Amongst the Heavens, Preparing for War (Pseudo-Flashback)

[Interfector]

Participants: Any Sith Imperium Characters (Open)
Location: Geosynchronous Orbit above Anaxes, Star Destroyer Invincible.
Time (Local): 0930 Hours
OOC Note: This thread was created in response to the upcoming battle of Manaan, given that all Imperial Player Characters are centralized to foster greater interactivity, this thread was created at the specified location of the Imperial Fleet prior to the jump to Manaan, aboard the Star Destroyer Invincible, home of the 501st Legion.

The Halls of the Star Destroyer Invincible are abuzz with the commotion of Working swabbies and soldiers of the Imperium, preparing for an upcoming expedition. The Five-hundred first Legion are aboard this vessel, along with another legion of the Imperium's feared and respected Stormtroopers.

Jaina's sapphire blue spheres study the details of her helmet as held in her sheathed hands. Sheathed in a black body glove and the iconic semi-powered armor worn by members of the Stormtroopers. Seated with the object held low with eyes, introverted behaviour from the Sephi woman, Comrades occasionally walk past without so much uttering a word, or perhaps Jaina's sharp ears pay them no heed? For a lack of familiarity or compulsion for attention. No, she's far too much focused on the helmet, bearing blue Markings, formed into the Mando'o sigil for Jaig Eyes. Jaina's eyes narrow and peer away from it for a moment, pained. Heart sinks like an anchor dropped into an ocean, realizing what her Imperium had done to Father's people.

 

[Chask274]

Walking along one of the many corridors of the ISD Invincible, Isaac was fiddling with the left gauntlet of his Centurion armor. For some reason, the retractable vibroblade built into the piece wasn't responding, and the quartermaster has been too busy to help him. Knowing a little basic maintenance himself, he sat down at a nearby bench, and after a moment of tinkering, managed to fix the problem. The blade snapped out with a metallic click, and after inspecting it a moment, Isaac retracted it back into the gauntlet. "There, that's better."

It was then that he noticed he wasn't alone on the bench. A girl was sitting at the other end, inspecting her helmet. Pulling off his own helmet, Isaac turned to her with a smile. "So, what do you thinks going on this time? Last time things were this hectic around here was when we were sent to Naboo." He shudders, "I hope it's not as bad as it was then..."

 

[Aleksandr]

Jerek Tarandon hurried through the labyrinth of the corridors aboard the vast Star Destroyer. He was being reassigned to another vessel for a mission to eliminate some anti-Imperial trouble makers on a different world, and would not be taking part in the Battle of Manaan. As the man passed by a pair of stormtroopers sitting on a bench and tinkering with their armor, he couldn't help but think how much better it was to be in the Imperial Navy than the Army.

More fodder off to the meat grinder, he thought, and sighed inwardly.

 

[Interfector]

Jaina's sapphire spheres are pulled in the direction of a voice that assails those long sharp ears of hers, Crystalline white hair tied up into bun to reveal a ghastly pale Pallor to the Human man. Jaina's helmet finds itself settled atop the Sephi's pursed armoured thighs, her lips remain sealed for a moment in a pause of silence. The introvert is struck with a brief paralysis. "We'll find out when we get there." Jaina's tone is one of cordial warmth, though quiet and measured with volume. Those blue eyes of hers deviate from the small Human for a moment to a passing Sailor, and lingers over him for a moment before Gaze returns to the fiery-haired Human, the corner of Jaina's piques into a friendly albeit silent smirk. "Five hundred and first then?" Jaina's voice remains relatively subdued while speaking across the bench to the Stormtrooper, right hand raises from helmet to sweep some rogue strands of hair back behind ear. "I might have seen you before?"

