Praetorians: Sovereign Right [IC]

[trollthumper]

Cavalier watched as Mater Vrynda turned the main guns of the ship on the pirates' main vessel, starting to feel like a Bic lighter before a flamethrower. He realized that picking away at the ship would be a fool's errand, especially as their ship had already done a number on it and was likely lining up for the kill shot.

 

Of course, while Mater Vrynda's attention was turned to the main ship, that still left her open to the mosquitos flitting about. And that's what he was good at. Cavalier darted out under the fliers, trailing in their wakes, trying to evade their radars. Either their radars were crap, or they were too excited by the prospect of taking down the big fish that they ignored him entirely. Either way, he had the opportunity. He opened fire, sending out a crippling shot towards one of the fliers - enough to take out a wing without cracking the main chassis and possibly killing the pilot. 

[Thevshi]

Orbit above Galor III 

The barrage of weapons fire from the Kavaca tore into the pirate capital ship, heavily damaging it and knocking out its primary systems.  The vessel had been mid-turn as the attack had come, and while the maneuvering systems were not longer functioning, inertia kept the it turning and it started to roll uncontrollably.   

With that threat dealt with for the moment, Cavalier turned his attention to the last pirate spacecraft active in orbit, the remaining fast moving interceptor that was looping back around for an attack run.  Unleashing a barrage of fire, the Star Knight blasted the interceptor's wing off, crippling the fighter and rendering it as inert as its home base was currently. 

"Sensors are not detecting any active hostiles in orbit Praetor Mater Vyrdna."  Seresk responded.  "Sri Steward has just disabled the last of the fighters that were launched against us." 

Surface of Galor III, Yollon City 

While Moon-Moth had cut into the numbers of the pirates on the surface, those remaining were not quite yet ready to surrender.  Now more spread out and near buildings, several of the remaining pirates opened fire on the Praetorian.  Two shots just missed Moon-Moth, but a third struck him squarely in the side. 

Up on the rock barrier the Praetorian had put in place, Shell turned to face the large pirate that had climbed up to attack her.  A plasma blade extended from the power armor's weapons hand as the mercenary slashed at the pirate, slicing across the bulky pirates torso and causing it to cry in pain, as it tumbled back off the barrier and down on to pavement below.

[Exaccus]

Moth finds himself staggering backwards a little as the next boulder impacts his force field, it takes him less than a moment to recover and begin his counter attack, his hands opening wide as a small glob of flowing silvery matter develops suspended between them that he hen flings like a sports ball towards the large pirate, the mass expanding and engulfing them on contact, binding them in place with its shimmering form.

 

"Enoughs with the rocks alreadies!" He says mockingly as he flutters down to the ground with the grace of his terrestrial kin "so turns, who's bean next?"

[Thevshi]

Surface of Galor III, Yollon City 

Even as Moon-Moth bound the pirate that had hit him with a blaster bolt, one of the large pirates again picked up a rock and hurled it at the Praetorian.  But the pirate's aim was well off, the rock sailing several feet overhead and arching a good ways down the street to smash into the side of a building.   

A short distance away, two of the other hulking pirates were trying to clear a path through the barrier that Moon-Moth had dropped in their path.  While they were making some headway, they still some distance to go and were otherwise distracted from taking part in the fight for the time being.

[Vahnyu]

Sighing a breath of relief, Vyrdnaya felt her shoulders relax. "Good. Now to finish up with the big hulking ship." She commented, her finger touching lightly on the firing trigger. The pirates have had their fair share of warning, which they summarily dismissed, effectively declaring war on the Praetorians. Furthermore, it didn't appear, by the looks of it, that they were willing to raise the surrendering flag, even though horribly outgunned at this point. But nevertheless...

