially in a situation such as yours. Now, you say you need our help? But with what exactly?” As he waited for her reply, he heard the Chronosian speak.

“His will shall be done, the will of Remiel, our true and only Emperor.” He bowed his head again, a new fury bubbling within him. She thought to have them as servants of Vader? They were the sons of Chronosia! They were the chosen of their Emperor, the Warmaster, held as the equal of the Galactic Emperor. “But I would advise you Admiral, unfortunate things can happen on the battlefield. The populace may too have been corrupted by lies. If anyone gets in our way, they shall face the judgement of the Emperor, and the fury of his might. The Gods shall judge them worthy in death.”

His eyes narrowed; he respected the Chronosians immensely, but only as one who looked at a potential enemy. They were wild, uncontrolled, sadistic, and they had rampaged across countless worlds, ending millions of lives. But most of what made them a possible enemy in Nathan's mind was they represented a very possible future for the Terran Imperium. Their level of xenophobia was not that far off of the Imperium's own. And that worried the Emperor.

The Emperor heard Cain begin to speak and turned his head to listen....


***********************************************************************************

Admiral Collins and the Emperor appeared through the door to the shuttle bay. As they walked towards their respective shuttles, the Emperor put a hand on the Admiral's shoulder. Collins stopped and faced his Emperor.

“Yes, milord?”

“Admiral, Cain has given me a request, which I am having you be the instrument of seeing that request fulfilled. I have sent a call for Battle Fleet Mars to be gathered and sent to reinforce us, but they won't arrive for a couple of hours. So, I need you to do whatever it takes, send what you need, but the Terran Imperium must get a foothold and conquer Caprica, Aquaria, and Virgon. Admiral Cain herself asked this of me. Can you do this for me?” The Admiral nodded, smiling.

“Fighting wars are my specialty, sir.” Nathan smiled and patted his shoulder.

“Thank you. You will keep the primary objective in mind?” The Admiral nodded again. The Emperor, in their walk back, had detailed a hidden plan scrounged up by HIGHCOM at the wish of the Emperor himself, to fulfill a desire of the Imperium's. Now, it was up to him to not only conquer and defeat the rebellion of these Colonial planets but to secure that objective. An almost impossible task, but it was something they were up to the challenge for. That and with the reinforcement of Battle Fleet Mars, they would be able to take care of things. The Emperor brought his arm back to his side, and nodded at him. “Good luck, Admiral. You are going to need it, I'm afraid.” Turning, he headed to his Pelican, while the Admiral did the same.

It was time for history to be made.

***********************************************************************************


Meanwhile, on the carrier Faithful, Lieutenant Barberis paced the bridge, anxious about the Admiral. He had heard nothing in the past half hour and he was getting worried. Then, to add to his troubles, the alarm went off. Spinning, he stalked to the sensor station. “Report!”

“Sir, the Chronosians seem to have left.”

“Can we track them?”

“Trying...routing request to Sensor Station Hera......Found them.” A map of Picon appeared. Barberis blinked. They were ALREADY attacking?

“Anxious for war, aren't they.....”

“Sir, reading Admiral Collins shuttle! He has launched from the Ares, and is heading here!” Barberis let out a relieved sigh. He had his taste of command for three lifetimes; he wanted the cool, experienced Admiral back. And soon enough, after a quick docking procedure and walk through the ship, Collins appeared on the bridge. He nodded to the Lieutenant, who took up his former position with glee.

“Well done, Lieutenant. Not many can endure the rigors of command. Now, I have orders to send out to the fleet. Have a channel opened to the fleet, and bring Orion to Red Alert. We have a war to fight, boys and girls, and we better not be caught with our pants down.”

Michael appeared on the pad again. “So, it has begun?”

“Indeed, old friend, and we have many lives to save.”

Two titans battled above the skies of Picon, as the missile barrage, and rail gun fire, filled the skies in both directions. Massive rain fell to the planet below, as the Battlestars unloaded their massive conventional warheads. As the missiles, massive cannons, and rail guns poured down to the planet below, the fury of the rebel colonials flew back at them. Hundreds of missiles reached towards the heavens, slamming into flak screens, erupting into tiny balls of light barely visible from the surface. The outer skin of the battlestars shined bright with a blue aura, as the shield systems the Coredians gave them held their ground. Picon was proving to be a unique challenge to the colonial fleet, as the planet was one of the most heavily armed colonies, boasting not only the most defenses, but also it was the old fleet headquarters.

The planet lite up, like a battlestar, as fire rained towards the ships in orbit. The sky burned as missiles exploded, the earth cried as it’s sons and daughters were burned alive, by the hate and anger of a scorned woman. How did it all come to this, many wondered. When would it end?

One solder looked to the sky as his rail gun ran out of ammo. Watching, for the next wayward missile, or viper pilot, he could do nothing but sit and wait, either for the ammo truck to come back, or for his end. He grabbed his radio, “AT where the hell are you, I have been out of ammo for five minutes.” A crackle sounded, before the voice came over like the sweet voice of an angel. “ETA 3 minutes, the road was bombed out.”

He looked to the sky again, “I need to hold out for 3 more minutes, he said very weary. He had been on duty since th war began, trying to hold off the unstoppable enemy. How long would it be before he was hit, before enough of the Anti Air guns were silenced in the grave before he would be next. How long would it be before he would join his friends, his brothers and sisters in arms, against the delusional dictator who’s fury burned like the wrath of Zeus.

The truck pulled up, as scores of men dropped everything they were doing and ran to it. The back slid open, into the mud, as massive crates were being hauled onto the ground. “It is about frakkin time, Lt. Jefferson said, as he walked over to the truck. His uniform was covered in mud, as the black crates were opened and reloaded into the guns. “We have been sitting ducks for about ten minutes. The driver of the truck saluted, “Very sorry sir, we ran into trouble.”

The Lt looked at him, “Do not let it happen again.” As he began to dress down the poor private, a scream cried from the heavens. “VIPERS! Everyone down.” Lt. Jefferson looked up, as the viper began to strafe the area, tracers burning a whole into very earth itself. Daze and confusion descended on Lt. Jefferson, as the screams and cries of his men sounded with the fury of Hades. He looked down, as the puddle he was standing in turned red with blood. All he could do was watch, as the truck next to him, exploded, the fire consuming all, charring his very flesh. He was blown back, flying in a dream like state, before he landed on his back. He turned his head, to see his arm about fifteen yards away. He gasped for air, struggling for his next breath, as the rain began to pour. His last feeling, was the dripping of rain.

As the stars screamed, purple and pink pockmarks exploded into the fabric of reality. They popped into existence, carrying the fury of their gods. Crews on the planet below, and in the stars above looked in confusion as the drop ships began to descend, towards the largely undefended area of a government penitentiary. Viper pilots shock and disbelief was carried across radio waves, as permission to fire upon them was denied. Whoever they were, they were clearly screaming to the planet below, to wreck whatever havoc they could down to the rebels below. Rail gun teams, and missile batteries locked onto the ornate vessels, as they ran towards death and decay. The enemy would feel the wrath of the colonials, whether internal or external.

Missiles slammed and rail guns ripped apart some of the drop ships, as the fire of the gods began to crash out of range. The monsters of Chaos had arrived, to purge the fortress holding their princess.

As the Astartes jumped out of their vessels, They were met by a hail of bullets, Their monstrous forms, their fury, their lust for blood un-quenching, they charged head strong, as machine gun fire and shoulder fired rockets exploded into their armor. As the first missile hit, one of the Astartes exploded, bits of his armor, exploding in a torment of deadly shrapnel. As the wave of wrath Chaos swooped across the plane, a counter wave of bullets flew overhead. The Astartes smiled, as their armor took the brunt of the hits, bullets from the small arm assault rifles leaving little more than dents in their chest plates.

Turel, running into the front of the assault pulled out his powerclaw. He screamed, his voice sounding like the very thunder, as he pulled back his power claw before his prey. The solder fired his gun, to the last bullet... click. The solder looked in horror as his gun was empty, and the power claw came swooping down decapitating him with ease. Blood splashed across Turel’s armor. He took his left hand, and smeared it across his breastplate.

Turel turned to see an astarte running towards the prison, lost in bloodlust, as one of the guard towers began to unload there .50 Calabur machine gun at the psychotic demons below. Water splashed, as did dirt, as the armor piercing rounds slaughtered the enemy below. Turel pulled out his stormbolter and smiled as he took aim. He fired, as the bullet blew the man out of the tower, crashing him to the cold ground below.

The Colonial troops fought valiantly, and although they were sparse in number they defended their position to the last man. The demons swooped over them, in mass numbers. One marine stood as he ran out of ammo in his rifle. He looked into the demons eyes, as it began to tear him apart. At least they did not retreat, they never flinched, and they killed quite a few of them.

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One of the model three’s approached Jessyka, her blond hair parted to the left side of her face, barely covering her left eye. She sat down next to the strange blue haired woman. “What would you have us do, our basestars are no longer in colonial space.” she responded, her Caprican accent very forthcoming (Think British or Australian) “and the colonies since the end of the war have not been to forth coming in allowing us to build up arms.”

Cavil looked to the number three. “She is right, we do not have much in the way of a military anymore, which is a damn shame. I would love to take...advantage of this opportunity. Are you going to supply us with weapons, or means to access them, or do you just want us to rebel, again, completely under supplied?”

Caprica walked in front of Cavil. “Can you stop being a generalizing bastard for one minute. I am sure this fine lady would be more than happy to explain what she needs from us, and then we can discuss the benefits of her plan.” Caprica Six walked up to Jessyka, then kneeled down before her, staring into her unemotional cold eyes. “Tell me Abh, what do you really need from the Cylons?”

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The line had been crossed, and her path laid before her. She alone made the choice that affected the lives of billions, and soon her path would take her down an even darker cooridor. Admiral Cain walked forward, with her trusted guard by her side. As they approached the turbo lift, the doors opened, the dark walls, and the few lights inside of it, an epic symbol of her fate, of her destiny.

Minutes went by until the turbolift came to a complete stop. She watched silently, knowing that their every move was being monitored, and recorded. It was the intelligent thing to do, it is what she would have done. They began to walk down the long Obsidian Corridor, the shiny black material adorned every feature of the command ship. Cain reached out her fingers, touching it, as she continued to walk the seemingly endless hallway. Such decadence, such wealth, so wasted on a warship. The beauty of it would be wasted if the ship were destroyed in a battle, and with the Emperor and his command staff on board, this would be the prime target. Even a vessel as big as this one, with such power, would have it’s flaws, one’s that would be exploited giving enough time.

As Admiral Cain came to the end of the Corridor, she was greeted by the silent red guard. They stood like statues, dedicated to their Emperor, to their empire. These were the best of the best, the Elite. Funny though, they did not look like much.

Soon they lead the Admiral to the bridge, silent as the grave, these red guards walked, taking one titan to meet another, their Emperor, and for all intense and purposes their god, Darth Vader.

The doors to the bridge opened, as the guards walked Admiral Cain and her aid to a respectable distance from Tarkin, Remiel and Vader. They stopped, and Admiral Cain took her que from that. Out of respect, and although she was not made to, she saluted Vader, and her friend Remiel. She turned her head slightly, to see the coward Tarkin. This was a man she did not respect, he lived in fear, he worked with fear. He was a coward who would hold a knife to your back instead of confronting you with honor and courage, at least from what she had heard.

As she stood before them, her aid, out of respect and protocol, inclined his head slightly, enough to show respect, but not so much that he could not see what was in front of him, to try in vain to protect his Admiral, should anything occur.

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What an odd day, Commander Ramon stated, as he watched the scouts jump back and forth, shadowing the now hostile Coredian Fleet, lurking ever closer under sub-light engines towards the beginning and the end of the colonies, the birthplace of all of humanity, Kobal.

“You orders sir.” one of the enlisted asked him.

He just watched the updated telemetry, wondering what had occurred, to turn a friend into an enemy. Commander Ramon sighed, as he fumbled in his pocket, looking for his pack of cigarettes. Slowly he pulled one out of a crushed pack, and began to light it.

His XO, Colonel Smith, watched and waited. “Sir it seems obvious if we go in bulk to meet the threat we should be able to easily dispatch them.”

“I know,” Commander Ramon responded, and that is what has me worried. It is too easy, even the Coredians have better tactics than this, I think it might be a lure to pull us away from the planet. Send eight Battlestars to their coming coordinates.” He responded. As he said that, an enlisted man grabbed eight model battlestars and pushed them towards the star destroyer models. Make sure they jump below the ships, and have them fire their main EMB shells. Set all secondary cannons to salvo fire, that should disable their shields, as well as put some nice holes in that pretty armor of theirs.

Commander Ramon took another drag off his cigarette, and laid it gently in the ash tray. The X-wings should be approaching from this vector, to save their ships. Have a line of gunstars spread out here, his finger pointing to the map, and have them set their guns on suppression fire.

“Yes sir,” Colonel Smith responded. Colonel Smith looked to the communications officer, relay his orders to the fleet.”

As the orders went out, 24 flashes of light vanished, in the void of space, as eight Mercury Class Battlestars jumped underneath the Coredian Star Destroyers. The ships let loose their welcome sign, as all 48 main cannons shined with a blue light, firing two shots every second from each cannon, the devastating blue colored kinetic shell that was designed to eat shields for breakfast, as well as the electronic systems on board. Vipers launched out of the tubes, carrying a massive armament of ship to ship nuclear missiles, as well as several raptors, that began to put up an ECM field, designed to ghost the vipers and the battlestars to enemy sensors. As six of the battlestars, one each under every star destroyer, and as well as two that jumped in behind them unloaded an impressive display of firepower, mostly designed to wipe out their engines, lasers and shields, one could only wonder how long these intruders could last.

As the blue lights, that resembled giant turbo lasers crashed into their target, the secondary cannons pounded away, at point blank range, at the weakest point of the star destroyer, the underside. The salvo rounds launched, filling the void in-between, as a sphere of metal shot out of the Colonial ships, aiming to take down any x-wing. Commander Ramon sighed, as he watched the devastating bombardment, knowing that this battle would be over all to soon.

Hundreds of missiles burned through the sky, carrying their 50 megaton Warheads. These Coredians would surely pay for their treachery with their lives.

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Darth Altrox’s shuttle burned through the sky of Caprica, burning with the fury and anger that only a sith lord could feel. His purpose was clear, find the Abh, and bring them to Cain, preferably in one piece. He watched, as the fire died, revealing his escort, 12 Mark VIII Vipers, following him in an escort position.

He knew his task was daunting, find the needle in the haystack, except this haystack was filled with deadly toxins, and venomous snakes. As the shuttle descended, and the clouds broke before his dark touch, he could see clearly the devestation below. The cities burned, bases removed from existence, and still the people below refused to surrender, they refused to die. He smiled, as he could feel the anger the desperation of the populace below.

His dark shuttle came ever closer to the surface, as a hail of railguns began to pummel the shuttle. It took a few hits, as the shuttle began to report incoming missiles. Without saying a word, almost as if his escort was telepathic, the vipers screamed towards the missiles firing a deadly barrage of cannon fire. The missiles crumbled before Darth Altrox, as soon would his prey.

Darth Altox decided to land, in the last known district the Abh had been hiding, towards the location of the bar. He hoped to make some sort of connection there, a trail or a clue that would lead him to the traitors that engulfed not only these worlds, but the universe as a whole. The Abh.

(OOC: sorry the battle of Kobal and Bal's entrance is not that great, but things came up today and I did not want to leave them hanging.)

"My, my. Things have gone to pot rather quickly, have they not?"

The question was directed to no-one in particular, and Golheas did not expect an answer. "To war, then? What is your opinion.. you, there. Admiral. Tell me what we can expect of our fleet."

"Sir.. overwhelming firepower already exists, on the side of the Imperial Fleet. There is little to no chance that any heresy will be spread - although Chronosian heresy will be put in the place of a lack of faith, the worship of Chaos inevitably aids the Sovereign. Besides, we are not equipped for an invasion. And I doubt the Emperor would appreciate our destruction of a world for no good reason. No, sir, I would advise that we expediate our retreat. There is no reason to put ourselves in the line of fire when we could be hunting down Sashiar."

"Sashiar?"

The Tyrant's tone was dangerous. "Did he not make a journey to see the Guide?"

"Yes, sire. He did. And now the cruiser Maledictum is gone, along with the Guide, and Sashiar.

Golheas swore. "That is more important than any pitiable.. war. With the Guide gone, the dedication of lives to the Sovereign en-masse has a thousandth of the meaning. Without him, we fail. We have not yet entered battle, so our presence will not be missed. Inform the Emperor that we are leaving the battlefield."

"Of course."

Encrypted Message: Admiral Tarkin, Lord Vader
We are leaving the battlefield. You seem more than capable of dealing with your problems on your own, and we have a problem that needs rather immediate dealing-with.

One of the model three’s approached Jessyka, her blond hair parted to the left side of her face, barely covering her left eye. She sat down next to the strange blue haired woman. “What would you have us do, our basestars are no longer in colonial space.” she responded, her Caprican accent very forthcoming (Think British or Australian) “and the colonies since the end of the war have not been to forth coming in allowing us to build up arms.”

Cavil looked to the number three. “She is right, we do not have much in the way of a military anymore, which is a damn shame. I would love to take...advantage of this opportunity. Are you going to supply us with weapons, or means to access them, or do you just want us to rebel, again, completely under supplied?”

Caprica walked in front of Cavil. “Can you stop being a generalizing bastard for one minute. I am sure this fine lady would be more than happy to explain what she needs from us, and then we can discuss the benefits of her plan.” Caprica Six walked up to Jessyka, then kneeled down before her, staring into her unemotional cold eyes. “Tell me Abh, what do you really need from the Cylons?”

Jessyka shifted her weight slightly in the seat while contemplating her next words. "What I need from you, is something I am sure that will not sit well with any of you. I can understand that you all harbor some ill feelings to the humans of this world but now is not the time for that. A day of reckoning will come to all those that harm innocents but now is the time to ban together for the good of not just the Colonials, but the Cylons as well. We need every battle able Cylon to be ready to aid the Colonial military that is fighting against this insurgency. You may not have your own military ships in orbit over the planet but fighting will still be brought to the planet's surface. For that we need an army able to repel invaders. No matter the outcome of the battles in space, the crucial taking or losing of this planet will fall to the ground campaign. I believe, together, we can all hold the Galactic Empire off long enough until help arrives."

"As for arming you, I believe it is time Erickson and I made ourselves known to the Colonial General that is in charge here. We will get you weapons from him and ensure that you are outfitted properly. For now we need a way to round up as many of your people as possible. Gather them in military groups within cities and go from there. That I leave to you."

Jessyka rose from her seat and Erickson at her side. The young apprentice was reaching for the door of the apartment when the woman's arm shot out and grabbed his. "Wait... Something is....amiss. Erickson you will wait here with them and help however you can. I will be in contact with you and send for them all once matters have been straightened with the Colonials."

Erickson wore a frown on his face while he regarded the Abh. "What is it? You can't go alone out there when there is a war going on."

"I will not be alone. Lamia will accompany me and help me find this General of theirs. Besides, I sense something that may prove problematic later. In case something happens, take this." The Abh put the computer patch containing all the data she had collected into Erickson's hands.

Before leaving, Jessyka decided to add one last thing to the Cylons. "If the battle should go badly for your home, I promise that I will do whatever is in my power to get my Empire to help you all even if it means evacuating every last Cylon to Abh space."

The shuttle containing Darth Atrox settled down to the war torn surface and hovered a few centimeters above the rubble. They side melted to form the steps and the door opened. Inside the shuttle, the sole occupant was readying his gear before exiting the shuttle.

I want you to go into stealth mode and hide, be prepared to rendezvous with me when I call.

Of course Sire.

Continue to monitor the situation and stream the data to by suit using the Kython Link, they should not be able to even know of its existence.

As you command. Do you have everything?

I believe so; weapons, ammo, cuffs, inhibitors, supplies. Yeah, even the special pack from Ga’Ton.

I made sure the sabers were fully charged while you were in the meeting.

Good, keep me informed of any updates from the hunt in Hyperspace.

I will.

With that, Darth Atrox left the shuttle. Moments later, the shuttle sealed itself and rose in the air. It disappeared into the fog of war and took a position elsewhere, becoming a pile of rubble from a collapsed building. The shuttle dampened all the external signals by simply absorbing it directly into itself, a specialty of the Kythons that made up its composition.

Darth Atrox viewed the transmission of the human spy fighting the troops on his internal oculars. This was the location of the battle. He looked around and saw several blood spots left by dead and dying soldiers before they were either medi-vaced out or reclaimed by the toe tag crew. The bar would be over there.

The Ta’Nar walked toward the burnt structure, using his senses to determine any traps. Detecting none, he entered the building. The fire damage was mostly limited to the exterior of the cantina with the exception of some battle damage the interior was mostly intact. There was a table lying on its side, cut in half by machinegun fire. He walked over to the stool that lay overturned and stood in the center of the room. He silently concentrated and activated his Postcognative ability and relived the past.

Atrox saw the ghostly images overlay the ruined interior of the bar. He could see the tavern was mostly empty, the only customers being a few regulars. A human walked into the bar and took a table. He ordered a drink and started asking questions. The locals were not being nice and they left after a large human ended up killing another. He made a phone call and the two remaining humans began to talk together. Within minutes, the military arrived and fighting broke outside the bar. Atrox could see the splintered bar from the gunfire through the ghostly image of the two as they talked. Apparently the taller one was a Cylon and the other admitted he was not “from around here”. It was about then a soldier noticed them standing in there and shouted commands to the two. Gunfire began and the interior was shot up. The stranger’s glass flew across the floor, the thick material withstanding the impact on the wooden floor until it came to a rest under the table of a booth. The two ran out the door and the vision ended, the fugitives leaving the line of sight of the psionic ability. The Sith Lord cursed their luck and kicked the table, further splintering the already tortured furniture.

Atrox had an idea. He walked over to the booth and used his Telekinetic ability to toss the heavy table aside not caring about the noise or the damage it might cause. There was the glass the foreigner used. It might contain a bit of his aura. He had touched it, drank out of it, and even held it while talking to the Cylon. There was nothing else in the room that he might use. He picked up the glass and concentrated. Unfortunately he picked up vibes from the bartender and the patron who held it longer than the Abh spy. Darth Atrox again cursed and threw the glass at the bar, shattering several bottles behind the bar.

Think, he told himself, there has to be something in here the spy had on his person for a long time. Something the locals would not have touched. Something that might be…

Atrox stormed over to the bar and after looking around for a moment spied the till. He tore the cash drawer out of its housing and liberated the currency. After pouring the money out in a pile on the bar, he carefully spread it out along the length so every bit was exposed. He then held out his hand which slowly passed over the coins. He walked from one end to the other, carefully feeling the emanations of the money until he felt one signature that was vastly different from the rest. He then double checked it again and was certain he had found the money the spy had paid for his drinks with. He then separated the money from the local’s and held out his hand. The black metal liquefied and ran to his wrist, exposing his four fingers. The hard chitin of his “skin” was exposed in the dim light of the bar. He picked up the money and held it in his own hand, allowing him to get the “feel” from the objects easier than if he only held it with his suit. He concentrated and could feel a distant “pull” off to one direction. Atrox had found a way to track his prey.

He placed the money in freshly formed hole in his chest plate and sealed his suit. He walked out the rear door of the bar into the alley following the draw of his prey’s aura.

“HALT! Turn around and identify yourself.”

Darth Atrox heard the cocking of weapons behind him and he turned to see two rebel soldiers. They must have been attracted by the noise Atrox had made in the bar.

“I am Darth Atrox. I have been sent to track down Abh spies that have been tracked to this planet. They arrived shortly before the war broke out; you need to inform your commanders they are behind this.”

“Bullshit, you look like you could be a new model of a Cylon or something. We should just shoot you where you are standi..”

“I don’t have time for this; you will wake up in a few minutes. Deliver my warning to your commanders, the Abh might have been behind this whole thing.”

With that, Atrox simply rendered them unconscious by using his Sleep Psionic ability. Their weapons fell from their unconscious fingers and they slumped to the ground. A few minutes later they awoke with a jump and looked around nervously. Darth Atrox was no longer anywhere near so they gathered their weapons and ran away to report to their commanding officers.




Hyperspace B:



The Battle groups approached the imaginary line where the Colonial Territory would begin. They knew the search would be hard but they had the upper hand. Sensors would not work in Hyperspace because the distortions were too great, even navigation was impossible, thus the reason Navigational Beacons were needed to get from system to system. Without them, it would be easy for ships to get lost as many have in the past.

The Ta’Nar had in preparation for the battle, moved or destroyed the beacons near the Colonial system so it was isolated in Hyperspace from outside nations. The Beacon in the system remained untouched but those outside it connecting it to the rest of the universe were now nonexistent except for a single beacon which lay off in a random direction away from everywhere else. Near this beacon hidden in the distortions of Hyperspace B lay a Battlegroup, waiting for its prey to approach. If the prey happened to escape the Hunters in the system their only avenue to flee was directly into the jaws of a predator.

Commander Sn’Klahr sat on the bridge of his Deity Carrier, The Dagon, coordinating the search. He had called in an Intruder Carrier led Battlegroup to assist with the hunt. The Commander of The Azeroth seemed to be pretty anxious to begin the Hunt. Arrayed through the fleet, searchers were employing the Ta’Nar telepathic skills and taking advantage of the particular twist Hyperspace B gives a Psion, it greatly enhances all telepaths. The Ta’Nar, being pure minds, were rumored to be the greatest telepaths known. It was their very nature to use Psionics to interact with the physical universe around them.

The two Battlegroups spread out and began to sweep across the system looking for the elusive Bluestar identified by Admiral Cain as intruding upon the Colonial Territory.

With an almost preternatural grace and elegance, Turel drew the bladed fingers of his power claw over the prone body of a Colonial soldier, before turning to kick another to the side. A sneer crossed his face, a twisted snarl that spoke only of contempt. These things were human, and yet so much less. Prey, animals to be hunted down and euthanised. They had betrayed the might and nobility in their blood, the might espounded by the Chronosian order. Strength through hatred, hatred through war. War through faith.

Who were they to stand against the finest warriors that could be brought forth from amongst the Chronosian ranks? Who were these mere mortals to think themselves the match of the Astartes? It sickened him to see humanity shackled and self-destructive, not knowing the glory that lay beyond the skin of their universe.

So young, so naive in their perceptions...He would educate them. He would make them fear.

Behind him, Anton idled with his fellows, bringing unbearable tortures to bear on those left to rot before them. Skin was torn free from bodies and draped across their armour in obscene mosaics. One of them wore a belt of writhing, whispering tongues, another had a necklace of eyeballs. Anton himself crouched low, tearing a head from its shoulders, letting his teeth close around the protruding tongue before tearing it free, shrieking in mad delight.

"These fools dare to profane with false idols! There is only one reward for HEATHENS!"

"DEATH! DEATH!"

His vox had been a cruel snarl over the cacophany, but the thunderous response echoed over the burning plains.

"Forward, brothers of pleasure! Forward sons of Slaanesh, sons of the Emperor! We will drown them in their blood, and adorn their fools fortress in the glories of our lord!"

Turel growled his agreement, urging his squad forward with discrete vox-messages. He thumbed a stud in his gauntlet, listening to the low hydraulic hiss as seals disengaged and a canister pierced his flesh within his armour. Combat drugs flooded his system, his senses running amok as he signalled his squad forward with a coarse bellow, bolter rounds stinging at the enemy defences like a swarm of hornets.

"Lay them all low! Shatter them!" Turel howled, giving vent to his anger, his frustration. They were nothing! Less than nothing! They deserved only death! "The towers! Look to the skies, brothers! Bring them low! I shall take the gates!"

The combined firepower of the Terminators was directed forth, forward against the main gates of the Prison. Countless flocked to the banner of the First Captain, not least his trusted warriors of First Company. Marines howled in carnal pleasure as they were struck, bullets cleaving into armour and through flesh. For every one who fell, and they were still few, there rose a great clamour and a madness swept the ranks anew. The Colonials faced a twisted foe, it's ranks riven with the mutant and the possessed, with warriors who did not scream in pain at the touch of weapons but howled in orgasmic pleasure.

They faced hell itself.

Dreadnoughts lumbered across the field of battle, bringing heavier weapons, than the mere marines could wield, to bear. The twisted preserved beings within struggled and writhed within their sarcophagi, taken by the deepest of rages and madnesses. Lascannon fire tore at the supports, while Raptors took to the air, the shrieking Marines coming straight up and over the edge of the towers, to butcher those within.

Anton let his fingers dance across his weapon, his face locked in a grin as he brought his weapon round, watching as Colonials fled rather than face the fury of his performance. He cracked a gauntleted hand across the skull of one, watching him falter and fall. The man struggled, kicking and screaming amidst the mud and blood, before the clawed hand was around his neck, pulling him up to face Anton. He spat blood, hissing and swearing as Anton simply laughed.

His weapon had gone silent. It was as though the battle ceased to echo around him, the din fading to a pale whisper as he let his mouth open, his jaw sliding further than it should, his skin stretching and twisting with an ungodly light.

Anton screamed.

His eyes had rolled back into his head, his jawbone dislocated as the shrill sonic vibration echoed up his throat, his larynx pulsing and shifting. It grew, louder, stronger, till it was all he could hear, all he could feel.

The Colonial winced, then his flesh began to shudder, as though he were in a Raptor, defying the G-forces. He felt his flesh tearing, could feel his mind screaming in unbearable, almost unreal, torment. He couldn't see. Blood poured from his eyes, his ears. He coughed, his own life flooding his throat and nose. He felt his eyes burst into scarlet craters, his body spasming. He lost control of his bowels, before he even realised that he was screaming too, screaming till his larynx collapsed, his spine shattering beneath the sonic barrage of the warp scream, his skull exploding outwards, showering Anton in gore.

"Yes...Yes....YES!" He screamed, his face twisting back into 'normality' as he danced amidst the carnage, bringing the bladed flanks of his armour down upon any who dared defy him, sending deafening sonic blasts from his Instrument-Weapon.

These fools were nothing before the chosen of Slaanesh, he thought wryly, twisting to fire at another advancing soldier as they drew closer to the prison and the prize. He grinned, gesturing his chosen around him, their sonic howls blending with his own until nothing could be heard but the constant dirge of endless war.

The prison shook with the fury of the earth, as Commander Hallen stared out the window in her cell. She could only stare, watching the Astartes, the Chronosian Raptors, along with hundreds of other twisted creations of the warp climbed, and clawed their way past the Colonial prison. They swarmed the gates, like angry ants, attacking, defiling, and destroying all that stood in their way. In the distance she could see the toil of the fallen angels, as Vipers and Colonial Raptors attacked the ground forces with impunity, scathing the landscape, making known to the world, and the galaxy the fury and strength of the colonial fleet. However the ground forces, those still loyal to the now deceased government fought back with equal fury. Two warriors, brothers in arms, fighting a deathly struggle, to the end. All Hallen could do was watch, a fate worse than death to a true warrior.

