Log:Thyferra: Headshot

Zhu Yan has made some friends.

There's no quicker way to bring out a Corellian UltraHornet than by kicking the nest. Poisoning an entire bacta shipment was a provocation the Sith Empire could not ignore. As a direct result, they have despatched a member of the Admiralty to Thyferra to take command of the Sith Empire's /entire/ detachment on and in orbit of the planet. Her status in the Sith Empire is equivalent to a Grand Moff, and she speaks with the authority of the Empress herself. They are not messing around.

It's a good thing Yan tapped Sith comms early on, because he knows her name, retinue, and most importantly, her location. Come up with a plan of attack on Admiral Jotinko and ensure she doesn't leave the planet alive.

A team led by Zhu Yan attempt to eliminate a key Sith target. What could possibly go wrong with a Cracker Jack Yan Plan?

Next Log: Reap What You Sow

Headshot

OOC Date: August 24, 2022
Location: Thyferra
Participants: Ebin Kast, Hadrix Kora, Kael Greystorm, Kalkat Eastim, Kohnner, Kye Keraz, Nerys Greystorm, Zhu Yan as Self/GM, and guest starring Xavier Harcourt

[ Zhu Yan (Yan)]

Thyferra was hot like the contents of a badly-named folder on Yan's datapad which EJ should /never know about/. And that was just Xucphra City. Out here in the middle of nowhere, with nothing around but trees, alahzi, and /bugs/, it was even worse. The chubby smuggler-turned-terrorist was positively sweating even after leaving The Jacket at home, leaving him in a black wifebeater a green headband, and a bit too much jungle camo paint. Gathered with the rest of his happy crew of Admiral killers, a conversation was concluding and a decision had been made.

"Let's run through it again. If we want to get her out of the compound, we need to fake a Blood Eagle sighting, either by taking over a sentry or faking a Blood Eagle itself. Or just stirring up a real one. Then we cut the comms so they can't call back-to-base. THEN we need to take her out, which will be easy, while not getting killed by her guard, which won't be."

Doing a once-over check of his vaunted Bryar hand cannon, Yan continued his little diatribe. "Cutting the comms will alert them that something is wrong, and they'll probably send a squad to check. But, not cutting it will have the whole base on us, so, lesser evil I reckon. An entire platoon probably won't let her out of their sight if something's up. So, questions? Concerns, if not, let's set up an ambush position and get that report up."

[ Nerys Greystorm (Nerys)]

"We may not have to cut the comms," Nerys offered, from the comfort of her climate controlled armor, her hands moving to ensure that she had all that was required on her. Weapons, of which there were many, armor all tricked out, with various bits and bobs which you probably didn't need to ask about, an ID10 droid maglocked to her back, and a BD unit dancing foot to foot on the ground cover beside her, "We might, if we can identify the channel they're on, send it into a loop, so that anything they send back won't get relayed back to the outpost. or, it gets relayed to one of us and we answer any calls they might make." Her helmet dipped as she looked down at the BD unit, "Stop that, or you get the sonic bath to get the bacteria out of your crevices." Numpty, the BD unit in question, stopped. "I'm ready when I get the order."

[ Kohnner (Chon)]

CHON KOHNNER had finally returned to the swampy hell hole that was Thyferria. The place in which he had lost one of his legs and now limped ever so slightly with the robotic/cybernetic replacement.

The Space Ronin Klatooinian was decked out in his usual VOID armor, helmet hiding his face. Towering probably over most humans, he was wide and muscular. He looked to Yan through his helmet's visor, looked to the sky then over towards the others silently.

He only had what seemed to be melee weapons on his person, a sword's handle sticking out from under a tattered and worn hooded cloak he wore over the sealed suit of armor. He finally speaks his voice a deep low growl, <<"We could search for one to scare up, but it would take all day. Best bet is to grab a Sentry I think and relay the call before cutting the comms...">> He turns his attention to Nerys, <<"What ever works.">>

[ Kael Greystorm (Kent)]

Kael's nodding a bit as he listens to the rundown of the plan once again and when Yan's finished he just sighs a bit with one last nod, "That sounds about right. That quick response force has me a bit worried I'd rather have it done and over with before they notice the comms issue. It doesn't have to be pretty just something that'll delay the QRF to the point that we can take care of a smaller group and fade out of there before the might of that compound descends upon us." Looking over at Nerys he nods a bit, "That sounds like a better idea. Anything that'll delay them responding would get the results we're looking for." A nod towards Kohnner, "I'd not waste more than 10-15 minutes looking for one otherwise a sentry would be a better bet. But I'd worry that cutting it or looping it too soon would cause her to not leave and go into a high security posture."

