Skirmish on Ossus: Piercing the Side

[Vollen Shai]

As the sound of fighters tore across the sky, Vollen had to wonder if this was the last time he was going to stand in the temple on Ossus. If it was, he wasn’t going to let it go down so easily. The Jedi weren’t about to go down so easily.

As the core of the Sith force swarmed the front of the Library, Vollen found himself caught toward the eastern wing, as Jedi and attendants moved in a flurry of activity at the sound of alarms blaring and blaster shots beginning to smack into the side of the building. The defence of Ossus could not wait. Furnished with is usual collection of equipment, Vollen made his way through the crowd to the eastern garden. Until now it had been a place of reflection, of quiet study and thought where many a time Vollen had wallowed an afternoon reading, where visitors, usually friends of the Order could be escorted inside without the pomp of the main entrance. But these were different times.
Bursting into the garden, Vollen looked to the gate before him. The side entrance to the library was part of the walled garden, standing nearly ten feet tall, of hardwood and reinforced lamnisteel. An impressive sight, but not one that would hold for long against the forces arrayed against it. The garden itself was simple, stones, shrubs, a few trees, with a set of four pillars holding up the outstretched roof that shaded the garden from the warm Ossus sun.

If they were to fall back it would be to the private study rooms and historical sections of the library, private booths littering the floor, as well as stacks of holos and data vaults, holocrons locked behind closed doors, containing the greatest secrets of the Jedi.

“Fall back, fall to the hangar!” Vollen cried to those still in the garden "Hold them only if you can, evacuating is a must" there was no time to say otherwise, and he would have no more lives on his conscience. The Order had finally started to regain some strength, it could not all be lost today. Those who would stand with him to hold them back would be in grave danger, but as a group of Jedi came to his side, stationed around the gate and along the encircling wall to the garden, he felt proud to be one of them. Even if the sound of blaster bolts and detonators filled him with with fear. Still Vollen did not welcome battle, even now. So long as they could hold the defences long enough for most to escape, that was enough for him. For now, Vollen took up a position against the left side of the gate, back against the stone, blade and shield at the ready.

Buy them time. That’s all they had to do.

Spoiler: OOC

Death/Capture Disabled, let's make something cool!

@Insalius @Arclight @Faded Truth

 

[Albert Penumbris]

The time had come, one that Albert knew would happen sooner or later. The Sith had arrived on Ossus, attempting to remove the Jedi and steal their knowledge from the library. This fight was different than the other battles he had been in, though. He was wiser now, more calm in his soul, and as he took up his position on the right side of the gate with his own lightsabers in hand he looked down at the encroaching army with more of a sense of sadness than anything. People would die today, even if they were the enemy, and that very basic sense of loss of life was a sad thing to him. The moment fled, though, and his peace and resolve returned. He would hold the line alongside his brethren for as long as he could, falling back only if the day truly were lost. There would be no glory in giving one's life right now, not with the Jedi Order in such a state, so the line had to be held here and their number had to return home alive to prepare for the next engagement.

"The Master is right, our lives are the most important treasure of anything contained in these old walls. Do what you can but do not lay down your life if it can be avoided. There will be more battles after this and a living sword arm is preferred to any other alternative." He looked over at Vollen, giving a nod as he finished speaking. He wasn't wearing his monocle, that being stowed safely away in his robes, and had his vibroswords securely sheathed on his back to prevent others with the Force from just pulling them free. His blaster was at his hip, under his robes, and his grenades were hidden in the pockets to prevent their premature activation by the enemy. This would be a difficult fight, but it did not have to be a lethal one. He would not take the life of another if he could prevent it.

@Arclight @Nightfall096 @Faded Truth

 

[Gunner Stahl]

Party Time Like a Boss ​

His first deployment to participate in a major imperial battle since graduation. There was no doubt the young officer was excited about this. He viewed the Republic and the Jedi with distaste, believing that the answer to peace and prosperity in the Galaxy belonged with the Sith.

Armored hand slid open the door to the airship, his platoon tossing several large black duffel bags out of the hold and watched as they seamlessly glided down with parachute assistance. "Bravo company, on me. Let's go!" He stated, commanding his IFL squadron, to leap out of the flying vessel. They barreled downwards towards Ossus, approximately 500 meters away from the walled edge of the Jedi's garden. Engaging their own parachutes within 100m of airspace, they floated down into the thick flora providing ample cover and decreased visibility. The soldiers dragged their parachutes hoisted on their backs towards the duffel bag landing locations, untying the apparatus and then rummaging through the holds to pull out their equipment.