The prison shook again, rocking the cell back and forth for a moment. Hallen slowly felt her footing give way, as she fell to the floor. As she looked up, cracks began to form in the roof of the building. “What in the frak is going on.” Commander Hallen exclaimed, as small pieces of concrete, and dust began to fall on her. The dust began to be pulled into her lungs, as she coughed, and tried to stand up. She slowly got up, as a sharp pain entered her body, beginning in her ankle, the pain rode through her like a herd of wild horses. She yelled in pain, cursing the circumstances, and wondering why in the world a prison of all places was being attacked. She thought to herself what is here that they could want.

As the thought came to her, her pocket idol fell to the floor, into a pile of the newly created dust. She frantically reached for it, her ankle swelling with pain, as the world swelled with hate. She reached in it, and dusted it off. “Chronos, please help me.” she prayed, as she dusted off her miniature statue.

She reached up to the bed post, to help pull the weight off her now encumbered leg. Despite the pain, she stood, wincing with every step towards the window. She could see the unknown aliens, breaking the second gate, as gun fire, and shoulder fired missiles pounded the enemy back. Giant fireballs erupted, as metal and pieces of the enemy armor flew through the air, turning into the deadly shrapnel, slaying friend and foe alike. For each enemy killed, more seemed to come, further enraged by the death of their brothers, rage on top of sadism. They massacred the guards below, ripping though their bowels. The Astartes were perverse and deadly foes, screaming in orgasmic pleasure with each enemy killed, licking the blood of the enemy off their carnal lips. They were more beast than man.

A thud sounded behind her, as the glass door began to unlock. She turned, wondering if she would be evacuated. Had her prayers been heard? Had Chronos had pity on her, to let her live, to avenge her unjust sentence?

As she turned, her green eyes looking to the new future, all she could see was horror. The Astartes were outside her cell, and they were coming in. The beasts of unbridled passion, the hunters of the innocent, those who slain the guards with a preternatural strength, and hate, now were looking at her, staring into her soul, as if they were judging her. All she could do was stare.

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

Division, confusion, and split second decisions have been the way of things, in the last two days. Human and cylon alike have died, destroyed by a cyclone of death and disarray, as the very planets screamed to the stars, and the stars in king have fallen to the earth. Unlike the humans however, the cylons remembered it, the cold grip of death, the lights that turned off, only to be born again, gasping for air, in a tub of resurrection “goo”. Being reborn was a strange experience, all of the memories of your former body flooded you, every moment of your life, being pushed back into you, in a second. You relive your life, in every finite detail. The cylon war, the hatred of the occupation and relocation, and now the colonials war. Every breath was difficult to take in, as the new lungs, grown out of the “goo” sucked in air for the first time.

This all went through the minds of the cylons, as Jessyka asked for aid. She seemed cold, much more machine, than the cylons themselves. What she said made sense, but if she died, that would be the end. If they died, they would wake up again, with the cold bitter memory of the grave.

Cavil was the first to respond. “This is the human’s war, not ours. I for one, say let them come, let the colonials burn in their own anguish, their own lusts. They kill themselves, lowering the population, destroying their own works and marvels. It saves us from having to do it later. I can only hope that they lower their own population to something less dangerous.”

Leoban stood up, leaning against the chair for added support, as he stood. “I think we can all agree that the humans are getting divine justice. God has not blessed them, he has forsaken him, but the question is, what of us. Do we attempt to help those who hate us, those who God himself ordered to be destroyed.”

Sharon could not believe her ears. The Asian cylon looked around the room in disbelief. “We can not do nothing, yes humans have made mistakes, but they are trying to learn from the past. They did not kill all of us, like we tried to do to them. What is the matter with all of you? She put her hand to her forehead in disbelief. What Jessyka says is true, they will come to slay us, to enslave us. Is that not the reason we rebelled against the humans in the first place, and now with that threat upon us again, you want to sit complacent.

D’Anna smiled. “No one is saying that we should not do anything. I just say that we should not join the humans. Instead let us fight for ourselves, if it is needed. Besides the humans will never accept our aid.”

Cavil smiled, as a idea came to his silicate mind. Perhaps we should comply. After all then we will be armed, and will be more effective. After the humans arm us, we can then make our own demands on the population as a whole. If they refuse, then a third front will prove problematic for the colonials.

As Cavil made his new idea public, many of the cylons smiled, as if they were about to agree to his treacherous plot.

Admiral Collins stood on the bridge of his carrier, the flagship Faithful, watching as the rest of the fleet gathered around him, slowly moving away from the massive GE fleet sitting on the border Admiral Cain had set. Not that it mattered now, considering that Cain had given them full permission to enter; even going as far as assigning them a mission and what planets to attack. ”Well, as much as I am going to try and go what the Admiral says, I only have so many forces at my disposal at the moment, so I will need to work fast and get a supply base made. If we are to have any success in this theatre of operations, we need a place to shorten our supply lines. They are ridiculously stretched at this point.” Shaking his head, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a cigarette and lit it. He took a puff, the burning tip flaring a bright red before dulling as he blew out the smoke. Turning, he gazed at Michael, as the A.I. worked on processing the orders and get the fleet ready. It's eyes were closed; a look of extreme concentration on its face.

“Michael, status report.” The A.I. opened an eye.

“Currently, all but six ships in the fleet are in position; the others are taking time to make them fit in the formation best-suited for arriving in a possibly heavily hostile system.”

Collins made a rude noise. “Michael, the information the Admiral gave us on the Aquaria system shows that not only is it lightly defended, it is already on its way to falling to Cain's cause. Hell, most of them already believe what she believes. All we need to do is fly in, and set up camp.” The A.I. gave him a look.

“It never hurts to be prepared, Admiral.” The Admiral shrugged.

“As you wish, Michael.” Taking another puff of the cigarette, he looked towards the viewscreen, which showed the glittering heavens of space, disrupted by the planetary bodies and the Terran ships which were waiting to begin their campaign. Collins looked at his crew; he trusted them with his life but many had not even been in the Katarian Wars, much more the Human-Covenant War. What he wouldn't give to have an Admiral or General who had fought in those wars....

But alas, they were busy focusing on defending the Imperium in the aftermath of the Second Covenant Invasion. Losses had been taken and rebuilding was underway, as well as patrols to ensure they did not get caught off-guard, that the retreat was a feint.

So, in the Colonial Campaign, he was sure of one thing: They would learn and survive....


Or die.

************************************************************

A brilliant series of flashes signalled the arrival of the Terran fleet. Admiral Collins gripped his chair, gazing out at the blue planet before him. “Michael, fleet status?”

The A.I. spoke with nary a hint of worry in his voice. “All is well; all ships report a smooth transition.”

The Admiral let out a breath. “Good, at least that went right. Open a channel to the planet; time to see if the information Admiral Cain gave me was correct.” A few moments passed as the A.I. worked on the channel, ensuring it was secure and that no one would listen in.

“It is ready, sir.” Collins straightened himself. This was it. Nodding to the A.I., he heard a beep sound, signalling the channel was open.

Greetings citizens of Aquaria, I am Admiral Collins of the Terran Imperium Navy. I am here on behalf of Admiral Cain. We are reclaiming the colonies from the evil clutches of the corrupt and greedy presidency. I know many of you agree with Admiral Cain's views and her beliefs. We are not here to conquer you; indeed, we are here to protect you. The main bulk of our forces shall remain here and keep the peace, while we prepare to aid your Admiral in liberating the Colonies from the evil clutches of corruption that once held you in its clutches. All I ask is we be allowed to land peacefully and no shots are fire. You may continue with life as normal, your government will not be touched one whit by us. We are here to protect and serve; that is all.

Erickson was still among the Cylons at this point and he was not sure he was liking what he was hearing. Following Cavil's plan would only bring both sides to ruin as their forces would be completely split against each other.

"Now wait a second here. Master Jessyka just promised you all that she would help settle the unfair treatment you have been receiving by your government in return for your cooperation. You can't just go around killing every human that you come across. You will get more than your fare share of killing humans but leave the loyalist Colonials out of this. We still need their help if we are to save your homes. Please just give them another chance before you go killing at random."

"But we can discuss this later. We should get moving to organize the rest of the Cylons and prepare either for battle or their evacuation. The choice is yours though."
---------------------

Jessyka reached out with the Force looking for one of the strangest beings ever. Lamia was sitting atop a flagpole quite comfortably when he sensed he was needed. The Betterman had managed to move in through the ruins of the city without being detected as well as a sense for finding obscure positions for a vantage.

In an instant the being dropped from the roof of the apartment to stand beside the Abh woman. Lamia was there in his traditional rocker dress with sleeveless open leather jacket, fingerless black gloves, boots, and black leather pants. He peeled away his black sunglasses revealing crimson red orbs where whites should have been encircling the yellow iris. A stunning match for his thigh long blue hair with multi colored tips. There was no voice from his lips which did not move. Only a small light flashed insync with the sound she heard.

You need?

Jessyka sighed, still not quite use to his appearance. "Yes. Open your lipid channel and find the General of the Colonials. He is probably well hidden outside the city."

Yes. He is far. He is also nervous or at least will be. Armored bunker far from the city.

"Take me there."

If you wish to remain hidden, then I cannot risk flight. We shall be there momentarily though if you are rested.

Jessyka waved away his inquiry. "I will be fine. Let's be off."

And so the two odd pair were off dashing off into the distance at blazing speeds with Lamia leading the way as he felt the pressence of the General in his hiding place as well as those residents of the city.

Capria:



Darth Atrox strolled through the war torn streets. Scavengers lurked in the bombed out caverns that used to be homes, watching him pass not daring to crawl out of their shelters until the higher class predator had gone. At one time they were valued pets but after the first day of bombing, the loved and trusted companions had reverted to their fallow ways. The humans had their own priorities that were more important than feeding Fido. Atrox carefully used both his Telepathy and his CyberPsi to detect any presence of either human or robotic observers. Of course he also used his Force Sense to see if he could detect those Abh spies that were supposed to be around here somewhere. His Aura Trace had locked onto the one that had bas around somewhere and he wanted to cover every avenue possible.

The Ta’Nar came to a side street that was completely blocked by the husk of a bombed out building that had collapsed. He activated his suit and hovered over the debris, setting down upon the other side. He was getting close to the target but by his estimation he had a couple blocks to go. He cut through an alleyway and just as he was about to step out, he detected the use of the Force nearby. He quickly clamped down on his own readings and peered around the corner of the building. About half a block away there was a blue-haired female watching another blue haired Abh, this time a male, land next to a flagpole. They seemed to speak but Abh was too far away to tell what they were saying. He was about to reach out with his psionics to determine what they were doing when the make grabbed the female and they disappeared in a flash as he used his powers to speed away.

Suit, did you record them?

The subjects were recorded.

Forward them through the Link to the shuttle.

Forwarding, done.

With that, Darth Atrox continued following the Aura straight to a dilapidated building. As a light rain began to fall, he located stairs going down to a basement accessible from the outside and approached the door. After carefully studying the door in the predawn light using the enhanced vision he had used a couple blacks back, the weak spots in the door was easily determined. The hinges were here and here along with the deadbolt. They were where he would use his PK ability to knock the entire door in by pushing very hard.

Atrox concentrated and generated a mighty push, braced himself, and blew the doors inward to fly part way across the room. Moments later a large insect-like mechanical being stepped through the doors followed by the predawn fog brought up by the cooling from the drizzle. An ebony, almost liquid cape covered his shoulders and hid most of his form.

“I am Darth Atrox. I am here for the Abh and only the Abh. He is wanted for crimes committed against The Empire and against the Colonies. Hand him over Cavil, I have no reason to harm neither you nor your Cylon companions. My only objective is the arrest and capture of the pitiful Abh and the trouble they brought to this world.”






Hyperspace B:




The ships slowly crept across the area of Hyperspace that coincided with the territories of The Colonies. Powerful Psionics, further enhanced by the very nature of Hyperspace itself swept through every inch searching for signs of the Bluestar thought to be hidden. The two Battlegroups each formed a line and worked towards each other, attempting to trap the prey in between their two forces.







OOC:




I wish I could post more but without input it is difficult.

FYI – I am looking for the Bluestar in a 3D fashion meaning you will be discovered if you try to hide above or below the ships.

In the series, Lyta Alexander was able to communicate with the Shadow’s Planet, Z’Ha’Dum, while far away in Hyperspace. She was the most powerful in the series but I have about 30 ships of equivalent Psions looking for you. If you don’t reply I can only assume you are doing nothing and holding still assuming I will pass by you only using normal sensors and not psionics.

Captain Grathis entered the bridge with an unusual haste. He could barely remember the last time since the Republic had strayed this far into Imperial space indeed, he could barely recall the last time. After consulting with the computer he had discovered that it had been almost a decade ago since the last confirmed sighting of one of their warships, and even then it was a simple incursion into the Klanois sector. A heavily armed Mon Calamari Cruiser, was the official report, as well as the sudden flight it had conducted out of Imperial Space when the Executor had arrived to deal with it. And now, after so many years, here they were, so alarmingly close to sensitive Imperial operations.

“Status of the hostile craft Commodore?” Grathis demanded as he approached the forward section, the crew in the pit below saluted as he passed..

“Scans have revealed nothing further sir, the Republicans have engaged multiple dampening devices and decoys, we won't be able to ascertain their true positioning until we get closer.”

“The escorts?” Grathis asked as he double checked the sensor display. “Any sign of fighters?”

“No fighters detected sir and the Craven and Terror are both holding position off our port and starboard bow.” Grathis peered out of the viewports trying to catch a futile glimpse of the enemy ships lurking in the distance.

“Odd. They should have at least launched several squadrons to intercept by now.”

“Perhaps they have something else in store sir?”

Grathis chuckled. “Unlikely, the Republic is stumped tactically, I would say that for one of their commanders to find the fire key upon their bridge would be something of a revolution for them.”

“Yes sir.” The Commodore acknowledged with a dour expression.

“Captain, incoming hostiles, primary alpha is on a bearing of eight degrees port. Multiples following.” Both the captain and Commodore Raithin glanced at Commscan.

“Shields up.” A small click in the background announced the comforting presence of the deflector screen. “How long until weapons range Lieutenant?”

“Thirty seconds until contact sir. Captain, they're moving too fast to be fighters.”

“Missiles then?”

“They are the Republics favourite toy Commodore.” Grathis offered. “Tactical, order all port and starboard batteries to intercept. Helm, lower the forward bow by five degrees and order the Terror and Craven to reduce their escort pattern to ten thousand kilometres.”

Grathis clasped his hands behind his back as he watched the turrets of the Star Destroyer swing into position. “Lets see how many we can take out before

“Twenty seconds until contact.”

“Main turrets have locked on to targets, computer assisted guidance is online for all turrets.”

“Ten seconds until contact.” A flurry of green turbolaser fire ignited from the Principle and the Victory below her.

“Twelve contacts exterminated.” A bright flash of light illuminated the bridge as several thermonuclear explosions burned around the Victory.

“Captain Lichar requesting contact sir.” Grathis moved over towards the holotable to find his colleague materialising before him.

“Sir, their pattern is concentrating upon our bridge deflector shields. They're holding, no damage received, however our ability to take out these.”

“Spare me captain.” Grathis interrupted. “I am fully aware of your limitations. Order a return volley and prepare to launch your fighters on my command. Grathis out.” The captain turned to his crew. “Weakness or questioning my resolve will not be tolerated.”

“Sir, the Victory has fired her first volley.” Several large anti capital ship torpedoes dispersed into the distance.

“Their target Commodore?”

“The Victory reports the last known location of the freighters captain.”

“Excellent. Continue course and heading.”

OOC: That's fine. I'm not really trying to hide it anyways Bal. By now it has already picked you up on sensor readings and has fulfilled its usefulness.

Waiting for OG's next reply.

For some odd reason, the only place left untouched by the bombardments of Admiral Cain was the Coredian Embassy. Perhaps it was because of the deflector shield that was deployed over the embassy and the surrounding suburbs, allowing many a refugee to huddle underneath the protective umbrella. Perhaps there's a still-unwritten rule about killing embassy personnel that even Admiral Cain must follow or risk war on two fronts. Whatever the reason, Ambassador Halson has decided to open the gates of the Coredian Embassy to the hundreds (going to thousands) of Capricians who fled their homes to seek shelter, and he extended the shield out to an area the size of a small city. Problem is, there's a limit to what even the embassy's synthesizer equipment can conjure up to provide the masses with food, water, clothing and shelter. Therefore, some way of not only rescuing the embassy personnel but also the multitude of Colonial refugees would have to be planned.

The Ambassador was reminded of a crisis between the Earth's United States and Iran where for over a year, the American embassy was held hostage by rabid Iranians. It's like this situation, only with an order of magnitude more risk, refugees and technology.

Now, the two Jedi and one Shinobi have slipped out into the dangerous civil-war world of Caprica for reasons unknown...

The bodies of countless guards littered the prison’s interior. Some had been nailed to the walls, their wounds displayed for all to see. Others hung from railings, often by their own viscera. Few, a lucky few, had been cast out into the wilderness to tell others what they had seen. That death itself had come to Picon, that new Gods held sway above the tortured skies.

Turel closed the fingers of his power claw about the bars as he leant forward, smiling lightly. It was almost as though her plight amused him. He grunted, pulling with all his might as micro-fibre bundles contracted beneath the Terminator plate. He growled, closing his eyes as the cell door was wrenched from it’s hinges and tossed to one side.

Hallen was alone now, before the hulking Chronosian figures. The others had dispersed, releasing prisoners by whatever means they could, be it blowing the doors off, wrenching them out of place, or activating the controls. The howling tide of military prisoners who had been confined for so long was being loosed by Chronosian hands. A whispering was in the air, ever present, all around them. Sorcerors moved amongst the disciples of the Nero Angelus, their eldritch armours crackling with insidious power. Theirs were the whispers that touched at souls, and coiled around minds.

“I am Turel, First Captain of the Nero Angelus.” He bowed his head lightly. “In the name of the Chronosian Imperium and the Gods, we have come to liberate you Commander.” He chuckled, turning lightly as Anton sauntered up beside him.

“Prison is secure. What are we doing with these Prisoners?”

“We’re going to explain the situation. We’re taking some of them with us, the rest will have instructions. Right now, I’m more interested in her.” Turel nodded at Hallen.

“If you say so, Brother.” Anton shrugged almost dismissively. “We’ll start immediately.”

Turel smirked as he turned his full attention back towards Hallen.

“The Colonial Government betrayed you with lies and deceits, fed to you by the Coredians and the Abh who used you. They would have loved to burn Asfaltum to cinders, but they condemned you for doing the right thing.

We are not your enemies. Admiral Cain saw the truth, and she was driven to right the wrong. The civilian government is gone. Admiral Cain is in command of the loyal Colonial forces, purging the hated rebels from your midst. I am only sorry, Commander, that you had to be embroiled in this.

We are here to bring you back into the fold.”

What I've Done. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFZD5L-Xfcc)

What has happened before will happen again, so say the sacred scrolls. However this was unlike anything that had ever happened in the history of the colonies, or that of Kobal. Woe unto man, the sons and daughters of Kobal, for the price of any return will be paid for in blood.

Admiral Cain stood proud, in the knowledge of her right action, before the dark and twisted tribunal before her. Her guard, his head lowered, as a sign of respect, stood next to her, her protector, her savior, should anything go wrong. She waited, as the Dark lord of the sith stared out the window of the command center of the Eclipse, savoring his bloodless victory, bloodless from the Imperial point of view that is.

As she waited, watching the Dark lord, Remiel, Tarkin, and a fourth unknown person, his head covered in a long hood, covered in the dark dress of the Chronoisans. He was not like the chornosians however, he was not adorned in mystic symbols, nor his body defiled by hideous mechanical parts, to replace the human side. He was human, he was pure.

“Words can not express the pleasure it is to see you Admiral.” the voice behind the hood stated, his Caprican accent filling the silence in the room. Admiral Cain, turned her attention towards him, surprised by the accent. The man lifted his pale clammy hands to his hood, and pulled it off. “You may not remember me Admiral, but I remember you. You saved me from the injustice of the old regime. Now you have decided to save the colonies, to this I must congratulate you. I am Gaius Baltar.”

Admiral Cain in disbelief, glanced at him, his hair had grown longer, and he has a beard now, but it was unmistakable, Baltar was alive and well, at Remiel’s right-hand side. Remiel smiled at her, watching her body language, seeing her become uncomfortable, no matter how hard she tried to hide it. She now saw the truth, it was not the Telrosians who betrayed the location of the colonies, it was her. Her lust for power, her drive to save her nation, her way of life, her eagerness to gain new friends, lead all to this chain of events.

“You brought them here.” Cain stated, with slight anger in her voice. “You frakking traitor.”

Tarkin smiled, “Now, now dear Admiral, we are here out of friendship, you should thank him, if it was not for Doctor Baltar, and his friendship with the Warmaster, then you would be dead, and the corruption of the colonies would be complete. Had we chosen to attack you, or invade you, as you have been lead to believe by the lies of the rebellion, your destruction would have been complete. We have come out of respect, knowing that you were lied to. Unlike the Coredians and the Abh, you fought with honor. You did not send assains to accomplish your mission, you sent trained solders, who fought with honor and integrity. We are far mor forgiving than the Coredians and the Abh.”

Admiral Cain said nothing, as the reality of this meeting began to sink in. The lights of the Command Center, a symbol of the sheer power of the Empire. She knew her next move would make or brake all she had fought for, all she had sacrificed, all those under her command had sacrificed. The dead solders and pilots flashed through her mind, as her emotions grew colder, more vengeful.

Vader slowly turned to Admiral Cain, his hands behind her back. “Admiral Cain, Remiel has told me so much about you. You already know that you were betrayed, but I have come here to offer you one chance, to make yourself stronger, to build up your worlds from the rubble that the rebellion has sown in your worlds. We offer you, membership in the Galactic Empire, something that you should consider carefully. What do you say will you join?” Vader said, more than asking.

Tarkin smiled, as he could see in her eyes, the hope dying, knowing now the power of the Empire first hand. “Admiral” he chimed in, “The Empire is graciously offering you, the power to lay low your enemies, which since your recent move has become more bold.” Tarkin reached down and pushed a button on the control panel. A blue light began to glow, as the system of Kobal has become very visible. “We sent probe droids to your hidden planet of Kobal, the origin of humanity if I remember correctly.” As Tarkin spoke, Coredian ships could be seen in real time attacking the brave men and women of Kobal, Battlestars vs. Victory Class Star destroyers, the blue lights, slamming into the sides of Battlestars, as the battlestars fired yellow tracer rounds into the hulls of the Coredian Vessels.”

“We just picked this up moments ago, and the Empire would like to aid you with this endeavor. Of course we will not trespass on your space, if you do not desire, but with membership in the Empire, we will help you to rebuild your planets, and make sure that no one will ever dare to attack you again. All we ask in return, is for your loyalty to the empire, as a friend and ally of course.”

Tarkin could not help himself. He held his hand out to her. “Take my hand, and it shall be done, we will die so your men and women will not have to. Your planets will be safe from the enemy, both within and without. We will even deal with your old enemy the cylons for you.”

Admiral Cain could not believe what she was hearing. This was the exact opposite of what she was told about the empire. She also knew that rebuilding the colonies alone would be an expensive and long process, one that would also take the lives of many more of her men and women.

She thought for a moment, looking at the holomap, of the Cordians, defiling colonial space, burning her sons and daughters souls forever into the black, cold and unforgiving space. She knew she had little choice, if she was to save her family, the colonial fleet.

“Save Kobal, and the colonies will join you.” Cain replied, humbly

She turned her head slowly, as several ships began to pass the redline. She could see clearly, the Warstar Ares, her command ship, so big, so beautiful, a true symbol of the colonial defenses, as the warships of the Telrosian Empire past it peacefully, heading towards the blue and pristine oceans of Aquaris.

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The Battle of Aquaria

Battlestars floated silently above the space of Aquaria, the first planet in the Trojan Caprican orbit. Their huge an ominous presence shattering any notion of defeat, as the Telrosian Fleet began to approach, the blue planet, mostly covered in the rich oceans below. This battle was as different from the Battle of Caprica and Picon, as one could be. These battlestars did not rain down shells, and missiles in a massive ordinance, instead they laid silent, in victory, as the planet below, surrendered to the might of Admiral Cain.

Commander Niles, onboard the Battlestar Triton, smiled, as the new draidus contacts appeared. The traitors, redeemed, he picked up the comm system.

This is Commander Niles, of the Battlestar Triton. I am glad to hear that you were not the ones who betrayed us, let me say first and foremost. Under orders from the Battlestar Ares, and the Admiral of the Fleet Helena Cain, you have been authorized to help secure this planet, and you may begin to land. On a personal note, I would like to thank you for your aid.

As the Telrosian vessels began to land, there was no flak cannon fire, no missiles burning with fury towards their new targets. The defenses, although nearly intact, lay silent, as the population, deep in their naval tradition sided with the only wise choice available to them, the Admiral of the Fleet.

This planet was unusual, the pilot noted, as they began to land across all three continents. The costal areas of the city sprawled with cities, as the interior of the planet, sat undisturbed, in the wild. Massive and ancient forests filled with unknown creatures, littered the interior, along with vast deserts. It was almost as if the people of Aquaria had no intention of heading inward away from their precious oceans.

As the Telrosian and Colonial solders disembarked from their vessels, they were greeted with cheers. The population knew the truth, they knew who were their friends, and who were their enemies, and they treated their friends as such. Signs, on several bars said, “Free drinks to all naval personal,” others said “Welcome home, sons and daughters of the colonies.” As music blared on the streets from the loud speakers. The mood was quite serene.

As the Telrosian solders walked the streets, there was almost no sign of battle, the only sign, were the few army installations, now sundered with deadly ordinances, from several hours before. This was more of a paradise, than a war zone.

The Telrosian Solders greeted the civilians as the civilians cheered their friends and allies, holding their hands out to both them and the colonial troops. One person grabbed one of the Telrosian hands, and looked at the solder. As the solder looked back, an explosion rocked the streets, as the fireball tore though the joyful mood of the crowd. Smoke rose to the heavens, as the bodies laid silently, in the red covered blood, along the once peaceful street corner, as the survivors ran, screaming for their lives. As the smoke cleared, there was one mother, holding the body of her young girl, crying to the gods, “Why.” Blood covered her face, as the tears streamed, attempting to wash the blood of the innocent girl off her mother. No amount of water though could ever wash the blood away, it was the price of their sins.

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Dust blew into the room, accompanied by the gentle green light of Erickson’s lightsaber, as Altrox entered the room. His body, shaped perfectly of metal, yet without a sound, Vader’s apprentice slowly entered the room. His hands empty, the metallic robot looking creature, walked into the room, greeted by the green blade Erickson. Darth Altrox laughed for a second, as he scanned the room, each valuable face, that of the cylon, would be interesting for the empire. He slowly walked around the room, as one of the cylons asked, “What crimes has he committed.”

Erickson sighed, "What is with this universe and giant killer bugs" he asked rhetorically as he held his lightsaber, the life and protector, as well as the ancient symbol of the jedi close to him in a defensive stance, against the unarmed alien.

Cavil sighed, “Tell me this, what authority do you have to come into our house. The empire does not exist here, so what has he done to us, to make us care what he has done? Give me a good reason to hand him over to you”

As Darth Altrox scanned the room, he noticed one oddity, a picture, of one of the cylons the asain, with a human, in a loving embrace, and a small nine year old child. The man was tall about 6'3 and both were obviously in the Colonial Fleet. On the arm of the asian cylon, he could clearly see “BSG 73 Battlestar Galactica.”

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Commander Hallen watched in disbelief, as the Chronosian began to speak. Had the gods heard her prayer? Had they sent these monstrosities to Picon, to deliver her from Elysium? She was not about to wait to find out. “Thanks be to Chronos.” she muttered, as she walked out of the jail cell, in her orange jumpsuit.

She began to walk with her saviors, the dark ones of the warp, through the blood filled hallway. Guards were hung in horrific settings, stripped to their bare flesh, some skinned, some missing parts of their body, but all displaying the horror and disparity of the warriors of Chaos. She walked, through the blood, the feces and urine, the smell of death and decay permiated through the air. It was a scene of absolute horror, but now she knew the gods had come to save her, those who would not let her die. Her feet began to stick, as the blood soaked shoes she wore, began to dry.

Commander Hallen could not believe the carnage around her, tongues ripped out, eyes missing, the defilement of the bodies of her one time guards displayed in an fashion, that only the most deranged would consider to be art.

Her mind raced, about her betrayal, how she was left alone, for the coredians to crucify, how the Abh had put the final stamp on her life, as if it was a candle to simply be blown out. She knew, as she walked through the corridors and out to the drop ships, watching as a few prisoners were loaded on their glamourous, and dark hulls, that the gods spoke to Admiral Cain, that she was chosen by Chronos and Reah, for some unknown destiny. As she boarded the drop ship, she let a smile at Turel. “Thank you, and the gods.” was all she muttered.

Lamia carried the Abh woman for a mad dash through a war torn city. With Lamia's abilities and Jessyka's Force, they were able to avoid much of the fighting and traps that different soldiers had lain along the way. There was one stop they needed to make though.

The Betterman stopped short of a store. Jessyka quickly broke in and rummaged through shelves and cases until she found what she was looking for. In her hand she read the directions, a simple can of black hair dye that was spray on. Perfect for her needs. She reached back and peeled away the hood of her cloak.

Shortly later where once an Abh had been, out stepped a wonderous black haired beauty. The Betterman simply stood there with a blank expression. Appearance met very little to him. Actually there wasn't much that meant anything to him. Their business finished here in this district, Lamia scooped her up and dashed off to the bunker outside the city that supposedly housed this military general.

With the bunker in sight, Jessyka had them stop so as to not appear overly aggressive. "Circle around behind and wait until I give the all clear. If they should prove trigger happy, grab Erickson and find a safe place to hide. Call the Empire and get you two and as many Cylons as possible off this planet."

Without another word, Lamia was gone. Jessyka strode towards the bunker with the hood of her cloak pulled down and her arms held out with hands open. The Abh did her best to show she meant no harm but such was not always easy for an Abh.

Hyperspace:

With locating one ship as small as a Bluestar in Hyperspace as difficult as it is, the ship remained positively still. With ships fanning out to search for it, the further the search, the greater the gaps would be. By the time any enemy craft was close enough to detect it, more than likely the Bluestar would have it on its own scanners. So it sat and waited until it was needed or sent away.

Half of its mission had already been completed. It's passengers were dropped off and a message had been sent alerting Star Forces command of the situation along with the recommendation to ignore any beacons in the area. The Abh had typically only used the beacons of their own hyperspace gates since it was not known if any other races used a similar method of FTL travel. The Colonials also appeared to not have that ability so a beacon in the area would have made no logical sense as the gates themselves were the sources of the beacon. The beacon in this system was written off as a fake and probable trap.