[ Hadrix Kora (Had)]

Listening to Zhu Yan grouse via comms, snugged up a fair jaunt out, resting on his stomach with his rifle mounted on its tripod rests Hadrix Kora. His armor was coated in mud, dirt and bits of vegetation affixed to the soil or hooked into his vastly depleted combat webbing. Even many of the horns, fangs, fingerbones and other trophies normally hung from him are absent.

He'd been here two days, on this elevation. He'd been on planet for almost six and spent three of them, almost literally, crawling to his present position. No, lit, cigarra in almost a week, yai'yai rations and water from a recycler pouch. Within his helmet he was chewing the burned stump that he had crushed the ember from before going into the jungle. Now it was just the tingle from the contact.

'You know this is the best part...' that voice in the back of his head, always there. Stronger today with the knowledge things are happening.

'Hush'

'No... admit it.'

The argument internal, while he simply listened, silent until spoken to.

'Ad. Mit. It.' the growl was real, bubbling up from his chest, feral sound to match the glare in his one organic eye.

[ Kye Keraz (Kye)]

Considering himself in for not a great time and instead the guy who took the job without reading the description. He studies Yan's Bryar with a considering glance, nodding to the man as he draws his heavily modified Kashan. He has a void armor with a bad black paint job, and it is already fading into its original coloring. It's kind of an afterthought thing, but unfortunately the quality of the paint cannot survive the atmosphere of Thyferra. He is in quiet, seething contemplation of his life choices, and even if his body language hints to it, his visor doesn't let anything come through. Listening into the briefing, he doesn't voice anything other than a quiet burst of static to mean: acknowledged.

Looking in the direction of their quarry, he lets out a rough exhale. He'll let the others plan this out. He's here to do his part on the job.

[ Kalkat Eastim (Kitkat)]

Marching through the underbrush, Kalkat hoists the med pack strapped to her back a little higher and blows out a determined puff of air. How she ever ended up on this suicide mission was anyone's guess. She checks the splotches of sky hinting down through the thick canopy above and wipes at her forehead. The air is soup-thick and everything feels laden with moisture. Swatting at a pestering insect, she looks to Zhu expectantly and listens to the plan. Without one better, she merely nods and chews on her lower lip. Another bug buzzes by, careening drunkenly through the jungle and out of sight.

[ Ebin Kast (Ebin)]

Arriving a little behind Kye and Kalkat to bring up the rear is a tall Firrerreo man in light battle armor with his helmet under one arm and his carbine slung. Ebin gives a slight wave of his hand to the gathering group as he joins them. Pulling his helmet on he straps it in place and then unslings his rifle. Checking the load he stands at the ready to see where he fits in for this mission.

[ Zhu Yan (Yan)]

"Alright." Clap! "Let's get moving then," Yan ordered. "Nerys, get into your position at the comms and await word. Whoever's getting the sentry, go incap them and send up the word. Take a buddy, one for lookout. Everyone else, start finding your hiding spots. Let's tuck in nice and comfy now. And try not to forget our sniper lunkhead," he means Hadrix, "in the big tree. Stay out of the foliage gaps, and keep the bad guys in them."

With the orders given and people starting to move, we pan now to the Command Compound...

[ Xavier Harcourt (Xav)]

The base is on full alert not just from the presence of Admiral Jotinko which is cause enough for tension in an already tense situation. But it is the addition of a black robed figure that has every sentry, guard, officer, and patrolman walking stiffer. Sticking to tighter protocols. Mostly silently, the man's face is hidden by the huge cowl draped over his head, shading his already masked face and adding to the ominence.

<<"We will tolerate no further mistakes,">> the deep-voiced figure is ordering to the guards with him: the best of the best sent to run this operation directly under the Admiral. <<"It is crucial that we secure this planet and snuff out this pathetic resistance. As I have mentioned before, no one gets the opportunity to disappoint me a second time. Consider this your only warning. Assist the Admiral as your lives depend upon it.">>

With crisp salutes, the officers march out in order and the Sith turns towards the window of the tower and looks out across the jungles of Thyferra in silence.

[ Nerys Greystorm (Nerys)]

Just for a moment, Nerys switched to her personal comms, her tone amused as she offered a quip to her husband, "This is what happens when we leave the corvette at home." Because orbital bombardment could have solved all of their troubles. But her tone, once she had received her orders, was all business as she departed the group, moving at a low crouch, Numpty climbing up to anchor himself on her backpack. "Moving into position." And then the space tomb raider was gone, disappearing into the underbrush to reach the relay point for the comms system. The ID10 droid on her back's head swiveled around, but it's normally red eye did not illuminate.