Gunner Stahl himself pulled out what he had brought for this deployment: His twin carbine blasters, LRA Sniper Rifle with ample magazines, Vibroblade, blaster sidearm pistol, frag grenades x 2, and concussive grenades x 2. The fun part however was what the other IFL soldiers had brought. Gunner was the only one providing sniper coverage, the others were armed with their blaster rifles as well as 4 dedicated light repeaters. The best however, was concealed in two large duffel bags as they were carried through the forest.

"We are in position.." He stated through his com-link and then shifted attention back to the skies once landing zone had been secured. Three other airships could be heard in the vicinity and as the point of arrival was secured; they landed upon the surface, hovering several feet above the air as the remainder of the Baalryic's Bombardiers de-boarded. Most of these were Shock corp soldiers, mostly enlisted with a few sergeants as well as their officers.

Rifles in hand, they slowly tracked towards the wall, arriving about 50 meters from the perimeter. Hand signals were used to place soldiers in positions. Repeater units set up on front lines, biped delivery sinking into the ground to provide optimal handling. 200 round power packs were loaded and engaged..Ready.

The last piece of the puzzle was seen as the two duffel bags were unzipped, revealing two large Imperial standard grade Rocket Launchers. Cartridges were loaded and laser tracker flashed upon the external surface of the wall.

"Fire!" Gunner roared, as the Rockets flew forwards and smashed into the Garden wall. The explosion was massive, fire and stone destroyed asunder as the ground rattled underneath them. "Secure the point, advance forwards!" The 4 light repeaters began firing through the newly created holes, dumping heavy fire on any Jedi units that would dare arrive to prevent the breach.

@Arclight @Insalius @Nightfall096

 

[Baalryc Ysirath]

The burdens of command. Never before had such responsibility been thrust upon Baalryc's shoulders. As a Jedi, he had been satisfied to serve the crusade and the light side of the force. As a Sith however, he craved something more. Lives now depended on his decisions. Men would live or die by his command. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.

The call of battle had never caused fear before in Baalryc, he had always accepted that if it was the Force's will that he fall in battle, then that was to be his fate. At least as a Jedi. But now, he felt fear. Fear of failure, fear of death, and fear for the lives of his men. Men that he had barely gotten time to know before they were thrust into battle, their first assignment under their new commander, Baalryc. They would be going against Jedi, and while the Shock troopers and Foreign legionnaires were good, men would die this day.

Die at the hands of the Jedi, who hoarded their knowledge and secrets in hypocrisy. Baalryc burned with anger at the thought of the Jedi, slaughtering his men, snuffing out their lives in a contradiction of the Jedi way. A contradiction he had lived, killing on the battlefield for the Jedi since before he was mature enough to comprehend the gravity of his actions. Anger that burned and blossomed like a fiery rose, its roots digging into Baalryc's heart with the slithering tendrils of the darkside. Hatred blossomed in his chest, hatred that encompassed the entirety of the Order Baalryc once served. Hatred, and the Dark Side.

Baalryc's eyes snapped open, an explosion rocking the forest as twin missiles cracked against the wall protecting the Great Library. The sound of rocks and pebbles crashing to the ground echoed in the forest, all of it rousing Baalryc from his rage fueled meditation, having been pacing between trees, the energizing current of the Dark Side circulating inside his body, the almost euphoric rage leaving him restless and ready for action.

"Advance." He ordered as the repeaters opened fire, ruby blaster bolts stitching through the empty, smoke choked gaps that now penetrated the library's outer wall. Not one to stand idly by, Baalryc moved forwards as well, his sense attuned and mind ready for the tricks of the Jedi. Crimson lightsaber aglow in his hand as he lead a squad of Shock troopers across the distance to the wall. Staying low, moving from cover to cover before sprinting across the open ground to the breach.

"Charge!" He shouted as he lead the way, crimson lightsaber at the ready to deflect any blaster bolts that might come their way. As soon as the gunners spotted Baalryc's saber charging the breach, the ceased fire, as was the plan. Two of the gunners began to break down their guns while the other two remained to watch for targets of opportunity.

Meanwhile, Baalryc and his men charged the two breaches in the wall. Smoke and dust still choked the entryway, the air thick with the smell of ozone. Charging towards the breach, Baalryc jumped, accelerating his departure from the ground with a quick flash of thr force. As he came near the wall of smoke, he thrust his left hand forwards, releasing a powerful telekinetic blast of force, born of his fear and anger and hate. The force of it would clear the dust before Baalryc, revealing any Jedi, as well as pushing to the ground anyone unlucky enough to be before the blast. As Baalryc touched down from his leap, several feet within the breach, a squad of shock troops would come pouring in behind him the front four wielding vibroblades, while the six behind them carried blaster rifles, firing as they came, specifically targeting any unbalanced or knocked down Jedi.