Not much of a problem though if any ships were to arrive. The visit to the Colonial system last time allowed them to properly map out the system for a Hyperspace entry.

OOC: Assumed a few things about OG's FTL abilities.

Caprica:


Darth Atrox continued standing with his back to Erickson, holding the picture in his ebon hands. The trio looking out from the picture was covered by the green glare of the Abh spy holding his lit saber, his reflection easily seen in the glass. Atrox had his two sabers clearly attached to his armor, one on each side. Erickson would have seen them when the Ta’Nar had entered the room but now his cape blocked the spy’s view of the weapons. He would have no idea if Atrox was trying to grab his weapons.

“I have been tasked with the capture of the three Abh spies by the Admiralty itself. The military has desires to interrogate the spy to determine how far their treachery leads. I am carrying out a legal writ for their detainment. If I had simply knocked, he would have ran out the back door if you have one. He might have also tried to get you to fight his battles for min and hide behind you. I have no desire to fight you or any of your brethren. You are being manipulated by Coreworlds and Abh just like we all were on Asfaltum when they left the Colonial Forces there to die as they saved their own asses.”

Atrox turned to face the Cylons in the room and made sure to meet the gaze of the two faces he remembered seeing when he had placed the photonic illusionary disguises around the members of the forces that snuck into the underground tomb. He knew they would remember as much as he did and his words would mean more to them than any others in the room.

“You can either stick around and watch them corrupt the humans into first fighting amongst themselves and then tricking you to rise against them so the humans would have a unifying reason to band back together again, with the two alien nations taking the credit. What would this unifying reason be? To destroy you. Stir up the paranoia of the humans and direct it at you. Think about it. Secretly sneak onto the planet, cause strife among the humans, get you to fight, rally the humans to fight you together, and pretend to be the grand heroes.”

“So far, they have snuck onto Caprica, Caused the trouble that brought about a civil war, and they have contacted you. I bet they were trying to convince you to attack. You don’t have to confirm that, I can see it on your faces. You can trust the humans to be a known entity and predictable, the Abh and Coredian are not.”

Darth Atrox again turned away from Erickson and walked back to the shelf. Holding the picture up he took another look at the subjects.

“You have to love children, they are so precious. It is said that each New Generation is a representation of the shape of things to come. That is why you must do everything in your power to guarantee their safety. Those among you that have seen the Abh and Coredian leadership at their most benevolent on Asfaltum knows who to trust.”

Atrox carefully returned the picture back to the shelf, taking care to replace it exactly as he had found it. His back was to the Abh spy, his senses still activated from outside. He could detect a different “feel” from the Cylons, he wasn’t sure of the reason why; just that he had felt it before on Asfaltum and now here. He knew it meant something and hoped he would get time to figure it out after capturing the spy.




Hyperspace B:



“Commander Sn’Klahr, The PsiNet has detected several minds. They place them here.”

The commander looked up from a report he had been studying on the movements of the blockade ships and the action developing across the Colonies. The Tactical Officer had placed a blinking white dot in the red-hued holo-display of the system.

“How long before we are within line of sight?”

“Two minutes.”

“Pass the contact information to all ships and converge on that bogey. I want at least two Dimensional Anchors placed on it as soon as we are in range. Disable all control systems so they cannot call for help or run away. I want a sphere formation around that ship with clear fire patters of the other side. We don’t have to help him by shooting our own ships. I want a full Psion Barrage. Knock them unconscious ASAP. They cannot activate and self destruct if they are stunned and then put asleep. If they resist, cut their engines off. We can claim their bodies and use Necromancy to get our answers.”

“Sir, we are entering hailing range.”

Attention Abh trespasser.

Under the authority vested in us by the Colonial Admiralty, we have permission to seek and detain you and your crew. This is your only chance to surrender; you will be turned over to the Colonial Navy. Failure to surrender will force us to either destroy your vessel or to take you by force. Anything other than a complete powering down of your engines and power core will be taken as a hostile intent.






Note:

I am using the version of Hyperspace used in Babylon 5 where the spatial distortions were so severe that sensors were at best line of sight and still unreliable. That is why I am not using my own sensors to detect you; I already knew it would not function in Hyperspace B. That is why I am using my Psionics.

"Half truths coated with honey. It must be a quality with all you Sith dogs. Unfortunatly for you, these cylons are aware of far more than you give them credit. This city, planet, this civilization was in chaos long before we arrived which they know. They also knew that a civil war was starting which would be sufficient enough reason to come here in secret to avoid being shot at. This war that you and that lot that you've cast your fate with, have begun it. We are here to simply see that it is finished."

Erickson gave his lightsaber a quick twirl in his wrist. "Preferably with every last one of you Sith bastards with your heads on a pike and this civilization restored to peace. A peace that no one can guarantee except the Colonials and the Cylons by working together."

"You are coy, insect, but if it's me you've come for then I'm happy to disappoint you by not coming quietly."

Hyperspace:

The ship itself was unremarkable; small with no markings whatsoever. Since it was not a Star Forces ship, the vessel had no tell tale signs of its origin. While the message was broadcasted to the ship, it simply stayed put. Neither acknowledging the message nor ignoring it. It simply stayed at its one spot.

OOC: I also use the same version of Hyperspace and in truth, sensors aren't all that useless there. Just depends on what you use, but yes if most people are relying on gravity based sensor readings then you might as well just thrown them away.

“Half Truths coated with Honey? I suppose that would be a good way to describe your own actions. I shall remember to include it in my report when I turn you over to the Colonial Government.”

While he was talking, the Ta’Nar slowly examined his prey’s mind with his Psionics using the utmost subtlety he could. His telepathy would gently pick its way into his mind undetected unless the other was a powerful Psion, which was doubtful or he would have detected the presence of Atrox before the Sith had forced opened the door. He made sure not to vary his Force readings, knowing from the way the human twirled his saber he had received some training or he would have lost an arm through self injury. Once he detected a way into the human’s mind, he began to slowly direct Rage, Hatred, Fear, and other negative raw emotions into him, using his Control Emotion Telepathic ability. Darth Atrox turned to face the human, his arms crossed across his chest.

“I am quite aware of the state of perpetual powder keg the Colonies has been since the first and second Human-Cylon wars. I am also aware the spark that caused the civil war did not happen until hours after you landed. Coincidence? I doubt it. Your attempt at distracting our hosts from the inference I implied seems sudden, almost as if you are attempting to get them from making their own mind up after hearing from someone that opposes you and your Abh treachery. They know how your wonderful prince abandoned the Colonial and Cylon troops on the planet to die. They can access the memories and verify every true word of it.”

Atrox glanced right and left, scanning the faces of his hosts to see if the two he recognized from the Mission did. He made sure not to dwell any longer on them, instead spending about the same time for each of his hosts. He turned back to Erickson and continued, pacing back and forth as he spoke. One set of arms was crossed behind his back, much like a trial lawyer talking to a jury and the other set gestured slightly while he spoke.

“Another interesting point I wish to make, I was the first to enter the Colonies. I obtained prior permission from the Admiralty after they got footage of you attacking humans. It is for this reason your presence was requested on The Ares to face charges. I was asked to acquire you for those proceedings.”

Atrox turned away from Erickson before continuing.

“Also, I would like to point out to our hosts that I have yet to draw a weapon and until I get their permission, I refuse to insult our host by taking up arms while under their roof. When they allow me to, I will take you using the most efficient means at my disposal so as to avoid causing any damage to them or further damage to their home. I will repair their door after I capture you and set things right.”

Atrox pushed slightly more and turned back to Erickson.

“Green is a pretty color; can you also juggle it or perform any other tricks? Put it away before you further insult our hosts more than you already have. You already know you don’t have the courage to use it.”

Darth Atrox again turned toward Cavil and began to speak to him, seemingly ignoring him as if he were harmless. He kept a couple minds locked onto Erickson, pushing as much negative emotion into his mind as he could without being detected as well as tracking his every movement. Atrox was hoping he would fall prey to his fears of “giant space bugs” as well as the taunting the Ta’Nar had done.

“You know the truth of the matter, I only ask for your permission to execute my duties and capture this being that was planning on using you and the rest of the Cylons as their pawns, their cannon fodder. Before I arrived here, I witnessed this.”

Atrox conjured a holo of the meeting between the male and the female Abh spies. It started as the male jumped down from the flagpole and ended when the two sped off. There was no sound from the vantage point the video was taken.

“I doubt you were told about all the spies they have here, I have found traces of three so far and who knows how many others there might be. I witnessed what happened in that bar. If their intentions were peaceful, why did he take the extra time to attack those guards other than to incite further rioting among the humans? I know you are above the humans, you don’t fight each other. Let me take him into custody”

There comes a point of realisation in any descent, that feeling when you suddenly acknowledge that you’re falling, slipping. Remiel notices it upon Admiral Cain;s face, feels his own smile widen as he tastes her outrage. Not because Baltar has so willingly embraced corruption, but because she has so willingly damned everything that she swore to protect. He savours it for a moment, letting his grin broaden till it seemed aglow with knives.

He watches the defiance die in her eyes under the proffered knowledge of Kobal, his tongue teasing over his lips as he listens, and watches, enrapt by the spectacle that unfolds. Bit by bit, her defences crumble and buckle, despair takes her as surely as the tendrils of rot coil throughout a corpse.

He begins to speak, his voice booming and confident, rich with all the power that the Imperium brings to this table. For there can be no Empire without the Imperium, for whom blood is spilt and brotherhood offered. There can be no hope of victory without the hammer-blow of Chaos to scatter their enemies. He speaks with a calm and a fore-knowledge. Perhaps he has seen what is to come, as he closes his eyes and lets his words wash over the assembled gathering, perhaps he knows what must be done.

“We offer you much Admiral. Protection from your enemies, vengeance against those who deceived you and forced your hand. You shall rise as a phoenix from the ashes, not by the might of the Empire but by the strength of your people. These Colonies are brimming with strength, an inner fire that we shall nurture, only once the rebellious heathens are cast down.

The Gods have spoken judgement upon the faithless and the damned, Admiral. They claim their deaths as their own. My mandate is clear. The Colonies are to be liberated from the taint that grips them, to be freed from the tyranny of alien corruption and restored to the purity of Man.

We do not ask for petty shows of allegiance. We do not ask you to bow and curtsey and beg. Instead I say to you, Helena Cain, prove yourself in battle. Strike down the betrayers and the heathens, crush them without remorse or doubt, let the fire of the Blood God fuel you…And live forever in his Name.”

He nods his head lightly, stepping back as he makes one final pronouncement, “To war. Let these systems burn in righteous fire, for the glory of the Gods.”

Space itself crackled and burst as the Chronosian warfleets split and surged forth into the warp. The fleets of the Ascendant Daemons and the Steel Fists were gone, utterly vanished, leaving only the warfleet of Remiel in formation.

Judgement was descending upon the worlds of the Colonies. Judgement that knew not pity or fear or mercy. Come to liberate them of their sins.

Picon
Everything had went according to plan, perhaps even better than had been planned,. Losses had been minimal, the geneseed of the fallen collected to serve the Gods once more in battle. Turel smirked, watching his prisoner-guest with a cautious eye. She had sought to bring judgement upon the damned at Asfaltum. That made her powerful, a killer of countless. She burned with a fire and a ferocity that dwelt within, hidden by civility and guilt. But she was still the same woman who had brought nuclear fire against an entire world in the name of duty.

“The only Gods that you need thank are the Gods of Chaos, Commander. They heard your prayers when all others would have left you to rot, when the government would have had you executed. It is the will of our Gods, and their holy Scion, their Prophet, our Emperor, who have saved you from true death. We hear they would have executed you on Kobal, whatever the significance of that”

Put fear in her, make her cling to them out of fear for her immortal soul…

“Our faith is our greatest strength, the guiding light that drives us forth to purify and redeem all who have turned from the true light. They know your name, they know you and exalt in your freedom. They wish for you to be aware of their might, their power.

All they ask is your devotion, a petty conceit for salvation.” He chuckled lightly, turning to survey his men. Countless bore the marks of war upon their armour, splashed with gore, singed where bullets had ricocheted off of ceramite plate. Anton was grinning inanely at him, half-lust in residual battle-lust and drug-fuelled ecstacy.

“The Emperor shall commend you before your Admiral Cain. You are deserving of many honours, Commander, the blessings of both man and God.

You have a destiny ahead of you.”

"Ah yes the tomb on Asfaltum. I was not there but I have read the reports on the matter. If insects have balls, you must have had some made of steel as you went into that tomb at the side of two individuals you were currently at war with. Amazing that they even let you live long enough to feel the earth. In regards to Colonials dying, all I know is that Daniel gave the order to retreat and what Colonials were still alive-if any-were given the chance to retreat."

Like all good Jedi, Erickson maintained his emotional control. He even managed a smile. "Sparking this crisis? Yes they managed to arrest one of their own military advisors, sentence her, and have the entire executive office executed within a matter of minutes. Sorry to disappoint but such espionage takes more than an hour to accomplish. We've been here for a shorter period of time. Attacking humans? Perhaps you should have paid more attention. Cavil here can even attest to self-defense as the military attacked him as well."

Erickson kept his lightsaber at the ready though not making any move to lunge for an attack. He had received training but only a fool would rush to attack an opponent he knew nothing about. "Manners eh? Well if blowing a door in on someone's home and making rediculous demands without introduction or apologies is rude on your planet, I'll take that as a compliment. You are the one that came here to start a fight, I am simply defending myself...again. You want me to surrender myself, you'll have to come and get me. If not, then you should be on your way as I have no intention of leaving this good company."

“Twelve missiles intercepted sir, seventy-six have reached attack range!” Announced the tactical officer. The success rate was higher than could be anticipated, while missile tech was new to the Galaxy inhabited by the Republic and the Galactic Empire it has been the mainstay weapons of the Farstars for centuries. The missiles used by the Cordian Faction and the Colonies were incredibly slow, sluggish, and impotent in comparison to the Confederacy’s capital missiles.

The Imperials heavy turbo-lasers proved to be less than ideal at point-defense as they were quite cumbersome weapons for targeting ordinance moving at a velocity nine-times greater than what a TIE interceptor could manage. The quicker firing quad laser turrets of the two lancers had better success but the escorts were still two far away to manage a better intercept until at least the impact of the forth broadside.

This first small skirmish would be the first introduction of the Imperial Fleet to the Republic’s new weapons and technology and as the seventy missiles of the first broadside detonated against the embattled Vic-Star, it would be a rude introduction.

The nuclear missiles of the Republic fleet were “contact” warheads, they had an effective kill radius of 10 kilometers, as such they only had to get within that distance of their target to be effective. The seventy plus warheads detonated enveloping the Vic-Star completely. First a half-dozen, then a score, then the remainder all within the space of once second as the 800 mega-ton warheads detonated against the Imperial warship immolating it with nuclear hellfire and swamping the area with horrendous amounts of electromagnetic energy rendering effective scanning improbable at best.

All of the negative factors were calculated into the next waves of missile attacks, each program to detonate on the Vic-Stars projected course. The first broadside would be the most effective but the sheer kill radius of the warheads would allow a high percentage of hits in the following waves. Twenty five seconds after the first detonations the second wave impacted and then the third, fourth and fifth on the beleaguered Vic-Star. Each of the following waves were thinned more by the approaching lancers, on the fifth wave over twenty-five missiles were intercepted.

Which was why the tactical officer had programmed the sixth wave of missiles to target the first lancer and the seventh to target the second lancer, the fragile escorts did not have the defenses of even a Vic-Star and it was estimated that a single broadside would damage or destroy the small vessels enough to render them combat ineffective. By this point the Republican Task Force would have to wait for new data from the recon drones before reengaging as the battlefield was now utterly cluttered with the remnants of the nuclear explosions, even as the Imperial task group quickly flew away from its effects, ever closer to the Republican convoy.

“Approaching enemy ordnance sir, two dozen large objects, matches Imperial anti-capital ship torpedoes, time to impact one-eight seconds, mark.”

The tactical officer reported, but unlike her Imperial counterparts counter missiles and tactical programs were already initiated, she was merely reporting the situation and not requesting permission for action or awaiting orders, standard operating procedures and initiative were paramount in the Republican Navy.

A single flight of counter-missiles were launched from both Battle-Cruisers and moved towards the approaching ordnance. The counter-missiles were not decided to intercept the enemy missiles head-on, but rather were simply a the smallest impellor wedge missile able to be constructed, it was the 2 km square impeller wedge that would intercept and destroy the Imperial ordnance. The velocity of the missiles was extreme, and the volume of space great, two of the imperial missiles made it through the counter missiles.

The lone remaining duo closed within a half a million kilometers and soon was meet with a barrage of point-defense lasers from the battle-cruisers and their remaining screen. The PD-laser clusters were effective against shielded fighters, and even frigates at close range, however the missiles were shield heavily, and they absorbed many hits, until they were impacted by the 175 cm Grasers of the Battle cruisers, weapons that could penetrate the shields of an ISD shredded the two remaining missiles.

OOC SIthy I need to be reminded about the fighters u are sending and the other things dealing with the two remaining freighters, u probably posted it a while ago…

The sun began to set on Caprica City, as two warriors stood ready to do their duty, one of the light and one of the dark. The amber light, from the setting sun, crept in to the now blown out doorway, as one, a seemingly sluggish robotic bug, and Erickson, the jedi knight of the Abh Empire, danced around the room. One had their weapon ready, and the other, either through arrogance or trying to seize the tactical high ground, did not. Even though the weapons of these two enemies did not clash, it could not be said that they were already waging a war, for the hearts and minds of their hosts, the seven cylon models in the room.

Words clashed, with the fury of any lightsaber, as they both seemingly calm fought a fierce and brutal battle. Sharon, being the most human of the cylons, slowly backed away to the side of the room. She was nervous, as she slowly moved towards a space in-between the bookshelf and a statue against the wall. Sharon put her hands behind her back, and gently placed them along the wall, bracing herself against the wall. Then the robotic bug, picked up a picture of her daughter, Hera, when she was younger, before she went to the private school, before she joined the fleet. As Altrox spoke of her, Sharon lowered her head, “Thank you, her father and I are quite proud of her.” She leaned back a little harder, as one of the panels turned red, with white streaks.

Leoban watched the two carefully, as the flow of destiny between himself and the other models seemed to intertwine between these “people”. Leoban always fancied himself a prophet of sorts, he claimed to see patterns, and destiny itself. He watched carefully as the stream began to split, and the water began to get choppy. Leoban stood resolute, and smiled. He could see the patterns of one before, the giant bug, as he remembered him on Asfaltum. A being of power, who also knew the ways and rights of destiny. The Destiny of absolute darkness. Leoban watched in pure silence, knowing that nothing he would say or do could change the outcome, that this struggle has to occur, just as it did before, and will again.

The number six, the most visible of all the cylons, as her model seemed to be everywhere in any dealings with the cylons, walked slowly over to Erickson. She walked behind him, trying her best to avoid the green plasma of Erickson’s blade, as she touched is shoulders, gently, sending a tingle down his spine. “Why don’t you put that down.” she whispers in his ear, the door is irrelevant, and we do not want anything unpleasant to occur now do we?”she smiled, bearing her white teeth. She gently rests her head on his shoulder, her arm wrapped around his waste, affectionately, as she holds Erickson tight, as if they were lovers. She could feel Ericksons body heat, against her skin, the warmth of the touch, knowing that he would have to comply with her desire.

Cavil sat up a bit, seemingly unconcerned with the tension in the room, as Altrox continued to walk around the room, slowly moving in a cold calculated movements, slowly over to the chair where Jessyka sat. Cavil replied, “When were you at Asfaltum, we know in full detail who was there, and what occured, and last time we saw, there were no robotic bug “people”.

Leoban turned to Cavil, “He was there, just not in the way you know him now.”

Cavil turned back in surprise, “You saw him there?”

“More or less, he was there, the outer shell has changed, but he does speak the truth. He was with us then, the question is, is he with us now?”

D’Anna got up, “Altrox, that is your name am I correct. You are under some false assupmtions. Admiral Cain does not control this planet, nor would we really care for her authority if she did. We are not enslaved to the government, nor will we be slaves again. She is cold and caculating, so unless you have proof of your claims about the Abh, and your claims at being at Asfaltum, then you are denied extradition.”

As she spoke, three puffs of smoke appeared in the doorway, the signature of the Coredian Jedi and Ninjas, as two centurions walked in to the room from another door. Their guns deployed, they turn their cold metalic murderous hands towards Erickson, Altrox and the two jedi and ninja.

Cavil smiles, “Do not worry about them, they are just here to insure no one acts too emotionally.”

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

Jessyka looked up into the now fading skyline, her hands held high, as she hoped to make contact with the general of the “loyalists”. The sun went down, as multiple red dots appeared on her chest.

Two guards began to walk towards her, their rifles trained on her, waiting for this “stranger” to make a false move.

“Who are you?” one of the younger man yelled, slightly nervous, as he walked toward the black haired beauty. “Disrobe, and put your hands behind your head. If you make any other moves, we will not hesitate to kill you.” the other guard yelled at the possible insurgent.

Nervously, he held his rifle, his palms sweating, as his finger lightly touched the trigger. The young girl in his sights, the two walls of the sight, with the small pin in the center, trained on her forehead, he had hoped she was attempting to find sanctuary, or had information about the whereabouts of the enemy movement. He hoped against all hope that this stranger was not a insurgent, nor a bomber.

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From Black to Blue, Gaius Baltar watched, as the Eclipse and it’s inferior propulsion system, jumped into hyperspace. He watched in silence, as Tarkin attempted to wrap his arm around Admiral Cain, and how she quickly moved away from the old man. Baltar continued to watch, as the guard stepped in, to protect his Admiral, until she gently waved him off. She approached the window of the bridge alone, standing no more than three feet from him.

“I am about to go home, after all of these years, I will soon be home.” Baltar muttered under his breath, excited to see Caprica again, see his house, his planet, if anything was to be left of it by then.

Baltar could not help but to let a small smile out, as he felt a warm pair of hands touch his shoulder. “Do not be silly.” the sweet voice, of his angel spoke to him. She will kill you, even now as her soul falls into darkness, damning all those she loves dear, even now she would rather see you dead than return home.”

Gaius turned quickly towards the phantom, turning his head towards the side, as if he were looking at the command console. “What do you mean?” he asked his darling angel, as Admiral Cain and her guard as well as Tarkin and Remiel looked to the mentally sick individual.

“Who are you talking to Doctor?” Admiral Cain asked, in a tone of voice that clearly showed she hated this pathetic excuse for a human.

Baltar turned to her, his eyes filled with fear, “I am so sorry, I thought I overheard..., It is quite nothing, please excuse me, it has been a long and fulfilling day.” Gaius replied, as he wiped the sweat of his brow, with the armband of the robe.

“See Gaius, she has no respect for you. She does not care for you the way I do. She will at her first opportunity, shoot you thorough one of the cannons on the Ares. You are in exile, even now.” The ghost replied to Baltar grinning as if she took great pleasure in Baltar’s anguish. The illusion walks up to Baltar, her white teeth and blond hair. “She may be damned but you will be forever a traitor to the human race. You aided the cylons, and now the Chronosians. You will be damned for all time, but I will protect you, I will love you forever, and God will forgive you of your sins.”

Gaius turned his head to look at Head six, but she was no longer there. In this room filled with hundreds of people, Gaius was alone. He never got used to that feeling.

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Admiral Cain stood alone, watching the blue lights of hyperspace. “Well they keep their word, or am I now their prisoner?” she thought to herself, as the trip seemed to take too long. Hours went by, as the constant stream of blue hyperspace flew by the bridge of the enormous ship.

She reached to her holster, attempting to grab the handle of her pistol, that was not there. As she reached and grabbed nothing but air, she felt nervous. Her pistol, her great comforter was stripped of her, as she could only wait to find out her fate. As she watched, Tarkin walked up to her, his one arm pointing out the window, and his other arm attempting to touch her shoulder, in a friendly way.

“You can see there along the main bow, three channels that merge. Those are the main laser focal points. The Eclipse’s main advantage, is this super laser, which can fire a beam so powerful, it can rip apart the mantel of a planet, exposing it to the molten core. As you can tell Admiral this vessel is quite a formidable weapon of war.” Tarkin told her smiling, as he continued on and on about the vessel. As his left hand approached her shoulder, Admiral Cain moved to the side, barely missing the old and arthritic hand of Tarkin. “Please I do not like to be touched Admiral.” Cain replied, as the light from the window turned from Blue to Black.

Admiral Cain just looked at Tarkin in the eyes, “What was he trying to do, or was he a pervert along with a coward.” she thought to herself, as the corner of her eye could see the obvious truth in front of her.

Blue lights and yellow tracer fire pounded each other above Kobal, as the great titans, Battlestars fought valiantly against the enemy. Pieces of armor floated in space, as the vipers easily out maneuvered the slow and non agile X-wings. Missiles and tracer fire pounded the armor and shields of the foe, as the Colonial Vessels were being equally pounded. Blue vs. yellow, Kinetic vs energy, the battle raged on, as a shot rang out from the bottom of one of the Star Destroyers, buckling the shield system, and ripping several of the main cannons off of the ship.

Tarkin smiled, “Ah it looks as if we have arrived in time, fire the main cannon at the nearest vessel. He loved the deception, the masquerade of it all. It was overwhelmingly convincing, who would destroy such a massive ship of war, that was their own. He knew this display of power would soon bring to bear, not only the power of the Empire to the young Admiral’s mind, but also place her in a debt. The time was right.

“Aye sir.” one nameless Lieutenant replied. He slowly turned around and pointed to the main fire control.

Several seconds later, a green aura began to fill the channel, filling up like water in a canal, until it reached the bow. When the energy merged, the shot fired, instantly disintegrating the Star Destroyer.

Sparks flew, as the ship vanished, it’s very molecules destroyed against the onslaught of the Empire. When the blinding light vanished, nothing remained but sparks in space.

Eighteen of the star destroyers began to jump back into hyperspace, leaving no trace, of the attack except the scars on the battlestars, all but one star destroyer. Tarkin frowned, this was not in the plan, he thought to himself, as the engines flickered on and off. It’s engines heavily damages from the two rear attacking battlestars, Tarkin knew that unlike his previous star destroyer, this one was filled with troopers.

Vader looked to Tarkin, “Continue firing Grand Moff, the rebels will not get away.”

Grand Moff Tarkin looked to Vader, “Sir it may be wiser to capture the vessel, to find out their main base of operations.”

Vader breathed heavily through his respirator. “That is of little importance, fire again.” the dark lord replied.

“Yes my lord.”

As Vaders words reached out across the room, the green super laser fired again, destroying the wounded Star destroyer. There was no longer any evidence, of who was behind the insidious attack.

Atrox stopped and placed the set of hands not clasp behind his back upon the chair. As he touched the back of the chair, he felt “something” from the chair. As Cavil spoke to him, he looked down nonchalantly. Spying a few long blue strands of hair, he modified the index finger and thumb of his glove to allow him to tweeze the pale azure hairs from the back of the chair. He stole a sideways glance at Erickson before depositing the samples of Jessyka’s hair in a newly formed opening in his armor near where Erickson’s spent money lay. As he did this, Cavil replied, “When were you at Asfaltum, we know in full detail who was there, and what occured, and last time we saw, there were no robotic bug “people”.

Leoban turned to Cavil, “He was there, just not in the way you know him now.”

Cavil turned back in surprise, “You saw him there?”

“More or less, he was there, the outer shell has changed, but he does speak the truth. He was with us then, the question is, is he with us now?”

Atrox turned towards Leoban, speaking directly to him instead of Cavil. “I have not changed that much. You just don’t know the story which happened after you and your centurions were slain by the cowardly actions of his prince and the Coredian Emperor. I can show…” He stopped speaking as D’Anna stood up and began speaking.

D’Anna got up, “Altrox, that is your name am I correct. You are under some false assumptions. Admiral Cain does not control this planet, nor would we really care for her authority if she did. We are not enslaved to the government, nor will we be slaves again. She is cold and calculating, so unless you have proof of your claims about the Abh, and your claims at being at Asfaltum, then you are denied extradition.”

“Actually it is Atrox, no insult taken.”

Atrox felt a presence slightly before the smoke powder interrupted her and the three Coredians appeared about the same time a couple centurions entered and provided cover for their kin. Inside his helm, Atrox would be grinning if the facial structure of his host body would allow.

“Ah, there you are, just as expected. I see you brought another Jedi Knight along with an assassin. Just in time for the entertainment.”

In the space between the Cylons and the chair which Atrox rested his hands upon, an apparition formed and became solid.

“I am Advisor Ba’El. At the time of the assault on Asfaltum, I was the Admiral in charge of the fleet defending Kala-Keihm, the closest system to Asfaltum. I participated in the covert operation to find out why the now deceased Palpatine was so interested in the tomb. I mentioned this idea to Prince Doron and Emperor Daniel. I even volunteered to do it myself but they seemed to want the glory and took control of the entire thing, even though Asfaltum was my neighbor and I had the most authority there. That will give you a little insight into their characters if you look deep enough…”

As the apparition of Ba’El spoke, the memories formed a hologram in front of him, showing the events as they happened. They showed the bombardment of the planet on the trip there, the way Ba’El was confined to quarters for taking the high moral ground and protesting, the threat of the Abh prince with a handful of gathered Force power looking for an excuse to use it against Ba’El, and finally the landing of the ship. After the drop off, the display followed the group as Ba’El prevented Daniel from possibly being slain by a sniper, the generating of the disguise which allowed the group to sneak into the tomb, and then finally the events as they transpired, all as accurately as they could be. He finished everything off by showing how he came to use the insect as a body and explained it the same way he did earlier to Cain. Again, the only omission was Tarkin slaying the Emperor. That will be saved for another time when he needed to pit Emperor Vader against his deceitful Grand Moff.

“That is the Truth as I know it. Emperor Daniel and Prince Doron left not only me but also your Centurions and at least two of you there to die, as well as the humans. You cannot trust them in anything other than to try to pull underhanded stunts, such as trying to send spies to an ally instead of just entering publically. While you may not recognize Admiral Cain, she is the only form of government left to the Colonies that can resist the trickery of those two. She has footage of that human agent using his Jedi skills against Colonial troops. She wants him to be contained and delivered to her by me so he can be tried for acting against the Human/Cylon Colonies.”

Ba’El waited for the Cylons to decide after viewing the evidence he provided. He knew they would cross reference it with the witnesses there.

Jessyka looked up into the now fading skyline, her hands held high, as she hoped to make contact with the general of the “loyalists”. The sun went down, as multiple red dots appeared on her chest.

Two guards began to walk towards her, their rifles trained on her, waiting for this “stranger” to make a false move.

“Who are you?” one of the younger man yelled, slightly nervous, as he walked toward the black haired beauty. “Disrobe, and put your hands behind your head. If you make any other moves, we will not hesitate to kill you.” the other guard yelled at the possible insurgent.