[ Kohnner (Chon)]

<<"I will find us a victim...">> Kohnner says as he starts to move out, he grabs hold of Yan's Jacket sleeve and pulls him in his direction. <<"You're with me. I may need your... use of basic.">> (He means Lieing... or intimidation... or...) It's seemingly a statement of fact as the Klatooinian makes his way ahead of Yan after letting go of his sleeve. He might have crinkled it a bit.

[ Kael Greystorm (Kent)]

Kael offers his wife a nod, "I agree although the 'vette might not have survived long enough to get close enough for that." As she fades off into the underbrush he offers a wave in her direction, "Be safe." Then he goes to find a good ambush position in the direction that the Admiral should be heading out towards after the sighting is reported up. Finding a good spot he hunkers down into a blatantly obvious spot looking around at the others getting ready to set up their hiding spot as well.

[ Hadrix Kora (Had)]

Lifting from where she had been settled on leaves and grass while they've been waiting, Gripper's optics dim to reduce visibility in concert with her own optics sweeping slowly, feeding her data to the HUD displayed before the big man's face within his helmet. Text floats before his eyes, bracketing things he doesn't see.

Hadrix gives another check to the charge on the rifle. A dozen shots worth of tibanna. Should, theoretically, be more than enough and there's the limited other toys along with. The targeting computer on the Sullustan made weapon was re-tuned and already non-standard. Feeding to his suit systems and subsequently to the red glowing bionic right eye. Plasma injectors in the furniture and amplifier coils added, years ago, to the barrel were all showing in proper order.

<<"What c-?">> Gripper's voice in his ear, private comms

<<"If you jinx this I'm transferring your heuristic processer to Chitterer.">> the low growl of Al'Verde Kora stunning the droid to silence.

[ Kye Keraz (Kye)]

With a final check to his weapon; the safety, whether the sight is well adjusted, whether the powerpacks are responsive, Kye gets ready for combat. Withstanding that sinking feeling in just -being here-, it helps that there is an Alderaanian here who probably shouldn't be. He takes a sidelong look to Kalkat. That does help a little, since, well, there are subjective factors involved in ensuring her safety.

Meaning, there are three people who would be very mad if she got hurt and one of them is Mr. Keraz himself. "Don't be a hero," is his only warning to the Eastim, his tone stern. The Firrereo who comes in with the remainder of the group is given an upnod, a look to the man's carbine before he inclines his head in a greeting as a response to his own.

[ Kalkat Eastim (Kitkat)] Kalkat swallows thickly and waits for her marching orders, as it were. She scans the heavily armed group, taking note, then drops her head slightly to examine a lush fern underfoot. Furrowing her brow, she trudges on, keeping near Ebin. He seems just as new to this sort of thing as she, so it seems. She keeps her line of sight honed out before her, never diverting save when one member of the group moves out from the rest.

When Kye addresses her she starts, nerves already racked; her head swivels in his direction and she gives him a once-over and a frown. With a twist of her mouth sideways, the the young noble just shakes her head and grips the med pack more tightly to her frame. It's a waiting game.

[ Ebin Kast (Ebin)]

Ebin Kast does a few additional weapon checks and equipment checks before nodding to the group. Kye gets an up nod back of his helmeted head at that look. Moving into place he tries to find himself a good ambush spot while messing with his armor and weapon.

[ Zhu Yan (Yan)]

The team fans out to their appropriate places. Nerys is able to reach one of the sidewalls adjacent to the comm relays unmolested. From here a simple wireless tap should allow her to start doing her rm -rf * thing, or vaulting the wall through the patrol gaps will give her a hardwire and possibly sudo access in!

Meanwhile, Kael's team failed to follow Instructional Video No.42: How Not To Be Seen and were all pretty visible within the jungle should some spying Sith eyes eventually walk out here on a Vrataxian Blood-Eagle hunt! Good thing they had a bit more time! You are the best ambushers, guys, and I am proud of you.

Hadrix doesn't have this problem. He's surviving on his own Jarate right now.

Meanwhile at the other side of the compound, "Look," Yan whispered, stepping slightly ahead of the Ronin and gesturing to the top of the compound wall, where a lone sentry was pacing in a section that was normally covered by a spotlight. It was getting dark, and hitting that time of day where everything goes this sad shade of grey and is sometimes harder to see in than late at night. "Gap in the lights coverage. Let's bring him down quick and we can... borrow his comms."