 

[Fester Olonn]

The shadow that the forest provided was a pleasant reprieve from the hot engines and glaring Ossus sun on their way over to the Jedi library. Fester sat on a large tree branch some feet away from the meditating Sith Knight whose name was stitched on the platoon’s emblem patch. Baalryc’s Bombardiers, the young Serenno trooper mused in slight awe of the Force-sensitive warrior. Whatever he did to deserve this command must’ve been quite impressive. Fester, in his turn, had yet to really make his mark as a member of the Empress’ military forces. Eagerness to do so hadn’t earned him anything yet and even now he berated himself internally as in the very moment the explosions were heard and Baalryc sped off, Fester was wiping some sweat off his helmetless forehead.

Advance, the Sith Knight’s command was simple yet effective and all present shock troopers immediately spurred after him. Fester, too, once he finished putting his helmet back on.

The group followed Baalryc’s artful manoeuvring from cover to cover and with Fester somewhat behind he didn’t have to look for cover himself and that provided him with some extra time to check his rifle and the three extra powerpacks on his belt, two for the rifle and one for the pistol. This was his first engagement with SF-platoon, after all, and he couldn’t have his rifle go empty when providing rear cover for his commanding officer. Not yet, anyway. Not everyone could be Eternal.

Charge!

Suddenly the sound of blasting repeaters stopped and instead the unit Fester was attached to charged head-first into the breaches. Following suit with his rifle raised, the young corporal ended up going through the breach behind four fellows wielding vibroblades and together with five wielding rifles. Not much was really visible yet, so Fester kept his targeting aides scanning the surroundings. ”Looks like a garden,” he told the other Shock Troopers and pretty much stated the obvious. ”Shut up and cover the Sith,” the sergeant next to him snapped. Things were serious now… these Jedi could wield the Force and that meant they had a serious advantage over all but one member of Baalryc’s Bombardiers. Fester didn't dare to open his mouth again and focused more intently on whatever was on the other side of his targeting aide. His first combat mission really shouldn't also be his last..

 

[Vollen Shai]

Well, they weren't bothering with the gate.

As Vollen had held himself against the stonework, giving a determined nod back to the striking blonde Knight across from him, two great blasts erupted either side further down the wall, punching through the stone, breaching the garden. This had been a sacred space, no longer, as to his left and right soldiers of the Sith began flooding into the garden, arms at the ready. Indeed to his right, even amidst the ash and smoke, he felt a presence. As he pulled himself around the lip of gate Vollen caught sight of a crimson lightsaber burning through the sky as one of the Sith leapt through the breach, sending a wave of energy across the ground, staggering a pair of Jedi that had fled the blasts. A force user led their attack then, he assumed it was the same for their deployments across the library. At least for now they only had one to deal with, though the amount of firepower the Sith were laying down onto the Jedi was brutal. It had to be broken.

As the two staggered Jedi attempted to pull themselves to their feet, Vollen stretched out both hands and reached with the force, collecting a trio of large chunks of the shattered wall, and hurled them across the ground toward the opening squad of soldiers and Sith that had pierced the wall to his left and now targeted the downed Jedi. The pieces of stone would be tumbling across the ground, one toward the front four vibrobalde wielders, the other two at the rear riflemen, thrown by the force into their lines. They'd have to get out of the way and fast, hopefully diverting their fire and breaking formation. He had to do something to save those two. And hopefully take some Sith out with it.

Once the rubble was on its way he'd throw himself back behind the lip and ignite his blade and shield. He breathed, remembering Balmorra. Those days of war were not behind him.


@Insalius @Faded Truth @Arclight @Ecclessey

 

[Albert Penumbris]

Vollen would be able to handle the breach where the Sith Knight was leading the charge, the telltale red lightsaber giving away his position easily. As Albert was on the other side of the main gate it would be up to him to aid in the defense of the other breach, where even now a cadre of Imperials soldiers were trying to make their way inside. Master Shai's idea to use the debris to disrupt the enemy was one that the Arkanian had as well, though he was only able to affect one large piece of debris instead of three. Still, he used the Force to send it flying through the gap in the wall, bowling over a good number of the advancing soldiers as the rubble settled in the breach to make it difficult for the soldiers to climb over. The debris would also give some cover for those on the other side, helping to prevent some of the fire from reaching the defenders. The new entrances were a surprise, yet not one that would break their defense.