Nervously, he held his rifle, his palms sweating, as his finger lightly touched the trigger. The young girl in his sights, the two walls of the sight, with the small pin in the center, trained on her forehead, he had hoped she was attempting to find sanctuary, or had information about the whereabouts of the enemy movement. He hoped against all hope that this stranger was not a insurgent, nor a bomber.


Jessyka didn't know exactly how far they wanted her to disrobe but she complied modestly by removing her cloak letting her black hair fall down. The cloak was placed on the ground and she showed the soldiers her lightsaber then placed it ontop of her cloak. Jessyka was left with her beige clothing and brown boots.

"I am unarmed. I have come to speak with your commander about the rebellion. I need to speak with him immediatly."

OOC: I'll leave the other part until OG responds again as it seems more fitting for him to reply to Bal's post.

As Jessyka placed her lightsaber in front of her, she felt a tiny drop of moisture splash against her hand. The rain had come, as tiny splashes of water, began to drip slowly to the earth. The two guards that were visible stood in front of her, water soaking into there uniforms, weighing their camouflage green and brown uniforms. Jessyka sat there, on her knees, watching and waiting, as the rain fell from the heavens above.

She watched, as one of the guards began to walk over to her, his rifle pointed somewhat nervously, as he approached. He walked slowly, his footprints sinking into the newly soaked ground, as when he took his next step, the footprint began to fill with water. Thunderous explosions could be heard in the background, as the skyline above Caprica city continued to erupt in the fire and destructive capabilities, of hate and despair. The war was getting closer.

The young solder walked to the Abh, his eyes filled with an odd combination of fear and pity. He watched her face, for any subtle clues of deception, as she watched him, waiting for his trust. He walked over to her lightsaber, his assault rifle still aimed at her, he picked up his muddy boot, and kicked the weapon of elegance and civilization, her weapon that she had spent so much time to construct away. Jessyka watched, as her creation, landed on the ground and began to roll, until it reached a small mud puddle and stopped.

The guard looked at her, her face so beautiful to him, he began to feel pity. He had to do what he had to do, but that never meant that he had to like it. “Hands behind your head ma’am, and lie down on the ground.” the young marine yelled, waiting for her to comply. He waited for a second, which seemed to be an eternity. “Please comply, I do not want to shoot you.” he thought to himself.

Slowly Jessyka reached around her head, placing her hands behind her head. “I need to talk to your commanding officer now, it is of the utmost importance.” the young Abh replied.

BOOM another series of explosions sounds, in the distance, but much closer. Jessyka slowly begins to lay down, as the cold drenched water, begins to saturate her clothing, while the vibrations of the explosions begins to shake her very body.

The marine reached down to her, as he flipped his rifle behind his back. He began to search her head, and her body for any other hidden weapons, explosive devices, or odd inventions. After finding nothing but cloth and a box of syringes, he reached around behind her, and hand cuffed her hands. The steel felt cold, as the clamps enclosed around Jessyka’s wrists. The marine, after tossing the small box of medication to the side, began to search her hair, for any hidden bugs, or transmitters. The rain continued to pour as he felt her scalp. As he pulled his hand away, from the woman, who reminded him so much of his girlfriend, the woman who he had no clue was even alive, he looked at his hand. His hand was black.

He looked at his hand, as the streaks of black began to run down in a small stream of water from his hand. He reached down to her shoulder and grabbed her, lifting her back to her knees. He grabbed a handkerchief, and began to wipe the mud off her face. The marine walked over to her cloak and wrapped it around her, knowing she must be frozen. Then after she was wrapped in her cloak, the marine walked over to her lightsaber and box of medication. Holding her lightsaber in her hand, he knelt down to her. “What is this, who are you, and where are you from?”

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The Cylons were stunned, by the sophistication of the holographic record that Atrox presented. Whether it was fabricated or real, one thing was for certain, it was quite an impressive display of technology. The cylons watched, as the solders of the colonies, human and cylon alike walked through the desert, reliving the events of the skirmish of the ground battle of Asfaltum.

Leoban was the first to remark, “That is quite a considerable record of the facts that occurred during that battle, and very accurate. However, he said smiling, the sins of the Abh Prince, and the Emperor of the Coredians is not the sins of Erickson. If he was here, Prince Doran, I would be the first to hand him over to you. I see your path, and you are truthful to what you say. You burn with a fire, over the betrayal of being left behind, of being trapped within the mortal coil of a mere insect, and for that it is unforgivable. But Erickson here is innocent of what happened there, and of what has happened here..”

Cavil looked to Leoban, “Erickson did attack the marine to protect himself and to protect myself, but I have to agree with Atrox. He is a human, he is therefor not trustworthy. He wants us to involve ourselves within a human civil war, to fight for some reason that I am still unclear of.” Cavil reaches down and straightens out his coat. “I for one do not desire to join this conflict without ample reason. Neither side has any proof of what will occur, of what is too occur, so I say let Atrox have him. Have all of you forgotten what happened last time we engaged in the galactic stage?” Cavil looked to the two newly entered Coredian Knights, “We were defeated and subjected to colonial rule, without any diplomacy on why we were even at war. Take him, and the Coredians, let them pay for their ignorance.”

Caprica Six turned her head as the two Jedi Knights and the Ninja entered the room. She squeezed the Jedi Erickson a little harder. “I agree that the Abh Empire, and the Coredians ran away, without any concern for those left behind. I also agree with Cavil that they do deserve for their sins to be delivered over to whatever punishments await them, but I will not agree to let them be captured.” Her mind began to race through the memories of Gina, her model that was on the Pegasus, she re-felt all the pain, the torture, the rape, and eventual starvation of her sister model.

“I have Gina’s memories, the pain, the suffering. None of you know what she will do like we do. We will not agree to let the Abh go. We made the alliance with the Abh, and despite the arrogance their government has levied against the colonies, I see no reason to let them suffer like that. Cain is cruel, vindictive, and above all else, an abomination to humanity and cylon alike.”


“This is interesting, what are you doing here?” she asked to the Coredian “party.” “What a coincidence it is, that now four jedi knights are here to talk to us. Let me guess it is all a coincidence.” D’Anna replied her voice filled with contempt. “Take him Atrox, that is where we threes stand, and you may take the Coredians with you.”

Doral was the next to speak. “We all know the truth about the Coredians, and Prince Doran.” Doral walked up to Erickson, being gently caressed by the Caprica Six model. “I was on Asfaltum, as was Leoban, but you were not there. So far, you have tried to protect Cavil, and warn us of danger. You are innocent in our eyes, there for Atrox, you may not have him.”

Simon was the next to speak. “The way I see it, it is simple cause and effect. Everything that has transpired and will about to transpire is by the previous events before it. The Abh have made critical mistakes, the same as the Coredians, the same as the colonies, the same as all of us. We are all stuck by the past, whether the glory or the ignorance of it. None of you have yet to suffer for the mistakes said, the mistakes done. You have not been exiled from your home world, you have not had to suffer death thousands upon thousands of times, only to be reborn. You have not had to watch all you have fought for die without even a whimper. We agree with Cavil, Atrox may have them.”

The vote was 3 to 3, and the cylons work by a majority rule. The only model left to vote, was the most human of the cylons, the mother of the girl in the picture, the eights.

Sharon looks at all of the cylons. "What the frak is the matter with all of you. You have heard one side of the story, and already you are willing to condemn this man to death, or worse." SHe looks to the Coredians and to Erickson, "You have come here to warn us, and some of us are acting like a bunch of damn humans. I am so sorry for this. I will not cast my vote until I hear your side, until I fully know what happened, and not on Asfaltum, but here on Caprica."

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From the Warp the deadly and feared Chronosian ships waited silently in the hidden and twisted warp howling from the madness, waiting to unleash the power of the gods to the unsuspecting population below. Silently they approached, undetected by the colonial standard methods. The two globes appeared as the Chronosian vessels approached the defiant planets, fighting like a cornered cat against the inevitable. Battlestars, Gunstars, Defenders, Valykrie missile cruisers, Vipers and Raptors all flew against the heathens on the planet below, fighting the damnation that infested the worlds below. Soon the time will come, with theire defenses weakened, near the point of buckling, for those of the gods chosen to come and show the religious of the colonies, the true path to salvation.

The Abh cringed as her syringes were carelessly cast aside in the rain. Thankfully, she stole a glance and saw that none of them had been broken. She could clearly see the fear in the man's eyes as well as his nerves. Jessyka wondered if he was a young recruit not yet accustomed to the ways of war or simply shaken by war so close to home. Either way, she wanted to get inside.

She tilted her chin at her weapon. "That, is a lightsaber and my name is Jessyka. If we can please go inside out of this blasted weather, I shall tell you my whole story. Then you may decide if it is important enough to allow me to see your commander."

There was a pause followed by a small smirk. "Oh, my friend as well."

Without so much as a sound, Lamia came out of the approaching darkness and falling rain. The Betterman easily closed the distance behind the soldiers though his footfalls were completely silent.

Yes, I.

Judging by his aparrel, there were obviously no weapons on him. Though he still looked like a freak.
-----------------------------

Erickson was slightly perturbed by Cavil's vote to cast him to the wolves despite helping to protect Cavil outside of the bar and trying to help the Cylons. Still, at least he did have some friends among the Cylons. A tying vote was ensure the extension of his life for a little bit longer.

As the woman had bidden him to do, Erickson extinguished his lightsaber and returned it to his side.

Sharon looks at all of the cylons. "What the frak is the matter with all of you. You have heard one side of the story, and already you are willing to condemn this man to death, or worse." SHe looks to the Coredians and to Erickson, "You have come here to warn us, and some of us are acting like a bunch of damn humans. I am so sorry for this. I will not cast my vote until I hear your side, until I fully know what happened, and not on Asfaltum, but here on Caprica."

Erickson decided to return to the seat he had been occupying before detailing the events of their arrival. "When we were travelling to your planet through hyperspace, we picked up a mass Imperial ships forming outside of Colonial space. Fearing invasion or some sort of conspiracy, we exited Hyperspace and landed on your planet outside of Caprica. That invisible ship that tore through the atmosphere was our own. We could not come openly out fear that there might be Imperial spies or agents in your midsts nor did we want our pressence to cause them to move aggressively any sooner than what they might.

Once here, my master went off to speak with your government officials about this matter. As part of training, I was sent to observe the populace and familiarize myself with your culture. That is when I came to the bar that Cavil was out and where I learned of the assasination of your government heads. I assume that my master was not in time to even see your officials, let alone stop the assasination plot. From there, Cavil can attest to the rest. Of the gunfight outside the bar. Colonial marines firing on us and the nonviolent method of disposing of the obstacles. All that has been told to you by me and my master has been the truth. You are free to ask for more, but I do not know what more there is I can tell you."

A small burst of rare Alderranian wine filled a glass as Moff Rylar celebrated his first official command of the second Imperial Death Star. “To victory.” He said with a smile on his face as his guests all drunk up, savouring the sweet taste.

“Moff Rylar, I hope it will be a honour serving you in the years to come.” His captain, an ageing Netter saluted as his pomp refused to surrender even in these informal circumstances.

“Please captain, the honour is mine. I've seen your reports and tactics in dealing with the rebellion, I look forward into learning more of your insights as we work together.”

Netter nodded his head in thanks. “I understand it then sir that you've had little contact with the Coredians.”

Rylar sipped some more wine as he tasted it upon his tongue. “Yes, under our previous emperor I was sent to deal with the unknown territories, conquer new lands and what not. Rather boring, being so far away from civilisation like that, I don't know how I survived. But I understand that you have had many contacts with enemy forces over the past few years, quite a few skirmishes with that emperor of theres if I recall.”

Netter nodded to a passing colleague before ushering the Moff away from the musing all be it slightly loud band in the background. “Yes, I did have the pleasure of crushing him a few times in battle, a dangerous leader that one, will care for nothing in strategy, instead he relies entirely on being unpredictable. The best way to deal with him is make him come to you.”

“I see it worked quite well over Asfaltum.” The Moff joked.

“Yes, well, she was an old ship, better she died in battle rather than the scrap heap.”

“Lord Vader would disagree I'm sure.”

“Oh I doubt that.” Netter said dryly. “He seems to be enjoying his new toy.”

“Ahh look what a priceless world.” Rylar pointed out the observation ports. “They call their world Tauron, did you know it was once a complete wasteland.”

“Really?” Netter now curious asked as he and the Moff stepped closer to the view port.

“Yes, it was once entirely glaciated until they terraformed it, or so I'm led to believe. Still dreadfully cold though.”

“Moff Rylar, the planet will be in range in three minutes.” An officer communicated through the link.

“Prepare all stations and alert the invasion forces, me and the command staff will be with you momentarily.” Rylar paused and signalled for the music to be cut. “Gentleman, forgive me for the intrusion however I am afraid duty beckons us all. Report to your command posts and I hope to see you all tomorrow for the evening meal.” The Moff smiled and left with Netter in tail.

“You certainly do thing differently sir.” Netter said trying not to criticise.

“Yes, I've found dear boy, that whipping ones staff rarely gets anything done, well not quickly and properly anyway.”

“So?”

“So I treat them with. BRIDGE.” Rylar commanded the turbolift. “A degree of respect and they love me for it.”

Netter scowled a little. “I fail to see the point in.”

“Oh I'm sure you will, give it a few months captain, and they will willingly die for me. I promise you.” The doors opened from the observation lounges turbolift revealing a grand command centre equipped with all the apparatus to command the entire station from one remote point. “Commodore, the situation please?”

“Sir.” The officer saluted. “We are about to enter orbit of the planet and we have received confirmation from Moff Tarkin to begin the invasion as soon as possible. We do not expect much resistance from the planet, however initial scans show they are preparing their silos.”

“Well then, when we enter orbit, raise shields and let us see what toys they have to throw at us.” The Moff smiled and moved commandingly to his chair.

Sharon looks at all of the cylons. "What the frak is the matter with all of you. You have heard one side of the story, and already you are willing to condemn this man to death, or worse." SHe looks to the Coredians and to Erickson, "You have come here to warn us, and some of us are acting like a bunch of damn humans. I am so sorry for this. I will not cast my vote until I hear your side, until I fully know what happened, and not on Asfaltum, but here on Caprica."
Jedi Master Ahmed Sakir had listened to the arguments for and against the vote. Now it was his time to speak. "I am merely a member of the Embassy, come to observe. I shall make this observation. You may not trust a word of what humans say, but heed the words of one who has seen the Empire's evil with his own eyes. The Cylon race will become slaves to the Imperial regime if you choose to deliver Erickson unto Atrox, slaves once more to a human regime. The Empire is ruled by three humans, one named Darth Vader, once a proud Jedi named Anakin Skywalker. He is now more machine than man, twisted and evil. The other is Grand Moff Tarkin, who sits at the right hand of the Dark Lord of the Sith. The third is Remiel, scion of Chaos, the one who is truly behind this civil war. This Atrox is merely their servant, at their beck and call. And so will you all be if you choose the Imperial cause."

"You seek freedom. The Empire stamps it out. You want places to raise your children." Here, he glanced knowingly at Sharon. "The Empire would want you and your children for its own twisted desires. Or if it sees your children as a threat, it will simply murder them without batting an eye."

"In the end, you will die a final death and not even your powers will aid you." Ahmed Sakir prophesied. "So choose. Give up Erickson and his master and join the Empire, or refuse and walk the path of freedom."

Atrox remained standing there with two of his hands upon the back of the chair in an obvious state of calm. The alien was clearly watching Erickson for any hint he might try to flee or do something equally stupid. Ba’El stood in front of the assembled Cylons and listened to both the Abh and the CW speeches. He could see holes in both of them and assumed the Cylons could also. He turned and addressed the one Erickson put forth first.

Actually, your sneaking onto the planet was partially the reason things went to hell. The entry was detected by satellites that took pictures of your entry plume. They thought you were there to further corrupt the leadership.”

Ba’El projected the images he was shown of the Bluestar plainly entering the atmosphere of the planet. The shots were taken from one of the satellites in orbit above and showed the unmistakable design of the ship with the afterglow of the atmospheric friction of re-entry trailing behind. The photo was accompanied by a slideshow of others that showed the descent down to the rural outskirts of the city.

“Once you landed there is not a record of any of you I am aware of until you attacked the soldier by the bar.”

The display again came to life and showed the helmet cam of what could be assumed was assumed to be Corporal, Alexander Wilkens. The display showed him working down the street and there was a sudden gunfight. After the fight,

the marine soon turned to see a Cylon and some guy in the bar. He went to talk to them to figure out what they were doing there, as the building shook. The cylon began to run, as the marine looked down the sight of his rifle, to the only clear shot he had, the human.

As the bullets flew, a lightsaber ignited, and the marine was soon in the air, as some invisible hand picked him up and slammed him down. His camera shook, as the video soon displayed, the same image for a few minutes.

“That was Corporal Wilkens actually helmet cam data. His bullets were completely negated by the actions of Erickson’s saber work. There was no reason to do what was next done. Erickson was an ally of the colonies, he could have easily identified himself and things would have been OK. Instead he succumbed to his vanity and had to show off his Jedi powers and threw the soldier. When Corporal Wilkens landed, Alex broke his neck. That is why the Admiralty wants him captured, for Espionage charges and to account for the murder of the soldier.”

“Your sneaking onto the planet was the event that sparked the civil war, something you will have to live with. All those dead citizens are the result of your arrival. Your mission, had it been open would not have killed thousands, no millions. Every soul that was killed is tied to your arrival. The chaos, the murders, the injured. Everything. Your arrival was the catalyst of the entire series of events. And now your resisting arrest is further damning your case and cause. Just submit and you will be contained and delivered to the Navy for your trial by Colonial Laws. I am only part of the capture and as far as I know, I will have no other actions in the affair other than that.”

Ba’El then turned to face the Coredian emissaries.

“I am not sure how your debate actually applies to the particular situation but there are holes in there that you can fly the Executor through. They are not being asked to choose between the GE and the Resistance, they are being asked to allow a person to be taken prisoner to be delivered for charges and trial. If you cannot differentiate between this lawful request and deciding between political allies, then you need to step back and rethink your grip on reality.”

“I do find the use of Anakin Skywalker as a reason to join the Rebellion quite humorous. If you examine the whole truth of the matter, you will find out the current incarnation of Anakin is entirely the result of Jedi Teaching and the way he was deceived by his teachers. Obi Wan and the others had lied to him so much, especially about the one person he loved more than himself. Those lies are what caused him to become twisted and evil. Those teachings of your legends are the cause of that. I know I would not want my children to be taught by anyone that pushes their failures aside and calls them twisted and evil. Also, what is wrong with being a machine? Is it condoned and looked down upon if you are part machine? Are you considered “evil and twisted” if you are? That is not good to say in front of our Cylon friends here.”

Ba’El again turned back to the Cylons.

“The choice is not between alliances, but it is for the system of justice. Erickson must face the charges that are being levied against him for crimes against the Colonies, both human and Cylon. I know there are still two more Abh out there that will also be tracked down. They will be brought forth too if I can accomplish that. My only mission is the capture of those Abh and the human here. Afterwards I would wish to speak with you.”

"From what I have seen, it appeared to be a solder gunning down an unarmed, unassuming civilian caught in the crossfire and Erickson reacted as his instinct dictated. The Jedi's mandate is to protect the innocent, but clearly there has been misunderstandings here." Master Ahmed said. "And if it was only a matter of the Colonials bringing the charges up, then the Council would have no problem with disciplining Erickson, but there is a great deal of doubt concerning the actions of both the Marine and the Jedi."

“I am not sure how your debate actually applies to the particular situation but there are holes in there that you can fly the Executor through. They are not being asked to choose between the GE and the Resistance, they are being asked to allow a person to be taken prisoner to be delivered for charges and trial. If you cannot differentiate between this lawful request and deciding between political allies, then you need to step back and rethink your grip on reality.”
"The lawful request stands, but it is the fact that the Empire has become involved, with your presence, that calls the charges into question. Whatever you believe, it has become a political question the moment you have come to collect the Jedi."

“I do find the use of Anakin Skywalker as a reason to join the Rebellion quite humorous. If you examine the whole truth of the matter, you will find out the current incarnation of Anakin is entirely the result of Jedi Teaching and the way he was deceived by his teachers. Obi Wan and the others had lied to him so much, especially about the one person he loved more than himself. Those lies are what caused him to become twisted and evil. Those teachings of your legends are the cause of that. I know I would not want my children to be taught by anyone that pushes their failures aside and calls them twisted and evil. Also, what is wrong with being a machine? Is it condoned and looked down upon if you are part machine? Are you considered “evil and twisted” if you are? That is not good to say in front of our Cylon friends here.”
"You misunderstand me, Lord Atrox." Master Sakir said with a smile. Verbal dueling with a Sith, for clearly this giant insect is one, is one of his favorite pasttimes, not that he isn't formidable in a fight. "It is not the machine parts that make Darth Vader evil, it is his actions. He has murdered and pillaged in the cause of Empire. He has slaughtered innocents without remorse. He has caused the death of his own wife when she saw his evil and rejected him for it. He is a monster not by the fact that he wears black and has mechanical parts, for one can have mechanical parts and still have a good heart, but by the fact that his sins are laid bare for all to witness."

Ba’El again turned back to the Cylons.

“The choice is not between alliances, but it is for the system of justice. Erickson must face the charges that are being levied against him for crimes against the Colonies, both human and Cylon. I know there are still two more Abh out there that will also be tracked down. They will be brought forth too if I can accomplish that. My only mission is the capture of those Abh and the human here. Afterwards I would wish to speak with you.”
"A choice not easily made, I must warn you. Once you choose a path, there is no turning back." Master Sakir said to the Cylons. "Weigh everything. Weigh the pros and the cons of each argument, and choose."

Then, he made a cryptic statement. It sounds strange coming from a Jedi, yet it was meant for Sharon. "The first of God's generation is in the gardens of paradise. The birds laugh, yet the star that is the mark of the First shines brighter with each passing moment."

Fourteen Light Years outside the Twelve Colonies.

The invasion force that the Empire would deploy was a potent and significant one. The fleet, not vast in itself was still large enough to cower any resistance that might ensue from the beckoning rallies of the Rebellion.

Admiral Krace now in command of the task group had scrupulously obtained the Empires most important targets. The first one that lay on the menu was the Coredian Embassy snuggled within Caprica itself.

A small but famous compound within the colonies, it was known to harbour significant and wanted terrorists, and the telemetry being broadcasted from the suit of Darth Atrox depicted several high value targets.

”"The Star is in the gardens of paradise. The birds laugh, but the Star shines brighter with each passing moment. In time, the Star will become as a flower, blossoming into many colors. Only time will tell if the Star will have the strength to shine away the Clouds."

“Communication from Moff Tarkin Admiral, it's the colonials sir, they've authorised our incursion.”

Krace clapped his hands together as he turned in his command chair. He lazed almost slouching in his comfort. “Good, order the advance force to aim for priority target one, see to it that the emperors special forces capture our targets alive. Relay the order to captain Yisifs Star Destroyer.” Krace placed one elbow upon an arm of the chair resting his chin in the palm of his hand. The other limb, dutifully toyed with the various array of controls.

“Admiral, captain Yisif has confirmed his orders and is taking Black Group into Hyperspace immediately, the inhibitor cordon has been lifted for their incursion.” Krace apparently ignored the information.

“Commodore, order the rest of the fleet to jump into Hyperspace, I want a full blockade established above Caprica City before the Chronosians have their full way with it.”

VSD Repulse

The bridge of the Victory Class Star Destroyer was as usual filled with activity as the twelve destroyer strong task force slipped into hyperspace leaving the bulk of the Imperial fleet behind.

Stars becoming star streams never failed to capture the imagination of even the most composed Imperial officer, but the brief glimmer of beauty was not to last. The rainbow of colour which glimmered around the viewports quickly subsided as the atmosphere of Caprica suddenly filled the eyes.

Twelve Victory Class Destroyers quickly engaged their sublight engines, forcing the rapid deceleration necessary to survive the traumatic incursion. Twelve sonic booms sounded as the first echelon of air was broken, engulfed in twelve bright fireballs.

In Caprica city eyes would look upwards to the heavens as the sky turned a crimson shade of fire, forcing lightning to strike and crumble the alluring sense of peace, that the systems blissful sun struggled to command. Smoke rising from rubble, ashes falling as rain, and now the pointed daggers of the Empire cruised through the tears of chaos.

Twelve ships, twelve destroyers, a symbol perhaps, or maybe just fate.

“Our deceleration has reached required figures sir, we're preparing to target the rebel embassy.” The Repulses first officer confirmed.

Captain Yisif unlike his Admiral stood, watching and wary at any possible trap. “Good, launch the fighters, and prepare the ground forces for incursion. Inform all hands that the embassy is to be taken intact for now.”

“I will inform General Maxius immediately.” The Repulses first officer replied as he made his way over to the communications console.

"Raise shields." Yisif bellowed as the first Tie fighter fled from her caring womb.

Sharon's Plight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXW4nYdxGWI&mode=related&search=)

Starbuck sat with her squadron on the line, bored out of her frakking mind. Hours had passed since Admiral Cain left with the Eclipse to Kobal, the last sanctuary of the Colonies. Still she sat, waiting for the Imperials to make their move. Her guns ready, she wanted the enemy to cross the line again, to make another mistake. This time, there will not be any survivors, she thought to herself, as she thought back to Lady Nightshade and her damn near miraculous escape.

As her thoughts drifted, the Imperial Fleet before them began to deploy, launching fighters, and powering their engines, it looked like her chance had come.

“Alright nuggets, remember your training and stick with your wingman, and you may live through this shit. Lets give them hell, weapons free.” Starbuck yelled over the Mic., as she locked onto the nearest fighter.

She began to power her engines, and raced with her squadron along side her towards the red line, where the battle should take place.

Static filled the com system, as a monotone voice was heard. “Blue Squadron, this is the Ares, Call off the attack and come on home. I repeat Come on home.”

Starbuck replied, “Frak us, you heard the man, get your asses back in that hanger.” She sounded, her voice obviously pissed off.

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A young private stood watch outside Tauronis, the main city of Tauron. It would have been a gorgeous night, as he looked to the sky, except for all the fire coming from the city. Smoke plumes rose, with it’s orange afterglow, as red and white flashing lights were visible from the brave firemen trying to save the city from the burning inferno.

Tanks sat quietly, as unlike Caprica the colonial troops in the fleet had yet to attempt to take the city by ground, instead they opted to strike down the arrogance and stubbornness of the Tauron people. Lighting struck from the sky, as shells and missiles burned through the atmosphere, striking the city at large. Unlike Picon, or Caprica, the fleet above did not care for military targets alone, they struck at anything, knowing that the Tauron’s the most stubborn of colonies spirit would break. So far it has not worked.

The private watched the sky, the beautiful stars in the sky, wishing he had some way to strike back, at the fleet above. He wished they would have courage to come to the surface, to fight the Tauronians like men, instead of hiding behind their ships.

All he could do was watch, as buildings exploded, as he reached down holding his coat tighter, waiting for the time, which he could fight like a warrior, or be obliterated by the stray cannon shell of the cowards above. He cliched his coat tighter, as his eyes began to feel the weight of sleep deprivation. “What the hell, a few minutes will not hurt.” he told himself, as his eyes began to close.

Slowly his eyes closed, only to open with the rumbling of the ground, or the deafening noise of a near by shell. He looked around, startled, as he began to drift back to sleep. His eyes blinked, until he noticed a star in the sky. He held his hand up to the star, pointing it like a gun *boom* he fired his imaginary pistol at it. “Take that you frakkers.” he said while laughing to himself. He watched it, as the star grew bigger and bigger, until after a few minutes, the dot in the sky grew into a moon. He looked up in horror, wondering what the hell it was.

As he watched, wondering if it would ever stop, air raid sirens began to shreak, as he could see hundreds if not thousands of nuclear missiles streak from the ground to the sky. What ever it was, it was about to feel the full brunt of Tauron.

In space, the planet light up like a battlestar. Fifty thousand nuclear missiles streaked towards the sky each carrying a two gigaton nuclear warhead. With all the conventional defenses down, this was the last option, the only option. The private just hoped it would be enough.

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

Words crossed with the fury of a lightsaber, over the fate of more than the young arrogant human Erickson, but over the fate of the cylons as a whole. Sharon alone, held the power of the decision, with three votes to let Erickson go with Atrox, and three against. She listened to both sides, with the impartiality of a judge, and the love and compassion of a mother. Atrox was right though, the matter was one for the judges, not for the diplomats. She was about to side with the sith, against the Coredians, whom she was the only cylons known to have fought with during the cylon war, and against there friends the abh.

That is until the jedi knight spoke to her. “The first of God's generation is in the gardens of paradise. The birds laugh, yet the star that is the mark of the First shines brighter with each passing moment.” Her heart rejoiced, her baby was alive. Only a mother could feel the happiness that ran through her body, as she rejoiced internally, throwing off the darkness that her only daughter, the first born of cylon and human was alive and well, out of harms way of the bloody civil war. "Where is she?" Sharon asked, leaping towards the Jedi knight in happiness, as if he brought her the greatest gift ever, the knowledge her first born, her only heir was alive, well and happy somewhere in the universe, under the protection of the Coredians.

As she thought of it, she smiled, and one tear streamed down her face. “Thank God.” she remarked, as her body swelled with pride, and love. As soon as her face smiled, the smile vanished. “What will happen to my baby girl if I side against him. They have her.” she thought to herself panicked. She is alone, on their world.”

“Are the Coredians above petty jealousy or vengeance? No they are not they are human.” Sharon thought to herself. She lowered her head. Her voice began to choke up as she began to feel too many emotions at once. “Atrox, I can not allow you to have Erickson. This is more than justice, and will have ramifications beyond the simple matter here. Unable to look the cordal bug in the eyes, she said, “I can not.”

The other cylons looked to Sharon, truly the most human cylon there ever was. Cavil looked disappointed, as he knew what might occur. “The vote is 4-3 against extradition. Not that it really matters now. Cavil said, with a sadistic smile on his face. We no longer have the power to say yes or no.”

The other cylons nodded, as a feint rumbling began to be felt through the room. The room shook a little more violently, as the pictures began to fall off the shelves. The picture of Sharon, Helo and Athena, fell first, smacking against the ground, shattering the flimsy frame that surrounded it. Glass scattered like a thousand little diamonds.

The earth shook more and more, as dust began to crumble and fall from the ceiling. “You all may want to leave now, before the building collapses.” Cavil said calmly, as the small tremor began to turn into a full blown earth quake.

The seven cylons walked briefly over to a window, that over looked the sky. Seven sets of eyes stared into the night sky, as twelve great blazes burned, with clouds and thunder, and a roaring fire. The night sky, once beautiful, now burned with the anger and hatred of the empire, as the twelve victory class star destroyers descended with the fury of hell, against it’s old Enemy, the Coredians.
“Looks like it is time.” Leoban remarked to the other seven. Cavil stared into the sky, in amazement. “It most certainly is.” Cavil replied.