[ Nerys Greystorm (Nerys)]

Nerys, having left the rest of the team to follow the orders given to them, continued on in the brush, moving with that odd uncanny grace that one had spectators who had seen her run pondering whether or not she was actually as human as she appeared. It took a span of time for her to reach the comms relay, and she kept low, the two droids on her back keeping watch as she retrieved an interface unit from the wrist unit of her armor, working with nimble fingers to access the system. A smile, hidden behind her helm crossed her normally relaxed features as she began to work, adjusting ta relay here, rewiring an output there, before she closed the panel, so that for all the world, or looked as though nothing at all was amiss. Her voice, across the comms, "The relay loop for the target comms have been identified and looped, ready for activation. Anything that's said will come to us, without sending a signal back to the command facility."

[ Kohnner (Chon)]

Kohnner turns his head as Yan stops them and points out the Sentry on the wall. Kohnner takes a moment to think. <<"My leg will make too much noise... Go up there and get him on the ground. I will take him out.">>

Yan does as asked, climbing his way up and in true Teras Kasi Master Fashion Bennies the lackey repairs the search light and sends him falling to the ground. Kohnner moves as soon as the trooper starts to plummet, arriving not long after he hits the ground prone. He stabs down violently through a weak spot in the armor, twice, with rapid succession. There is a last breath before the trooper lays motionless.

Quickly Kohnner looks for the troopers comlink, tossing it towards Yan before attempting to drag the body back into the dense jungle.

[ Kael Greystorm (Kent)]

Settling into his hide sight even deeper adjusting the jungle around him having had to readjust a bit closer the the compound he sighs a bit clicking on his comms, <"Looks like I've found a better spot but it's a bit closer to the compound. Keep noise down including weapons if possible."> And from one of Kael's holsters comes a very pretty and very very quiet pistol as he looks it over prepping for the ambush.

[ Hadrix Kora (Had)]

<<"We out of juice pouches?">>

<<"Two more.">>

<<"Set me up?">> still watching his optics reads, his helmet unseals enough for a small straw to be extruded from it by the droid and the pointed end of it jammed into a small matte gray pouched marked, 'FO - Fluid Nutritional Supplement, Besh-Besh-Yirt - 43 - Tropical Berry Blast'. The relaxation in his prone posture immediate while he slowly, silently, sips the drink, <<"You're the best.">>

<<"I know.">> Gripper responds and settles back to her watch position.

Tracing movement, rotating the massive rifle on its bipod, the data from the scope and sensors broadcast just before his right eye, a small flicker in the trees drawing his attention. Releasing a breath and preparing to move his scopes the other way he is tapped on the reinforced coverall by Gripper who highlights part of his view, bringing him back to the sentry being downed. <<"Thanks...">>

<<"No more juice till you're on exfil.">>

That said he empties the pouch already being drunk from in short, spiteful, order. Side-eying the droid through his T-visor

[ Kye Keraz (Kye)]

Though he's trying his best to find himself in a better hiding position, Kye just can't seem to gain a vantage in ground; in fact, he becomes all the more obvious the more he moves, and this, in turn, will probably lead to his detection. He's hiding behind foliage for cover, but it's just not as tall as a tree would be, and so, he's taking that great risk of being spotted, found out, and likely fired upon if someone comes out, right now.

Unfortunate, but it is what it is. Bracing himself for combat, or possibly an early, grisly death by sniper fire, he grips that blocky, ugly but incredibly competent pistol a little tighter.

[ Kalkat Eastim (Kitkat)]

Hunkering lower, Kalkat keeps her eyes level with the rampant undergrowth as she moves with the others. She is crouched so low she is nearly crawling - but unfortunately still visible. Without a helmet, Kalkat can see everything quite clearly as it plays out. Feeling a bit out of her depth, she forges on like a trooper - not a Stormtrooper, no - but with similar determination.

There is a lot of back and forth with the advance at this point, but nothing for her to do just yet. Overhead, a bird leaps off a palm frond and takes flight, leaving the stalk rocking tumultuously. The avian's haunting call echoes further out into the depths of the jungle, causing a chorus of like-minded sounds from other creatures alarmed by its passing. The Eastim freezes, listening.

[ Ebin Kast (Ebin)]

Ebin Kast finally gets his armor /feeling right/ and settles his carbine in both hands. Looking around he shakes his head and then moves closer, not far but into a better position to hide and take up a ready position with his weapon. Feeling like he's much more comfortable this time around with the cover he's picked he waits for the next phase.