Just after he sent the debris flying he began to make his way to the breach itself, keeping low behind the lip to bring himself to a more favorable position to help defend the new entrance the enemy was now using. He saw some of the staggered Jedi from the initial blast be pulled away from danger by their fellows, their own forces showing a commendable level of teamwork and camaraderie. They would need every ounce of that to repel these aggressors from their world and protect their knowledge, though as he had said they would not give up their lives for the place. That was worth more right now than any library and it was good to see the defenders focusing on that. He kept his defenses up as he moved in case of a surprise attack or move, as well as looking out for any projectiles that may make their way towards the area he was defending. This fight was only just beginning.

@Faded Truth @Arclight @Ecclessey @Nightfall096

 

[Gunner Stahl]

The initial shock corp soldiers that breached alongside Baalryic felt the brunt of the Force attack, smoldering rubble and debris smashing into their figures and crushing them beneath piles. It was the natural defense the Jedi could muster, utilizing their abilities to slow down the breach as best as they could.

Gunner appreciated this though he realized that while the front lines were susceptible, the Jedi wouldn't be able to stop everything. Imperial Foreign Legion darted inwards after the second wave of soldiers, considerably after the rubble had ceased to migrate in their direction. While the shock corps assisted Baalyric, the IFL would engage the Jedi on their own, attempting to pin them down with accurate blaster rifle fire.

The lieutenant however, had other plans, being the only one in the squadron to be carrying a sniper. He quickly jogged to the outside perimeter within the garden walls, close to almost 75m away from the epicenter of the engagement, taking advantage of the dense cover flora provided. Heavy round packs were loaded into the magazine, chambering his first blaster bolt. Fingers fiddled with the scope magnification until he found one that he preferred. Taking a deep breath inwards, he squeezed the trigger. First target would be the Jedi standing near Vollen Shai. While the Jedi Master was smart enough to take cover, those around him may have not been so fortunate.

He continued his assault with sniper fire, attempting to pick off any Jedi who were too busy engaged with soldiers or who weren't paying enough attention.

@Arclight @Ecclessey @Insalius @Nightfall096

 

[Baalryc Ysirath]

Not even seconds after Baalryc and his men breached the wall when he was forced to make a choice. A large chunk of wall flew towards the quartet of swordsmen guarding his flanks and screening the other shock troopers. Likewise, two boulders flew towards the rear line, threatening the six men there. Baalryc didn't have enough power or finesse to save everyone, not without drawing too heavily on his reserves too quickly, a precious resource in this assault as well. Turning towards the incoming missiles and raising his left hand, Baalryc gripped the two heavy stone shards that were heading for his rear line, jaw clenching and veins rising above the skin of his neck with effort. The pair of stones ground to a halt, as the other stone crushed the life from two of his swordsmen before rolling to a halt, cutting the vanguard in half. Dropping the boulders to the ground with a gasp, Baalryc turned his rage at the Jedi.

Who were coming right at him. The two Jedi who had been unbalanced by his attack had recovered, in no small part thanks to the Jedi Master who had killed his men. Baalryc could feel him, behind the smoke. His power within the light outshone all the other Jedi present, its presence stirring the unending hunger that gnawed within him. Hunger and rage greeted the pair of Jedi as they locked blades with Baalryc, his blade sweeping upwards to greet the first Jedi's overhead slash. Baalryc's blade caught the Jedi's as it came down, but the Sith was moving as he parried, left foot stepping forwards into the Jedi as he pivoted on the ball of his right foot. Rolling his wrist as he blocked, he utilized the downwards momentum of the Jedi's blade to roll his own blade over the top to push down as his left hand grasped for the Jedi's saber hand. Channeling his rage and hatred for the Jedi that formed a whirling maelstrom inside him, Baalryc's hand sparked and crackled, the reek of seared flesh and burnt robes filling the air as he cooked the Jedi's sword hand, the lightning grasp lacking the power of a true master of the Darkside being just harmful instead of deadly. With a final shove to send the lightsaber tumbling out of nerve dead hands, Baalryc's armored left elbow shot upwards to smash into the Jedi's throat, sending him staggering away to collapse in agony.

Baalryc's movements had placed the now disabled Jedi between himself and the second Jedi. With the obstacle removed, the Jedi was free to attack, swinging his blade precisely at the Sith who had just put one Jedi out of the fight. If he could defeat the Sith surely the battle would turn. Snapping his saber up from its downwards push against the other Jedi's blade, Baalryc interposed it between himself and the deadly blue plasma. The Jedi was strong, and Baalryc's blade was nearly bashed to the side, but slowing the Jedi's lightsaber long enough for him to duck the blow. The Jedi was a good duelist however, his mastery of Djem So evident as his blade whipped back around to strike powerfully from the other direction, its crackling blade whirling above the Jedi's head as he struck, saber held overhead in a tight two-handed grip.