 

Clicking her tongue, she releashed her grip on the trigger, and activated the Kavaca's communications channel on the ship with Kyle. "Cavalier, do you copy? This is Mater Vyrdna speaking. Thanks for taking care the spacecrafts. The big one is also pretty much done for. Our safest course of action would be to keep up with the concentrated fire and take it down, before its crew has time to repair its functions. This might kill a significant number of these pirates, though. And while they did declare war on us, and don't seem particularly intent on surrendering... I dunno, whaddayathink? Feeling up for some storming the enemy stronghold with me? You know, get aqcuainted with the leadership, get good and personal with them." She messaged her fellow Praetorian.

[trollthumper]

Cavalier was quick to respond. "As much as there is a quite angry part of me that would love a good fireworks display," he said, "we have a responsibility to ensure these people see justice for their assault. And justice, in this case, is not summary execution. Destroying the ship could lead to a can of worms that has ramifications for more than just this planet. And... I'm really not happy at the prospect of just killing a bunch of people. Even if they are complete assholes." He pressed forward, sweeping towards the undercarriage of the crippled ship. "So, yeah. I guess what I'm saying is... get the airlock connector ready. We're doing this the hard way."

 

But, hey. We'll get a chance to give it to them as hard as they gave to us. 

[Thevshi]

Orbit above Galor III 

The pirate capital ship continued to roll slightly as the planet's gravity helped the rotation that had already been started by the maneuvering it had been executing when disabled.  Given the configuration of the vessel, it was very likely everyone aboard not strapped in was getting tossed about, which would certainly delay any repair attempts. 

"I am ready to assist as needed Sri Steward."  Seresk added over the comm channel. 

Surface of Galor III, Yoloon City 

With the larger pirate still engaging Moon-Moth, several of the others appeared still willing to fight, as four opened fire on the Praetorian.  Most missed, but one managed to hit the Lanturian with a blaster bolt. 

Another four of the pirates fired on Shell, who was now alone up on the barriers Moon-Moth had created.  Most of the blasts missed, a couple blasting small rocks off the barrier, but one managed to hit the mercenary, causing her to grunt in pain as it managed to pierce the armored battle suit. 

The mercenary ignored the other pirates for the moment, dropping down next to the larger one she had knocked down, slashing down at it with her plasma sword.  The blade slammed into the large pirate, injuring him, but not finishing him. 

Then, several of the other mercenaries that had been retreating reappeared, having taken advantage of the break provided by Moon-Moth's barrier to circle back around to higher ground.  They now opened fire on several of the pirates that were trying to climb over the barrier, knocking several down and causing others to seek cover.

[Vahnyu]

"Copy that, Cavalier. I'm bringing the Kavaca in. Mater Vyrdna out." With that, Vyrdnaya punched some commands on the control panel, before grabbing the pilot stick and using it to maneuver the Kavaca over the pirate capital vessel. The enemy spaceship was spinning wildly out of control, so she had to time her approach with as few errors as possible, given the limited window for mistakes she had. "Hang in tight, Seresk! We're boarding this giant piece of space scrap." She had the Kavaca spin on the same rotation as the enemy ship, trying to match its movements and speed, to better make for a smooth landing. "Steady... Steady... Streaaaadyyyy..."

 

And make it she did, as the Kavaca landed on top of the enemy pirate capital ship with nothing more but light tremors. "Aaaand done! Get ready, Praetor Seresk, you're taking over the commands of the Kavaca!" She informed her allly.

[Exaccus]

Moon-moth feeling the tides beginning to fully turn wastes no time in throwing up  a monolithic wall of moonsilver and pushing it down the valley the silvery constructflowing like water over the uneven ground hardening only to those moon-moth calls foe, carrying away the smaller pirates like flotsam in a tide, until one of the larger pirates presses against the barrier with its thick manipulators sticking it's progress momentarily, but as much as the pirate was physically mighty the barrier was as much a spiritual construt and moon-moth had strength to spare in that department and so with a slightly firmer shove the pirate is driven back even as his feet drag shallow furrows in the ground.

