EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Well, you have been doing a good job of it." Meesei replied, keeping her arms tightly around Sabine. "I will not lie, I wish I could keep you here in safety, but I do not think we can do this without you."

Meesei eventually released Sabine and gave a quick glance to the exit. They would not be able to put off starting their day forever, but at this point, Meesei was starting to feel that she was ready. "Just promise me you will keep yourself safe out there, alright? We are going to be...creating our future for our world today, and more than anything, I want you to be able to live in it."

---

Ahnasha gave a shrug. "Honestly, I don't know if I can describe all the...tricks I have now. Really, I think the best way for you to understand them would be to see them with your own eyes. If I want to give up on any illusion of humility...I would say that what I can do is just outright amazing."

Ahnasha took a few steps towards the tent's exit, though continued looking back towards Fendros with a grin and an excitedly swaying tail. "It does sound like I have a lot to show you today. Maybe we should hurry?"

Star Wars - Galaxies at War[MULTIVERSE SPACESHIP RP]

Vael 'Virisusai - Aboard the Assimilator

---

There was no hesitation, nor even a moment of distraction when his opponent fell, regardless of who dealt the killing blow. He could occupy their attention in melee while his ranged allies found their shots, and that was his precise intentions. The final two opponents knew they were outmatched, but Vael did not expect them to flee nor surrender. He had heard their words upon challenging them, and he knew, perhaps better than anyone, what was going through their minds. They were zealots, completely, religiously devoted to their master, and they would carry out his will by any means necessary. The form it took, in this case, was sacrifice.

Vael was certainly ready to act, and the cyborgs gave him plenty of warning of their presumed demise for him to react. In one motion, he moved a blade to its holster and reached back to produce a small, glowing metal disk. It was a piece of equipment originally of UNSC origin, but one he found useful. Rather than just protecting himself, he threw the drop shield at the feet of the two cyborgs moments before their self-detonation, then rolled towards one of the pits next to the bridge’s central walkway.

The drop shield could not entirely contain the combined explosions and was depleted quickly, but it did dampen them to make them less dangerous to himself and his allies. His own shields flared from the heat of the blast, but he made it down into the pit in time to avoid injury.

Naturally, the first priority of many was to check for casualties, but Vael wanted to ensure that there were no more to come. “Disable the vessel’s external defenses, quickly.” Vael ordered as he climbed up onto the bridge’s central walkway. “Once they are down, have the Daedalus scan the ship for any surviving enemies, then remove them. This will have all been for nothing if we allow them to sabotage the ship.”

Vael stepped forward towards one of the large windows at the front of the bridge, looking for any signs of enemy strikecraft outside. Although, his eyes were eventually drawn towards the planet itself. He remembered what it had looked like on approach, and already the storms were engulfing its surface. It might not have been burning in fire, but it was clearly a planet in pain.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei grinned back at Sabine. "I will not deny my role in it, but it is your potential that I unlocked. You have been the best student, and the best daughter, I could have hoped for."

Pausing briefly, Meesei stepped forward and gently took Sabine's hands in her own. "There has been a lot to motivate me over the years. When I started out, it was mostly just my own pride. My desire to be the most powerful being I could be. Then, it was my devotion to Hircine. I had a master I found worthy and was loyal to him and his goals. Then, I had a pack I was responsible for. People who relied on my strength and judgment. Then, my pack became a family. People I care about and want to see living happily. I found love; someone who makes me want to fight for my survival, to come back home and see her again. Whether it was Vile or any other threat, I've been fighting through all of that, and all of those things have given me the strength to keep pressing on. They have all motivated me to see our struggle through to the end."

Meesei gripped Sabine's hands more tightly and pulled them up closer to her. "But no one has ever motivated me more than you, Sabine. The greatest reason I have to fight is to give you the life you deserve to have. You are my legacy in more ways than one. You will carry on my teachings beyond my own lifespan, which I feel is important for any mage, but even aside from that, the person you have become is someone I am unquestionably proud of. I just know that, wherever you go, and whatever you do in your life after this war, you will improve the lives of everyone around you."

---

"I know magic that even Meesei hasn't mastered. There is a lot more power in Daedric magic than just summoning thralls. More similar forms of magic than just conjuration. I used to feel like Meesei would always be more powerful, but maybe I would make a good successor to her as Champion? If I actually wanted that responsibility, that is. I will be honest, I don't envy you having that weight bearing down on your shoulders. All that work, always having everyone relying on your decisions...I don't think it's worth being considered the "strongest." Not for me." Ahnasha said with a shrug.

