Conquest II: Toprawa

[Tsaak Vootuh]

<font size=1>Drip, drip, drip. Drip, drip, drip.<font size=2> The dripping sound was all that could be heard in the small ghost town. It was obviously sabotaged quite some time ago. Roofs of houses caved in, machinery stripped of parts and strewn across the street. It was a total mess. And still the dripping was all that could be heard.

In the middle of the town standing as still as a rock, a Yuuzhan Vong warrior disguised as a human stared into the sky. He dared not make a move.

Then suddenly, he blinked. The warrior stared into the forest nearby.<font color=red> "Do-ro'ik Vong pratte!"<font color=white> He screamed. The cry echoed through the ghost town. The warrior was sure someone had heard it, elsewhere.

***

Elsewhere; At the edge of the Toprawa System

Through the villip, the words came out as clear as fresh water.<font color=red> "Do-ro'ik Vong pratte!"<font color=white> The message had been received. The time for action had begun.

Slowly, a Command Ship escorted by two Heavy Cruisers and three Light Cruisers moved their way toward the desolate Toprawa. It had once been the site of a battle between the Rebellion and the Empire. The Empire had devastated it, and long since then some spots in Toprawa were devoid of any life.

<font color=red>"Eminence, what are your wishes?"<font color=white> The tactician asked in his raspy voice.

"I want a shuttle prepared when we reach orbit. This planet will not put up any kind of serious resistance or anything like Muunilist. Remember we are here to cleanse it." Tsaak orderded. The tactician nodded slowly and turned to his villip choir to issue out the multiple orders. Much had to be done.

[Tsaak Vootuh]

<font color=red>"Eminence, your transport is ready and waiting for your arrival."<font color=white> The Tactician said.

"Excellent!" Warmaster Tsaak Vootuh shouted. He gripped his Tsaisi and strided across the floor, heading for the transport.

***

The two Heavy Cruisers had already begun dispatching their troop carriers and transports. The rock-like ships entered the atmosphere in mere minutes, soaring toward the planet of Toprawa.

After a few minutes of silence, a Light Transport latched onto the Command ship, unattached. The Dovin Basals began to work as they pushed the ship toward the destination of Toprawa. Inside Tsaak was accompanied by 50 other elite Vong warriors. He had hopes of finding at least one Infidel to sacrifice to the Gods. If so, Yun-Yammka would favor him even more so.

This is a glorious day, Tsaak reflected. With each day, our forces grow bigger. More ships arrive from the Galactic rift.

He bowed his head in silence, clasping his scarred and bony hands together. Tsaak began to hum as he quickly uttered several prayers to Yun-Yammka and Yun-Yuuzhan. Soon he slowed down the pace of which he spoke. The words could be made out now. Tsaak kept on muttering "Zhaetor zhae". While engaged in deep prayer, the Warmaster did not notice the ship entering the atmosphere.

[Tsaak Vootuh]

Commander Savrix Xnar stood atop a pile of rubble, staring at the sight before him. Yuuzhan Vong warriors had entered the city shortly after landing. Hardened Amphistaffs made a clang sound against the metal it struck every five seconds. The hundred warriors were destroying every mechanical abomination in sight. In the middle of the city, a bonfire had been started. Broken droids were being thrown into the fire as some warriors began to ritualistically dance around it.

The Commander's Amphistaff struck downwards, crushing a piece of transparisteel in it's acidic jaws. Xnar spun around and unleashed a fury of acid projectiles at a building. The acid burned through the building, leaving dangerously large holes. Commander Xnar watched in delight as the building crumbled to the floor.

"Remember to capture all infidels. I want none killed under order of the Warmaster." Xnar screamed, his voice echoed through the streets.

He strategically whipped his Amphistaff over a lamp post and gave a mighty tug. The post collapsed and crashed into a small house, destroying it in a small explosion. The Commander flung his now hardened Amphistaff at a building wall. The Amphistaff crashed into the wall, causing it to collapse.

The Yuuzhan Vong warriors continued their actions, obviously enjoying sabotaging the city. They kept their eyes open for any infidels. Each warrior had a dream of capturing an infidel and being promoted. This only made them more determined.

[Tsaak Vootuh]

"At least this planet is not as abominable as Muunilist." Tsaak grinned, handing his Tsaisi to two acolytes that had followed him from the transport.