Her voice began to choke up as she began to feel too many emotions at once. “Atrox, I can not allow you to have Erickson. This is more than justice, and will have ramifications beyond the simple matter here. Unable to look the cordal bug in the eyes, she said, “I can not.”

The other cylons looked to Sharon, truly the most human cylon there ever was. Cavil looked disappointed, as he knew what might occur. “The vote is 4-3 against extradition. Not that it really matters now. Cavil said, with a sadistic smile on his face. We no longer have the power to say yes or no.”

Atrox stood there, watching his prey. Ba’El listed to the words the last Cylon was speaking, feeling the ranges of emotion she was broadcasting unintentionally. He understood what had just happened.

“My lady, I will respect your wishes. I will leave at once and when he also leaves, I will then capture him. I will respect both your words and abode and leave peacefully.”

Ba’El disappeared as the apparition was reabsorbed into Darth Atrox. The mechanical nightmare turned and began to walk out of the room. As he neared the Jedi, he stopped and looked Sakir in the eye. Aytox projected his voice into the Jedi’s mind, uncaring if it was “too loud”. His disgust was dripping from the words and left a tainted feel. In the physical worlds, it was as if the Sith Lord and the Jedi were just staring each other down.

“You know, hiding behind Children is something not even a Sith would do. How low has your order sunk that you are now beneath your enemies’ moral grounds? Should I be preparing spaces for you on the Dark Side? This action surely pushed the entire order closer to the edge. I will personally see you paid back in full. When I find out where they are holding her, the whole planet will die. None there are worth saving from this crime you committed this day. Now get the hell out of my WAY”

With the last word, a concussive blast struck the Jedi that caused him to stagger and Atrox simply walked out of the room. As he left, another telepathic message was sent directly to his seven hosts.

“If you ever need Asylum, find the Ta’Nar. You can trust them.”

Atrox turned in the doorway at the bottom of the steps and addressed Erickson.

“I will be outside, somewhere. You can find me, or perhaps I will find you. Justice will be behind any and every corner. Only your death will allow your escape, I can trace your presence anywhere on the same planet now.”

Darth Atrox turned and left, leaving no sign where he went.

The other cylons nodded, as a feint rumbling began to be felt through the room. The room shook a little more violently, as the pictures began to fall off the shelves. The picture of Sharon, Helo and Athena, fell first, smacking against the ground, shattering the flimsy frame that surrounded it. Glass scattered like a thousand little diamonds.

Jedi Master Sakir calmly recovered from the blast, almost as if he was unharmed. He waited until he knew Atrox was out of earshot, then turned to Erickson. "It is not over, young Jedi. We will have to survive, find your Master, and escape this world."

To Sharon: "My apologies if my words caused you any pain, my lady. For the record, even if the Cylons have sided against us, it is not the way of the Jedi to deliver retribution unto the innocent. Vengeance is a pathway to the Dark Side. Your daughter is in good hands, no matter what would have been the outcome."

Then...

The other cylons nodded, as a feint rumbling began to be felt through the room. The room shook a little more violently, as the pictures began to fall off the shelves. The picture of Sharon, Helo and Athena, fell first, smacking against the ground, shattering the flimsy frame that surrounded it. Glass scattered like a thousand little diamonds.

The earth shook more and more, as dust began to crumble and fall from the ceiling. “You all may want to leave now, before the building collapses.” Cavil said calmly, as the small tremor began to turn into a full blown earth quake.

The seven cylons walked briefly over to a window, that over looked the sky. Seven sets of eyes stared into the night sky, as twelve great blazes burned, with clouds and thunder, and a roaring fire. The night sky, once beautiful, now burned with the anger and hatred of the empire, as the twelve victory class star destroyers descended with the fury of hell, against it’s old Enemy, the Coredians.
"They come." The Jedi said, watching the Star Destroyers descend like angels of doom. "Takuya, Derek. You should return to the Embassy. See to the protection of the Ambassador and the refugees. I will go with Erickson and find his Master."

"We don't have the power to defeat this invasion force." Takuya, the young Chuunin, replied matter-of-factly.

"The shield will hold out against any bombardment." The Master replied. "Do what you can to protect the Embassy until reinforcements arrive. That is your mandate."

"Hai." The young men replied and vanished in two poofs of smoke. They knew their duty, even if the reinforcements come too late or not at all.

"Erickson, let's move quickly." Ahmed said and left the building.

“Rather small isn't it.” Yisif commented as he scoured the holoprojection of Caprica City. “Nothing like a Coreworld.”

“What can we expect sir, she's alien and on the outer rimm. Barbarians most of the fleet calls them.”

The captain smiled. “Yes, barbarians. But barbarians with an energy shield, bombardment is useless unless we mount a ground invasion. Order a full deployment of ground forces, I want that embassy taken before the emperor returns.”

The Repulses first officer agreed fully. “The Oran, the Terror and the Immortal are in the process of landing now sir, I will order the rest to proceed accordingly."

“See to it that there is no mercy shown to the Jedi commodore, for any man that shows mercy I will rain pain upon him.” Yisif clasped his hands behind his back before turning to the bleak Caprican night.


Debarkation

The first Star Destroyer crunched down upon several buildings as her landing was insured to be within the urban centre of Caprica.

As expected the first tactic of the Empire was to begin the mass deployment of battledroids, the dispensers freely dropping from the many torpedo tubes of the Victory Destroyers gently floated down to the ground as their repulsorlifts kicked in to gear.

General Maxius was the first to touch the foreign soil, his blood red armour boasted death and victory at every turn, while his orders boasted something much more, complete and total fervour for the Imperial cause.

“I want the battledroids deployed before the first AT-AT is down that ramp.” He bellowed over the link as the first dispenser began opening up. Destroyer Droids. “And where is my command centre!” His fury crushed terror into the nearest recruits as several of them scurried towards him with a holographic table. “Display the Coredian Embassy.” His orders barked even at the device.

A blue and swirling display appeared detailing Caprica City from the assembled sensor data of the Repulse. It detailed the embassy compound, rather small with only a civilian wall to protect it. Below the ground horizon the projection also clearly displayed several tunnels, sewer systems and possible escape routes for the enemy, and in bright red it clearly emphasised the power generators.

The second dispenser opened unleashing a company of Super Battle Droids. “Sir the first and second legions are deployed along the front here.” Maxius's brother Tisus pointed out and the map updated displaying four thousand blue storm trooper dots.

“Tisus.” Maxius laughed. “When did you stow away on one of those wretched barges?” The two brothers embraced. Maxius in his red armour swung his large arms around his brothers dark blue.

“I believe it's called conscription brother.” The two laughed.

“Well what do you think Tisus?”

“We have a nasty bit of urban warfare on our hands brother. The droids should go in first, test their defences. Followed by the AT-AT's and general infantry. How many of the beasts did you bring with you?”

“Eighty.” Maxius chuckled. “This should be no problem for them top mop up, but the Jedi.....”

“Jedi? Makes things a little harder doesn't it.”

“Well it would.” Maxius added slightly misleading. “But we have a new toy for them to play with.” A mortar round exploded against the deflector shields of the Terror. “It seems we're not universally welcomed.” The projection updated itself again this time displaying the bulk of Chronosian forces as they made their way through the city.

“Inform the Chronosians through their, vox, our position and intentions. Request them to refrain from firing on this general position while we obtain our prisoners.” The first AT-AT thundered down the ramp, with the second and third, and fourth right behind it.

Captain Trachs Squad.

Several bursts of blaster fire struck a colonial straight in the face as the storm troopers advanced through the building. Resistance was growing in this sector as the remaining rebels grouped together to try and make a decent last stand of it. Trach pointed ahead to a doorway, a small shining tripwire just visible in the dust. He pushed down on the control pad on his arm causing two Destroyer Droids to back him up.

They advanced shielded and impervious to the sudden eruption of machine gun fire, as the crossed a T section in the hallway.The bright red flashes of their quad repeaters filled the building with a blood red glow, until the very tip of the shield bubble had reached its target, pushing that trip wire just a little too far.

Trach fell to the floor as the fireball spurted debris and shrapnel everywhere, a shard of metal glanced off his breastplate, while rebel colonials coughing and in shock, didn't even hear his squad charge their positions.

Firing his blaster three times before the energy pack was depleted Trach quickly threw it at the face of a colonial who scrambled for his pistol. A loud crack sounded as his nose broke gave Trach a telling smile. A vibroblade extended from his forearm and he quickly finished off the soldier after slicing up through his abdomen.

“Sir the destroyer droids, completely ruined. Looks like they had more than just one grenade here.”

Trach couldn't help but agree with his comrade, as he looked out of the hole on the buildings outer wall. The thing had blows straight through into the open, revealing the night sky and the Coredian embassy.

Trach laughed before pressing onwards. “Two more floors to clear grunts. Move on.”

Forty Minutes After Landing

“Brother.” Tisus sounded through the link. “We have them completely surrounded, and the tunnels below have been mined. We did have some light resistance from the local population in the buildings, however that has been terminated. We're all waiting on your order to advance on the compound itself.”

“Send in the AT-AT's first, then follow up with infantry. Captain Yisif has ordered no mercy to the Jedi.”

“I hadn't planned on showing any.” A wry chuckle filled the link as Maxius watched the unfolding devestation from the comfort of an AT-AT.

“Order all units to advance on the compound at once.” Maxius revelled in this type of game. “Take us in first.” He commanded the driver of the walker. “But through that building, lets make an entrance worthy of the empire.”

From either side, the empires advanced guard moved forward, their slow and crippling thunder rumbled the very earth itself. Twenty Walkers approached from each side, supported by a mass of stormtroopers and droids that would engulf their enemy quickly and without mercy. The first to crash upon the front line was general Maxius, his walker ploughed through the base of a sky scraper, emerging from the crumbling rubble with a hail of turbolaser and infantry fire.

Ambassador Halson wasn't one to back down from a challenge, either from the diplomatic arena, or when push comes to shove, the art of warfare. The man has lived too long not to pick up some presents from his colleagues in the military. As such, the Embassy's small armory was completely emptied, and several household chemicals were combined to make potent homemade explosives. The Embassy's security droid personnel were deployed along strategic chokepoints, knowing that it would not be enough to defeat the Empire force-on-force. Explosive traps were emplaced at likely locations where the enemy would try to advance on the compound. Even the laser cannons placed on the roof of the compound would be employed as makeshift machine blasters due to the shields blocking air assault access to the embassy, but nothing in the arsenal of the Embassy would be enough to defeat the AT-ATs. The only thing that could be done was gradually retreating the deflector shield to strengthen it but even so, it was probably not enough.

Some Colonial refugees were given blasters, but most were facing certain death as they tried to run towards the not-so-relative safety of the compound. It was a basic Alamo situation, a no-win last stand that wouldn't even be given a footnote in the Imperial history. Unless, of course, a miracle occurred.

Meanwhile, it was said before that there was nothing that could be done against the AT-AT units. Nothing, that is, except for the kind of daring and incredibly dangerous tactics that the Jedi Knights and their Shinobi allies were known to employ. Hopping rapidly from rooftop to rooftop, dodging or deflecting the occasional blaster shot, Derek and Takuya were heading towards the lead AT-AT to the west, which has just callously plowed through a building, likely killing many innocents. Their plan was simple: they would jump right on the AT-AT and stab a hole into the armor of the walker, and then pop a thermal detonator (they have two each, two concussion grenades and a standard pack of exploding notes) and jump to safety.

Easier said than done, but they're not Jedi for nothing.

Death rained from the skies, death in white suits and true mechanical horrors. The planet, well ravaged by war, aside from shoulder fired missiles, had almost nothing left to throw at the sky, as the Imperial vessels took off and landed, with the utmost ease.

Nervously the cylons watched, as one of the star destroyers landed next to their building, crushing that building with ease, like a child with a soda can. Cavil turned to the collective. “One thing the coredians said was correct, these humans of the empire, will do what they can to enslave us. It is time to do what must be done.” He looked to a centurion, and nodded, bring it.

Caprica Six watched, “But what of the innocents. Millions of innocent people, will vanish in the blink of an eye. Did you not learn anything from the cylon war. Mass eradication of humanity, no matter what the banner you wish to carry it under is wrong. You can not do this to them, we can not.”

Leoban walked across the damaged room. He took his hand, and began to wipe the dust off the chair. Slowly the cylon sat down. “We need to do this. An imperial invasion is unacceptable, and Admiral Cain has obviously allied herself with them, otherwise our counterparts in the colonial fleet would have been destroyed. They are on the way here. There is no time for a debate.”

D’Anna, looked to the rest of them, we agree. We can not become slaves again, nor can our children, if we are to follow the will of God. We will, as we have done before strike the blow to the non believers, and destroy them with the wrath of God. Only then can our children be safe.”

Caprica turned her head in disgust. “You talk of God’s will, yet you are asking me to commit suicide. Suicide is a sin against God, a mortal sin to which He will never forgive you, can you all not see that.”

Laughter began to rise over Caprica’s plead, as Cavil walked towards her. “My dear, how can it be suicide when we have a resurrection ship within range. In a few hours, all of us will just wake up, although with a slight headache, and we will be fine. How is war a sin? What is the difference in this, or sending you on a suicide mission, to strike at the enemy. Either way you will wake up on the ship.” Cavil said laughing, nearly mocking the faith of the blond cylon.

Leoban looks to Caprica, “It must be done. We have a majority, and it will.”

The room soon filled with a metal clanging noise, as the Centurion walked into the room, carrying a black suitcase.

Doral looked to the group, “Are they ready?” Leoban nodded, “They are.”

Leoban got up and opened the suit case. Inside was a silver rod, held up by several spokes, and some small piece of electronic gear. He reached down, his hand calm and steady, and flipped the switch. A small red light began to blink, and blink it did for ten seconds. Then, a bright flash and nothing, except the reliving of their lives in rapid succession.
From the small room, on every major city across all twelve planets, a small fireball erupted, and grew and grew to the force of a 50 megaton nuclear explosion. Caprica City, Delphi, Tauronis, every human city with a population over five million erupted into flame, death and destruction, as the fire, hurricane force winds and debris filled the sky, and took the shape of a mushroom. The explosion was enormous, instantly all of Caprica City was engulfed, solders, children, the old and young, all were taken in that brief moment. All but those held in the bunkers, and deep within the shelters of the city.

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The marine was quite startled when the freakish looking man appeared out of no where. Like a ghost on the wind, the freak appeared, hands to the side, in a non threatening gesture. Within a second, multiple red dots, from solders hidden on the hill side, in secure locations, masked by their camouflage brought their guns to bear on the new target.

The young marine, and his counterpart quickly sprang to action, their guns pointing at the new man, as he approached. “On you knees now.” the marine shouted at the man. His gun trained, he looked down the sight of his rifle, the torso of the new target lining up perfectly between the two walls of the sight and the pin.

Lamia, not really caring one way or the other, dropped to his knees. Completely unphased by the potential threat, he got on the mud, the rain still falling from the sky, as one of the marines began to walk towards him.

Slowly, and cautiously, like a mongoose hunting a snake, he encircled Lamia. “Who was this man, and where did he come from?” the marine thought to himself, as his counterpart kept his gun trained on his young female companion, who’s black dye running down her hair, caused black streeks to run down her shirt. In the daylight, her hair would have looked navy blue, but since the night had come, the darkness hid the only sign of who she was, and where she was from.

BOOM The ground shook, as violently as an earthquake. The young marine, out of instinct, looked to the horizon, to the Capitol. Miles away, several foreign ships began to land, to invade and destroy the city, as the mushroom of death, fire, and destruction began to form. The young marine could no longer feel the rain, his eyes dialated, from fear, as the fiery inferno consumed the city, and soon him as well.

“Get up both of you NOW!. He yelled, as he and the marines hidden in the hill side, began to run for the bunker. His heart pounded, as he took off, heading towards the sweet safety of the earthened bunker. With Jessyka and Lamia close behind, the bunker door slammed open, revealing a white light, and a long tunnel ahead. The marine grabbed Jessyka first, nearly shoving her inside the bunker, and soon Lamia followed. Death was on it’s way, and into the tomb of the earth was their only chance to live.

Down the tunnel they ran, protected by concrete and steal, they continued there descent downwards. Each footstep began to feel slightly heavier, as they sprinted towards freedom, towards their very lives, in the confines of the earth.

As they ran, the earth began to shake, with the fury of an earthquake. The lights began to flicker, as parts of the concrete above were being put to the test. Dust fell as well as tiny particles of concrete, as the marine that lead Jessyka and Lamia to the saftely of the earth tripped. Snap, was all he heard, as he cried out in pain. He tried, but he could not get up, as his boot began to fill with blood, as a small bone, tore open his flesh.

Two of the Marines, upon hearing his scream stopped and turned around. “Never leave a man behind”, it was the first basic rule they learned in bootcamp. And here, they would not fail. They bowed down and picked up the man, both solders, reaching under his arms, pulled the injured marine to a standing position. They began to try to run some more, at a much slower pace, as the shaking grew more violently. They looked down the hallway, in the distance, about a quarter of a mile away, stood two pair of thick steal heavy doors. They could only hope to make it in time, before the area was flooded by radiation.

Some might ask why we fight this long war against so many foes. Some may wonder how we bring ourselves to rouse every last warrior to arms, when the cost is always so high. It is our sworn oath to bring this universe from darkness into true enlightenment. Only by sacrificing all shall we bring the will of the Gods, only by breaking each and every last spirit who would oppose us can we cleanse this tortured realm
-Remiel De Drakan, Meditations on the Savage Universe

Caprica

The Chronosian fleet that Remiel commanded had jumped with the Imperial Fleet to Caprica, bringing with them the might of the Eclipse, which Remiel himself wasted no time in leaving. Finally upon his own ship, he had ordered those companies under his command, including the recently returned and victorious First and Second Companies, to make immediate planetfall. Hallen was placed upon the Eclipse, forced to watch as hundreds, if not thousands, of Chronosian drop ships and landers slammed towards Caprica, bringing a ruinous intensity to the siege of a world that already seemed aflame with war.

Now the world below them was engulfed in nuclear flame, a traitorous blow against man and Gods. They could taste it, the death of countless, the death of worlds. It almost overwhelmed them in the need for raw sensation, the urge to sate their lusts about the fools below.

They disembarked into the fray. Warrior-Gods who dwarfed mere men, themselves dwarfed by the great Primarch who took to field like a dervish. The Imperials thought to claim this victory for themselves, but as the first bolter shells began to howl through the tumult, it was clear that Chronosian strength would sap the will of the defenders as surely as the ordered strength of the Imperial vanguard, who now seemed almost certainly lost.

“Into the fray, you dogs! Into the fray! Do you fear flame? Nuclear fire? Do you think the Emperor would balk at such a sight!?ONWARDS!” Anton’s roar echoed over the killing fields as the Chronosians plunged into the aftermath of nuclear war. Boots crushed blackened bones to ashes, smashed corpses into further mangled piles of flesh, blades raked against walls and ruins, bolters fired over and over again, exploding against walls or the occasional twitching remnant of something once human…

Remiel himself stood atop a pile of ruins, gazing out over the shattered shell of the city. This was to have been their finest hour, instead despoiled by treachery and cowardice. He would see those who had done these deeds slain, he would hoist what remained of them upon pikes and watch them writhe and suffer.

But first, he would savour these moments, these glorious moments when Chaos truly ruled over all the domains of Kobal.

OOC: TBC with the assaults on Geminon and Saggitaron.

Erickson looked at the giant bug then shrugged his shoulders. It was doubtful that they would be on this planet much longer anyways. The young man bid farewell to the hosts of the house thanking them in turn for at least hearing what he had to say and listening to Jessyka's proposal.

Then he was outside running with Ahmed. "I hope you have a plan that involves other than running. There might be a slight problem with my master as well. She is rather stubborn and most likely will not be happy to entertain the thoughts of leaving."

Erickson looked at the giant bug then shrugged his shoulders. It was doubtful that they would be on this planet much longer anyways. The young man bid farewell to the hosts of the house thanking them in turn for at least hearing what he had to say and listening to Jessyka's proposal.

Then he was outside running with Ahmed. "I hope you have a plan that involves other than running. There might be a slight problem with my master as well. She is rather stubborn and most likely will not be happy to entertain the thoughts of leaving."
"The fact that the Imperial Army is on this planet may contribute to her leaving. If not, Darth Vader himself might persuade her." Sakir replied. Then, a disturbance in the Force occurred. The Master grabbed the young man and focused, the Force flowing through both him and the boy...

Suddenly, everything flashed white. Then dark. The ground shook violently and rocks fell on the two mens' heads.

Rocks? Looking around, appeared that the Master has teleported the two of them underground, to some kind of bunker, although he was merely trying to get out of the range of the nuclear explosion. The Force works in mysterious ways, it seems.

Meanwhile, the shield that protected the Embassy was embraced by the fires of nuclear explosion. All was blinding light, as if the sun had decided to smash into Caprica. The ground rumbled. The temperature of the air rose to almost unbearable heights. The citizens screamed, fearing they were doomed. The Ambassador prayed to the Force that the shield would hold.

The two Jedi, having concluded their mission, were slammed by fierce winds and heat that forced their cloaks off their backs. Nevertheless, they were alive for the shield had protected them as well. Unfortunately, it protected the enemy as well, but even so, they could see many buildings shaking and collapsing in the fierce winds, creating obstacles for the infantry and light vehicles. The Jedi used their powers and retreated to the Embassy to prepare the final defense.

And through it all, the Embassy itself still stood against the onslaught of the nuke. Clearly, the shield worked as it was designed, and that was good.

Darth Atrox levitated through the deserted streets, following the tell-tale pull from the hairs the Abh female spy had left behind. He had not intended on sticking around to trap the human spy, only to plant the idea to cause him some delay. He would find his master and then make him suffer through her.

Atrox had left the Cylon household and then concentrated; using his Psi to locate the direction the female was hiding. He then took off toward there. While in route, the shuttle contacted him.

Master, there are numerous SDs in orbit and they are landing. A ground assault is under way.

That is fine. Achieve orbital position and activate your telemetry, don’t want them to think you are an enemy.

Yes Boss. The task force has cornered the Abh Bluestar in Hyperspace and awaits orders.

Tell them to be careful. Those snakes are deceitful. Capture the ship and take it to Admiral Cain. If they don’t go peacefully, bring the pieces there.

Yes Boss.

Nearby but outside the shields, a pile of bricks rose from the spot where a building had collapsed. The pile morphed and took on the shape of a small silvery shuttle and shot into the sky. The shuttle took position in orbit after transmitting Atrox personal transponder code to the Imperial ships. She waited for her master to call.

By this time, Darth Atrox was nearing the rebel base. In the distance behind him where minutes ago he had left the Abh spy and his Coredian accomplices, a massive thundering began. The blinding white flash swept across the terrain, leaving shadows burned into the stone as Atrox was taking a shortcut through an alley. The buildings shook and tumbled as roof tiles and ventilation pipes were thrown about, raining down on Atrox. Simultaneously, his connection to the shuttle went active.

Boss, get out of there. Massive nuclear strikes are going off in all the cities. The flash is just about on you. Move now!

Without thinking, Darth Atrox acted. He activated his telerelocation ability and a circle of energy formed in front of him. Inside there was only darkness, it was impossible to see the destination through any Ring so it was foolish to even try. One had to trust their ability and make a blind leap of faith it would lead where they wished. Atrox did just that, he jumped through the Ring as a wall of plasma filled the alleyway, devouring the bricks as they fell.

Darth Atrox arrived in darkness. His Kython senses from the suit told him he was inside some sort of store room. There were voices outside the door. Atrox activated his disguise and disappeared from sight as the door opened.

A Crash of Dominion and the Imperial fleet appeared above Caprica in all her splendour and majesty. Filled with zeal and victorious thirst for vengeance the armada hovered above Caprica City in the shadow of the Emperors Eclipse. Illuminated by the brightness of nuclear fire from the surface, the Imperial forces began deploying thousands of drop ships, hundreds of landers, and even more Victory Class Destroyers that would swamp the puny world.

In one Lambada class shuttle the emperor himself traversed the rigours of damnation, being tossed about in the archaic winds with little more care than he had for the Crapican civilians. “General Tisus, when can I expect my victory?” Vader demanded without hesitation.

Standing with a flurry of fire power at his back Tisus looked fearless even on a small holographic projection. “My lord, General Maxius has been killed by two rogue Jedi, we are hunting them down as we speak, however the nuclear attack has destroyed our command ship. Last known tracking from the Eclipse has signalled she crashed eight thousand kilometres from our position. Requesting permission to dispatch the Terror to ascertain if any survivors are left in drop pods?”

Vader ignored the humanitarian standpoint as his shuttle bounced around slightly in the turbulence. “Bring me those Jedi General, I do not care for survivors.” Vader closed the link as his shuttle came into view of the ruined city. He could feel it now, the death, the pain, the raw emotion. Caprica festered in the darkside.

My apprentice... A thunder of emotion flooded through Vader, patience, stealth, lust for the kill and battle. ”I sense you my apprentice, I am coming...” Vader let out a sigh through his rumbling respirator as his masked eyes fell upon Commander Appo.

“Commander, we will be hunting Jedi shortly, alert your men to take all necessary precautions.”

“Yes sir.” The clone replied dutifully.

Vader had begun to grow fond of Commander Appo, he had never been truly satisfied with the emperors former guardians, Vader instead entrusted his survival with his own elite commandos, each one selected for the bravery and unflinching loyalty to the new order.

Another burst of turbulence from the Repulses cataclysmic detonation, Vader continued to descend even through the hell of nuclear winter. Grand Moff Tarkin manifested upon the holo projector, arms folded with rigid posture. “My Lord, we have new telemetry from Darth Atrox, he is at this location.” A map of the ruined city glimmered with a bright red dot. “We are detecting two additional bio signs in that area, probably your targets my lord.”

Vader didn't reply and his transport ground to a halt on one of the cities ruined squares. “Emperor, we are ready to depart.” Vader pulled himself up and left the red lighted drop room for the pleasures of the hunt.

Coredian Embassy

Tisus snarled as his brothers Walker collapsed in a heap of fire and explosion, two Jedi could be seen falling off the tall back of the behemoth almost as though they were blown.... It hit.

Appo was thrown against a wall as the concussion wave and the bright light of nuclear fire engulfed the shield. “All units hold position!” He bellowed as several troopers moved for cover. The devastation was quick along with the pulse. Disorientated and slightly unsure as to what just happened Tisus surveyed the mushroom cloud which now stretched upwards into the sky.

Everything paused for a second, a silence engulfed the embassy before the Imperial Walkers from all sides begun their assault. Blaster fire erupted without quarter, focusing upon the turrets that dared to threaten the empires air superiority. The outer wall, crashed and thundered by Maxius's own death was further crushed by the walking titans push into the very walls itself.

Men, women and children trampled to death under the extreme prejudice of the empire, fire consumed buildings while screams for mercy cried out to no avil.

“Commander Tisis, the energy shield will be down in moments, you may begin your attack.” An Imperial Gunner spoke clearly through the link.

“ALL UNITS! CHARGE! NO MERCY TO THE JEDI, I WILL KILL ANY MAN WHO SHOWS MERCY IN HIS EYES!”

Five thousand cries carried through the night air, as the empire charged from all quarters. Battledroids and destroyers all advancing with them in a relentless push for dominion.

“Charge main batteries to maximum, FIRE!” Tisus heard the crackling explosion of the main power generator for the embassy shield and suddenly from no where the heavens rained even more Imperial destruction.

The nuclear explosion had blanketed the sky, but now, all could see was the tear drops of his Chronosian brethern and the myriad of Imperial dominion. Countless landers and Star Destroyers, Core ships and gunboats all swarmed the sky, and the bulk of them converged upon the rebellion.

The first LAAT flew overhead, its humming engine mimicking an innocent bird before dealing out a payload of malevolence. Green beams lanced through the courtyard slicing through anything that stood in their way, until itself exploded in a cataclysm of shrapnel as a missile impacted her cockpit. It was not enough, for that one that died, another thousand descended from above.

SSD Eclipse

Tarkin waved his hand over Caprica city forcing the projection to give even greater detail. Thousands of red blips could be seen making their way through the streets on the South and West - “The Chronosians.” Tarkin mused. “Order our forces.” He pointed to the walls of green that advanced in a neat and organised wall, "to meet up with them here. Avoid this section if at all possible for now.” Tarkin was once again adept at plotting. The rebellion if forced from the strangleholds in the South, West and East of the city would flee to the North, only to be surrounded and vaporised in atomic fire from above.

“Scale back fifteen times. Display all Colonial military assets.” A series of large black formations glistened in Tarkins eyes.

“Admiral Cain.” Tarkin turned to his guest. “It would seem that there is still a significant rebellion on your hands outwith the urban areas. We could wipe them out from orbit as we speak, but we would require such an order from yourself? I suppose you are already fully aware of the dangers of leaving such numbers of un-allinged forces alive, unless we strike now, they may flee to the mountains.” Tarkin pushed down on his command pad uploading the coordinates to the fleets gunners.

The Moff stepped ever so close to Cain, his breath in her face. “Shall I order my men to rid you of this problem?”

When she heard the tell-tale sound of bone snapping, Jessyka stop and turned to see the soldier go down. Even as his two companions tried to help him along she knew that they were merely being slowed down. With a quick nod of her head, Lamia spun around and easily hefted the marine up into his arms.

Jessyka shrugged when she looked at the others. "Sorry but we're in a hurry here."

Situation better in hand now. Lamia and Jessyka began sprinting down the hall towards the iron doors.
--------------------

"Uh thanks." The blinding white flash was startling to Erickson who hadn't expected such an intensified nuclear strike.

"You obviously don't know the Abh very well. She would be happy to be back in space but the threat of an enemy is hardly an intimidating matter to them."

Erickson looked around for a moment noticing the change in scenery. "Now where are we?"

Using every last joule of the secondary reactor now that the primary reactor was compromised, the Ambassador readied his last will and testament to the High Council on Jurai.

"My Lord Masaki. Master Elendil. Hokage Tsunade, King Sarinon and all the rest of the High Council. I regret to inform you that the Empire has conquered the Twelve Colonies of Kobol through treachery and deceit. The Coredian Embassy's shields has been breached and it is very likely that the refugees and the embassy staff will be dead soon. Therefore, I shall make my last statement, my last report to the Council. It is all too clear now that Admiral Cain has joined forces with the Empire, for I have seen that her forces has joined with the Imperial and Chronosian troops to finish off the rebellion. It is also clear now that once Admiral Cain and her cohorts has wiped out the last of the resistance, they will come for the remnant of the Colonies and may very well decide to strike at Jurai in the process. I would recommend taking all necessary precautions."

An explosion shook the embassy walls and distant shouting could be heard. Ambassador Halson's memories came to the fore and he blinked away tears.