Ahnasha embraced Fendros more tightly, moving her hands around his back and pressing herself against him. The look in her eyes and the grin she wore started to move back towards her more suggestive attitude from before. "I think we're all lucky to have you, you know? Someone brave enough to put up with that responsibility. I don't really want to be such a...I guess you would call it a public figure. The leader everyone is always looking up to. But, you can be confident knowing you'll always have me with you to support you. You'll always have my advice, always have my power to protect you. I mean, hopefully it will be a while before you have to take up that kind of leadership, but once you do, I will be glad to be your own deadly weapon. And if anyone ever threatens you or hurts you, I will just rip our their soul and enchant it into a cheese knife." She said, albeit with something of a cheerful grin.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

As difficult as parting with Lunise was, she had to let her go. While she would certainly see her again before the invasion, it would not be in this way. When serving her professional role, she may as well have been a different person. In any case, Meesei was at least happy to be able to part with her on such a positive note.

With Lunise gone, Meesei did not bother putting up the ward again, since it was not needed. There was something of an awkward silence for a few seconds with Sabine, but Meesei broke it with a chuckle. "Sorry, I just...well, it is not as if I will be able to give her a kiss for good luck at the portal, so I had to take the opportunity while I could. There are just a few last things I wanted to say to you, too. Things that...I am sure you have been expecting me to say, but I still feel it is important for you to hear them. I cannot begin to say how proud I am of you, Sabine."

---

Ahnasha gave a sigh, somewhat frustrated at her inability to hide her feelings. That, or she had just underestimated how much Fendros could see past her. "It's nothing I'm sure you can't guess." She answered.

Reaching up, Ahnasha took a hold of one of Fendros' hands. "It's not like I'm immune to fear. I just didn't want to focus on that. I can let myself be...hopeful. I'm stronger now than I have ever been, or even expected to be. Say what you like about Neesa, but she upheld her end of the bargain. I feel powerful, and I won't even need to raise the dead to feel confident on the battlefield."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei quickly and briefly smiled towards Lunise. Even if it had just been for a short while, Meesei was glad to have her support. Lunise was dressed and ready to go, and no matter how much Meesei might have wanted her to stay, she could not linger for too long. Lunise’s absence from her own tent could be easily explained on today, of all days, but not indefinitely. If she was nowhere to be seen in the camp for too long, then her peers might start to ask questions.

When it was finally time for Lunise to take her leave, Meesei joined her at the exit of the tent to lower the ward for her. At first, she simply gave Lunise a quick, simple kiss goodbye, but as she reached her hand towards the welkynd stone, she seemed to freeze in place for a moment. She was still for just long enough to allow one to wonder what she was doing, then suddenly embraced Lunise far more enthusiastically. She ended up causing Lunise to take a few steps back, nearly knocking over a chair in the process, and with a kiss that was perhaps the most passionate she had ever given, in any context. It seemed to last for ages and was enough to make one briefly wonder if Meesei was going to ask Sabine for privacy, but ultimately, she did release Lunise.

“Thank you.” Meesei said softly while they were still close, a tear or two visible in her eyes. Although she almost had to force herself to do so, she did finally disable the ward to allow Lunise to leave.

---

Ahnasha started to walk around the tent with an exaggerated sway to her hips and a grin back towards Fendros. “With how we were last night, I’m pretty sure everyone in every tent around us has already heard it, but no, I just mean that, this early in the morning, no one’s going to be around the portal.”

Eventually, Ahnasha walked back around to Fendros and almost immediately wrapped him in her embrace. She was quite forward with him, holding him tight and running her hands down his back. She pressed herself up against him almost forcefully enough to push him back down onto the bed, yet her feelings were not quite so straightforward as she seemed to want them to be. Something just felt slightly off in her attitude. Her hands shook very slightly, but perceptibly. She was doing well to keep her eyes looking almost hungry, but her tail was hardly moving at all, instead of showing her excitement as it usually would. Her sensual demeanor and provocative words were much more of a mask than a mere playful act.

“Well…I suppose we should go have a good breakfast. We will need our energy today.” Ahnasha finally added.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei turned her head briefly towards Lunise. "Well, it is not as if the Psijics themselves taught me their secrets. I had to learn them on my own."