@Ecclessey

 

[Fester Olonn]

He hadn't been through the breach for ten seconds when the line got attacked by flying debris. Usually this was a non issue, but as the Sith responded with the Force it became apparent that the flying rocks moving towards SF-platoon were also manipulated with the Force. Karking Jedi Fester felt a great dislike for them, yet as he dashed to his left to evade the rocks he could see his sergeant getting the full brunt of it and he flew back against the wall, spinal cord breaking on impact. That made Fester the highest ranked shock trooper in the line and the fastest promotion he'd receive in his life. Wasting no time the Imperial corporal raised his rifle again, "Satci gurutek vidta" he shouted in Sith, knowing the Shock Troopers understood it and their Jedi opponents would not.

Then as if on cue yellow and blue hues of light became visible through the smoke. Not the actual sabers, mind you, but just its light reflected on the smoke. Fester quickly glanced towards his Sith commander but knew it was of no use to aid him. Baalryc would have to fend for himself while his subordinates cleared the garden of unwanted jedi. "Roirga sso tave sutjaza!" Fester shouted again in Sith, pointing with his left hand towards the light reflection in the smoke. "Fazien lerea, ginklas won!" It was immediately clear to his fellows that commanding units came somewhat natural to the young corporal and because they themselves couldn't think of anything better now that the sergeant lay dead behind them, they followed his orders to the letter and formed a line abreast to optimize their unit's effective fire at the Jedi if he were to stick his head out again.

Fester noticed the first high-power bolts fly into the smoke towards the gate, meaning that he wasn't the only one that had pinpointed other Jedi aside from the two the Sith was fighting. With any luck, the Imperial sniper would draw them out and deliver them to Fester on a platter.

 

[Vollen Shai]

In his position behind the pillar Vollen would never see the deaths of Jedi that had stood with him as they tried to flee, but he felt it, rippling in the force wound ripped at his chest and bit at his mind. The sky above the Library was filled with corvettes and fighters, and yet all he could feel was it falling down around him. Ossus had already suffered an assault from the Exile's once, now it may be finished by the Sith.

If this place of Jedi heritage was to fall then it would not be in silence, and the scale of the forces arrayed against them showed not they certainly had not underestimated the Order. Indeed, with the firepower they brought it felt more than anything like they were scared. And there was no place for fear now. A blast of bolts racked the gate where he took cover, low and high powered smacking into the stone, taking more than a few defenders with them. It was as if they were exterminating them, and he could not allow that to occur. He had to keep them off balance.

And so, Vollen readied himself to keep moving, it would mean not only his death but that of many Jedi if he stayed still. Reaching out merely an arm Vollen funneled what force energy he could gather into his hand and let out a blinding burst of force flash. To the Sith Knight and the soldiers that followed him it would be as if a trio of flashbangs went off in their eyes, blinding their attempts to fire into the courtyard or strike at the survivors for a time. He'd use that reprieve to leap onto the walkway along the wall above the gate, keeping his head low to stay out of sight of the forces outside the courtyard, and moved along so he would be above the squad that he'd already been attacking, moving into such a position that their angle to shoot back would be minimal, and with the flash affecting hopefully he'd be able to do so in relative secrecy. Anything to distract them, anything to keep them away as the library was evacuated.

Now he was in position to do more.


@Insalius @Faded Truth @Arclight @Ecclessey

 

[Albert Penumbris]

The other breach seemed to be where most of the action was taking place, Albert noticing sniper fire coming towards Master Shai's position as well as the enemy Sith and another force of soldiers. For his own breach, he had managed to plug the hole as opposed to send it flying on through, so the enemy infantry were still trying to climb over the rubble which was also acting as cover for the Jedi on his side of the wall. Some of the soldiers stayed on top of the rubble to pull out their blasters, trying to fire on the Jedi defenders who were either using their lightsabers to deflect the shots or the Force to pull the weapons from their hands. A significant number more had drawn melee weapons and had jumped down, hoping to use the covering fire to draw in close and slay the Jedi while they were preoccupied. THAT would be Albert's fight, to prevent his brethren from being hurt. He channeled the Force into himself, increasing his speed in his favorite combat use of the power. It went well with his incredibly reactive mind, able to utilize that speed and process it better than most people he knew. He didn't want to kill, but he had to end the enemy threat.