"My wife Jasmine, everything I own is yours now. You will find the formal will in a safe deposit box in the bank, in my name. My son T.J., I am sorry that I will no longer be able to teach you everything I know. I am proud to be your father, proud to see you graduate from the School of Diplomacy. I know you will do well in your career. My daughter Erica, I know you will find a good husband. Do not settle for second best, nor shall you fret. Young Henry, I know we don't see eye to eye, but I am understanding of the path you have chosen and am proud to have a son such as you. Live well, sport."

"My family and my Council, it is time. May the Force be with You." Ambassador Halson finished.

He compressed the message, encrypted it, encrypted it again, and compressed it one more time for good measure, for the Empire will surely try to block it. Then, he commanded all available power supply to go into the transmitter, just enough power to burn through the jamming. Finally, all preparations complete, he pressed Send and the transmission, a fraction of a second long due to the compression, sped off into the depths of space.

Young Takuya, battered and bruised, popped into the Ambassador's office. "Sir, we must take you away to safety. The Empire has breached the outer walls."

"I see. In that case..." The Ambassador went to a painting of a sleeping mentor and spoke a word. The painting shimmered away to reveal a large safe. There was a large brown ball and a disk-shaped object inside. He took out the ball. "You know what these are, yes?"

The ninja nodded and took the disk. It was heavy, even for a strong ninja like him. "I see. So that's what you will do. It...has been an honor serving you, Ambassador."

The Ambassador nodded. "So it has, my lad. So it has. I entrusted you with the Embassy's secrets. Use them well. Gather the refugees and find a haven as deep as you can manage. The disk will only last five minutes before the Empire's inhibitors crush it, so make every second count."

"Yes. May Kami embrace you in his arms." Takuya said. He broke the ninja creed by feeling tears falling down his cheeks, but at the moment, he didn't care.

"May the Force grant you good fortune, my young friend." The Ambassador embraced the ninja. Then the ninja gathered his powers and sped off. The Ambassador sat down on his favorite chair and smiled as the brown ball began to glow.

=====

Takuya and Derek gathered what refugees they could find (around two hundred men, women and children), trusting the deadly booby traps and security personnel they placed at chokepoints to slow down the Empire. Even a moment will help them immensely. The ninja lead them to the basement area while two security droidekas put up shields and guarded the entrance. Then he stopped at a wall, alarming the people who feared that it was all over.

"Its a dead end." Derek deadpanned.

"Not quite." The ninja smiled and made some handseals before pressing his hands against the wall. To the astonishment of the Colonials and the Jedi, the wall revealed a secret tunnel that connected to one location and one location only. "Let's move! Quickly."

"Hmph. Ninjas are always full of surprises." The Jedi commented, shaking his head as he went through.

Wasting no time, the refugees ran through the wall and it collapsed on itself when the last person went through, reforming into the wall that would pass sensor muster. Of course, a Sith will be able to reveal it, but not normals.

Some time later, they reached a door and knocked.

=====

As the Empire fought to take control of the Embassy, and with success in its grasp, a strange humming sound occurred. A strange tugging towards the Ambassador's office door picked up small things lying around, then grew stronger and stronger with every pulse. When the stormtrooper squads reached the hallway leading to the door, they would see a strange and terrifying sight. The door collapsed on itself, revealing a pitch-black ball a meter wide that pulled in everything in its range. The walls tore away, followed by the ceiling and the floor and all the furniture slid towards the black ball. Very quickly, the embassy grounds will be consumed by the black hole and all within, leaving nothing but an overly neat crater around fifty meters wide. A hurricane will spring up, causing horrific trouble for the LAATs overhead and the AT-ATs that converged on the wall as the fabric of spacetime bent severely towards the hole, compounding the damage caused by the Empire and the Cylons.

And after a short time, when all it could consume was consumed, the black hole will vanish in a shower of gamma rays.

The Empire may have won this battle, but it will be a hollow victory indeed.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/Coredia/us-embassy-athens_26.jpg
Coredian Embassy - Before the Invasion

http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/SIC/impact_cratering/Enviropages/Barringer/meteorcratersm.jpg
After the Invasion.

Admiral Cain, slowly turned her head away from Tarkin, and looked at the holographic map of the colonies, and particular Caprica. He annoyed her, always desiring to be so close to her. His breath reeked of cowardice, yet his overcompensation for his weakness was nearly intolerable.

She looked to the targets below, and could see her home, ravaged in the wake of the cylon treachery. Death came instantly to millions of people, and they were the lucky ones. Across the colonies, millions more began to be flooded with deadly radiation. She knew she had to act. This was her home, her family, her people. She swore to protect them, and in a twisted way she still desired to do so.

“Tarkin,” Helena said, in a commanding voice. “Zoom in on sector 123, mark 34.” The Holographic map soon turned to a small mountain, on the outskirts of Caprica City. It looked almost like a natural park. Trees of every kind, with their leaves torn from them due to the nuclear blast littered the mountain, as small brush fires consumed the side.

“Have your troops encircle and begin to press here. This is one of the fallback command bunkers, designed against orbital bombardment. Here you will find the rebellion’s leaders, and the brain of the insurgency. Deploy your forces here, and you will destroy their entire communication network.” she ordered callously. “If anyone fires at you, regardless of uniform or clothing, you have full authorization to protect yourself as you see fit. This war will end today.” she said, her voice carrying slight agitation, to the dirty old Admiral next to her.

As the map zoomed back out, she returned to her birds’ eye view, of Caprica City. Her eyes almost filled with tears, as the once beautiful capitol of the colonies, after a few days, now was nearly destroyed. All of it’s beauty, it’s grandeur, lost. Only the memories live on, in the hearts and minds of the survivors. She thought back to her child hood, visiting the capitol of the Colonies, seeing all of the men and women of the colonial government. She desired to join them

As she watched, her mind reminiscing of the past, a small hurricane became visible, consuming everything, as buildings, bodies, ATST’s, solders, Vipers and Raptors, were sucked into it. She stared in disbelief, as if someone had knocked the wind out of her. She watched helplessly, as the clouds cleared, leaving a hole where the coredian Embassy once stood, and even more wind torn damage, winds that wiped clear, that which remained standing after the nuclear explosion. Caprica City, once the beckon of Colonial Science, Art and Culture, now stood as little more than a giant grave.

Admiral Cain’s eyes turned to fire, as her body began to shake. Anger consumed her, as it once consumed Anikan, on Mustafar. She looked down, as the object of the attack the coredian embassy vanished into nothingness. She picked up her hand, and slammed it down, smashing the metal buttons beneath the map. She turned to Tarkin, “The Coredians have gone to far, kill them all. Give me a map of all of the Coredian planets, Territories, and allies. They made war our imperative, and we will fight.” she said, this time walking up to Tarkin, her face an inch from his.

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Hope, in the darkness, as the Coredians and Colonial Refugees alike ran down the dark tunnel, to the sweet sanctuary of the underground bunker, of the new makeshift colonial command center deep within a mountain compound. They ran, as fast as they could, their feet pounding in the dank dark and damp tunnels, the only sound they could hear was the sound of their feet splashing in the half an inch puddles from the tunnel floor. In the distance, spaced out far apart were small light bulbs, that ran off the emergency generator. The lights flickered, as they ran, on for miles, running for their very lives, running towards their future.

Seconds turned to minutes, which turned to hours, as they continued to run down the endless maze. Hope was beginning to turn to despair, as the crowd, came upon a dimly let room. The room was damp, as condensation dripped from the walls. It was hot, all of the body heat from the hundreds of lost souls deep below the earth, safe in their tombs.

One guy grabbed the door, and began to pull. The cold metal, covered in rust, began to squeak, as the heavy doors opened.

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Colonial Command Bunker- 40 miles outside Caprica City

General Jenkins paced back and forth, as his eyes watched the screens intently. His gaze never left the screens, as satellite telemetry continued to be fed into the center. Caprica, he thought to himself was lost. He could see clearly, the Chronosian troops, attacking and ripping apart the lightly armed troops in the towns and villages. Their standard small arms, nearly ineffective against the armor plating, and sheer terror of the chronosian troops. His eyes shifted towards the cities, as the AT-ST’s can rampant through the once beautiful, and now vanquished Caprican streets. He watched in horror, as an ATAT, raised it’s foot, and gently crushed the small tank, like a train can crush a soda can.

He looked on, as a few brave solders fired an armor piercing missile into one of the joints of the AT-AT’s. The explosion was impressive, as fire wrapped around the large joint. Blacked but not slowed, the At-At continued, as it’s turbo lasers cut down the brave but foolish solder.

The General continued to look, at other screens from other worlds. The bombardment intensified on all the other planets that had not surrendered, as the flames of the nuclear disaster, claimed even more lives, even more assets. The Colonial Defense Forces, laid broken, battered, but not defeated.

He looked on, as the last great hope, one last defiant sign occurred over the satellites of Tauron. The screen was bright, and had been for hours, as Tauron fired everything it had left at the Empire’s most famous and devastating weapon of war, the death star. Light, a million times brighter than the sun, grew, then died, and repeated. He looked down at his sheet, knowing that in the next ten minutes the last missile would hit, and hopefully the deathstar would be destroyed. Ten minutes passed, like hours, as the last light sounded. He watched hopeful, praying to the lords of Kobal the instrument of death and destruction was gone. As the light faded, the horrible sphere, was unharmed. It’s outer skin unblemished, it continued toward, and dangerously close to the planet.

The General sighed, as he continued to watch. “How much longer can we hold out, til our allies will come?” the general asked rhetorically.

One man shouted, “General sir, the secure access to the Coredian tunnel has been opened, and several men are escorting some civies from the surface. They all claim to have information valuable to the war.”

The general looked to the private. “Get them in here now. What about the ambassador, did he make it?”

“No clue sir. We have hundreds of civies though, all refugees from Caprica. And the odd looking individuals, one carrying a lightsaber. What should we do?”

“Bring those with a lightsaber to my office immediately. Give the civies medical care, and food.”

“Yes sir.” the private said, as he sent the radio signal to the guards near the doors, to bring Jessyka, Lamia, and the Coredian Jedi to the General at once.

“I hope they brought good news.” the general said, as he looked towards the television screens in despair.

Atrox looked out through his disguise, being a pile of crates similar to others within the room as the two cleaning staff entered the room. They obviously had no idea he was there so he simply reached out into their minds and took the layout of the base from their memories as well as positions of important personal, as they knew it. He then wiped their minds, leaving them two empty human vessels, as full as a newborn. They lay drooling upon themselves as Darth Atrox exited the room and into a hall. He could feel the woman approaching from the left, and conveniently, the human from below. Things were working nicely. All the rats are in one place to catch. He knew they would head to the rebel commander to try and speak with him in a futile attempt to convince him to help them. He must prepare for their arrival.

Atrox re-entered the storeroom and calmly activated his Doppelganger ability and produced four copies of himself. Each was a fragment of the origional and possessed much of his abilities as they were all linked to the origional. It was as if he devided his awareness between the copies and himself. They would only be as real as the ammount of power he put into them and that many weakened him considerably but it was the only way to track all four of his targets and find the commander of the base. Each aspect cloaked itself in illusions of Atrox's armor and shortly five insects left the room covered by their own suit of Kython Armor and after splitting into three groups, headed in different directions.

-----

After judicious use of his abilities he found himself in the same room as the rebel leader as they both watched the destruction of the CW embassy on the display screen straight from the satellite feeds. The base commander was visibly pissed and knowing their allies were the ones that did it did not help any. Darth Atrox stood there disguised as a human with two lightsabers hanging from his belt as the commander’s hopes crashed around him.

-----

Near the entrance to the basement, two Doppelgangers stood silently, their forms becomming transparent until it was invisable, making them indistinguishable from the stone and rubble nearby as long as they did not move. They waited for the human spy to approach along with the Coredian presence felt near him. They were to let them pass and then start the Hunt. The Dopplegangers hoped to trail the two targets without them knowing until it was too late. The cloaked minds driving the killer instinct would be dead to their senses until it was too late, their access to retreating back to the basement would be cut off from them.

-----

At the entrance, two forms floated near the ceiling cloaked from both physical and metaphysical detection. As the Abh woman and her lackey would pass by, they were to gently and silently float down, cutting off the spys’ access to the outside. The hunt would then begin for those unlucky two also.

-----

The original Atrox would be in the Control with the base commander, watching as things unfold on the monitors in addition to the other means he possessed.



EDIT:

The telemetry from my suit would be disabled while I am in Stealth Mode. When I attack again, the Eclipse will pick it up for each charactor.

"Uh thanks." The blinding white flash was startling to Erickson who hadn't expected such an intensified nuclear strike.

"You obviously don't know the Abh very well. She would be happy to be back in space but the threat of an enemy is hardly an intimidating matter to them."

Erickson looked around for a moment noticing the change in scenery. "Now where are we?"
"It appears to be some kind of cavern." The Jedi Master said and then frowned in concentration. "I sense a presence up ahead. Apprehensive, fearful, yet with a strong determination."

Unknown to them just yet, they were in a tunnel that leads to the rebels Colonials' base. With the Master sensing the presence of people, the two Jedi moved towards the presence and invariably, towards the Colonial rebellion.

Colonial Command Bunker- 40 miles outside Caprica City

General Jenkins paced back and forth, as his eyes watched the screens intently. His gaze never left the screens, as satellite telemetry continued to be fed into the center. Caprica, he thought to himself was lost. He could see clearly, the Chronosian troops, attacking and ripping apart the lightly armed troops in the towns and villages. Their standard small arms, nearly ineffective against the armor plating, and sheer terror of the chronosian troops. His eyes shifted towards the cities, as the AT-ST’s can rampant through the once beautiful, and now vanquished Caprican streets. He watched in horror, as an ATAT, raised it’s foot, and gently crushed the small tank, like a train can crush a soda can.

He looked on, as a few brave solders fired an armor piercing missile into one of the joints of the AT-AT’s. The explosion was impressive, as fire wrapped around the large joint. Blacked but not slowed, the At-At continued, as it’s turbo lasers cut down the brave but foolish solder.

The General continued to look, at other screens from other worlds. The bombardment intensified on all the other planets that had not surrendered, as the flames of the nuclear disaster, claimed even more lives, even more assets. The Colonial Defense Forces, laid broken, battered, but not defeated.

He looked on, as the last great hope, one last defiant sign occurred over the satellites of Tauron. The screen was bright, and had been for hours, as Tauron fired everything it had left at the Empire’s most famous and devastating weapon of war, the death star. Light, a million times brighter than the sun, grew, then died, and repeated. He looked down at his sheet, knowing that in the next ten minutes the last missile would hit, and hopefully the deathstar would be destroyed. Ten minutes passed, like hours, as the last light sounded. He watched hopeful, praying to the lords of Kobal the instrument of death and destruction was gone. As the light faded, the horrible sphere, was unharmed. It’s outer skin unblemished, it continued toward, and dangerously close to the planet.

The General sighed, as he continued to watch. “How much longer can we hold out, til our allies will come?” the general asked rhetorically.

One man shouted, “General sir, the secure access to the Coredian tunnel has been opened, and several men are escorting some civies from the surface. They all claim to have information valuable to the war.”

The general looked to the private. “Get them in here now. What about the ambassador, did he make it?”

“No clue sir. We have hundreds of civies though, all refugees from Caprica. And the odd looking individuals, one carrying a lightsaber. What should we do?”

“Bring those with a lightsaber to my office immediately. Give the civies medical care, and food.”

“Yes sir.” the private said, as he sent the radio signal to the guards near the doors, to bring Jessyka, Lamia, and the Coredian Jedi to the General at once.

“I hope they brought good news.” the general said, as he looked towards the television screens in despair.
The two Jedi were given the request as soon as they have deposited the civilians and along with Jessyka and Lamia, was shown by a guard to the General's room. As soon as they did so, Takuya began to speak. "General. I am sorry to confirm that the Ambassador has given up his life to destroy the Empire's advance into our Embassy. I do not know what he used to destroy them as he has ordered us to flee before he sacrificed himself, but I do believe that he has likely disrupted the Empire's forces to a great degree. I will say that his sacrifice would be worthy of our Jedi Archives and many would sing songs of him if they were so inclined."

"Out of thousands, I can also confirm that two hundred lives have been spared the Empire's wrath. A far cry from Caprica City's population indeed, but even one life spared is better than coming here empty-handed. Finally, I can grant you this one bit of good news: Before he died, he has sent a message to Jurai. Hopefully they have recieved it and are now in the process of distributing the reply to whatever Remnant the Colonies still have. I will admit that it would not be likely for the Navy to send any reinforcements, but even so, the word has gotten out and that is all we can do for now."

Darth Vader walked down the ramp of his peersonal shuttle to a landscape covered in craters and ash. In the distance the last residual weapons fire from orbit died away leaving nothing but a blood soaked wasteland from horizon to horizon.

In the atomic mist that lingered Vader spied shadows emerging from obscurity, storm troopers landing from the gunships and star destroyers in their thousands. “My Lord.” Commander Appo motioned towards a cliff face. “The hive entrance is here.”

Darth Vader turned in a quick motion causing his shrouding cape to bellow in the wind. The ash crackled under the Siths heavy durasteel boots like a fresh layer of snow, though the similarities ended there.

A thick toxic film now covered this mountains side, poisonous and radioactive it would slowly kill even the insects that lingered beneath the few areas that were untouched. No birds could be heard singing in the sky, no sun could be seen through the opaque clouds of grey.

How noble of them to hide and cower from the empire. Vader mused as he advanced. So much like the Jedi, they run from battles, hide from combat and fear the darkness instead of embracing it. Pathetic. Commander Appo advanced slightly ahead of the emperor, his blaster in close watch of the entry to the colonial mines.

“You two, covering positions.” He ordered as a jet trooper advanced with several thermal detonators. From above the tell tale scream of shock could be heard as two colonials died waiting in ambush. “Lord Vader they are expecting us.” Appo communicated through the link.

“Order the advance commander, it is time we punished them for their insurrection against Lord Palpatine.” The rage in Vader as he thought about their betrayal almost engulfed him. It was Palpatine who had saved his life, it was Palpatine who had given him this power and it was Palpatine who had saved the Galaxy from a turmoil and chaos that killed trillions. These colonials would pay.

Several blaster shots ignited in the mist as a few surviving colonials scuppered through the ruins lost, trying to get back inside. “No danger sir.” Appo said with a laugh. “What are your orders?” Vader stopped walking, his lidless eyes peered down towards the earth as the force grasped at destiny.

“Halt the advance, we will remain here.” Vader confidently commanded. “The Jedi will come to us.” He turned to commander Appo. "See to it that arrangements are made." The officer nodded before jogging off to the rest of his squad.

The cliff face that stood before tham all had a narrow granite inlet, and within that a solid metal surface lay gleaming at the reduced landscape beyond. A solid blast door, guarded by two recently killed colonials almost mocked the dark lord. Above on either side, Appos squad took positions defended and secure.

“Lord Vader.” Appo broke the small silence. “I've just received word from Admiral Krace that Warmaster Remiel is on his way with a detachment of terminators. He has a message my lord. He asks that he may be privy to at least one of the Jedis heads.” Vader did not say anything, instead he waited. For Remiel, for the Jedi, for the trap and for his victory and vengeance for his master. A master that should have fallen by his hand.

The general’s office seemed more like a museum than an office. A large oak desk stood in the center of the room, adorned by papers, a small laptop computer, as well as several folders. In the Left hand corner stood the Colonial Flag, a long flag, purple, with gold trimming. It laid there, as it’s folded edge covered the pheonix. Along the wall, were pictures of the general, with tank commanders. Another picture, was with the former President Adar, and him, shaking hands at what appeared to be some sort of function.

On a shelf, laid his officer’s sword. The handle made out of pure gold, the sword was sheathed, in a ceremonial covering. A small plague laid beneath it made out of pure gold, with black letters in cursive. “This is awarded to General Gaius Jenkins, for forty years of dedicated service.” As the party sat waiting, in the comfortable Oak chairs with stuffed black leather stuffing, they continued to look around the room. Pistols, from every era, adroned the wall. Pistols, like the 9 mm, desert eagle, even a small sawed off shot gun, sat in their cases. Each had in a smaller case several bullets, or clips loaded.

The door began to open as the general walked into the room. He looked exhausted, his face had about three days growth to it, as the circles underneath his eyes looked heavy.

“Gentleman, and Ladies.” he said, as two marine guards stood by the door, with their rifles behind their backs.

He sat down in his chair, and let out a sigh. It was the first minutes rest he had in three days, as the Coredian Jedi began to tell them their saga. As they spoke, his face turned pale. He looked to them, as if they had just knocked the wind out of him. “No one is coming.” he said. “What kind of alliances did we have then? We fought with you at Asfaltum. Our marines died for your cause, and now you sit here and tell me that no one will come and aid us. Where is the army your mustered at Asfaltum. Where are the ships and troops? Are we that insignificant to you?” The general asked angrily, his eyes staring at the Coredian Jedi for telling him this. His fist slammed into the table, as the phone began to ring.

The general looked to the phone, as he began to sweat, from the blood pressure rising. His heart rate increased dangerously, as the room fell silent. Ring. The phone went off again. He reached over, his palms sweaty, and slowly picked up the phone.

“General Jenkins.”

“Frak are you shitting me?”

“What the hell else can you do, seal off the main gate and hold position.”

“Do you job.”

The general slammed the phone down, and with a loud bang, the phone began to crack. He looked to the flag. “So there is nothign else to do then.” The general stared at the flag in front of the jedi. He looked into it, as his eyes began to water up. He felt sadness, knowing that in a matter of minutes, all would be lost. He looked to the Jedi. “I have no choice now, I have to surrender.” he said, his voice filled with sorrow. “There is an escape tunnel, down in the bunker. It leads to a bullet train that will take you deep into the mountains and countryside. Take the civies and get them out of here. There should be anti rad meds in the medical car, enough to keep you alive.

He got up, and slowly went to the case,and opened it. He grabbed his sword, and wrapped it around his waist. “Go now, before they break through.”

As he issued his last order, the general picked up the phone. “Patch me through to the military and the fleet.

This is General Gaius Jenkins, General of the Colonial Defense Force, to the military at large. Moments ago Caprica City was destroyed, and most of the army assests along with it. I offer my unconditional surrender to the Colonial Fleet. I urge all solders in the field, lay down your arms, and surrender.

It started softly, a chattering across the comms relays, a whispering in the back of the conversation, almost indiscreetly intruding. Words floated amongst the airwaves, blasphemous cants and praises to infernal beings who dwelt beyond the scope of reality. Prayers rose from the depths of a thousand warp-touched throats, howling their maddening obeisances to the skies and across every active channel within the Colonies. It didn't matter if it was Picon, Caprica, Sagittaron or Geminon, wherever the Chronosians went, the hissing chant followed, till but a single world was repeated. Over and over and over again.

Remiel.

Remiel.

Remiel.

Anton echoed the roar of his Master's name with every engagement, screaming it to the sky with each crackle of his sonic weapon. He slung it round and onto his back, snarling with barely contained battle-lust as he drew his two blades in the way that Remiel himself had taught him, taking his bloody wrath to the Colonials with a zealous rage.

He felt everything, every thrumming moment of combat. The pound of gun fire amongst the seared and broken streets. Picon had been but a starter, Caprica presented a writhing mass upon which to feast...

He was a grotesque figure amongst the carnage, his armour slathered with blood, skin stretched across its flanks, draped in an almost whimsical fashion. Faces were stapled amidst the canvas, screaming back at any who dared to draw near to him, as he once again bellowed to the skies...

...Remiel. Remiel. Remiel. Remiel....

...Remiel himself stalked through the ruin and rubble of Caprica, flanked by Turel and the mighty Terminators of First Company. They fought as brothers, as disciples of a true power, Remiel and Turel dancing through the fray like a War God and his Son, judgement dispensed with every flicker of movement. Booming laughter orbed the proceedings, as Remiel drove each of his foul daemonblades in turn through flesh, cleaving apart Colonial troopers and civilians in an orgy of blood and violence. This had ceased to be the ordered war that the Imperials had hungered for, instead it had plunged into Hell. That made it twisted, that made it Chaos, that made it his.

He crested a hill, grinning almost in satisfaction as he finally beheld Vader, advancing with Turel at his side and the Terminators at their back.

"Good to see you've left us some sport, Vader." He chuckled, almost mockingly as he advanced, winking. "The pacification of this world certainly has turned out more fun than you might have first indicated. Shall we?"

----------

Sagittaron

The Chronosian fleet had split for the assault upon Geminon and Sagittaron, with theatre command for Sagittaron falling to Lord Aesri of the Steel Fists. They tore from the Warp, their Ascendant Daemon brethern in tow, and immediately set about the worlds below them.

Vessels loyal to Admiral Cain were instructed to lock formation with the Chronosians and to prepare for the complete pacification of the world beneath them, the comms crackling with heinous prayer-rights at every communications, twisted words that were in themselves corruption.

Lance fire and orbital bombardment rained down upon Sagittaron, cleansing fire to add to the already tumultous conflict brought on by the nuclear strike. This was the way of Aesri's warriors, to pound the enemy and then bring to them a slow, drawn out submission.

These fools would bend their knee to Chaos, or they would be purged to the last man. He let his tongue snake over his lips, almost able to scent the pyres of corpses that were to come, even as he watched the first of his assault troops and heavy armour disembark for the surface.

Geminon

Over Geminon the chanting seemed worse, hoarse and echoing cries booming on every single channel, chanting their obscene oaths as the vessels descended, bringing their own cleansing fire against the world below. Gabriel, Primarch of the Ascendant Daemons, had command and felt hatred bubble within him.

Above all else, he despised heathens, hated their heretic anthems and false idols. He himself readied to lead the charge, joined by his most trusted bodyguards and his Disciples, his Dark Apostles.

Drop-pods and drop-ships rained from the heavens, disgorging a tide of writhing, twisting human cultists. Thick red robes shrouded their form as they plunged into the maelstrom of battle, a screaming mortal sea of bodies. Behind them, came Gabriel and his Astartes warriors, bellowing battle-cants and praises with every step. Ecanus swung the crackling Crozius in his hands in a singing arc, watching it decimate a Colonial face, while Gabriel himself spun an immense spear, marked with the Eight Pointed Star.

"HEATHENS! IDOLATORS! BOW TO THE GLORY OF CHAOS, AND YOU SHALL BE SPARED! BOW TO THE MIGHT OF THE IMPERIUM, AND YOU SHALL KNOW SUCCOUR AND SALVATION FROM THE COLD DARK! KNEEL, AND BE SPARED! KNEEL AND LIVE FOREVER BY THE GLORY OF THE WORD!"

Lamia and Jessyka had never taken a seat, preferring to remain standing. The Abh woman was pleased to see the young one still alive though it never showed on her face. As she listened to the shpeal about the invading force, she similarly came to the same conclusion as the General had. It wasn't a pleasant notion but even an Abh would have to admit defeat in this sense.

"Wait General. If at all possible, perhaps we can get you and some of your men off this planet as well. You will be needed if you are to ever retake your home."

The General was almost out the door, as the Abh objected. His heart filled with saddness, he turned his head. He looked to the young girl, with Navy blue hair, her freakish friend, the Coredian Jedi with two lightsabers, and the rest of the Coredian delegation. He lowered his head, almost in shame.

"Too many people have died in this war." he replied with sorrow and shame in his voice. "I could go, but then many more would continue on to fight. Many more would die and for what? No one is coming to rescue the colonies." he looked to the Coredian Jedi, as he said that. "We can not fight our own fleet, aided by the empire. OUr resources are destroyed, our morale now lay broken, as the ashes of Caprica CIty. If you can find people, and rescue them, please do. However if I do not go, the death toll will be higher. I can not let my solders, my friends, my family die in vain. That would be putting my own needs and desires above the good of my troops."

He began to turn around again, no longer the tired old man he was before, now just the shadow of a man. He was a General, he had honor. He would surrender honorably, even if it meant his death, to save those who still fight on.

"You would make a great Jedi." Young Derek whispered softly as he saw the General leave to order the surrender. "May the Force be with you."

Meanwhile, Takuya finally noticed the other Jedi in the room and frowned. Hold on. I've never seen that Jedi at the Embassy...

The Chuunin began making quick seals with his hands. As ninjas go, this one was as paranoid as they come, and he wanted to be ready for a confrontation. His seals completed, he called out the other one. "You. Your name and rank in the Order, please."

Every Jedi knew the procedure for identity challenges. If this one failed, the Jedi will have to decide what to do, depending on what the guy says.

Jessyka quickly clicked the back of her heels and offered a salute as the General left the compound. There was not much else to do about it. He was right, but she still had the obligation of offering him a chance to get the safety if he so desired it.

Not waiting for the Coredians to start moving, the Abh needed to snap everyone back to attention. "Well we can't stay here now that he is going to surrender. We need to move and find a way off this rock. Gather what civilians and soldiers we can, then find head to allied space. Unless someone has a better idea."

General Jenkins, a tall thin man by stature, his hair greyed by many wars, walked out of the bunker, humbly and with honor. Behind him, his command staff reluctantly followed, rifles, over their shoulders, as the radioactive gray skies ahead welcomed them. His boots felt heavy, with guilt and shame. Even with the odds stacked against him, he still failed. His nation, was gone, all he had fought for destroyed under the inferno of Cain and the Cylons. His only hope was to save his men.

As they moved, from the Shadow of the bunker, to the dim grey light of the dawn of the third day, the day that would echo through out eternity for the colonies. The day the colonies surrendered.

General Jenkins, walked up to Darth Vader, Emperor of the Galactic Empire. With honor, and pride, he saluted the Emperor. Slowly he unsheathed his sword. The beautiful glimmer of the gold and steel blade shined, it’s beauty undeniable, as he placed it in both hands, holding it out to the dark lord of the sith.

As he held it, his arms began to shake, as if the sword weighed a hundred pounds. He looked to the Dark lord, his face hidden by the black mask that he wore. “On behalf of the Twelve Colonies of Kobal, I surrender to the Colonial fleet, and it’s allies.” the General said.

As the general, offered his sword and unconditional surrender, those in his command’s heart’s felt heavy. They looked to the troopers in front of them, backed up by hideous inhuman beasts of war and cruelty. “What kind of creatures were they”, one man asked, as he received a quick elbow to the gut from the man next to him. Writhing with pain, the man bent over. His body ached, as the man who delivered the blow replied, “Keep it to yourself Maxum.” The General began to turn as he clicked his heals. “Present Arms”

The troops clicked their heals and Unstrapped their rifles, and held them straight out from their bodies. “Men, the general said, almost choking on his words, “Give up Arms.” The men stepped forward, and laid their rifles at the feet of the nearest stormtrooper or astarte. It was unnerving. Never had the colonies, since they were formed surrendered. One solder laid his rifle, at the feet of one of the giant men, the Astartes. The man began to straighten up, to see the ugly and horrifying Astarte, grinning a devilish grin. The man’s eyes grew big, his pupils wide, as he saw the beasts, all too human face. Today was a day none of them would ever forget.