Tsaak stepped forward, allowing his toes to grasp at the soil underneath. His agents had managed to deliver message that the abominable Empire had devastated this planet years before. Since then, plantlife had managed to grow again. The Yuuzhan Vong would help make the planet pure.

"Order the Light Cruisers Honorable and Swift Death to descend immediately." Tsaak ordered in the villip before him.

A raspy voice responded an affirmative.

The Warmaster tossed red living cloak he wore aside. He watched as a few warriors emerged from the city with bound infidels. Tsaak moved forward to meet them, wearing an evil grin.

"Who are these before me?" Tsaak exclaimed, observing the six beings before him. Two Gran, three Humans and one Rodian. All of them looked rugged and torn. The Warmaster slipped a tizowyrm in his ear. "Who are you?!" He shouted.

The captives remained silent.

"I ASKED A QUESTION, INFIDELS!" The Warmaster screamed. He disregarded them for a moment and turned to meet a warrior. "How many more?" He asked.

"Warmaster, forty five more beings have been enslaved. They are in the abominable city. These six before you are the strongest." The warrior replied in the language of the Gods.

Tsaak's expression was incredulous. "The people of this planet are truly pathetic and weak. They do not even deserve the honor of death. Hand me your Amphistaff and free these creatures. Make sure they do not attempt escape."

The warrior tossed his hardened staff to Tsaak. With a quick swipe, the Warmaster caught it. He advanced on the now free slaves, smiling. "Let the fun begin."

[Tsaak Vootuh]

"Guvvuk!" The Yuuzhan Vong warriors sneered at the group of slaves that were being exited from a small town. They were being forced to walk faster, some were struck down with Amphistaffs.

The Conquest of Toprawa had gone excellent so far. Most habitants were farmers or refugees trying to scrape by. It seemed the Galaxy had forgotten about this desolate planet. T'was a dishonorable thing to do. So far not one being on the entire planet had been killed, save 11 Yuuzhan Vong warriors when a building collapsed above them.

One Yuuzhan Vong warrior by the name of Yikrim Hai was confused on why this planet would prove valuable to the Yuuzhan Vong. It had plantlife and vegitation, but there were not many slaves.

"Yikrim, what slows you down?" A fellow warrior asked in the language of the Gods.

"I question myself on why we do thi---" Yikrim instantly fell to the floor, closing his eyes. The other warrior's Amphistaff jutted out of his neck. Heresy was a major crime, and those who commited it would have to pay.

The Warrior stared into the sky and noted that the two Light Cruisers were landing 20 kilometers away. This invasion was pitiful, but it was not a waste of time.

[Tsaak Vootuh]

The Intendants began to work as they set up base. Stringy creatures were planted into the ground. After a minute or two of waiting, the stringy creatures began to expand and intertwine with the others, creating a living wall. The same was done in different geomterical spots to confirm the roots would connect.

Living creatures and devices were being hauled off the Light Cruiser Honorable and being brought into the building site.

It was the Warmaster's wishes that a base would be established immediately upon the Light Cruisers' landing. So far everything was going according to his wishes despite a few warrior casualties.

The Prefects and High Prefects began to issue orders to different shapers and intendants. They frantically ran around the complex being built making sure everything was working properly. One small imperfection and the Warmaster would not be pleased one bit. It was a hard job, but the Yuuzhan Vong accepted it with glee and hopes of favor in the Gods' eyes.

"Warmaster Tsaak Vootuh wants a base established by nightfall. Any slacking will result in immediate punishment." The voice of the High Prefect echoed through the villips. Much had to be done.

[Tsaak Vootuh]

The Rodian clenched it's throat, while it slowly fell to it's knees. Tsaak calmly walked over and kicked it in the side, finishing it off. Before him lay one Gran, one human and the Rodian he had just killed. Tsaak grinned at his accomplishment.

Unexpectedly, the remaining Gran leapt on Tsaak and knocked him to the soil. The human ran forward and kicked him in the chin, creating a new scar.

Tsaak lay on the ground silent for a few moments as the Yuuzhan Vong crowd around him cheered on. Suddenly, he spoke "You have proven yourself worthy of death. EMBRACE IT!"

Tsaak pushed upward with all his might, knocking the Gran aside. He rolled a few feet, grasping his Amphistaff. Instantly he struck upward at the human who jumped back, barely avoiding it. Tsaak hardened the Amphistaff and threw it like a spear. It struck the human in the side, leaving a thin cut. The human dropped to one knee as the Warmaster attempted to get up.