That is why he would take their hands. Darting forward in almost a blur, he intercepted the melee soldiers as they made their way towards the defending Jedi. Some were unable to act in time, both of their hands being amputated at the wrist by his lightsabers to leave writhing Imperials on the ground, while others were quick enough to try to defend themselves. They could block one lightsaber, though the other had free reign to have them join their comrades in being disarmed. He only did this until the other Jedi were able to keep up the defense of this breach themselves as he noticed the stronger assault going against Master Shai. It was for that reason that Albert then started making his way over to aid the man while being careful of the sniper fire and other potential enemy attacks. It would seem that the fight was beginning to come to a head.

 

[Gunner Stahl]

The lieutenant kept a careful over-watch over the remainder of the battalion from his vantage point in the far extreme rear of the engagement field. Given the distance of close to 75 meters between his position and Master Jedi, he was not primarily affected by the blinding force attack. Deep breaths were taken as he continued aiming with precision lethality, firing several more times at vulnerable Jedi who had become distracted with his soldiers that they could not effectively block his attacks.

As Vollen Shai leaped onto the walkway, a sly smirk came to Gunner's face. Vollen may have been avoiding those on the ground affected by his blinding light, but the careful sniper in the back rarely missed anything. He took steady aim before firing off a sniper round towards the slithering Jedi, attempting to hit him in the lower torso and hip region, hopefully enough to knock him off the elevated walkway.

With ammunition for his sniper dry, he tossed the weapon to the ground as he engaged his carbine blasters and began to carefully sprint towards the epicenter of the battle. Dual-wielding both weapons, he would first past a platoon of his own soldiers engaged with Jedi combatants. It was Albert Penumbris that caught his primary attention, the young Knight slaying his troops in battle. The officer leaped over a large brush as he closed the gap between him and his opponent. Now within a distance of 25 meters between them, Gunner hurled a concussion grenade towards the ground which then would hopefully ricochet towards the Jedi to catch him in its explosive radius. Sliding behind branch cover that concealed a majority of his torso, he kept his eye on his enemy. Watching in sequence as the grenade hopefully ensnared the Jedi in its concussion damage, he would pull the trigger liberally, attempting to overwhelm Albert with blaster fire.

@Arclight @Ecclessey @Insalius @Nightfall096

 

[Baalryc Ysirath]

The Jedi continued his assault, ferocious swings delivered at lightning pace forcing Baalryc to do everything he could just to survive. The overwhelming flurry of blows forced the Sith to fall into a more basic style of combat, the hard blocks of Shii-Cho preventing his blade from being battered around with every block. Being forced onto the defensive did not suit the Sith however, his mounting rage dwindling to fear once more as the Jedi proved the superior combatant.

And then the Sith line opened fire. Luckily for Baalryc someone had taken the initiative after the death of the squad Sergeant, ordering the men to pick targets and fire at will. With his attention focused solely on the Sith before him, the Jedi was completely unprepared to defend against the blaster bolt that slammed into his thigh, searing the flesh down to the bone and pitching the Jedi to his knees. As the Jedi was struck his attack faltered, giving Baalryc all the opening he needed. As the incoming strike wavered, Baalryc's blade caught it. With the blow weakened it was easy for Baalryc to block with a single hand, his other hand grasping the unheld part of the hilt. Levering the saber down, his own crossed over the top of it, his right hand looping over and twisting to bring the saber underneath the Jedi's guard before abruptly slashing upwards, severing the Jedi's hand at the forearm.

The hand flopped uselessly off the Lightsaber hilt, giving Baalryc full control of it. Instead of attack with it however, Baalryc deactivated the blade before extending the fingers off the hilt towards the Jedi's face. Over the course of battle with the Jedi, Baalryc's hunger had grown to an uncontrollable level. Red lightning crackled between Baalryc's fingertips and the Jedi's face, drawing the life force from the man as he screamed.

And it was a feast unlike any he had before. The Felucian shaman had only been a tiny morsel. The Massassi warrior before that had been nothing but a light snack.

But the Jedi was a meal.

Power surged within him.

Senses were aflame.

Light dazzled, forcing Baalryc to turn his head and close his eyes amidst the chaos. Immediately stretching out with his empowered metaphysical senses, Baalryc detected no immediate threat as he saw through the force. The Darkside whispered and beckoned however, speaking foul secrets of threats far afield. And one not so far. Alerted to a malicious presence somewhere on the battlefield, Baalryc continued to focus. Searching. Watching. Waiting.