Meesei took a few moments to stack a few of the books on her table and moved them aside from the rest. "Come to think of it, I have never put much thought into the potential alchemical applications of this knowledge. Much like everything else, the Psijics have a unique understanding of alchemy, but that has never been my specialty. Their applications of mysticism might allow them to derive new or hidden effects, even from known reagents. Much of their magic seems to tap into...deeper aspects of reality. I have some of my most recent notes here, as well as the original tome I took from Apocrypha on the subject. You can have them all." Meesei offered to Sabine.

---

Ahnasha nodded back to Fendros. "I tried it on a few days ago. It fit perfectly. I didn't have time to test the enchantments, but I doubt they were careless with them. The Forgemaster would probably take their heads if they were. I've never seen so much pride in a man before over his creations, though I guess it makes sense here. Dragonscale armor is, quite literally, a thing of legends. Our weapons should be ready today as well. The Forgemaster is definitely cutting it close with his perfectionism, but as long as it is ready, it doesn't matter."

Still holding on to Fendros' hand, Ahnasha looked around the tent somewhat aimlessly. "I guess we shouldn't linger around too long, but we still don't have to be in too much of a rush. I'm sure we'll be the top priority once we show up. I know I do want to give the portal stones another check, just to be safe. I trust our enchanters, but I don't want to use any portal without making personally sure that it works. I say we get some breakfast, go check on the portal, then go make love behind the great gate." She said, maintaining a quite intentionally neutral tone.

Star Wars - Galaxies at War[MULTIVERSE SPACESHIP RP]

Vael 'Virisusai - Aboard the Assimilator

---

Vael had to think quickly to adapt to the new threat. Most of the bridge crew did not have the positions or equipment necessary to survive long against them, so currently, these new opponents were the greatest threat to them. He fired on one of the cyborgs with his plasma rifle as soon as he had a clear shot, but the being dodged two of the projectiles, and used his sword to attempt to deflect a third. A sword could not redirect a bolt of superheated plasma, but it did disrupt the magnetic containment. The projectile split apart in the air, which still sent superheated plasma flying past the sword, but the cyborg’s armor seemed to be able to withstand the more diffuse heating. They were quick, their weapons close quarters, but deadly, and were obviously augmented beyond Human. However, the boarding team had numbers, and just needed the opportunity to land enough shots to defeat their armor. As one of the few among them with specialized skills in melee combat, Vael knew his role.

Returning his plasma rifle to its magnetic holster, Vael drew his second energy sword and quickly activated the blade. As one of the cyborgs came from the lifts, dashing with impressive speed in an attempt to break through to the rear of their formation, towards the ODSTs, Vael leaped over their barricades to meet him halfway. “Spread out! Take multiple angles and coordinate focus fire.” Vael shouted back to the Humans behind him.

Taking advantage of the longer reach of his energy swords, Vael intercepted the cyborg as he attempted to move past and forced a confrontation. The cyborg had speed and reactions, and whether or not he could actually match Vael for strength, his augmented body would ensure the Sangheili could not casually overpower him. But, as a master Sangheili swordsman, a recognized blademaster, there was one trait he could bring to bear that these half-mechanical thralls could not hope to match: experience. When Vael engaged, he thrust his blade from outside the cyborg’s reach, keeping his other sword close enough to his opponent to remain a threat, but close enough to himself for defense. Almost on instinct, Vael could tell based on his opponent’s current stance and momentum exactly what part of his body to target to force a defensive reaction most disruptive to an opposing offense, what counterattacks would be possible from his opponent’s next sword position, and how Vael could counter that reaction. Between his finely-tuned understanding of swordsmanship and his ability to think ahead, Vael could be mistaken for a Jedi.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"The staff is an exceptional tool of Aedric power." Meesei remarked. "But it is still a tool. When in use, it has no will beyond your own, and it will mean what you decide for it to mean."

Meesei had approached a table on the far side of the tent, which had a few pages of what appeared to be her notes, and a few unlabeled books strewn about. She started to organize the loose pages and stack up the books neatly as she spoke. "If I am being honest, I am curious to see what you will be able to accomplish with it. Your approach to magic has always fascinated me. No mage with even an ounce of creativity is completely identical to the ones who taught them. Honestly, I wish we had more time just to share our results of our own studies. How have you fared with the notes I gave you on Psijic magic? I have been looking forward to hearing your insights."