 

"Worry not! the barrier shall not obstruct you, warriors, only these villains find themselves denied!" he screams at the top of his lungs, using up all the air in his lungs to make himself heard

[Thevshi]

On the Surface of Galor III, Yollon City 

The magical barrier pushed back not only the large pirate that had thrown the rock at Moon-Moth, but the two that were trying to clear a path through the barrier and the one Shell had been fighting.  The other pirates were easily pushed over or forced to fall back from the barrier as it pushed them back away from the valley. 

The large pirate that had been throwing rocks at Moon-Moth took a powerful swing at the silver barrier, causing some cracks to appear in it.  The other two large pirates that had been clearing the rock barrier also smashed their fists into the mystical wall, creating more cracks, but the magical barrier remained in  place.

[Vahnyu]

Vyrdnaya melded into her seat, until she completely submerged into the Kavaca, leaving Seresk alone on the bridge. She ran her consciousness throughout the ship, until she found the connecting lines between it and the Capital Pirate Vessel. Now merged with the new vehicle, she scoured it, in order to find a place she could safely materialize into. Remembering the communications with the Pirates' leader, she sought the bridge, materialising there only to find that the pirates had hit the floor, being completely disoriented.

 

"In the name of the Praetorians, and by the authority of the Star Knights and the Coalition, surrender peacefully, or prepare to feel the hammer of Mater Vyrdna!" She shouted at the pirates present there, while waving her right arm, which she had morphed into a hammer.

Edited April 14, 2016 by Vahnyu

[trollthumper]

Cavalier was not as fast as Mater Vrynda when it came to getting there - but he was still fast. He headed back to the Kavaca, waited for the airlock to go through its usual dance, then zoomed on-board. From there, it was a quick race - but not too quick; trying to maneuver in hallways like this at anything faster than sprinting speed would probably be a good recipe for a hull breach, given his armor - to the other airlock. Then, it was another round of waiting. He knew, objectively, it was not that long; they did not build airlocks on these things to waste anyone's time. But given the kind of customers they were dealing with, he didn't want to give them time to muster arms for a boarding party.

 

Which was why he was kind of surprised to find most of them hurled about, trying very hard to either regain their balance or give in to the sweet embrace of artificial gravity. "So," he said, "I think we all learned an important lesson about listening to the people in charge, not moving, and not shooting at anyone. Think you can all hold to that?" 

[Thevshi]

Aboard the pirate capital ship 

With the damage to the capital ship, the artificial gravity system had failed, causing the pirates to flung about as the ship listed and rolled.  Creating further chaos to an already desperate crew. 

Up in the bridge, Mater Vyrdna saw two large Broans that were just managing to reorient themselves in the now zero gravity as the Praetorian appeared.  The larger of the two snarled at Mater, bearing fangs at her.  "You have courage to show your face here Praetorian!  We will deliver your head to Sovereign Dovox!" 

Over where Cavalier had entered the pirate vessel, he found the pirates he encountered much more willing to listen to reason.  Those that were armed did their best to "toss" their weapons away in the zero gravity, an indication of their surrender. 

"I can keep an eye on these Sri Steward."  Seresk stated from behind Cavalier as he stood in the airlock door. 

Surface of Galor III, Yollon City 

Several of the pirates opened fire on the silver barrier Moon-Moth had created.  Several energy blasts struck the barrier, some causing further damage, others glancing harmlessly off.  But still the barrier remained in place. 

The mercenaries who had climbed to the top of the rock barrier began opening fire, their shots passing through the mystical barrier and towards their targets beyond.  Several of the pirates fell under the barrage, as others began to run for cover from the onslaught.   

Shell meanwhile leveled her battlesuit's weapons arm at the large pirate she had been fighting and sent a plasma blast at the hulking figure.  The blast also passed harmlessly through the barrier, striking the large pirate dead center and knocking it off its feet to fly dozens of feet backward into the dusty ground.  "That is a good trick Moon-Moth."  Shell stated appreciatively. 