And his patience, however difficult, paid off. A powerful presence atop the wall. Moving into a flanking position. Baalryc gathered his rage as he waited for the opportune moment. The Jedi seemed to have found his ideal location as he stopped, and that was when Baalryc struck. Reaching out with his hand, still holding his fallen foe's lightsaber, towards the Jedi, his rage forming steel bands of pressure that would begin to exert themselves on the Jedi's neck. Normally Baalryc would be no match for the Jedi Master, but with his power fueled by the very force energy of the wilted corpse that had fallen behind him, the Sith Knight had power to burn.

@Ecclessey

 

[Fester Olonn]

Corporal Olonn was struck outright with the blinding light and as he instinctively turned away from it, closing his now extremely painful eyes, he shouted "Tonka btarija!" to the men temporarily under his command. There was a definite sense of growing anger resulting from the Jedi's clever trick. Fester had been focused intently on the hues of the lightsaber-and-shield and therefore got the full extent of the painful disorientating flash. He blinked several times in a desperate attempt to regain his vision, but large dark blobs remained and made it impossible to focus on anything by sight. Vaguely, he heard shouting and blaster fire around him, prompting him to repeat his earlier order of "ginklas won, ginklas won!". Slowly, as he blinked furiously and focused on the dark ground below him, his vision returned just as the Sith Knight Baalryc extended his arm towards a spot behind the smoke. Fester, erroneously, thought the platoon leader gave an order of fire and shouted, "Stebe nuyak mtircas! Saud! Saud! Saud!" before lifting his rifle and shooting three times in the direction Baalryc had extended his arm. At least four Imperial Shock Troopers, Fester included, then fired in the general direction of Master Vollen Shai with a total of twelve blaster bolts from their Pulse Wave Rifles.

This battle was chaotic and the enemy was using some sort of guerilla tactic defending its home which made it a very difficult one from a tactical perspective, but despite all the uncertain factors and possibilities of his own quick demise, Fester felt more alive than he ever had before. He knew now that if Ossus didn't end his life, it would forever change it.

@Nightfall096

 

[Vollen Shai]

The noise, and the smoke, and the smell of burning flesh and stone wreathed through the air of the Ossus Library now, feelings that never should have been within its walls were now forced inside, crushing the place beneath its weight. It would be enough to send some into despair. Indeed, many years ago Vollen would have been one of them, standing against the shadow of death as they did now.

And it was clear to him they were being surrounded even as these thoughts played in hid mind. From his vantage point on the wall he could see the enemy outside, still with plenty of firepower to throw at their beleaguered forces. And inside the Jedi were barely holding, more than a few had been cut down by the Sith blasters and blades, though at the rear of the garden he saw enough Jedi escaping to give him hope. Hope, before he felt the air leave him.

As the force wrapped around his neck he could sense the source, a Sith in the courtyard below. He was not the only disturbance. As the hairs on his neck stood on end he could sense danger, great danger, coming toward him. If he shifted his eyes he could see the young warrior, Albert, still fighting on against them even as threats came his way. For a moment Vollen felt at peace, as if this were to be the last moment he faced, uncertain of world before him he felt only the force.

But this was not the time to fade away. Not so easily. As another load of artillery burst against the side of the Library, Vollen could accept his fate no longer. The Jedi would not be snuffed out so easily and neither would he. The Sith could not win. And so, feeling the force swell, he released it. While the grip on his neck was strong, he could break, and bursting with the force he pushed away its bars and broke its hold as he ripped his arms out, throwing his right arm and energy shield in the path of the sniper bolt, absorbing the shot from the rifle. To his left, courtyard side, a flurry of bolts came his way. He had to hold them at bay. And so he did so, forming a wall of the force between he and them, holding them mid air with all his might. He could not hold it for long.

And so he threw himself back as he let the bolts fly past and over the wall, leaping into the courtyard and joining Penumbris in the fight by his side. He doubted they could win this day, but that was not why they fought. And even now, feeling the exertion, he readied his blade and shield, and looked across at the squadron of trooper and their Sith leader. There was still a fight to be had.



@Insalius @Faded Truth @Arclight @Ecclessey

 

[Albert Penumbris]

Out of all the rank and file, there appeared to be some soldiers of skill greater than their peers. The Sith leader, of course, was one of these, though one of the seemingly non-Force Sensitive soldiers had rallied some of his troops as well as the marksman who had been sniping at them also showed skill beyond their compatriots. These three would be the true threats to the library, though the Arkanian felt that their cause was lost regardless. The best they could do was to make as much time as they could for civilians and valuables to be evacuated, along with as many other Jedi that survived this fight. Thanks to his increased reactive processing along with his attention already paid towards where the sniper was, Albert saw the grenade bounce towards almost before it hit the ground the first time. With a bit of telekinetic manipulation, though, the trajectory changed from the Jedi's face to a small squad of Imperial soldiers. Whether if slew them or just knocked them out, at the moment Albert didn't care as regardless they were incapacitated. He preferred not to kill, but on a battlefield one couldn't always get what one wanted.