---

Ahnasha smiled softly, giving Fendros a quick kiss before finally standing to her feet in front of him. She let out a yawn and raised her arms up above her head as she stretched out her muscles. Still, she did not seem to be in a particular hurry to go anywhere. In terms of remaining preparations, all she needed to do was allot enough time to get outfitted in her new armor. Ahnasha was usually one to rely on magical protection, rather than physical armor, but based on the last time she tried on the dragonscale armor, she could say she was impressed with its craftsmanship. It was not too restrictive, especially her light armor, and all of their armor had been enchanted to their individual specifications.

"Well, whatever happens, everything will certainly be different tomorrow. In one way or another." Ahnasha remarked. "I think I'm looking forward to the freedom we'll have. Say we succeed, and we both live to tell about it. We can do anything we want after this. Power, coin...we have it all. I'll admit, Kaleeth's talk of settling down has sounded tempting to me from time to time, but I think you know that I can't sit still for too long. If it weren't for the serious, life-and-death stakes of everything we've been doing, this past decade would have been a lot more fun. Exploring the jungles and deserts of Elsweyr, sailing the Topal Sea, braving the swamps of Black Marsh, navigating High Rock's mountains, and delving the depths of Dwemer ruins. And that's all just been in the span of a handful of years. Just imagine what we'll be able to do with the next few hundred?"

Star Wars - Galaxies at War[MULTIVERSE SPACESHIP RP]

Vael 'Virisusai - Assimilator Bridge

---

Having already experienced it once, Vael was prepared for the teleportation to the Assimilator’s bridge. He did not know what kind of layout to expect from the bridge, but he still knew his intentions for how to carry out the attack. To be successful in their overall objectives, they would need to act quickly and decisively.

The boarding party was beamed aboard into the very middle of the enemy’s bridge, leaving themselves surrounded on nearly all sides. However, Vael did not consider them to be at a disadvantage. They had the element of surprise, and from the position they had taken, the Imperial bridge crew had precious few options for cover from them. Meanwhile, the boarding team had taken deployable cover from the Glasgow with them, though Vael himself was not yet actually making use of it. He stood tall over the rest, quickly taking aim with his plasma rifle. The armored clone guards were the greatest immediate threat to them, but they were not Vael’s first target. He did not know precisely which console controlled communications, so he first fired upon any member of the bridge crew that were at or near a console. His priority was to prevent them from calling for help. The control consoles seemed to mostly be found in “pits” recessed down into the floor, with walkways between them, and so for those that Vael first targeted, there was little hope for escape. Their unarmored uniforms did nothing to protect them, nor obscure the gruesome holes his plasma rifle burned through them.

Even without taking cover, the biotic barriers and other defenses provided by Vael’s allies made it more difficult for the enemy to find an angle on him. He did take two hits from blaster bolts, but showed little visible concern as his shields flared up around him. As a high-ranking commander, Vael had the strongest energy shielding available to a Sangheili warrior. He could afford to take hits; his enemy could not. He could take the opportunity to do as much damage as he could while the enemy was still scrambling for cover. And more than that, by presenting an obvious and intimidating target for the enemy, he could draw fire away from his more vulnerable allies. He could not be sure of the protective capabilities of the armor of all of his allies, but he did know that, while the UNSC soldiers next to him did have somewhat protective physical armor, it still paled in comparison to energy shielding.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei stepped up in front of Sabine, placing her hands on both of her shoulders. She spoke firmly, but encouragingly. "Sabine, you are the best one to wield it. Aside from the fact that you have a much stronger claim to it than I, the potential of the staff does not rely on the raw magical power of the wielder. You are creative, intelligent, and resourceful. You can do far more with the staff than the woman you took it from, and I think you can do more with it than even I can. My raw power, for a long while, has been at the point that I can simply overpower the majority of my foes. Honestly, I do not think your raw power is as far behind mine as you think it is, but...even still, you spent quite a long time having to match yourself against mages as strong or stronger than yourself, over the course of this war. You will be able to use the staff to its greatest potential."

---

Ahnasha sighed, turning her gaze towards the ground. "Maybe. But I don't come from a line of proud warriors and mages. They will just want their daughter to be safe."

Pausing a moment, Ahnasha gave a quick laugh before finally turning to look at Fendros. "At this point, I'm not even sure they would believe the actual truth. Once the war is over, the secrecy won't matter as much, but if something did happen to me, it might still be better to come up with a more tame story to tell them. Just so they'll believe it. Ah, well, maybe I can still just rely on nothing happening to me? That would probably be the best outcome, I think."