The Gran attempted to kick him down again, but Tsaak caught hold of the foot and twisted it, flipping the Gran back to the floor. Tsaak hopped up, picking his Amphistaff up in the motion. He spun around and swung downward, narrowly missing the Gran's head. It rolled to the side and ran at Tsaak. The Warmaster flicked his wrist, smacking the Gran across the face. It fell back to the floor. The human on the otherhand, managed to take Tsaak by surprise. He used his elbow and began to choke Tsaak. The Gran came from the side and bit his hand. Tsaak let go of the Amphistaff, instantly dropping on one knee. Everything was turning blurry.

[Tsaak Vootuh]

Toprawa; Chipra Plains;
Nightfall

"How is the establishment coming?" Ground Commander Xalz inquired.

The Prefect wiped the persperation from his forehead and bent down on one knee to catch his breath. He looked up at the Commander.

"It is finished, and all the bio-equipment is being loaded inside. Diggers have been released and are creating underground tunnels." He panted.

"Why are you so tired Prefect?" The Commander spat out, obviously displeased.

"I have been working non-stop, this is my first break." The Prefect was expecting some form of punishment. Instead the Commander just nodded and turned around. In a few moments, he was gone. The Prefect sighed in relief. He spun to the side and stared at the base that had been set up. It was large, and growing, like a membrane.

The Diggers' jobs were to create links to the smaller bases around Toprawa. The Prefect knew Tsaak would be paying to the establishment soon enough. He took a deep breath and hurried off to complete another task and make sure everything was ready.

[Tsaak Vootuh]

The Ground Commander tapped his feet slowly, waiting for an answer from one of the many roaming acoyltes. He had asked for a status report, and it seemed this acolyte was not going to give him one.

"Well?" He asked in impatience. The acolyte seemed to shrink back into the shadows, not speaking a word. Commander Xalz advanced and knocked him to the floor with his Amphistaff. He whacked the acolyte twice more and then spun on his heel. He managed to stop another acolyte and asked her for the status report.

<font color=red>"Ground Commander, so far we have established a link between this compound and Compound B, twenty miles northwest. The Diggers should be finished by sunrise in this area. Warmaster Tsaak Vootuh is engaged in honorary battle with infidels. He will be arriving shortly after that. The Heavy Cruisers and Command ship in space lay dormant, awaiting orders."<font color=white> She finished, taking a deep breath.

The Ground Commander gave her a grim nod. 'Thank you' was not among the words in the Yuuzhan Vong language. If it was, the Commander would have probably expressed his gratitude using that phrase.

He walked into the base, heading for the villip choirs.

[Tsaak Vootuh]

With a strong grab, the Warmaster threw the human fighter off of him. He raised off the ground and felt his throat which was a little sore.

The Gran came in with a punch, but Tsaak caught his fist and twisted it breaking his arm. He jumped back and summoned his Amphistaff. The weapon grew hard in his scarred hands. Tsaak twirled it around like a baton and struck downwards, knocking the Gran away. He turned around and charged at the human who was getting up.

"Maybe Yun Shuno will show you salvation, INFIDEL!" Tsaak screamed.

He jumped high and thrusted, stabbing the man in the shoulder. The human was pinned to the floor now. Tsaak just watched the rest. The Amphistafff grew soft as it slowly slithered around the man's neck. With a tight tug, the human's eyes went blank. Now only the weakened Gran was left.

Tsaak retrieved his bloody Amphistaff and turned to see the Gran writhing in pain. He was disgusted by this sight. "Do not fend off the pain, embrace it like a true warrior." Tsaak walked up to the Gran and twirled his weapon. He plunged it straight into the Gran's heart. After one more second of writhing, the creature died.

The Warmaster stooped down on one knee and breathed hard. "These infidels have a weak planet, but are worthy warriors at heart." The Yuuzhan Vong warriors cheered at him. He threw his Amphistaff aside and walked over to the villip choir that had been set up not too far away.

[Tsaak Vootuh]

Tsaak Vootuh picked up the villip and watched the living creature wiggle in his hands. Soon it took shape to resemble the Ground Commander's head.

<font color=red>"Your Eminence, it is an honor t--"<font color=white> Xalz was cut off by the Warmaster's grunt.

"There is no need for that Ground Commander. Status report?" Tsaak growled.

<font color=red>"Well we are awaiting your presence. The bases have been established, and the diggers are working to create underground tunnels beneath each base. All the cargo has been loaded and set up. We are waiting on you."<font color=white> The Ground Commander finished.