With a blur Albert's twin lightsabers, both having been lit by this point, deflected the shots from the marksman before finding that master Shai had joined him in the fray. That would explain why the enemy was so focused on this particular breach, they were in part focusing on the more powerful Jedi. A valid tactic, perhaps. The regular soldiers would not serve a problem, but the three officers, as he would call them, would be the greatest threat to the Jedi Master. As loathe as he was to leave Vollen's side, he knew he had to even the odds a bit, and the deadliest of the foes besides the actual Sith was the marksman. Nodding at Vollen to show he had the man's back, Albert began to move at a sprint towards the cover that the marksman was using as cover. His initial grenade and other barrage of shots dealt with earlier, his position and any other attacks that the man would make would be watched by Albert as he made his way there to defend against other new attacks as needed. An amount of attention would be paid for other threats around him, though the Marksman would be his main target. Blue lightsabers glowing in hand, he moved to close the distance and slash the man's cover to pieces once he was close enough to do so, to force them both to fight on equal grounds.

@Faded Truth @Arclight @Ecclessey @Nightfall096

 

[Gunner Stahl]

Continued to press Albert with his gunfire, some of the bolts being deflected towards other surrounding Jedi and Imperial soldiers alike. As Baalryc confronted Vollen, the young lieutenant decided that it was time for him to forge his own destiny in the galaxy and challenge a Jedi. This knight was well trained as he continued to avoid his gun fire and seemingly used his own grenade against his deployments. As the melee range quickly closed in, Gunner rolled to the side once Albert was within 10 meters. Guns pointed upwards as he stood to his full height and placed himself in a position where both men were now visible.

Blasters pointed at the Jedi, seemingly however, he did not fire. The world around them seemingly in chaos, but the Imperial Officer had a surreal aura planted around him. Slowly, he lowered his blasters and tossed them to the ground. Hand went upwards to remove the helmet as well, his stubble and ruffled blonde hair face now making its appearance with the Jedi.

"The last 100 years have changed the course of the galaxy. Andraste and her empire are this world's greatest chance for peace and prosperity.." His conviction seemed all too true. While the Sith were known for monstrosities, in Gunner's mind, he truly was one of the 'good guys'.

He tossed the helmet to the ground as well, and then began to slowly remove his armored gauntlets. Glancing down at his two fists, he shifted attention back to Albert. "All this death around us and I only have one question. After spending all that time pushing pencils in those Jedi libraries...can you still fight like a man?!"

He taunted the Jedi, challenging him to a match of unarmed combat.

@Arclight @Ecclessey @Nightfall096 @Insalius

 

[Vollen Shai]

As Albert was challenged by the Sith trooper Vollen smacked his blade and shield together in a taunt, trying to draw the attention of the soldiers that still struck in from the breach in the wall, swarming into the garden. Even as blaster shots flared around him he felt the darkness encroaching on the temple, stronger than ever before, the stench of its touch shivering down his arms and filling the force around him. Death had come to Ossus.

Taking in his surroundings he felt the presence of another knight cut down, another flash of light fading all too soon. There was little that could be done here now. They had held them off, but to stay any longer would be suicide. And against the powers arrayed against them there could be no victory. Not today, anyhow. And even before him a Sith knight approached, keen to display his strength, moved in toward him, the mans powers seemingly brimming from the violence around them. That was when Vollen made his choice, and called out to Albert,

"Albert, swords are no more use here" he called, there was no use to stay now, if only to fight. Better to fall back and protect those that remained. In the force he reached out into the minds of his allies, projecting a message into their heads,

'Fall back, evacuate the library while you can' a simple idea, and hopefully one they'd all take. And with that he reopened his eyes and began to act on exactly that. Now all he had to do was buy time for the others to escape, for him to escape for that matter. Force be damned he wasn't dying today. And so whipping his arms across in front of him, he conjured between himself and the Sith an immense wall of ice via cryokinesis, utilising the last of his strength to do so. But it would do what he wanted, keep both the Sith and their blasters at bay while the Jedi began to evacuate. Vollen would ready himself to follow as they did.


@Insalius @Faded Truth