 

[Grizz]

All things considered, Pvt. Byrec Solimar had settled nicely in his new life aboard the ISD Invincible. After all, he came onboard with the expectation that at some point they'll be deployed into the front lines, as the Imperium often has need of the feared Stormtrooper legions, especially the five-oh-first. If someone were to ask him several months ago, what he'd say after receiving a change of station to here... he'd be ecstatic, honored to even be considered. Now? Frankly he wasn't sure what to feel, it seemed like one massive practical joke played on him by the powers that be. Months ago on Bastion, he was a Staff NCO, and in a haphazard turn of events he was here. A Private. Of course, the moment he arrived the platoon instantly wondered at the possibilities, laughs and derision were thrown his way. It's pretty unusual to have someone his age to be a Private out of all things, and considering his past experience, it was bizarre. Most people drew the conclusion at that point, and marvel at how much of a kriff-up did it take for him to be here. Well... he'd he hard-pressed to answer that question.

Of course, such things weren't all that unusual. This is the Sith Imperium after all, and he's spent enough time in the military to recall various comrades that disappeared or found themselves relocated after an inevitable screw-up that garnered enough attention from the Forcies or even directly involved them in some way. Solimar generally stayed out of sight, but admittedly a lapse of judgement and rare complacency landed him in his current dilemma. Perhaps in some way, it was the universe's way of answering his prayers. After all, he had desperately wanted to return to a front-line posting after having to deal with garrison duty space-side for the better part of two years, funneling his frustrations into his work, and any junior enlisted unfortunate enough to earn his irate. Or maybe it was payback? Hrm.

So here he was, amidst the buzz of activity that currently encapsulated the entirety of the ship. They were preparing for their first major deployment after the Battle of Naboo, and success was paramount. The New Imperium's morale had taken a blow after the recent losses, but frankly Solimar had seen it coming. It may be a little deserving too, if only to wake up the Imperial war machine and get it started again. Manaan was their destination, the elusive water world that had been denied to Imperium years ago by the damnable Defiance Squadron. The memory was a little sore to the scout trooper.

But back to the present. There was business to take care of... which involved going to a place he despised in the entire ship. No... not the trash compactors he's forced to perform 1st echelon maintenance on time and time again.

The Armory.

Byrec was a patient man, but even he had his limits. Sometimes, he wondered if the armorer took some perverse pleasure in making everyone's lives miserable. As expected, there was a massive line of armor that stretched far, as dozens of stormtroopers check out their weapons for the coming deployment. Of course, there was nothing that he hated more than waiting in line. He recalled the hours he spent at that miserable place after a field op or when someone important was going to inspect the armory. In addition, they often find nooks and crannies that were unmistakably clean before on his weapon, but suddenly mysteriously appear upon their inspection. It was infuriating to say the least, but their existence was a necessity. Plus, he'd be pretty lacking without his staple loadout.

... After quite some time, the exasperated scout trooper finished his business, the serial number on the weapons were his of course. The process itself took very little time, and now... he just had to make sure. Finding an open seat amongst the various benches currently occupied by many of his brethren, the scout homed in on it. With a sigh he sat down next to two individuals he presumed to be in the same deal as well, performing armor and weapons maintenance. A red haired human male just about Byrec's height.. and a rather tall woman who would've passed for a human as well if it weren't for the long, pointed ears. The name of the species escaped him at the moment, but it was the least of his concerns right now.

"Hey," Byrec would say in greeting towards the two stormtroopers before setting the helmet he had underneath one arm to the side. The scout trooper took out his E-19 Compact and began meticulously inspecting the weapon for any abnormalities.

 

[Chask274]

Isaac nodded when he got an answer to his question, at least she was honest. As the Navy pilot walked by, Isaac shot a glare in his direction before returning his gaze to Jaina. 'Snobby-ass flyboy' Smiling when Jain inquired about his unit, Isaac nodded, "Yup, good ol' 501st. I don't think we've met, although with the amount of squad transfers I've been through, we may have. I don't know. You meet a lot of people when your fireteams are constantly being disbanded or broken up due to causalities." Isaac went silent for a moment, remembering certain unpleasant things in the past, before the arrival of another Trooper brought his focus back to the present. "Hello."