[ Zhu Yan (Yan)]

Blip! The voice that came out of Zhu Yan was not his own, but the slightly-rougher version of a Coruscanti accent suited to the rank-and-file soldiers. "Admiral, we have a sighting of a Vrataxian Blood-Eagle. Just took off from its nest, to the east." And straight into the ambush. The fat smuggler flicked off the Sith comm, flicked on his own, and said, "<<Alr->>" COUGH, "<<sorry sometimes the accent gets stuck. Signal sent, we're on our way back. Nerys, trip the comms in five-or-so-minutes, when you see her leave, then come in from behind. Everyone else, get ready.>>"

The smuggler prayed they were all settled in.

MEANWHILE, IN THE TOWER...

[ Xavier Harcourt (Xav)]

Admiral Jotinko is difficult to miss. Her armour is reminiscent of higher-ranked Stormtrooper only hers if a deep, blood red that mirrors back any image or light that hits it. She turns her helmeted head just slightly when the sighting comes through, her stance stiff and her voice measured. <<"Affirmative.">> Those that have served her long enough know that this means she intends to go see them. <<"To me.">> Already she is walking with the Sovereign Protector at her flank.

At the large window, the robed figure's cowl shifts as the man beneath lifts his chin. His shoulders tighten and he looks over his shoulder, one audible breath head from beneath the mask. Something is pulling at his senses just at the cusp of his mental peripheral. And those subtle movements alone is enough to draw the attention of the guards standing at attention behind him. <<"Go with the Admiral,">> he growls, the furrow in his brow unseen but clearly heard.

<<"Sir.">>

Without question, the additional guard separate from the Sith lord and move quickly to bulk Jotinko's defenses. For now, the dark figure returns to staring out of the window though more troubled than before. Focusing.

[ Nerys Greystorm (Nerys)]

"Copy that, Yan." Nerys remained in place, as she held her position, switching to her personal comms as Bitty lifted her head, peeking over Nerys shoulder as they switched from basic to binary, the two communicating at rapid pace as Nerys worked, putting a few final touches on something, which was only revealed once Nerys moved away from the controls, having seem the admiral and her newly expanded, if intel was to be believed, entourage, exiting the compound, "I'm using a relay. I have the gate security wired so that we can lock the doors behind her, keep troops from getting out, and the detachment with the Admiral," and the Admiral herself, of course, "from getting back into the protected area."

[ Kohnner (Chon)]

Kohnner is trudging back towards the Ambush point with Yan. He's quiet, his sword still out and at his side. They weave through treas and overgrowth trying to trace the trail they had made on their way to the Sentry's position. He keeps his eyes moving, scanning their position just in case.

[ Kael Greystorm (Kent)]

Kael's fully settled and committed to his ambush site, pistol out and ready to go as he hears Yan's message over his comms he takes a deep breath as he prepares himself for the fight that's about to begin, <"Overwatch mind lettin us know when they're close and numbers?">

[ Hadrix Kora (Had)]

The word goes out for preparation and a tab is bitten inside his helmet. His optics grow to encompass much of his view, with some secondary displays in peripheral and Gripper keeping watch. Al'Verde Kora needlessly rests the cheek guard of his helmet against the wroshyyyr wood stock of his rifle and the full read-scanners and cameras of the targeting system come alive. The feed is fantastic. Far better than when it came out of the box. As if he could hear what he could see as well.

<<"Overwatch is readied. Awaiting target acquisition.">> his voice finally on the teams comms, the animal growl with its Coruscanti lilt running like breaking stones into communications.

Quiet again. Listening to his own heartbeats, getting their rhythm. Deep breaths to keep them calm, deep enough to flood him with fresh oxygen filtered through his helmet.

'The best part.'

'Hush.'

Maybe it was because he agreed that he was so close to irritation, but that was being drowned in the elation making his body dump all those wonderful, natural, feel good chemicals into his bloodstream. There were other voices bubbling up, mixing together. Voices from the past. Echoes unlike that other, more prominent, whisper.

[ Kye Keraz (Kye)]

A pulse of static is Kye's acknowledgment of Yan's command. He's still in a very dangerous if not outright precarious situation, and he's taking his time to study the options that are left to him. This could be a matter of life or death and he's not exactly sure which is what, just yet.

The heavily modified but still blocky and arguably ugly Kashan feels comfortable in his hand.

He can't find himself in a better position, so one supposes he'll have to be spotted. Getting closer while going loud is also a death sentence for people around him. Training the gun in the direction the Empire guards ought to come from, he contemplates the choices that led him down this road.

Grim beneath that visor, he prepares himself.

[ Kalkat Eastim (Kitkat)]

Kalkat is now belly-in-the-brush, scooting along on forearms, elbows and knees. "This is calamity," she mutters to herself, so low that she nearly misses her own words. Despite the sad attempt, she is very loud and the underbrush rustles and shakes too loudly for her liking. This was a terrible idea - she pops her head up and looks around for Ebin. He had only been there a second ago, hadn't he? She pops back down and waits.