"That is excellent news. I will be there by sunrise." Tsaak set the villip down and turned to an acolyte. "I want you to prepare a Dovin Bike for me and 12 warriors. We will be waiting outside the city."

<font color=red>"Yes your Eminence."<font color=white> The acolyte ran off to complete the task.

***

The Warmaster sped across the Chipra plains of Toprawa on his Dovin Bike that resembled a motorcycle, except it was alive. Behind him, twelve warriors followed.

They were making good time, and the sun was just starting to rise. Tsaak blinked a couple of times. The looming base appeared over the cliff. He stopped his bike at the edge and gazed at it. In only minutes he would be there.

[Tsaak Vootuh]

Ground Commander Xalz was waiting in the morning sunlight for the Warmaster to show up. He was accompanied by two warriors.

"Bzzzzz"

Just over a hill, the silhouette of the Warmaster's Dvoin Bike came into view. It was followed by twelve other shadows. The Ground Commander raised his Amphistaff and uttered a war cry in salute. Off in the distance, it was returned by the warriors.

A few minutes later, Tsaak hopped off his bike. The Ground Commander hit the floor in a bow. So did the warriors beside him. Tsaak shook his head and picked the Ground Commander up.

"No need for that!" Tsaak headed for the establishment, followed by Xalz. "Now show me to the villip choir. I must issue orders to our dormant Cruisers in space."

<font color=red>"As you wish, Warmaster."<font color=white> The Ground Commander advanced ahead. He brought Tsaak through a series of caves as they went deeper underground. Eventually they arrived at the villip choir.

"This is Warmaster Tsaak Vootuh, status report."

<font color=red>"Fzzzz shhh This is Commander Trax. We are currently dealing with a freighter that appeared from the planet. It is trying to escape."<font color=white> The static filled voice returned.

"What?! Do not let them escape! This is an outrage!" Tsaak screamed.

[Tsaak Vootuh]

The three Coralskippers formed up, creating a triangle as they sped toward the YT-1300 freighter. Plasma cannons fired at the ship, but it looped up and over, avoiding them. Blaster shots from the freighter rang out and struck a coralskipper, destroying it.

The two remaining skips began to zig zag their way toward the ship. The strong shields absorbed the plasma, slowly weakening. Then a Heavy Cruiser moved in and opened all fire on the YT-1300. The ship increased speed and heightened it's sheilds. It dove straight for the Heavy Cruiser, ducking under plasma projectiles, and rolling to the side. Almost colliding with the Heavy Cruiser, the YT-1300 turned on a 90 degree angle and blasted upward. It zoomed past the Heavy Cruiser, trying to avoid being caught by Dovin Basals.

A coralskipper zoomed in from behind and scored a hit on the engines of the freighter. The YT-1300 spiraled downward to the Heavy Cruiser, but halfway there, righted itself. The YT-1300 went to lightspeed and disappeared.

[Tsaak Vootuh]

Tsaak's fist pounded into his open palm out of rage. He shifted his eyes to the ground. The YT-1300 had escaped into Hyperspace. Now others could be aware of the Yuuzhan Vong's new hideout.

"Someone will pay for this." Tsaak growled. "I will make their lives a living hell."

***

The Warmaster paced back and forth on his Command Ship, eyeing the Commander. He moved forward and struck him to the floor, filled with rage.

"You have failed Commander. You will not jeopardize our campaign again." Tsaak spat at him on the floor. He reached for his Tsaisi, and murdered the Commander with it, unleashing his rage with furious war cries.

After he was done, he rose off the floor and motioned for the Lieutenant to come forward.

"We are heading back to Belkadan, Commander." Tsaak smiled. "Inform one Heavy Cruiser to land, the other will be accompanying us back. Understood?" He finished.

<font color=red>"Yes Eminence. Thank you."<font color=white> The new Commander turned around and walked away.

Tsaak was alone once again. He took a seat and examined the bloody body on the floor.

"Upon entering this Galaxy, I knew such a task of cleansing it would not be easy. Jeedai and Dark Jeedai run around freely. This abominable Force 'controls' the Galaxy or so they say. The Gods have showed us this Galaxy. We must carry out their wishes. We must cleanse this Galaxy and rid it of machines. Even if I must lose my life in the process."

"Today another planet was taken. Our plan is working quite nicely. Nothing can stop us now. Not even the Force. We are the Yuuzhan Vong, and we have spoken."