 

[Interfector]

Jaina's long fingers idly massage the top of her helmet atop thighs, an outward and subconscious display of anxiety with the sound of so many different voices assailing her ears. Jaina's blue eyes narrow onto the Trooper's lightly freckled face studying it for familiarity. "Would the name 'Sergeant Morrell' happen to sound familiar? He's my squad sergeant" Jaina's tone is polite, speaking with a certain elegant sophistication perhaps that was not too common to hear from the voice of a soldier? Jaina keenly interprets the sudden silence for awkwardness combined with where the man's sentence ceases, and adopts a more sympathetic look with widened sapphire spheres, right hand raises up from helmet and purses up against the glistening white, clean breastplate of hers. "Oh? My apologies, please accept most sincere condolences for the loss" The Trooper, Stover might note the strange sigil atop Jaina's helmet.

The Sephi's bright eyes are drawn into the direction of a 'hey' Those she feels taken aback by the casual inspection of a Firearm by this newcomer. And remains silent, right hand lowers back atop its perch to helmet. Jaina's armor itself has several utility pouches scattered across it, a Heavy Blaster pistol holstered to left thigh. E75 holstered at right, the hilt of a Vibroblade protrudes from over right shoulder, sitting in a sheath fastened to body by a strap that wraps around torso. It went without saying this Stormtrooper is heavily armed, if not having quite the Sternness about her usually associated with that name, true enough. Jaina is rather meek, polite so as if not to step on any toes. "I'm most certain the weapon is fine and might not require such a keen inquisition with the eyes?" Jaina's tone will easily betray her anxiety and lack of resolution, confidence in her own statement.

 

[Grizz]

“Mhmm…” the scout trooper nodded, somewhat zoned out of his surroundings. He did of course, hear the meek comment directed towards his inspection of the E19, which goes without saying was almost like a ritual for Byrec. Curiously, he did manage to find traces of carbon, which was bizarre considering the last time he was here he cleaned the weapon enough to start stripping the black off it. At this point the scout trooper started considering the conspiracy the other junior enlisted were spouting about, how their CO directs the armory personnel to intentionally dirty their weapons. Clearly, it didn’t make sense, but this is the Corps after all. It spoke of his state of mind to suddenly start considering the ravings of certain people seriously. “Force of habit… and I wanted to make sure of something.” Actually, he probably looked a little nutty to these guys. Not that he minded much at this point, he’d get back at those power-tripping armory gnomes later…

Now unburdened, the scout trooper had a better chance to appraise himself of his brethren. He heard them say earlier that they were five-oh-first, which means he probably should’ve paid more attention as to who was in his company, let alone squad. The woman’s Centurion armor was personalized of course, contrasting to the scout’s camo-patterned light-gray for Ahto City’s urban sprawls.

Something caught his eye, the personal sigils that adorned the woman’s helmet was unmistakably Mandalorian. The name eluded him at the moment, but he knew what he saw. He recalled seeing such things years ago when the Corps operated alongside the Mandalorians. The Core Blitz. How far had they come from then and although he wasn’t there during the pacification of the ‘Mando’ad’, he knew what happened. But he said nothing about it to the taller woman, there’s no reason to bring that up in the conversation, especially since he didn’t know her. So instead, he merely introduced himself, brown eyes regarding the two of them with a small smile. “Byrec, by the way. Pleased to meet you two. Bit new to the five-oh-first, so apologies if I don't recall your names right away.” He extended his hand for a shake.

 

[Chask274]

Giving Jaina a thankful smile, "Much appreciated, but I've learned to not let it bug me too much. Part of being a solider, right?" While his words said that it didn't bother him much, it wouldn't be too difficult to tell by Isaac's expression that it bothered him much more than he was letting on. Eyes lighting up with recognition at the mention of the Sergeant, he looked back at Jaina. "Ah, so you're with the Howlrunners as well? I haven't personally met Sergeant Morrell, but I've heard of him. Been part of the Howlrunners since the Battle of Naboo. Say, those sigils on your helmet, they're Mandalorian, right?"

Isaac remembered learning about Mandalorians at the Academy, heck, he'd even fought one on Naboo. He had respect for them, getting soundly beaten by somebody tended to do that. Turning to the Scout Trooper, Isaac said, "Good to have you with the unit. My name is Isaac."