[ Zhu Yan (Yan)]

The gates of the compound opened and admitted Admiral Jotinko in her officer uniform, four Sith stormtroopers, and the Sovereign Protector. Following closely and respectably behind were Zhu Yan, Nerys Greystorm, and Chon Kohnner, in their own lanes. The journey to the sighting zone was not arduous, but a little bit cumbersome when navigating through thick buzzing jungle full of lothmosquitos and the occasional Knytix dung, and took a bit of time to reach the spot indicated, around two hundred metres from the compound.

Perfect.

Zhu Yanow, you might be asking, what is a Sovereign Protector? Well, imagine Captain Phasma. Now imagine Captain Phasma lacking her trademark incompetence and toothlessness. That is a Sovereign Protector, all shiny and chrome and caped and packing enough training and firepower to wipe out an entire Resistance squad without blinking. This is an individual with whom you do not wish to frack, and yet you're about to. Well done.

The rustle of Kalkat Eastim set the Protector on alert. Rifle mounted flashlights flicked on, and one passed straight across the reflective visor of Kye Keraz. Sithspit.

"CONTACT!"

Appropriate: https://youtu.be/PPEp8-8RyaU

Dissonant: https://youtu.be/raNGeq3_DtM

[ Nerys Greystorm (Nerys)]

Nerys did not move at speed, but kept herself low and slow, tracking the detachment making their way from the compound, counting, to herself, at least, as she relayed information to the team. "I mark our target and five guards in her detachment." As soon as Yan gave the call, Nerys hit the relay on her system, the security locks engaging and effectively cutting off anyone inside from getting out and vis versa. Sure, they might have technicians who could fix Nerys' fixeration, but she did damned fine work. Why? Because she was The Protagonist. And, because it might buy them some time. "Attempting to eliminate the target." Because, Nerys was, as always, on mission. She remained low, lifting the barrel of her jet black pistol, the sound of the blsster shots like the scream of some far away wild thing, but not an Eagle, as Nerys fired, once, wide, so as to make the source of the shot less easy to track, and then a second time, the bolt hitting the Admiral with a direct shot to the chest, before she fired a third, this time at the silver-armored trooper. Now to slink away, either to escape or to draw attention from the rest of the team.

[ Kohnner (Chon)]

Kohnner has just arrived when the the Squad of Sith Troopers announce contract. HE only took a moment to glance across the Admiral's protective units and only a second more before he was charging forwards with his blade towards the Chrome Menace. He Canine and Robotic foot took him forwards, taring up jungle ground. The Admiral dropped and then a third shot from the same shooter caused the Protector to move and avoid the very fast cut upwards and across.

The Ronin kept up his momentum, slicing across and then down but the well trained protector was more than an even match for the Klatooinian. He stood there at the ready, his blade awaiting some type of counter attack.

[ Kael Greystorm (Kent)]

Kael chuckles as their target drops shifting from what would have been the target for the mission to the shiny we need to eliminate to ensure escape and squeezing the trigger of his X-8 the blaster would bark a pew except it's silent the bolt making no noise as it leaves the pistol slamming into the Protector's shoulder turning it away from his less hidden teammates and followed by a second shot just as silent as it burns a hole into the vitals dropping the elite guard before he shifts his focus onto the last four of the guards climbing to his feet as his final shot doesn't ring off but totally hits the trees behind the poor last minute additions to the security detail, <"Target down begin to shift back to extract.">

[ Hadrix Kora (Had)]

The primary target goes down in sights and the continued fire by the ground team is on the figure that reminds him, greatly, of his time in the Corps. Running a cold chill that prickles droplets of moisture to run down from his temples. Jaw shifting left to right, watching that figure fall next.

Making things easier for the Hard Exit.

Thumb caressing the tibanna chamber which sets the entire monstrosity to terrifying life. Pressure and heat indicator 'needles' on the digital readouts burying before SHOOOONK. The nigh liquid atmosphere of Thyferra boils all around Hadrix when the sniper blaster discharges. A 'tunnel' bored through the air leaving a spiraling contrail. Foliage browns as it burns in the passing of the oversized, overpowered, bolt. Bark is scorched and the air screams when it is flash boiled.

The plastoid helmet of the trooper that fell into his crosshairs explodes in a fantastic display of thermal overpressure that spectacularly vaporizes tissue and fragments bones of the skull surrounded it.