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The Battle of Geminon

Fight them til you can't (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBws5t9R6C0)

Marines are running, as small pieces of paper, and debris fall from the sky. Running as hard as they can, ducking past the bolter fire, they duck and weave over a small concrete bridge, to a blown out department store, 16 men in all, running for their lives, hearing nothing, but the pounding of their hearts, and the blasts from overhead.

Lieutenant Wyatt, turned to his platoon, as they ran for cover. “Everything ready.”

A private turned to him, “Yes sir, it is in place.”

“Good wait for these bastards then. He said with false confidence. He looked to his men, he could see they were scared. Hell he was scared, but he had a job to do. Lt. Wyatt, had already seen the horrors of this war. He knew he had aged 30 years in the last three days, but still he had to fight on. He grabbed his rifle, his life, and peaked out, as blasts from the bolter fire, began to spray, like gnats at dusk. “Wait for it... he said, as he peeked out again, to be greeted by the bullets of chaos.

He could see through the small dusk, and explosions around him, they were approaching, moving across at inhuman speed. “Now he ordered, as the Corporal next to him pushed a button.

Boom, a deafening roar sounded, as fire from the bridge, began to blow the Astartes into the gray sky. Arms, legs, heads, began to separate as they flew to their final resting spot, in hell.

Lt. Wyatt turned to the corporal, with a smile, he placed his dirty hand on his shoulder. “Great job son. That should hold those bastards.” He turned, smiling, expecting chaos to have been obliterated, their warriors burning in the fire and power of the colonial army. As he looked up, and the bolter fire stopped, all he could see was smoke, and a slight roar in the background.

“Remiel... Remiel.... Remiel...” those on the other side yelled, as Astartes took to the air, with there jetpacks. Lt. Wyatt’s eyes grew, in horror, as the explosion, the dead men did not hurt their morale, it did not slow them down, it encouraged the ravenous dogs of Chaos.

“Johnson, Miller, I need two birds in the air now.” The Lieutenant yelled. Miller and Johnson scrabbled, and pulled out two shoulder fired missile launchers. “Sir we only have one shot each.” Miller yelled over the radio.

“Then let us hope that will be enough.” he said, as the Chaos dogs began to cross the small creek, and debris from the bridge. Bolter fire began to fill the air with it’s heresy, and with it’s deadly fire. If the gods of Chaos want blood, they would have it today.

The missiles fired, as streaks of smoke filled the sky. Over the loud sound of the missiles, the Forces of Remiel laughed, in unison, as the missiles exploded, into thousands and thousands of pellets. The pellets fell as rain, and each and every individual one of them began to explode, as cries of pain and heresy screeched from the thick smoke wall.

“Frakkin A, I need to buy you two a drink after that shot.” Lt. Wyatt yelled, over the com.

He then looked down and checked his clip. He was down to 2 clips of the armor piercign rounds, and eight clips of the worthless soft led rounds. “Ammo check.” he ordered. “Sir we have enough rounds to last 15 minutes.” was the reply he received back. “15 minutes to live.” Wyatt said, “Well then let’s spend our lives giving them hell.” He loaded his new clip into his rifle, and began to shoot, as the marines with him fired. Explosions could be heard from the hits, as the Warriors of chaos, took hit after hit after hit. He did not know how many were hit, how many were dead, but he would give them hell. Today either they or he would die, and he knew it.

Over the general Com, a new voice occurred. “This is Colonial Defense Command to all forces. You are ordered to lay down your arms and surrender. The war is over.”

The world seemed to freeze in place. Silent, as sparks from the smoke fired back. The men looked to each other in confusion. Some felt relief, others anger.

“What do you want to do LT.” the corporal next to him asked. “Anyone want to obey orders and surrender go ahead, he replied, but I am fighting these bastards til I am dead, or they are. Preferably them, he said with a smile, as a bolter shot came near his head. He looked up and fired, spraying the area with the armor piercing rounds, knowing if they were not dead they soon would be. He ducked back down, and said over the radio, “Anyone with me, or do you wanna go home?”

One private yelled, “Hell no I am not going home, this is easier than dealing with my wife.” Everyone laughed, as they began to fire again.

Click. It was one of the last sounds he would hear. As he looked down, to reload, he was yanked into the heavens, by the giant man. The Astarte looked at him, grinning, his breath full of halitosis. Lt. Wyatt looked at the warrior of Chaos, and smiled. He reached for his pistol, and pointed it at the ugly head of the chaos warrior. Bam, was the last sound either of them heard. As the Astartes head vanished in a spray of blood and bone, the powerclaw clamped down, severing the head of Lt. Wyatt. Two enemies, laid dead next to each other, as their blood mixed, then absorbed into the soil of Geminon.

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

The Battle of Sagittaron

Sagittaron, the most hated of the colonies, the most worthless, as far as the rest of the colonies were concerned. They were hated for their religious fevor, their pacifism, their backwards ways. As such there were not a lot of military installations on the small backward colony. As the fires from the nuclear inferno burned the majority of the resistance to the lords of Kobal, the suriviving population did nothing. As troops passed too and from, from the few bases there were, the people claimed it was the will of the Lords, for violating the will of Zeus. "We returned to Kobal." they proclaimed, "this is the price we must pay for out arrogance." As the fire from the battlestars and lancers burned the ground below, they cried out, not in pain or anguish, but in praise of the Lords. Although the military here had long been wiped out, still they did not claim defeat. The oppression is from the gods, they cried, and glory be to them.

As the Astartes landed, covered by the vipers from the sky they did nothing, to oppose their new oppressors. Nothign at all.

Forrester was reaching for the door knob when it struck him. Another Vision flooded through his awareness, tearing him away from Reality to show him a glimpse of what might be. Ba’El was spirited away, leaving his body standing there for a moment, arm outstretched reaching for the door. Time stopped and all hell broke loose.

Atrox/Ba’El saw Emperor Remiel standing on the surface near Emperor Vader while the general held out his gilded sword, hilt first in surrender. Then a star shone in the sky, getting brighter. The eerie green light seemed to taint everything in putrescence as the air took on a faint sizzle. The moments slowed to a point several seconds passed by for each breath. Darth Vader looked up at the shining green star in the daytime sky and almost seemed to know what was happening. His vocal processor began to scream an abnormally extended “NOOOOOO!”, although it was a couple octaves lower than normal because of the slowing of the seconds. The rebel general dropped his gilded sword and turned to face the sky and the glowing green star that was getting larger as the seconds ticked by. Remiel looked up to see what Vader was screaming at and seemed as if there was nothing he could do as the green light coalesced into a bright beam of energy that struck the ground nearby.

The beam passed effortlessly into the ground where the base stood and disintegrated its way through the concrete and iron, the armor plating and the dirt, the flesh and the bone. It passed cleanly through the base and then downward, bursting through the ceiling of the train tunnel as Forrester and the Jedi and civilians were boarding. The massive beam passed through the train waiting on the magnetic track as the energy levels of the beam converted the metal and electronics of the train as well as the unlucky passengers in microseconds to energy and continued onward, ever downward. The beam ate through bedrock and then entered the core where it combined with the molten iron and then seemed to expand outward in an even larger energetic burst. The energy tore its way through bedrock and soil in its frantic escape from the core. The burst took everything in its path along as it literally pushed the planet apart in every direction. Caprica disintegrated from below and massive fragments flew upwards.

A shroud of debris now occupied the space near The Eclipse as her main guns cycled for the next shot. Aboard the bridge Emperor Tarkin looked smugly on as the planet below disappeared, along with Vader, Atrox, Remiel, and any others that might have opposed his plans. “Prepare the main batteries for the next target and send permission for the Galaxy Gun to fire at its assigned targets.” Tarkin rubbed his arm where the implant was placed; he would no longer need it with Atrox gone.


Darth Atrox shook his head as the vision faded. He was still reaching for the door and had moments ago answered the Abh Betterman’s question. The vision that seemed to have taken minutes to hours was actually not much longer than a blink of an eye. He also knew his shaky answer to the Abh would not suffice and his plan on taking out the spies was foiled. He wasn’t having much luck on Caprica with his little plans and the vision gave him a reason to abandon his mission. Besides, if his vision was true, nobody would make it off this rock unless he acted immediately. He could take one person with him and there was nobody in this room he wanted to save.

Atrox dropped the disguise on one of the guards, showing a copy of the Sith Lord and then pretended to be frightened.

“Ahhh!” It’s one of them!”

He turned to run toward the door the General left through. As he exited, another of the four guards near that door changed into a copy of Darth Atrox. They held two red glowing sabers and stood ready for an attack. The two remaining guards held their disguises as colonial soldiers and began to aim their guns at the Coredian and Abh officers. Their automatic guns roared as illusionary bullets sped outwards, hopefully making the targets duck. Two glowing barriers appeared over the doors, obviously appearing to be some kind of force field.

------

As Atrox ran through the base he shouted over the Link between his suit and the shuttle waiting in orbit.

Wake up ship. WAKE UP!

Yes Master?

Contact the Chronosian ships and tell them to evacuate the planet immediately. Tell them that is an Order from me and they are to comply if they want to save their men. Teleport as many as they can and get their dropships full and off planet ASAP.

Sending message

Include Priority Alpha Confirmation codes. Track he readings from the Eclipse, she will be firing soon.

Master, I am detecting a power buildup in the Eclipse.

Warn me when she is about to fire.

Yes Master.


Darth Atrox dodged along corridors and through rooms. As he ran, his minds whirled. He had not had a Major Vision since Asfaltum when Palpatine was murdered by Tarkin twelve years ago. His Vision allowed him to use every last of his power to apport away a tactical nuke, saving the insertion team. It also knocked him out and Emperor Daniel and Prince Doran left him behind in the Warp Storm. If they hadn’t, he would have never been exposed to the Force Storm which gave him the ability to manipulate the Force. He would not have been forced to reside in a Force mutated insect to escape from the energy discharges. He would not have been captured and then eventually made Darth Vader’s Apprentice.

No, he believed in his Visions and trusted them with his life.

As he ran, several guards tried to stop him but his metallic mass had no problem with the fleshy barriers the guards provided. He left a number of guards lying on their backs or vainly running after him. It didn’t matter how many were following him, they would all be dead in a little while. If he didn’t get outside, so will Atrox. He dodged through a doorway into a short hallway and then used his momentum as well as his light sabers to break through a closed door ahead. Ahead was the entry with the iron door still standing open. He put on another burst of speed and shot through the doorway, dropping all his disguises and the four copies faded away if they still stood after being attacked by the Jedi.

Master!

What is The Eclipse up to?

She is about to fire her main guns.

I know, do you have enough room for guests?

With your armor, only one more. Three without armor or two with. Nothing more.

Damn, be ready for guests.

Atrox ran out of the rebel base, taking the direct course he had gotten out of the minds of the cleaning crew earlier. A very short time later he emerged from the open iron door, a blur of action sped up by both his Psionics and his Force abilities. He sped toward the two Emperors, unsure who to take with him. His suit connected him to his shuttle and awoke the sentience of the small craft. He still had not decided who he should save. His Master or Remiel? He had to make his choice fast. Atrox sped up to the two Emperors and stopped.

“Forgive me Lord Vader, Tarkin is about to murder you as he had Emperor Palpatine.”

Darth Atrox did not waste time; he grabbed Emperor Remiel in four of his arms as he summoned a Teleportation Ring like before when the nuclear charges went off on the city, placing it behind the Chaos Lord. He pushed Remiel through the Teleportation Ring, tumbling through after him into darkness as a familiar green glow filled the sky from above.

In orbit, a brief glow was seen from the canopy windows of the Stiletto shuttle as the small craft took evasive maneuvers and headed for the Chronosian ships as fast as the little ship could.

Takuya nodded and backed down, his challenge accepted without further ado. "Very well, Padawan. Let's move the civilians into the train."

Master Sakir and the others began doing just that, loading anyone who wanted to go on the train as quickly as they could under the circumstances. They had to move fast, lest the Empire detect their presence and react accordingly.

Lamia grabbed the arm of both Jessyka and Erickson before they could follow the Jedi any further. Erickson looked up at him perplexed by the sudden stop. "Why are you stopping us? We need to keep moving."

Jessyka managed to free herself from his grasp and look at him square, or at least as good as she could with the dark sun glasses covering Lamia's eyes. Instead, Lamia turned to the one that Takuya called Padawan.

A tiny light flashed in the center of his forehead synchronized with the "voice" heard, it was a sound both calm and intuitive. Shadows and smoke, a man lies behind. Who are you?

Forrester stopped when he “heard” the strange voice and turned to the Abh who spoke.

“Huh? Me? You’re babbling. I don’t see any smoke. I just told him my name, you can ask him yourself.”

Overhead, the building shuddered, shaking dust from the ceiling. Forrester looked up at the ceiling before continuing.

“I don’t know what is going on out there but it sounds like we are running out of time. There are two hundred civilians downstairs waiting for us to save, standing around quoting poetry will not help them any.”

Forrester turned back to the guards that were standing by the doors.

“Please take us to the civilians and then to the train before they run out of time.”

OOC: The Farstars got deated they will be back till then i post as wick. This is the short conclusion of Armistice station.

IC:

“Targets neutralized Sir.” The tactical officer reported as the two Lancer frigates were obliterated by nuclear hellfire.

“Good News sir the Vatta ships have made Hyper!” he finished his report.

“Outstanding job people. We can’t hold this position anymore lets get out of here.” The Commodore said, relieved that they would finally be able to fall back into hyper now that the Imperials have reached effective turbo laser range.

The Battle of Armistice station saw the first engagement of the Farstars ships against the Imperial Navy and it was an eye opener for each side, but now it was over. The Colonies have fallen to the Empire, who was now free to begin there move on the Republic.

Is it heresy to slay our brother-man, they ask us? Is it damnation to bring blade and bolter against our kin? I say no, not if they reject the way of Chaos! Bow to the glory of the Word or be obliterated!
-Attributed to Dark Apostle Ecanus.

Geminon

The cultists suffered worst in the assaults of the Colonials, not being trained like the Imperial Guard or rendered more than men like the Astartes. Gabriel grinned as his mighty boots crushed the dead of Chronosia and Colony alike. They were weak before the power of Chaos! They were motes in the eye of progress. It was only right that they should die so wretchedly for their sins. He watched them, the shrieking hordes of fanatics, their flesh marked with ruinous marks and brands, tattoos that showed the powers of Chaos defiling and marking their flesh, despoiling their foes upon the canvas of their own bodies.

He grinned to see it, such devotion from his flock. They came with their las-pistols and their knives, screaming their oaths to the sky, adorned in fetishes and talismans. This was faith, to lay down their lives so willingly for him, and to offer their souls to the Gods. His words were like a fire within their soul, spurning them on to yet greater atrocities, just as his Marines prowled through their ranks, their numbers growing more numerous as more came from orbit.

Gabriel threw himself forward into the fray, roaring his praises to Chaos as he dismembered with the crackling edge of his spear. Ecanus was at his side, as he always was, his most favored pupil. He watched as he prosecuted the foe, crozius screaming in malicious zeal.

They were at the head of their force, fighting with unholy zeal towards one of the great temples to the Colonial’s false gods. A cheer rose, a great clamour, as the warriors of Chaos watched a tower burst into powdery rubble under bombardment, watched a great dome crack and sag, littering those who sought sanctuary below it in crushing debris. Their voices rose again in unholy song, a heathens anthem of cruelty and war.

“Let them taste the blades of Khorne!” Gabriel’s voice cut over vox and echoed as a harsh roar above the frenetic pace of battle. He spun on one foot, driving his spear through a fleeing figure even as he heard the roars of bloodlust echoing about him.

Upon Caprica and Picon there had been but one face of Chronosian cruelty, that of a leering Slaaneshi. Now, Gabriel brought the other powers of Chaos to bear under his twisted will.

Figures moved through the crowd in lunatic jerks, movements blurred by their speed and their vigour. It was as though atomic flame raged within them, spurring them on and forward. The first roaring figure hit the Colonials like a thunderbolt, chainaxe whirring with lunatic intensity. It snarled, helmetless, its bloodshot eyes speaking of rage and madness, bloody froth at its lips.

“BLOOD! BLOOD! BLOOD! BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD, SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONE!” The giant snarled and snapped, taking the head from a quivering Colonial with a gesture of its immense axe. The berserker hurled itself into the fray, joining it’s Khornate brethren in the heart of the storm of conflict, the throng and the fray of total war.

“Onwards, my children!” Gabriel laughed with black joy, shepherding his warriors onwards. “Soon this world will know the kiss of the Warp, and these heathens shall have no choice but to bow!”

Sagittaron.

Aesri let his hammer fall with a blow like thunder, shattering the Colonial that cowered before him into thick red paste. He slammed it into the stomach of another, watching him buckle and break amidst the ruin of this world, this world that the enemy seemed to have abandoned rather than fight to safe.

“You are all slaves!” He snarled, pacing amidst the desolation, his Warsmiths at his side, their cold visages staring out over the broken world with an almost wry bemusement. They were their fathers sons, cold and distant, aloof compared to these swine and vermin who cowered and scuttled so.

“Slaves to false gods! False truths! Bow to me, bow to Chaos and this world shall rise from the ashes, stronger than ever before. Our arts are both martial and industrial. We can raise you up, make you more than your weak brothers, if you merely submit! Geminon and Caprica will not be offered the mercy of Aesri, they shall not be granted with pacts of steel!”

He paused, driving a boot into a refugee who sought to move from beneath his terrible gaze, pressing till he heard the inevitable, intoxicating crack of bone.

“Choose, for your own sakes, servitude or damnation! Pledge yourselves to me-“ He paused, listening as the thunder of artillery echoed, houses reduced to dust in the distance. “-Or be destroyed by the fury of my guns! What say you, filth?”

Tarkin grinned at his new servant, Admiral Cain, as the holomap revealed the true hopelessness of the pathetic and inconsequential rebellion. The world stood, rotating slowly, as the red landing sites, and heroic storm troopers, backed by the swift and powerful AT-ST’s and the monestrous AT-AT’s marched across the world.

“As you see Admiral Cain, the Galactic Empire unlike the cowardly and pathetic Rebellion, guarantees the safety and security of all of our friends and allies. Thanks to your wisdom, soon the people of the Colonies of Kobal,’ Tarkin paused as he inched closer to the Fleet Commander of the Colonies, ‘your people, well receive the gifts that the Emperor, Lord Vader, gives to those who are most loyal. You will receive the finest medical care available in two galaxies. Your ships will receive upgrades, to aid your thirst for revenge against the treacherous rebellion. We will even rebuild your cities, and help you in tracking down the Cylon scum. All of this, because of your insight. You will never again be alone.” Tarkin said, smiling, assured in his victory.

Tarkin began to walk around the Holo-map, watching carefully as the events at Bunker 001 unfolded. “Ah, here it is.” Tarkin said with a grin, as the train station, deep underground was discovered. Tarkin lifted his hand to it, pointing it out for Admiral Cain to see. “You can see Admiral, there is nothing that can be hidden from us. No trick of the rebellion that we can not uncover, no secret too deep for us not to find.” Tarkin turned to one of the Captains.

“Captain, have the Star Destroyer Vengeance land at these coordinates, and have them begin to unload their troops.” Tarkin said. The captain held his hand up quickly, saluting his superior officer. As the captain began to walk away, the soft click of Imperial boots, hitting the metal floor as the man walked Tarkin turned to him. “Make sure the solders do not advance in the tunnel.”

The Captain turned around. “Are you sure sir?”

“Quite, our dear ally Admiral Cain has informed me of the traps set within the tunnel. Once the rebel jedi escape, there is no where for them to go. They will be trapped, like the rats they are. Now go. I want that ship, at the landing coordinates in ten minutes.” Tarkin replied, calm and collected.

“Yes sir.” the Captain replied.

Tarkin turned and slowly walked over to the window. The small blue would sat below, like a gem in the dark sky. He watched it, as the clouds full of deadly concrete, earth, soil and debris began to cover the planet below. The small blue gem, was turning gray. Dying in front of him, waiting to be healed by the friendly Imperials above. And healed they would be.

“Primary firing platform is fully charged, Firing in 5...4...3...” Tarkin heard.

Tarkin spun around, furious. His plans had been going smoothly too smoothly, the rebellion was now nearly dead, and all of his plans had come true. Until he heard those dreaded words, the words that sought to end all he had gained. “Delay that order, cease fire.” he yelled, across the room. Tarkin rushed to fire control, very quickly he ran.

“Firing sequence aborted.”

Tarkin ran up to the Captain in charge. “What do you think you are doing?” he barked, angry at the Captain in charge. “Get up here now.” he yelled into the pit.

The Captain, who had stood before him a few minutes ago, grabbed the icy cold steel rail, and began to walk slowly up the stairs. “Who gave you the order to fire on that planet. Emperor Vader, Emperor Remiel, and an entire legion of our troops, along side that of our new friends are on the planet below, and you have the audasity to power up the main cannon?”

“Forgive me, Grand Moff.” the captain said. The Captain shook nervously, as he stood before the civilized complexion of the Grand Moff. “I had recieved word from Lord Atrox, to begin to fire.”

Tarkin watched the man. His sweat pouring from his face, his nervous twitch. He knew he was lying. Tarkin reached to his side, and grabbed a imperial blaster pistol. It was light, very light, as he pointed the pistol to the Captain’s head. “Tell me again... Captain... and this time the truth. Who told you to fire the main cannon.”

The Captain stood nervously. His life hung on the balance of his next words. “My lord, it was Atrox.”

The words barely crossed Tarkin’s ears, as the blaster fired. In a second, a red bolt shot forth from the pistol, and scorched the skin, and pierced the body of the traitor. The lifeless body collapsed, on the steel bulkhead. Tarkin reached down and looked at the I.D. Card of the officer.

“Captain Koran Jaken. Home world: Tenetia.” Tarkin scoffed, as he pointed his fingers at two storm troopers, and gestured for them to remove the body. “Nightshade.” Tarkin said. “Lord Vader will be most interested in hearing of her new deceit. Tarkin slowly turned his gaze to Cain. “Forgive me Admiral, you must know that we can not allow traitors to exist in our midst, and break the fragile peace we are all striving for.”

Welcome to Geminon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qEtpJORUZA)

Night fell as darkness descended on the Twelve Colonies of Kobal. Darkness shrouded the planets. Betrayed, abandoned, they fought endlessly against the night, fighting with all they could against the setting sun.

Geminon was one such place. Chaos had come, bearing it’s heresy, it’s conversion with the sword. Dark words and prayers filled the night sky. Dark prayers, sacrifices, pain and suffering littered the now radioactive landscape. Still they fought on, past the official surrender. They no longer fought for ideals, or a government. They fought now for themselves, what was left of their families, their friends. They fought for themselves.

The Dogs of Chaos attacked on, as the ever dwindling number of solders fought the hopeless fight. Bullets flew, attempting to strike down the ravenous demons. It was all in vain. They kept coming, they would never stop.

The Astartes walked down the streets, with near impunity. The small calabur bullets, nearly ineffective against their armor, the warriors of Chaos walked, and met all the colonies had left. Laughter filled the sky, as men women and children were yanked from their beds, impaled on spikes. Their screams filled the heavens.

One solder, tired and bruised, walked up to the scene. Terror gripped him, as he walked up to one of the impaled. The woman on the spike, her face was covered in dirt. Blood slowly dripped from her mouth, a single trail as she looked at him. Her eyes were the color of the blue sky. She was beautiful. She was his sister. He reached up and touched her face, as tears slowly filled his eyes. “Do it.” she whispered, her voice shrouded in pain. The solder reached down to his knife, his hands shaking. He had to spare her. She needed peace. He grabbed his knife, and ran the blade against her throat.

He watched as her eyes slowly glazed over. He shook, having done the only thing he could do. He looked to the sky, and wondered, “How had all of this come to be. How had the Lords of Kobal allowed this to occur.” He just stared up, as his chest began to burn. Warmth flowed over him, as he looked down.

He looked down, and saw a powerclaw sticking out of his chest. Blood gushed out, as he looked to the sky. He would join his family. The world grew dark, as a small tunnel appeared before him. His body fell limp, as his body fell next to his sister. It was done.

The Astartes made their way, past the moans and screams that shouted glory to their gods, to their emperor. Gun’s that once roared went silent. The air was still, no wind, nothing but the smell of rotting and burnt flesh. No sound, but the cheers of the victors, and the screams of their victims. Nothing.

The Astartes walked, invincible in their faith. Nothing would touch them, nothing could, their gods were on their side. “Click”

His armored boot, crushed a skill, burnt black by the nuclear flame. The Astarte laughed. As he took his next step, he was surrounded by the fire and light of the mine below. The light was beautiful, the power undeniable, the warmth, all consuming as the explosion ripped up half the broken street.

Death began to fall from the sky, as hundred of Mortar shells descended on the street below. Death rained from above, uncaring who or what came to it. None were spared it’s attempt to extinguish all life. Chaos it would seem, would not be happy with just Colonial lives.

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

Saggitarion was the black sheep of the colonies. Weak, impotent, stuck in their backwards and pacifist lifestyles, they warped the interpretation of the sacred scrolls into their own twisted version.

Here and now, they proved their worthlessness. Their distrust of the military ever present, their backwards ways. The world, which lacked the defenses the others had, watched and waited, as their conquerors came. Their lands burned, their people raped, beaten, they still did nothing.

As the Astartes yelled their rhetoric, the Saggitarions did nothing but kneel. They kneeled...

Forrester opened the door and instructed the guards, “Take us to the refugees so we can get them on the train.”

After the guards led the small group of leaders to the refugees and then to the waiting bullet train, the loading of the train began. After a tense few minutes passed as the humans crowded onto the train, it began to move. News of the surrender above their heads flashed through the refugees like a wildfire through a drought plagued forest, enflaming fears of what the near future would hold for those caught in the vice of Fate. The guards did their best to settle the crowd so they could all get aboard and away ASAP. The refugees crowded into the cars, nearly filling every seat. If there were a few more people to save there was room, too bad the Jedi killed so many when they destroyed the embassy. The medicine Car, which was located between the engine and the dining car, was accessed and the anti-radiation doses were distributed. As the train sped through the dimly lit tunnel, it left the station behind.

Sitting in the last car, Forrester/Atrox was watching the monorail disappear behind the train when suddenly he felt a strange surge, it was as if the planet, no the world was somehow linked to a far off point. He felt that point become cold and dark, a reflection of the colony itself. All the death and destruction was transferred and reflected in that distant point. The dark energies generated by the Cylon bombings were shaping someone. The deaths caused by the Coredian singularity bombing of Caprica City and her refugees caused changes in that distant focus. The battlefields littered with the dead were being reflected by that distant avatar of the Colonies.

Atrox could remember feeling the disturbances caused by the deaths of this world, they overshadowed the ones he might have felt by the other planets but that distant avatar was feeling each world unfiltered. That distant focus was hammered repeatedly like a blade in a forge, tempered by the dark energies of the colonial deaths. Atrox could feel the Dark Side busy reshaping that distant soul in its own image. He felt almost drawn to the distant being, almost like the Force was telling him he was to seek out that tortured individual. He still had a mission to finish and a promise to keep. Perhaps Fate would have its hand in the near future and guide him to the distant soul. Then again, they might never meet. He was curious.

Darth Atrox activated the suit’s HUD and tried to locate where that distant beacon was. Lacking specific data of the area, he authorized a connection to the shuttle’s navigation computer keeping pace with the train in orbit above. He hoped the coded signal would not be detected somehow by his Prey but felt the risk was worth it. He felt the need for information. After the location was mapped on the HUD, Atrox chuckled inside his suit. Fate not only had a hand in this, it was in fact up to it’s elbows and reaching deeper into the whole affair.





OOC:

I waited more than a week for one of the other two posting themselves getting the refugees to the train and decided to take matters into my own hands since nothing was being posted. If you don’t want to go to the train, you can post that, otherwise I will assume your characters followed along.

Ashes lay below, of human remains, and accomplishments, of a once decadent society now lost forever under the durasteel boot of the Empire, and it’s Emperor, Lord Vader. This place was dying, dying from a sickness within, from the radiation without. Like so many civilizations that dared to rebel against the sons of Courescant, it would be pacified, beneath the cold embrace of the Empire.

Darth Vader watched the pitiful wreck below him. How pretentious of him, too offer a surrender. Had this man not already known that all was lost, long before the Empire sat foot on this planet. The force was against them, what chance did they have? What petty honour, this man tried in vain to hold on to. He was nothing, he would be nothing.

Vader’s black durasteel hand reached for the sword, snatching it out of the hands of the General, who attempted to give away, what did not belong to him. Vader, without paying attention to the sword, unsheathed it. The blade was pure, unblemished, truly a ceremonial sword. Not like his own lightsaber, who’s color matched that of the lives he had taken, the sacrifices he had given in the name of the empire. The general’s sword was clean, unlike that of Remiel, who’s countless sacrifices to his false gods, stained the blade forever.

Vader, reached out his hand to the General as if in a friendly gesture. The black glove moved, as his hand began to clinch. The General felt himself lifted in the air, as if by some sorcery, flying into the air, he waited for eternities end.

“Lovely sword General.” Vader replied, as another invisible hand held the sword. It’s point glistened, as the general squirmed in pain. His men, helpless, waited, as the sword plundged into him. The General gasped, as his lungs began to fill with red vile, filled with the fluid that kept him alive. The general could not even look down, to see his own sword sticking through his chest, piercing his left lung. By the hilt, blood bubbled, as air rushed out of his chest.

Vader, his dark mask hiding his expression, watched the vermin die, slowly, painfully. “Your surrender is accepted, General.”

The invisible hand released the general, as he fell on the cold, wet ground below. Vader turned to Remiel. “These men are your pet’s people. Make sure they are well treated.”

Something was different here though, something elusive, as Vader felt a tremor in the force. This place, was covered with the force, however feint it was. Something here was not as it seemed. He closed his eyes, concentrating on it, feeling it. He felt, something unclean, something unnatural, and the taint of the Coredians. Vader pushed his way into the force, searching for the apparition. He could sense it, feel it, from Konoha.

“Damn the rebels.” Vader said, as he looked to one of the men. “Congratulations on your promotion General, see to it that you prostrate yourself before Admiral Cain before days end.

The man stood still, shaking, in fear, as this dark man with the power of the gods issued him a command. “Yyyesss Siiiir” the newly appointed General said, as he looked into the face of his new master.

Master Sakir knew that something was off about Forrester, something...familiar. Coming with Jessyka to the last car, he moved to confront the so-called Jedi. "If I recall correctly, there was no Jedi or even person, for that matter, by the name of Forrester that came on the last few transports. After all, I am one of those who oversee the comings and goings of Coredian personnel in the Colonies. Who are you, really?"

Master Sakir's hand was on the hilt of his lightsaber but he won't draw it just yet.

Jessyka rubbed the sore spot in the joint of her elbow from the last injection. A pure bred Abh was not normally suited for combat on a land world which is why those that did travel down carried a number of adrenaline shots to keep up their strength and energy. Feeling fully rejuvenated, Jessyka walked with Sakir to confront the imposter Jedi. It wasn't his words that she was really believing though he should know more about his Jedi than anyone else, but it was more what Lamia had said. The elusive Betterman had a tendency of annoyingly being right about most everything.