 

[Interfector]

"Death is always a tragedy, especially when the subject is held so dearly." Jaina's expression offered to the Stormtrooper seated to the right is one of Sympathy, chin and blue eyes bow somewhat. The woman can see straight through that thinly veiled pain that the Stormtrooper yet attempts to keep concealed. "I've been here with the squad before, prior to the battle of Naboo. Oh, these?" Jaina's hands and their long fingers slide off the helmet, revealing a pair of blue, intricately painted Jaig eyes above the 'browline' It wasn't exactly a secret, though the depth of Jaina's connection with Mandalorian culture might only be known truly to Non-commissioned officers who had access to her personnel file. Studying her own handwork in the painting. "Uh yes, this is a Mandalorian symbol. Its significance is one of courage, daring or bravery?" Jaina's tone sounds uncertain as to the meaning, which might signal to the others she herself was not Mandalorian, though why make use of their calligraphy then? Jaina offers a courteous, polite and considered bow of head to Isaac. "And I am Jaina" Her tone is offered in a spirit akin to the accompanying physical gesture.

Jaina's attention shifts to the Scout trooper, lips find themselves release a brief, if somewhat uneasy chuckle at the Scout Trooper. They release a small measure of anxiety with the heave of lungs for this fleeting moment, Jaina's pale face tilts to the side slightly while keen sapphire orbs study the Trooper's armor trying to distinguish the manner in which the camouflaged was applied, steadily the woman is relaxing. "The camouflage scheme, was it produced in a factory or by hand?" Jaina's eyes raise to the Human's face, with a lingering friendly smirk present across the Sephi's lips, accompanying a nod of acknowledgement to his introduction. "Welcome then."

 

[RumblingDom 1]

Viktor had been walking for awhile. His mind was a bit restless as he pondered the upcoming battle. A new set of people to fight along side, new worries, new hopes. Viktor shook his head looking at the pauldron that covered his shoulder. He needed to remind himself sometimes, these didn't matter as much here. They were just a part of him, they didn't define him as they did when he was his old self. He shook his head looking around the hall, he needed to be focused. That's when he begun to hear voices when he focused more on his surroundings, it sounded like a few of those of the 501st were getting to know one another. He stayed bit away more out of sight as he begun to go over a weapons check, another excuse, he really needed to stop.

His interest was however piqued when someone asked about a symbol being Mandalorian, enough so that he went the final distance to come into the area of the rest. It wasn't hard to pick out the one in question, a sense of defensiveness soon came over him. He brushed off the thought after a moment, this was not a social meeting, this was before a battle. His hopes were almost dashed when she spoke unsure of what the eyes meant. She was definitely a lost one, perhaps her parents never raised her properly. He grumbled a bit too loudly as he went to take a seat farthest from the rest, more out of annoyance to himself than anything. "They are Jaig Eyes. They are bestowed upon those who showed bravery in battle. The color in which you have decided for them to me made of represents reliability. Apologies for my intrusion lost one I thought you should know what your armor says you stand for." He finally sat down with a bit of a heavy thud. He adjusted his helmet before turning his head to glance at the other two, his focus on them. He wanted to pay close attention to them. They were his battle brothers as much as the lost one. Their words or movements were the only information he was to take in about them probably until the battle itself.

 

[Grizz]

While the two conversed, Byrec went off to finish his inspection of the rest of the equipment the armorer handed to him earlier. The scoped Rogue Arms DE7 was located in a hard case on his back and it was paramount that it was in working order. Besides, it was the reason why he was here anyway, and once this particular equipment check was done, he was off to join the rest of the platoon. The scouts were attached to an infantry section, and Byrec was accompanied by Corporal Varon. He recalled seeing the spotter earlier in line, and made a mental note to look out for him later. The scout trooper was almost entirely absorbed in his work once more… as far as he was concerned, this wasn’t really the time to socialize. Although he was polite enough to introduce himself… they were about to deploy into a warzone soon enough. There were plenty of things to do.