[Exaccus]

Moon-moth gives what passes for a smirk "It is getting better yets....they didn't do too badly...but they didn't do nearly enoughs...." He says as with a pulse of silver light the cracks in his silvery barrier begin to meld closed as if nothing had ever happened.

 

"I suggesting you surrendering now." Moon-moth calls out to the pirates beyond "I can doing this all day, how many blaster shots can you taking?"

[Thevshi]

Aboard the pirate capital ship 

The larger Broan pushed himself off a wall and toward Mater Vyrdna, his thick arms opened wide as he tried to grapple the Praetorian.  But Mater was able to easily dodge aside the clumsy attack and the Broan's momentum carried him to the other side of the bridge, where he was able to twist back around and land his feet on the opposite wall.

The other Broan moved along using various surfaces as a handhold, appearing to be positioning himself to attack as well. 

Surface of Galor III, Yollon City 

Frustration was evident on the pirates' faces as Moon-Moth easily repaired the damage they had been able to inflict on his mystical barrier, while the mercenaries behind the barrier were easily able to whittle down their numbers with return fire.  The three larger pirates again slammed their fists into the barrier, again causing some cracks to appear, but once again the barrier held.

[Vahnyu]

"Always have to do it the hard way..." Vyrdnaya muttered, as she sidestepped the hulking Broan pirate. "You don't quite get it, do you?" She spoke in a menacing tone to the Broan. "My head is the least of your worries. Look around you, do you see your own ship?" She put her hands on the floor, and started melding it to her will, transforming the nearby mechanical matter. "This ship is made of metal and electronics. And it is mine to command!" 

 

She rapidly enveloped the brutish alien thug in a cell of her making, using the materials of the bridge itself. "As long as I am aboard this ship, this ship is but an extension of my will. It is my hammer. My long arm of the Praetorian law. And it is here to put you where you belong, in a holding cell. It is your own ship that you're currently fighting against! " Then, she created a 10ft high wall between herself and the other Broan, who seemed to be of a hostile mind as well. "If you think you can win against your own ship, you are welcome to try. Me? I'm not holding my breath on it."

[trollthumper]

Cavalier actually blinked as Mater Vrynda commanded the ship to become a prison for the Broan. He'd seen displays like this before, but it always knocked him off his feet to understand just what his colleague could do with the right materials. Very, very good reason not to piss her off. 

 

He raised his blaster, a command shooting from his nervous system into its input feet. The energy crackling off its tip changed colors to a cool blue. He considered holding it up as a deterrent, but it was clear by now that you could not deter a Broan with anything more than a cement mixer dumping all over. He fired... but somehow, the Broan was too quick. The bolt collided against the wall, helping to restrain a console. 

 

I have really got to calibrate this thing better. 

[Thevshi]

Aboard the pirate capital ship 

The Broan that had been attacking Mater Vyrdna seemed very shocked as parts of the bridge shifted and flowed to form a prison around him.  The large alien snarled as he slammed his fist against the barrier, but to seemingly little effect.   

The other pirates present on the bridge had managed to get their bearings, but they did not appear at all interested in attempting to fight the Praetorians that were present there.  The other Boran had managed to avoid Cavalier's attack, but as he saw his companion trapped, he seemed to think better of attacking either of the two and instead pushed off a wall and propelled himself toward the door of the bridge.  As he reached it, he managed to grab the doorway with one hand, and swing himself out into the hallway and out of direct sight of either of the Praetorians. 

Surface of Galor III, Yollon City 

The pirates that had been attacking the city were now in full rout.  The barrage of fire from the other mercenaries, combined with the mystical barrier that protected the city's defenders while allowing them to be attacked had broken their resolve.  Those still on their feet were running from the barrier, heading back towards the landing ships that had brought them down.   

Shell took aim at one of the larger pirates, and fired her battlesuit's plasma weapon, knocking the hulking figure off his feet and to the dusty ground unconscious.  The three remaining pirates were starting to realize they were alone, facing all the city's defenders.