<<"Copy. Exfil.">> already beginning to scoot backwards, slowly, into the undergrowth. The body of the target clattering to the ground in a boneless heap.

[ Kye Keraz (Kye)]

Rising to his feet as he's spotted, Kye fires a shot at a stormtrooper at the detachment. When the bolt lands and wounds the soldier, he hisses, expecting the full wrath of an Empire company to descend upon him. But the Target and her high value bodyguard are felled in short notice, with a third to follow. He tries to fire again but the bolt flies wide and he curses, moving back to try and get himself a certain distance while drawing their attention further away from the compound. "Run," he shouts out ar Kalkat, trying to train his gun at one of his remaining targets.

Resolute in an attempt to extricate her from this mess, at least.

[ Kalkat Eastim (Kitkat)]

Kalkat freezes like prey in a snare. She doesn't move a muscle, keeping low to the ground with one cheek pressed to the ground and the other facing skyward. Her eyes close tightly, reopen, and then she lifts her head just enough to peer through the tendrils of grass, ferns and alien plant life to see the Sovereign Protector, stormtroopers and their leader emerge frm the compound. Her eyes reflect the flashlights on their rifles, striking a highlight on her pupil, and then she is dropping low once more as her breathing quickens.

Hero? She is no fearless hero, nor did she deign to play one. But maybe, just maybe, she could pretend to be anything but a sitting duck. So, she scuttles sideways towards a protective grove of palm trees and pulls herself into a sitting position. Sliding the medpac off her back, she keeps one eye out for any enemy fire while the other reaches in for a Vibrodagger. Hearing something, she hastily shoulders the pack again and begins to retreat when the word 'run' is issued.

[ Ebin Kast (Ebin)]

Ebin Kast waits for the action to kick off before he pops out of his cover and lifts his blaster to aim. Nodding to Kalkat as Kye tells her to run he holds till she is out of his field of fire before opening up and blasting at the remaining guards. One shot misses but the next fells the last of them before fire can be returned.

Looking to the others he keeps his weapon trained towards the enemy location while holding to cover their retreat, following when the time is right.

[ Xavier Harcourt (Xav)]

In the main tower of the Sith Empire base, that black-robed figure has not moved in some time. One may think that the man is capable of sleeping standing up, perhaps. Ah, but most of those entrusted to be this close to a Councilor knows far, far better than that. When one is frozen as a statue like that silent as death itself... it brings with it a terrible feeling of foreboding.

Beneath the mask, Xavier has his eyes closed and his lips pressed into a thin line. The hum of the command center around him has dropped away. Concentrating, his senses expand outwards far beyond his own body, snaking through the roots and underbrush of the jungle expanse like a spider racing along its webs. Every little twitch, every little vibration in those webs are sent back to him. His gloved left hand twitching ever-so-slightly at his side.

Tension. Apprehension. Worry and doubt. Excitement and eagerness. And behind it all a coil of shared intent. Just at his grasp. He can feel it pulsing through him. Tendrils starting to constrict--

It hits him like a dagger. That spike. That explosion. A large sleeve of Xavier's robe flutters as he whips his arm around with a sharp turn on his heels. <<"Deploy the Aerial Squad immediately! To the fore of the Admiral! Full force! Call the Garrison troops on foot double-time! Ready the speeder bike! Move!">> He doesn't waste time explaining; already heading quickly towards the doors that swish open to his approach.

His right hand reaching into the folds of his robes and clutching a metallic cylinder beneath.

[ Zhu Yan (Yan)]

The noisy tranquility of the Thyferran jungles swiftly devolved into blind panic.

Blaster fire ripped the greenery to pieces, replacing it with the stink of ozone and small brush fires. The concentrated ambush by the terrorist team swiftly cut down Admiral Jotinko, may she rest in pieces. The Sovereign Protector, believed to be one of the most capable combatants known to the Sith Empire, fell with a "<<REQUESTING BA-HRK!>>" like a sack of overripe potatoes, his cries funneled straight into the team's earpieces. Wow looks like Protectors are just like Phasma after all! The troopers scrambled, a huge railgun-esque blast performing an impromptu root canal on one of their number and concentrated fire from the remaining gunmen turning a second into a leaky red pile of plasteel.

Yan was slow to the fight, owing to his out-of-shape frame. No shooting for him, he was busy following the directive to RUN!

In the distance, the sound of rocket packs could be heard. Jet Troopers were on their way!