His head bobbed up slightly at the exchange of names, nodding in affirmation. Isaac and Jaina of the Howlrunners. The name certainly sounded familiar, so he was their newest addition then? Interesting, so these are indeed his new squadmates. An interrogative was directed his way from the woman with the odd Mandalorian markings on her armor, and admittedly the nature of the question made him pause. The Bastion-born stormtrooper looked up at Jaina. He was… confused more than anything. Wasn’t it obvious? Maybe it was a joke? “Eh… this was issued to me,” Byrec said with a raised brow, but he was otherwise nonplussed. His eyes turned back to the weapon he was half-way assembling from its unfolded state. “Definitely factory-made. Never bothered to personalize, and I don’t have the skills to really replicate camo-pattern. Painting wasn’t a skill I was fortunate enough to inherit.“ Byrec said that last part with a small smirk, gesturing over the patterned armor before carrying on. Homogeneity was one of the strengths of the Corps, after all.

With a series of snaps and clicks, he attacked the stock of the weapon back and unfolded the barrel from the foregrip. The weapon wasn’t loaded of course, but otherwise fully assembled. The scout trooper shouldered it and gave an experimental look through the scope, before undoing his previous work methodically and disassembling it back into the case. Given the almost unnatural speed he was doing this, the scout clearly had done it many, many times before. A gloved hand reached over to the helm by his side, and Byrec held it under one arm as he stood up. Another man had joined them at the bench, performing a weapons check just as Byrec himself did before. The scout trooper gave Viktor a nod before turning to the other two.

“I’ll see you all later, then.” The scout trooper jabbed a thumb towards the other stormtroopers that filled the hallway. “I advise you to hurry up as well, else squad leader or worse, a Staff NCO’s going to give you a grilling for doing nothing.” With a final nod, Byrec walked off and disappeared amidst the sea of stormtroopers. The scout trooper didn’t intend to stick around longer than he had to, he meant what he said before he left. After all, he really didn’t want to irritate the SNCO’s before a major deployment. A deafening earful from one and a plethora of knife hands thrown around was the last thing he needed right now.

 

[Chask274]

Giving Byrec a nod of farewell, Isaac listened to both Jaina's and the newcomer's explanation of the sigils. The newcomer certainly sounded like he knew the subject better, but Isaac didn't say that aloud. "So, Jaina, what's your specialization? As you can probably guess from the repeater strapped to my back and the copious amounts of explosives I'm carrying, I'm a Strike Trooper specializing in demolitions." Looking down at his equipment harness, Isaac rechecked the straps and buckles on the pouches, ensuring that nothing would be jostled loose during the landing. Armed or not, having a thermal detonator start bouncing around the assault lander's troop bay wasn't a good idea.

 

[Interfector]

Jaina's pallor wrinkles into a cringe to the sound of the loud, heavy thud down on the bench. Ears assailed with a tone of condescension from a man that contained some information regarding the Jaig eyes that the woman was already privy to, though her outward uncertainty and anxiety might have occluded that. Jaina is not entirely forthcoming in social settings such as these, often the Sephi woman is quite introverted. Being branded in such a way hurts, Mandalorian was part of her parental heritage but by no means did she identify as one of those hardy people. "I beg your pardon mister, but my appreciation for the design's beauty is largely an artistic one, though the meaning is not lost to me. Apologies if you take any offence?" Jaina's voice lowers to a meek ambience with her gaze now faced with a massive Human man sat down to her left, The Humans might quickly forget that Jaina is not a Human, she was raised in a distinct culture.

Jaina's eyes find themselves swing around in Isaac's direction, her hands with long fingers find their perch on the helmet resting atop pursed thighs yet again, her posture carries a militant rigidity and proprietary to it. "Hmm? I'm an 'Urban Trooper' Guerilla, surgical and unconventional warfare." Her eyes visibly inspect Isaac's hands for a moment, a wide smirk leaps across lips. "Still have all five fingers then?" Jaina giggles at her own wry jest, making a light-hearted tease at Isaac's job.

 

[RumblingDom 1]

Viktor went back to checking on his Ripperjack. It was definitely more advanced then some of the hand-me owns he had during the Core Invasion...but that didn't mean it was as reliable. One sounded like he was more strict than the others, he didn't seem all that higher up or was on their level in the rank food chain. Viktor just shrugged his hands meticulously going over his weapon. He looked right at Jaina when being addressed but tried to make the gesture a little slow so the girl wouldn't get nervous. He shrugged again this time as she asked if e was offended. "I'm not offended...Jaina was it? Just wished to inform you that's what you're reflecting,....atleast halfway, you might just like the color." He grimaced under his helmet with the attempt to be a bit joking. He directed his attention to the other trooper. he definitely looked like he could hold his own and his friendly enough, whatever intentions he had were no longer his obligation to learn as the girl was simply that, not a Mandalorian.