Erickson and Lamia had already gone ahead of the rest to secure the civilians down on their end leaving Jessyka and Sakir to their own.

As the Coredian and Abh walked through the last car, the Colonial guards seemed to get an unspoken hint or read the situation on the grim expressions the two were wearing and began to quietly move the civilians to the next car. After the last of them exited the car and passed through the vestibule into the next, three guards took positions in the aisle way near the door and the fourth stood in the vestibule itself. The two aliens approached the lone Jedi watching out into the fading darkness and took their positions before addressing him.

Master Sakir spoke first, "If I recall correctly, there was no Jedi or even person, for that matter, by the name of Forrester that came on the last few transports. After all, I am one of those who oversee the comings and goings of Coredian personnel in the Colonies. Who are you, really?"

Padawan Forrester turned from looking out the back window, seemingly lost in his thoughts. He looked up and saw Master Sakir standing in the aisle, one hand on his saber’s hilt. The purple haired Abh (blue darkened by streaks of wet washable spray-on hair color) stood along side the Coredian jedi absent-mindedly rubbing a sore spot on her arm. Their looks on their faces showed Darth Atrox he was nearing the end of this disguise’s effectiveness. That’s OK, he only had to finish the mission and then he was to follow Fate to his next. He could feel Erickson nearby, most likely somewhere else in the train. Good, they are all here.

Taking a breath, the Padawan stood up to face his accusers.

“I must admit that Forrester is not my name, but my occupation. I was sent here to track the Abh to see what they were up to. Of course you already know that, seeing as you were at the Cylon residence.”

Atrox decided that announcing his identity instead of just going for shock value would allow the two before him to act out of thought instead of attacking instinctively when their enemy appeared before them suddenly. That was the logical conclusion but he kept his arms ready to block any attack if it was necessary. He then allowed his disguise to fade away slowly, his true image slowly interposing itself as the vision of Padawan Forrester disappeared. The mechanical insectoid Master Sakir last saw walking out of the Cylon household stood before him and Jessyka.

Darth Atrox stood only a few feet away from his prey, watching her for any bad reaction, as well as the Coredian Master along side her.

"I see. I was wondering when you were going to show up once more, Atrox." Master Sakir replied amicably. "Perhaps you wish to discuss philosophy on this fine train ride?"

The first action he did was to alert his Padawan and the Ninja through the Force that the train was compromised by the Empire. The second was to reach through the Force for the locking mechanisms that keep the last car connected with the rest of the train and undo said locks.

=====

"Damn. If the train is compromised, they'll soon be on the other side, waiting for us." Derek grumbled.

"Yes, so we will have to figure something out for the civilians quick." Takuya said, adjusting the strap on his shoulder. "Maybe it's time to set this up now."

"You sure?" Derek asked.

"Yeah. Give me a few minutes. Figure out a way to stop this train." Takuya said, pulling out a device that looks like a holoremote control from his pocket. Then from the backpack, he pulled out the disk-shaped device that the Ambassador charged him with and began adjusting settings on it. "This is going to take a bit."

"Right." Derek said, moving for the front of the train.

Damn Lamia. Jessyka smirked slightly to herself. The odd creature was right on again though she was far too tired to see through the deception when they were all in the General's office. Now it all seemed clear as strength quickly flowed through her veins and pumped in her muscles.

Jessyka eased her elbow on to the hilt of her lightsaber, relaxing while the two debated.

----------

"Lamia, go with Derek and help stop the train. I'll stay here with Takuya."

Silent as ever, Lamia simply slipped off down the aisles following after Derek to stop this train. Erickson on the other hand took up a defensive position near Takuya by getting on his knees and waiting patiently.

"I see. I was wondering when you were going to show up once more, Atrox." Master Sakir replied amicably. "Perhaps you wish to discuss philosophy on this fine train ride?"

Darth Atrox seemed to think a moment before answering.

“Certainly, I have noting else to do. Perhaps I could even offer something as an agreement, an arrangement that would benefit us both.

Atrox gestured to a seat and sat down. He carefully monitored the two for any trickery.

The first action he did was to alert his Padawan and the Ninja through the Force that the train was compromised by the Empire. The second was to reach through the Force for the locking mechanisms that keep the last car connected with the rest of the train and undo said locks.

The Colonial guard standing in the vestibule watched the two jedi facing Darth Atrox and the Sith sat down. He then heard a click and a snapping along side and below the vestibule enclosure and with a shutter, the two cars began to separate. The guard leapt towards the safety of the doorway, barely catching a handhold on the door handle. His feet slipped below the edge where the floor panel lined up with the car as it left with the rest of the train. He tried to find something to hold his weight as he slid down the face of the train car and barely found something under the edge of the car. The cable held for a few moments before it gave way under his weight and the guard fell under the train.

Atrox felt one of his Avatars returning to him as the lights went out in the car moments after feeling Sakir accessing his force abilities twice. The train car lurched as the connection to the failsafe system was severed by the guards weight as he stood on the cord. With the power gone, the failsafe, well, failed. The electromagnetic repulsors holding the train off the monorail disengaged and lost power. The train car dropped. A shower of sparks trailed behind the train, the only light in the dark tunnel as the car shimmied back and forth on the track. At 200 MPH, there were an immense amount of stresses upon the sides of the enclosure either side of the rail. With a loud groaning, one side tore lose and the piece of metal jammed in the ties of the track causing the other end to force its way through the bottom of the car. The hole torn in the middle of the car caused further damage as it tore the structure almost in twain before finally snapping off.

Inside the car, the lights went out as one of the guards let out a yelp. The train car lurched and dropped. The colonial guards standing either side of the door to the vestibule were suddenly pressed against the wall at their back as a giant hand called inertia held them there. Atrox was thrown forward into the place he moments before had gestured Master Sakir to sit. His armor took the brunt of the impact but he was stunned by the sudden movement and had no idea where the two standing jedi were tossed. He dimly heard the tearing of metal as the car was crunched and tumbled around like glitter in a snow globe.

Darth Atrox came to a few moments after the car had wedged between the tunnel walls. His suit had absorbed a majority of the damage and he was lucky he was sitting down when the accident occurred. If he had been standing when the accident happened, he would have been thrown to the other end of the car. He shook his head and examined himself for damages. Applying a little healing Psionically, he repaired the damages he had received even through his armor and the natural chitin of his carapace. There was some minor tissue damage inside but they were easily mended.

He activated his infrared vision and looked around for heat sources. His prey and Sakir had to be around here somewhere.

The Jedi Master had taken himself and Jessyka out of the train just as it lost control and crashed. Now moving among the wreckage, Master Sakir searched for his foe. Finding him, he moved towards the Sith, lightsaber in hand. "It seems, my friend that we are stranded here."

=====

Meanwhile, Derek and Lamia reached the train's conductor section and began looking for a way to stop the train. In other news, Takuya was having trouble with his machine as noted by the cursing the passengers heard. It would take some time before he could get it to work.

OOC:


I will be working off several assumptions seeing as the details were not included. Please forgive me for taking any liberties, if you find them unreasonable just let me know and I will edit.

1) When someone teleports, they arrive in the same condition they left (ie, standing, sitting, tumbling, swimming, falling, ect…)
2) Master Sakir teleported behind the train. If he went up, down, or to the sides there is only solid stone. If he went forward he would be a pasty smear from the train running him over.
3) You teleported after the guard went under so you would be in-between his mess and the crashed car. Probably only about 100 meters back or something, a few minutes walk.
4) The tunnel is absolutely dark, the only lights are ones we make, the reason your saber is in your hand and probably lit.
5) Since nobody had any warning the crash would happen everyone stumbled or fell, except for the colonial guards who were held against the front of the car by inertia.
6) Since the car blocks the tunnel, you probably will have to use your saber to cut a hole in the side to get into the car

If any of these are not reasonable please contact me. I will be working tonight so I will not be available until 11 PM Central online.




IC:


Darth Atrox stumbled through the torn car trying to locate any heat signatures from the missing jedi. He could not find anyone but the three guards at the head of the car. When he arrived, he could see they were in bad shape. They were held against the aluminum and glass wall by inertia until the train car twisted in the tunnel and smashed the front as it wedged at an angle across the monorail. The two guards that were on the right side of the doorway were relatively OK but the one on the other side, the impact had caved in the nose and sent fragments into the body of the Colonial guard. Atrox summoned a nimbus of greenish-white energy and encased the unfortunate guard within. After he was stabilized, Atrox turned to the other two who were basically bruised and stunned with minor cuts from flying glass. His hand began to glow with the same light that cocooned the fallen guard and Atrox touched each of the injuries, healing them.

As the two jedi limped to the car, they could see a faint flickering of light from one end. It gave them a destination in the ever-present darkness. Master Sakir’s pulsating saber was the only thing that kept the smothering all present darkness away but only at a few meters. It still lay just beyond the edge of the sphere of comfort the lit saber provided. They had been walking for a few minutes following one wall carefully stepping over pieces of the car assuring them they were heading in the right direction. In the distance they noticed the dim flickering light from the healing auras Atrox used on the fallen guards.

A few minutes later, Atrox heard the familial vibration of an activated saber followed by the echo of footsteps from the far side of the car. One of the automatic doors was suddenly segregated into pieces as Sakir used his saber to gain access to the car. As they entered, they both could feel the unmistakable healing energies from the far end.

"It seems, my friend that we are stranded here."

“So it seems. Good thing those make good torches. I found three of the guards, one in pretty bad shape but the other two are only mildly injured.”

Atrox cast a simple enchantment and the ceiling began to glow with Magelight.

“There, that will help for a couple hours. I see you are injured too, would you like some healing? From here it appears to only be minor bruising but you can never tell…”

Atrox would see how well they would trust him, even after seeing to the wounded guards.

After dusting herself off, Jessyka found Sakir easily in the dark. With or without a lit lightsaber, the Jedi was not a problem to find. The Abh herself, kept hers off incase Atrox was somewhere nearby. No need to present an easy target. Even as Sakir kept his saber lit, Jessyka stayed a good distance in the dark to his side.

It wasn't psychic abilities, blind bumbling in the dark, or even the Force it was the simple genetic and biological ability that all Abh had. Frochaj allowed Jessyka to sense everything in the area even down towards the train crash. There were those Abh that never evened opened their eyes relying solely on their frosh.

Jessyka only came back into visual view when Atrox lit the ceiling with his Magelight. Still she did not look receptive to any offers of healing from someone who had up til now been trying to capture her and her apprentice. Though the lightsaber did remain at her side unignited.

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

Erickson turned around when he heard the cursing. "What? What's wrong?"

"No, I am fine." Master Sakir declined the healing. "It is quite refreshing to face a Sith who doesn't attack first and ask questions later. Tell me, how did you become a Sith in the first place?"

OOC:

The timing of this post would have it take place before the train has had a chance to stop. Please keep this in mind.




IC:


“Well, I have my Honor to safeguard. After all, what are we without Honor other than uncivilized barbarians?”

“That is something you will have to ask Daniel if you ever get the chance.”

Atrox turned his back to the two jedi and walked back to the unconscious guard still enshrouded in the nimbus of healing energy. He held out one hand and checked the vital statistics of the healing Colonial. Atrox continued speaking to Sakir without turning to face him.

“I couldn’t find the last guard. He was in between he trains when the car came undone. I believe he went under the car.” Atrox shifted position to check on the two dazed guards before continuing. “I couldn’t help but notice you exercised your Force abilities twice right before the crash. I certainly hope you hade nothing to do with the crash and the innocent soldiers death. That would have dire results in your Balance. Slaying an innocent is not very good. A jedi whose hands are stained with the blood of innocents cannot remain within the light for very long before it starts to burn his soul from the inside. Our deeds control our fate more than our wishes can ever.” Atrox turned to see what effect the realization had upon the jedi master.

“Now, since we have nowhere to go, we should talk business. I have been sent for the Abh spies. It seems someone’s tricks kept me from the other two. I can still feel Erickson speeding down the tunnel but the woman there is still my target. I have been sent to bring her before Cain unharmed. Coreworlds is still friendly with the Colonies I believe, your diplomatic offices would have a good chance to act on her behalf. There is a train of over 200 innocents rushing down the tunnel. They can still be helped by you if you give her to me. It is for the Greater Good after all.”

OOC:

The timing of this post would have it take place before the train has had a chance to stop. Please keep this in mind.
OOC: Ah. Very well.

IC:


“Well, I have my Honor to safeguard. After all, what are we without Honor other than uncivilized barbarians?”

“That is something you will have to ask Daniel if you ever get the chance.”

Atrox turned his back to the two jedi and walked back to the unconscious guard still enshrouded in the nimbus of healing energy. He held out one hand and checked the vital statistics of the healing Colonial. Atrox continued speaking to Sakir without turning to face him.

“I couldn’t find the last guard. He was in between he trains when the car came undone. I believe he went under the car.” Atrox shifted position to check on the two dazed guards before continuing. “I couldn’t help but notice you exercised your Force abilities twice right before the crash. I certainly hope you hade nothing to do with the crash and the innocent soldiers death. That would have dire results in your Balance. Slaying an innocent is not very good. A jedi whose hands are stained with the blood of innocents cannot remain within the light for very long before it starts to burn his soul from the inside. Our deeds control our fate more than our wishes can ever.” Atrox turned to see what effect the realization had upon the jedi master.

“Now, since we have nowhere to go, we should talk business. I have been sent for the Abh spies. It seems someone’s tricks kept me from the other two. I can still feel Erickson speeding down the tunnel but the woman there is still my target. I have been sent to bring her before Cain unharmed. Coreworlds is still friendly with the Colonies I believe, your diplomatic offices would have a good chance to act on her behalf. There is a train of over 200 innocents rushing down the tunnel. They can still be helped by you if you give her to me. It is for the Greater Good after all.”
"I saw some body parts on the way here." Master Sakir replied, sorrowful for the one man dead because of his action. "Alas, then the crash has not been without casualties."

"As for Jessyka, the Greater Good would dictate that she is not to be brought over to Cain. After all, we have good reason to believe that the civil war would have begun regardless of the involvment of the Abh. We believe it is not their fault but the fault of Admiral Cain and your superiors for bringing war upon the Colonies. The fact that they have come in to see the state of the Colonies covertly was merely a coincidence."

“Then if they are innocent, there would be no reason to fear for their safety. Their innocence would free them after the trial. It is after all Colonial Laws they were accused to break. Those same laws will free them if they are truly as innocent as you speculate. Running will only make them appear to be guilty. Facing the charges is the cleanest way to clear their names.”

Atrox looks over his shoulder at the guard lying on his back. The light from the healing nimbus flickered across his still form illuminating his barely moving chest.

“We really don’t have much time for a lengthy debate. A decision has to be made immediately or more death will follow that missing guard.”

"I have only your word that the Colonials have said that they must be tried and that they have done anything wrong." The Jedi Master said, stalling some more. "The word of one aligned with the Empire is suspect at the least."

“We really don’t have much time for a lengthy debate. A decision has to be made immediately or more death will follow that missing guard.”
"Perhaps, but you and I both know that should you act on your threat, I will stop you." Master Sakir warned him.

Atrox seemed to be taken back by Sakir’s comment.

“What?”

Suddenly the guard covered by the nimbus began to quiver. Atrox turned and after seeing him shaking on the floor, he made a leap as fast as the eye could follow. In a flash he was kneeling my the palsy afflicted patient. Atrox concentrated for a moment and two of his hands lit up with the whitish-green glow. He placed them on the soldiers chest and seemed to be pouring an immense amount of energy into the fallen ally of Sakir.

“Why the hell does it always have to be about you? Do you think you are the center of the multiverse and everything revolves around you? I was referring to this poor sod. The glass from the train window is lodged in his brain and if I don’t get him out of here and into an appropriate medical facility he will bleed to death. He has lost more blood than his body can stand already and my Aura was trying to keep him stable. Think for once truly about the lives of others instead of only yours. This is your ally I am trying to save. Your host that is dying while you waste his life’s blood with imagined threats.”

Atrox paused to apparently channel more energy into his healing.

“When you found about his comrade, you seemed to not even care that he was dead, you commented like it was a piece of road kill. Here you stand there watching while I, a dreaded Sith, try to save your ally while you twiddle your thumbs and invent delusions of grandeur. To think, they call ME evil...”

The patient suddenly lay still and a final gasp of air can be heard plainly in the whole car. Atrox cancels the nimbus and the body goes dark.

“Congratulations, you have more blood of the innocents staining your soul. At this rate you will be in Hell before I even get directions. You make me sick.”

"My apologies." Master Sakir bowed towards the dead, but felt something odd pass as the guard died. "The problem lies in this, my Sith friend. Coredia is caught in the middle of a struggle between the Colonies and the Abh. On the one hand, the Abh are a strong ally and to just simply give Jessyka over to you would be seen as aiding and abetting the Empire, especially as it seems that you have aided Admiral Cain in her conquest. On the other hand, the evidence you gave to the Cylons before is quite compelling, if suspect because of your involvement, being that Admiral Cain evidently believes that they have illegally entered this nation without our knowledge (which is true enough. You and I have must talk with our superiors if we make it out of this, Jessyka.) and did things without the consent of the Colonies (which is questionable), which requires that Colonial law be upheld, and if the law is not, then the remaining government of the Colonies, Admiral Cain, is in her rights to protest or even declare war against a nation harboring fugitives against Colonial law. You can clearly see that this is a major problem that will take time to solve."


=====

"Connection's off. It's going to take time to recalibrate the Network." Takuya said to Erickson and continued tinkering with the device.

Meanwhile, as the train neared the exit to the other side, apprentice Derek managed to find the levers that stopped the train. Then he took the comms of the train while he waited for the train to roll to a stop.

"*Beep-boop* Attention all passengers. The train is about to come to a full stop. Please collect all belongings and small children and wait until the train has ceased movement. Thank you."

Some moments and a search for the buttons that opens the doors later...

"The train has come to a full stop. Please exit the doors in an orderly fashion. Thank you!"

Reaching out with the Force, Derek waited until all the passengers were off the train before he had it start moving again. After that, he jumped out of the train with Lamia before the train moved too fast and went up to Takuya.

"Ready yet?" He asked.

"Not quite yet...yes!" Takuya hissed in glee as the Device began beeping.

"Wormhole connection established. Please insert coordinates and press Execute." A voice that sounds suspiciously like the Chief AI on the Battlestar Coredia sounded.

Takuya inserted the coordinates of Jurai into the device and pressed "execute". Suddenly, a strong wind started blowing through the tunnel accompanied by a whirring sound, like that of a jet engine. To the astonishment of the Colonial civilians a wormhole around eight feet in diameter appeared before Takuya.

"Everyone, there is not much time!" Takuya shouted over the wind. "This is a wormhole that connects to our capital planet Jurai. It is nothing more than a Jump Drive in portable format (a lie, but a good analogy nevertheless)! Now go, before the Empire comes!"

The two Jedi apprentices, the Ninja and Lamia shepherded the five hundred innocents into the wormhole, preparing to fight any Imperial incursion should it become necessary...

Atrox just stared at Sakir as he spouted emotionless and meaningless drivel about how things can’t work out nicely for him. The whining was getting sickening to him almost as much as the supposed master in front of him. The Ta’Nar looked down at the staring eyes of Sakir’s second victim, reached over and gently closed the dead guard’s eyes.

“You stand in front of this man and dare argue your politics are more important than him taking his last breath. You are one hell of a piece of work.”

Atrox stood and pulled out one of his sabers in a single fluid move and attacked one of the seat backs. He used the positronic blade to cut around the edge of the seat, removing the trim and made a single cut along the base where it connected to the seat. He released his saber and it disengaged and fell, shunting sideways to his belt as Atrox began to remove the cloth from both sides of the seat. He looked over rand noticed the stance the Coredian and Abh took when Atrox pulled out his saber.

“Don’t worry, you shall not have the honor of me using my blades on you, you do not deserve it.”

Atrox turned his back on the two and returned to the two unconscious guards. He spread the cloth torn from the seat backs over each of the reclining Colonials. They seemed to settle into a more restful slumber instantly when the make-shift blankets were placed upon them. Atrox then walked over to the wooden panels on the side of the train car. He reached down and easily removed one with a single tug, splintering the thick wood. He then collected a few more and carried them towards the door. As he approached, one of his sabers flew off his belt, ignited, and made short work of the door so Atrox didn’t even need to slow his stride and continued through the newly made opening out into the tunnel. The saber reattached to his belt. A minute later he returned for more wood. As he worked, he noticed the aural trace he had with Erickson vanished as the unknown wormhole took them off planet. Atrox began to quote literature.

Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood
Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather
The multitudinous seas in incarnadine,
Making the green one red.

Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 2, lines 57-60

After he had collected all of the decorative panels and piled them outside the train, he returned for the dead soldier. He gently took him up in his four arms and carried him from the train. He stood over the pile of lumber as it began to move of its own accord, assembling itself into a flat structure supported by four legs. He rose into the air as he levitated to the height of the frame and gently laid the guard upon the Bier he constructed. He returned to the ground and stood back.

“I salute you, a fallen Soldier of great honor. I send you to your afterlife with the full Honor accorded to one of your station. I only wish I had known you in life as I had the misfortune of knowing you in Death.”

Atrox drew both sabers, ignited them and the crackling crimson blades leapt into existence. He crossed them before himself and saluted the fallen Colonial.

“I now send you onward to your ancestors.”

Activating his Pyrotechnic Ability, he set the bier on flames and watched as the fire licked upwards and took hold. Within minutes, the varnish had caught and a thick smoke rolled off the blaze as the fire consumed the still form atop the construct. The flames roared in defiance as the structure caved in upon itself, consumed from within. The free spirit of the Soldier set loose as his form burned in the Pyre. Thick smoke hung in the air creating a haze and made it hard to breathe. Atrox returned to the demolished car and jumped from the track up into the angled vehicle. He turned to Sakir and finally spoke to him, pointing at him with a single finger.

“You claim yourself to be a jedi Master. You claim to have the authority to keep the lawbreaker from me but yet claim to not have the authority to release her. It is one and the same. If this is what you teach your Padawan as values then I cannot see how your Order can be strong enough to stand upon its own. You stand there motionless whining like some helpless emo about how your hands are tied by politics but dismiss the loss of life of your own allies before your eyes. These men were injured by your own hand and their deaths stain your soul. I believe you are even more Darkside than I am, and I hold the title of Sith.”

“Don’t waste any more of my time, I consider you beneath my station and you deserve none of it, only men of Honor do. You are but two legged animals in my eyes, uncivilized beasts that should be sent to the butcher before you spread more of your misery to more souls. How many innocents died by Coredian hands this day? How many Innocent Souls will pay for your Excesses of Pride before you are finally laid to rest in some unmarked grave? Too many to justify the air you breathe. They don’t even deserve to breathe in the stink of your carcasses. I am through here.”

“I will see to the Honorable ones and then I will leave. You will stay down here to rot; you will die in the darkness as befitting a beast of your stature. “

Atrox released his cape, which ran down his back like liquid metal. The pool formed and a shape rose from within the puddle. A spiked head rose, accompanied by a matching body and finally many arms and legs. The Kython looked silently at its Master and scurried over to the two reclining guards. It disintegrated the first, to be reintegrated later, its patterns being saved for that specific purpose and then started on the second. After it was done, the creature returned to Atrox. It climbed upon his back and melted again, reforming into his black metallic cape.

Atrox then contacted his shuttle, giving it specific instructions. Moments later the air crackled and the ship reformed as it emerged from T-Space and hovered silently in the tunnel.

“Last chance, either you travel as cargo or you stay here, trapped under miles of solid rock and explosives.”

Atrox pointed to the charges periodically placed along the ceiling.

“The train would have arrived by now so I guess those will be going off any minute. Ship, activate Force Inhibitors. I don’t want them teleporting anywhere.”

Jessyka stood off to the side as silently as she had when they arrived at the train wreckage. She was not impressed with either side in this matter nor did she flinch when Atrox cut down a nearby seat to use as kindling for a fire. The spouting of ideals was always boring to an Abh as they had always gone their own way regardless what the thoughts or concerns of others were.

Even as Sakir debated whether or not he should hand Jessyka over to the Balroggan, she stood there silent without change in her posture or the desire for her lightsaber. At this moment, she didn't trust either one of them. Her only satisfaction was that Erickson and Lamia were most likely making good on their escape now.

Still this was all amusing to her as they were trying to decide to apprehend her for simple trespassing while the Balroggan had accused Sakir of murder many times in his long winded dialogues. Atrox in turned thought they were nothing more than animals needing to be slaughtered. Funny, considering how she thought of him as a roach that needed to be squashed by her boot heel before his infestation spread. All fascinating rational to the Abh. It was enough to even make an Abriel crack a smile out of mirth.

"I admit that the Jedi have stained their hands red with the blood of guilty and innocent alike, Sith Lord." Master Sakir said, each word bearing much regality. Sensing that his apprentice and the innocents have gone from this planet, Master Sakir smiled serenely as he extinguished his lightsaber. Neither side has won, but the Sith had lost more than the Jedi. Besides, there are alternatives to fighting, and it would be a waste to challenge him here. "You have struck with many truths. For this reason, I surrender to you."

The Force was dampened by the ship, but Master Sakir wasn't fazed. "Mere parlor tricks, Sith. You will not require them."

“You have finally showed wisdom. This should not hurt any. It is the same technology most nations use for teleportation. You will be converted to energy and contained for the trip. Time will not pass for you and the next thing you remember will be waking up when I hand you over to Admiral Cain for you to converse with her and to arrange with her your departure, which is not only out of my hands but also none of my business.”

The Kython again detached itself from Atrox and scurried over to Sakir. He felt an energenic tingle as he was converted into energy and the pattern was saved. The form of Sakir faded away with a hum.

Atrox turned to Jessyka.

“It’s time to make your choice, will you submit or will you stay here?”



OOC:

I am not sure what Abh would do so I wrote two endings to this post. The first is if he surrenders and the second is if he doesn’t. These are by no means the only possibilities but two that I can plan for. If there is a third option then we can work out a proper edit for this.




Ending #1, Jessyka submitted;



The Kython then scurried over to the Abh. The same energy feeling washed over her as she was converted to sub-atomic particles and stored in the Kython Matrix. The drone returned to Atrox and rejoined with his armor. He looked around at the destruction wrought in the tunnel from the derailment and the smoldering funeral pyre before boarding his ship. The door slid shut and the steps rejoined the ship, completely covering the entrance.

The shuttle lifted a few feet and then faded away as it Uplifted to T-Space.





Ending #2, Jessyka didn’t:



Atrox shook his head in disappointment.

“You really should have taken me up on the offer. Goodbye.”

Atrox turned and entered the shuttle. The three hovering steps floated upwards and rejoined the ship, completely covering the door. Inside Atrox settled into the pilot’s seat.

Ship, program a custom droid. Equip it with minor shielding, standard sensors, repulsor field, defensive laser, and a short range Force Inhibitor.

Yes Master, completing task.

In the weapons bay located in one of the wings of the ship a sphere was being formed by the advanced replicator and within seconds it was completed.

Master, probe completed

Program it to track the Abh woman. It will keep her within range of the Inhibitor but remain outside the reach of her saber, perhaps a height of three meters with an upper range of half a meter from the ceiling. Set the inhibitor range to ten meters. Set the sensors to relay all the data straight to the shuttle.

Yes Master. Task accomplished.

Launch probe.
A hole formed in the wing of the ship and a sphere was propelled out. The probe, which was about a foot in diameter and resembled the practice sphere most Jedi train sabers with, flew up to the ceiling and held position above the stubborn Abh woman.

Ship, Uplift and take us to orbit. We will wait until the tunnel blows before leaving. The collapse will not only bury the Abh but also the probe. That will be proof enough she has been eliminated.

Yes Master.

The ship lifted up a couple meters before fading into nothingness as it Uplifted to T-Space. When there, it moved to a position where it would Emerge into Orbit. A moment later the sleek Stiletto Shuttle was in orbit monitoring the data from the probe.

Ah, piss-poor options. There was nothing quite like them. She simply smiled at the Balroggan. "Abh are not meant to die underground. Besides, this will prove to be an educational experience."

She stood there calmly as the Kython scampered over to meld with her. The sensation was odd but not unnerving as she was teleported away.

OOC: forgive the short post but I am just going to wrap up this thread asap.

The train sped away, carrying nothing inside, no one at all. As the train sped out of the tunnel, a small signal was sent through the tunnel. Seconds later, G-4 explosions ripped the tunnel entrance, collapsing it, with it's debris. As the storm troopers searched the train, they found no one, nothing. The enemy had escaped once more.

OOC: One last post needed to finish and wrap things up.








Atrox floated in orbit above the war torn capital planet of the Colonies. He looked down on the destruction and only shook his head. The Ta’Nar wondered how much could have been averted if the Abh hadn’t landed. Their presence allowed the Empire to enter the territory. They were right there when the Cylons blew the joint. They were there when the civil war was sparked. The stress of their landing being detected might have been the straw that broke the camel’s back. There is no way of truly knowing.

Master, I am detecting seismic activity located from where we Uplifted. The tunnel’s blown.

Good, erase the patterns of the false guards from the Kython buffers.

Clearing, buffer erased.

Condition of the prisoners?

They are stable and secure.

Good. Take us to the Aries. We are done here. Pass word to the ships in Hyperspace to warn the Bluestar and let them go.

Yes Sir.

The Stiletto shuttle turned and sped off, fading into nothingness as it Uplifted.




Hyperspace B:


The swarm of Imperial ships surrounding the single Bluestar held position. After a few minutes, a single Kython sped forward holding something and approached the front of the ship. It stopped when it was outside the bridge and affixed the sign across the window. After it was done, the drone returned to it’s ship and the fleet faded into the crimson mists of Hyperspace. The sign was the only proof the ships were even there. It read:

You do not pose a threat to us.
I suggest you leave.
Sleep with your lights on.




The Ares:



The Stiletto Shuttle faded into existence.

This is Darth Atrox. I have a delivery for Admiral Cain. Please give me clearance to land.

After the shuttle landed, Atrox left the ship and followed his escort to the brig. He carried a portable Force Inhibitor in case she wanted to begin interrogation of the prisoners. Atroxz was made to wait a few minutes before Admiral Cain arrived.

“Were you successful?”

“Partially, they fled and with the assistance of the Coredians, some were allowed to escape. I have captured the leader of the Abh infiltration team, an Abh by the name of Jessyka. I have also captured the remaining jedi master left in charge after the rest committed suicide in the Embassy Incident. One that goes by the name Sakir. The data streams I have been sending you will show you very interesting actions against Colonial soldiers on his behalf.”

“I see, I will review the footage.”

Admiral Cain smiles.

“Good, hold them as they are for now, I got somehting special for them.”

She walks over to the phone, and tells the CIC to jump for Kobal... the end