[ Nerys Greystorm (Nerys)]

If the group was running, Nerys was running. But she was nothing if not imminently situationally aware, and she used Bitty to best effect, as the ID10's eye flashed red, allowing Nerys to move and move into position, as the ID10 called out the trooper on the ground seemingly determined to take out some of the team before they went. There was, perhaps, something of a similar flash of red in Nerys' eyes as she saw the trooper open fire on the tall, blonde bounty hunter, and Nerys pivoted, firing twice, not even waiting to see the trooper fall, before she lifted her weapon, firing a final shot at the jet-packed trooper...hearing rather than seeing the shot, before she turned back to continue her escape.

[ Kohnner (Chon)]

Kohnner didn't stick around after the Protector fell to see how many of the lowly guards got gunned down afterwords. Instead, his Canine and robotic feet brought him running back into the jungle. He heard the alarms start to ring in the distance, someone barking out orders through a loud speaker and Squad leaders shouting towards those in their charge.

His attention was brought above the tree canopy as he heard a jet fly over and ahead of him. A single bolt lanced up at him and hit his pack, sending them spiraling down into the ground. Kohnner arrived just as the Trooper was picking themselves up from their crash. She sliced his blade across their abdomen, cutting deep but the armor was a little too tough. He spun then cleaved the trooper's head clear from its body.

Twisting yet again he continued to run towards their exfil.

[ Kael Greystorm (Kent)]

Kael turns to start to begin the mad dash towards the exfil planning on snapping a shot at the last troopers along the way except it turns out one of them has their own plans about that a blaster bolt hammering his side as he reaches down to poke the hole in his arm, "OUCH. You shot me!" And then Nerys feels some kind of way about that as she eliminates the threat and then the jetpack trooper is expertly removed so Kael's attention turns towards the direction of the exfil and he begins running the Sentinel IV holstered at his side is unholstered the two pistols held in hand as he runs along waiting for the next threat to their lives to blast.

[ Hadrix Kora (Had)]

He doesn't say anything. He doesn't pull another trigger.

Once the rifle is off the ground he is running at full sprint. Rifle slung over his shoulder and letting his stride lengthen out to the point that he is planting a boot on a half-downed tree to leap to another, and another, rolling forward over a heap of coral like material. Sliding beneath low hanging boles.

No need to check in with the others, Hadrix is just living his best tree-monkey life.

[ Kye Keraz (Kye)]

Running and gunning isn't his strongest suit. He can do one or the other, but not one and the other that well. "Just keep running!" He calls out to Kalkat, gun still in hand. If people need cover fire, he'll hang back, but right now, he's trying to position himself the best he can by getting an advantage on the two remaining troopers and, if he can see them, the folks packing jets.

No holosight is able to improve his aim in a situation like that, but having some cover, some leverage, will actually help down the road.

And, after all, Kye still wants to make sure the team gets out.

[ Kalkat Eastim (Kitkat)]

Kalkat's arms are swinging wildly, powering her momentum as she sprints for the exfil. She hears the ominous sounds of the enemies advance fill the skies, something that she cannot turn around and see without slowing her progress. Instead, she keeps her head up, eyes peeled for the way of escape. Vegetation bats at her bodily as she forces her way out of the jungle, breathing hard. Lungs burning, she feels an ache radiating down her legs, urging her to stop, rest, something - but the only pause she takes is to finally glance over her shoulder once when she hears Kye's voice. It hinders her speed momentarily, then she shakes it off and picks up the pace.

[ Xavier Harcourt (Xav)]

The doors were locked somehow -- their systems deactivated. But Xavier has a universal lockpick which he ignites with a snaphiss of bright red fury. A few sharp, irritated stabs and the locking mechanism is literally cut and the door forced open by troopers. Another on a speederbike races past with Xavier jumping onto the back; the vehicle tearing out of the base at breakneck speed.

He can feel it. It's already too late. But he can also feel the thrum of those responsible as adrenaline send them running deeper into the jungle. Blood. He wants blood. His grip on the humming saber tighter as they race towards the scene with ground troops following swiftly behind and the aerial squadron of jetpacked guardsmen already racing ahead.

The sound of multiple screaming motors are growing louder and louder by the second.

[ Zhu Yan (Yan)]

The garrison was unleashed, but the assassins were gone, long disappeared into the hungry jungles of Thyferra. The overwatch Jet Trooper despatched to pursue them lost sight, seeing little more than a fat man in a green headband for only a brief moment. The team scattered, making their own exits, and living to fight another day. All was well.

Or was it? The one Stormtrooper remaining from the guard detachment, who had been in the thick of the fighting and had barely gotten a shot off before being left behind would have a long tale to tell to Xavier Harcourt, full of faces and fire and with the poor sap's survival remaining ever the question. But the information... oh, the /information/. Delicious, delicious stuff.

Your actions have consequences.