 

[Interfector]

"Yes, I do like the color, apologies for ignorance that the color itself carried a deeper symbolic meaning" Jaina's voice shoots a polite reply towards the large Trooper, seated to her left while eyes concurrently study the carefully painted Mandalorian Jaig Eyes sigil on the helmet's pallor, above the browline. Turning the lenses up with both hands wrapped around the seal, so as to face the Sephi woman's face. "Forgive my bluntness, but what is your name, trooper?" Jaina's blue eyes, match the slightly weathered paint on the helmet used for the Jaig and the large man might find them staring resolute into the lenses of his own Stormtrooper visage.

 

[RumblingDom 1]

Viktor just shrugged giving a dismissive flick of the wrist. He did not mind the woman not understanding the culture, he just wanted to make sure perhaps one of the others that might of been a bit more zealous could be turned away if she knew what they meant. What he really didn't expect was for her to give eye contact when speaking with her nervous nature. He nodded gently almost in an appreciative gesture. "My name is Viktor Black and it's alright. better to ask then try to find a way around it. I somewhat heard your introductions to the others but I didn't quite catch your name myself, something with a 'J' yes?"

She might not of been a Mandalorian but she certainly could carry herself like one at times it seemed. Perhaps this wouldn't be as bad as he thought. He looked around the girl for a moment to look at the other trooper not trying to isolate potentially people he might be fighting alongside but he kept the girl in his site. "I didn't quite catch your name either, if you would be kind enough not to leave me at disadvantage, it would be a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." Viktor took a steady breath trying to ease himself, two individuals was good enough numbers to deal with. He looked back to the girl fully after that not wanting to be rude.

 

[Chask274]

Chuckling, Isaac replied to Jaina, "If I had a credit for everytime I've heard that one...But yes, I still have all ten fingers." Isaac then looked over at the other Trooper, "My name's Isaac, nice to meet you." Suddenly, a burst of static could be heard from inside Isaac's helmet. With a confused look on his face, he slid it on, and after a moment, stood up. Turning to the other two Troopers, Isaac sighed, "Sorry, but I've got to go, it looks like my fireteam has been reassigned elsewhere. Good luck to both of you." With that, Isaac turned and began walking towards the hangar.

 

[Interfector]

"My name is 'Jaina', and the pleasure is mine Viktor" The Sephi woman offers the nod of her head towards the man, Jaina's bright sapphire spheres refocus on the visage of Viktor's helmet. Steadily confidence builds like the ripples on the body of disturbed water, made manifest by this focus and resolution that could be heard within voice. "Who is your squad's sergeant, Viktor?" Jaina offers the departing Isaac the friendliest of nod to acknowledge him. "And the best of luck to you" Jaina's gaze returns to Viktor, and gives an outward curious 'hmm' while looking over him. "So, you're a Mandalorian then 'Viktor' or perhaps just a Scholar such as I?" She asks with a hint of anxiety present in her tone, But Jaina's attempts to compose the question with the utmost propriety and kindness that came oh so naturally.

 

[RumblingDom 1]

Viktor waved off Isaac, he'd have to remember that name as well as the rest but he'd need a bit of time. He seemed to relax more and more as people left. "I'm under the leadership of a Sergeant Morrell, if I recall correctly. I just got shifted in for this upcoming battle hopefully they'll keep me in this one." He shifted a bit where he was sitting as he was a bit of a mixed form of halfway relaxed and halfway tense. He could handle a one on one conversation with anyone, at least he hoped. "I'm a Mandalorian, I am nowhere near smart enough to be a scholar, I just live in it... so, you are scholar then, why with high intellect come to this line of work?" He tapped on his knee a bit nervously, he felt like he was being inspected, he tugged at his pauldron a bit as well.