Maximus Alvin's was walking down the hallway of his favorite cantina enjoying the evening on a lovely Saturday night. Fresh off some previous Imperial scouting missions with coin in hand, he decided he was ready to wind down a bit with some drink and good music. Approaching the back rooms where the live band was he noticed a figure quickly approaching his right. Within seconds his senses were spiked and he realized this was no stranger running to the bathroom after engaging in too much boozing antics. As he sharply turned igniting his lightsaber to illuminate the foe, he realized it was an old bounty hunter named Malia. She was a gorgeous creature of human orgin, but with a history as fierce as the worst scum in the galaxy. She was raised by mercenaries after they pillaged her village as a toddler. Raised by the eldest of Clans, she would become one of the most feared for her beauty, combat prowess, and ability to sneak upon her prey. Her love for the coin was her biggest drive in life and her services could be easily traded to the highest bidder regardless if the original bidder became the victim. She had been hunting Maximus for years after a chance encounter 2 years prior in a Cantina where Maximus utilized his unamusing charm to chase her. It was something she wasn’t flattered in, but it was in his own embarrassment she saw perfection in him. The two would go on a short term affair for the next few months, until one day she received a bounty. The offer was listed for Maximus from a unknown source who did not approve of their relationship. Was it a jealous rival of the two, or someone who truly wanted to see the Jedi all gone. Either way the offer was too good for Malia to pass up. She decided there are plenty of fish in the sea and Maximus is one of many. However due to his own intelligence he had already vanished from their living corridor and stole their 3 legged pet to boot. She was furious. Fast forward 2 years later and 2 second within striking distance and Maximus mind is all flashing with these thoughts. Within a second he launches a jacket at Malia which smacks her in the face. She then stops staring at the jacket asking “What is this”. Maximus replies “That is Foofy, she passed away two years ago and I didn’t have the heart to tell you since you were head over hills snuggling with her at night. I took her to the nearest shop to have her fur remade into this amazing jacket for you to remember Foofy by, but you had already left.” Malia looked in shock, pick up the jacket, smelled it and then reached out for Maximus to hug. All the while Maximus knew he didn’t really do that. He grabbed the jacket from some homeless thug digging through the garage outside when he sensed her presence in the Force. The disgusting smell of the trash coating the jacket was enough to fool Malia’s senses of the smell of the disgusting Foofy. The two would disappear in the Cantina for the night, but this time Maximus knew it would only be a night with the crazy Malia.

There on the depths of space Jedi Ranger Maximus Alvinius sat listening to the final communication between rescue forces from Clan Odan Urr answering his distress message sent out just ten minutes earlier. Three hours he heard was the timeframe it would take before reaching his location. This wasn’t as long as he had thought it would take after his recent rendezvous with Pirates just minutes earlier.

His adrenaline was still pumping and he could feel their physical presence with the uneasy shaking that still ran through his hands as he pressed the different indicators that would boost his oxygen levels while saving what precious energy his ship’s rescue systems had during engine failure.

At this point he knew there wasn’t much else to do, but sit and wait for rescue. Through his mind though he couldn’t help, but recall the action he had just been involved in during a surprise ambush by Pirates in this sector. How could he of not sensed the awaiting attack he thought, or the impending assault with the false stranded ship call they used to lure him in.

As a Jedi it was always their duty to assist any person in a time of distress. He was originally sent on this mission for a standard patrol of the sector in order to show a force of presence with the local planets and also seek to thwart any enemies looking to assault the system.

The cargo ship he came upon was innocent at best, but the manifest showed it carrying merchant supplies along with 20 civilian personnel in transit to their home world. The message stated the twenty year old cargo ship had suffered damage after a recent hyperspace jump that ended here where they encountered an astroid storm that had damaged part of the ship’s reactor core.

Maximus had been flying in the sector for thirty minutes prior and did witness the astroid storm. From afar and knew civilian ships might have been entangled in it’s grip. It was at this point he decided to seek for any ships needing help.

As he approached the astroid belt that had calmed in the minutes since the astroid storm he had encountered the distress call. Weaving in and out of the astroid he made his way over the course of the 150 km he had to cover to reach the broke down cargo ship. As he made his way there he was having a bit of fun remembering his old training days of flying in such areas. It was pure excitement at his finger tips.

Within minutes he approached the cargo ship and communicated his rescue efforts to help the ship would be soon engaged to help get the ship operational. It was in that moment when he was within 1km that 3 Pirate star fighters engaged him from positions within two astroids by the cargo ship.

He knew this fight could be won, but he had to utilize a bit of his piloting skills. Within seconds he was able to engage with a missile connecting to the first fighter approaching while utilizing evacise maneuvers to avoid the 3 missiles locked to him. Each striking a nearby astroid as he zoomed inside of it and out the other in.

Immediately on the other side one of the ships approached around his port side and another from his starboard side. Each fighter locked on as Maximus pressed full power towards the fighter to his left. This was a game of chicken he remembered from pilot school. As he plowed towards the fighter with it’s freshly launched missile coming at him he utilized anti locking flairs and 90 degree maneuver to launch his fighter above the missile and the ships zooming from the front and behind his position. In that moment he watched as the Pirates realized it was to late to avoid the incoming collision. He watched as the two missiles collided with both Pirates smashing into the engulfing flames and each other leaving nothing behind, but debris and fire.

He had his victory, but not before the blast had damaged his engine enough to disable his ship. While he was full of smiles from the victory, he was also full of confusion of how he did not recognize the Pirates impending ambush. This was something he would have a few hours to think about before his rescue party would arrive. He knew he needed to compile all possible scenarios for this illusion in order to take it back to his Clan for further investigation.

Landon Cruise history has a turbulent past, but it was that past that brought him to become the man he is today. Much of his life was spent bouncing from space station to space stations where his mother frequently flew missions in order to provide for him. As many other children his age were spending time in schools or combat schools, Landon was learning the black world of smuggling, gambling, and piloting. By the time he reached his 16th Birthday he was already heralded as one of the best pilots when it came to smuggler work. His mother would soon pass away in a terrible chase in which Landon vowed revenge against the pilots who killed her. It was at this point he was approached by a Admiral of the Emperor's Hammer. His name was Jacob Van Nowak. Through Landon's rage, Jacob Van Nowak's Force powers were able to sense his location. Unknown at the time to Landon, Jacob Van Nowak would end up being his long lost half brother born to Dala Cruise and sold to an Imperial family at birth. Their connection to the Force was unusually strong and it was at this point Jacob recruited him into the TIE Corps.

Landon Cruise started out his career in the TIE Corps under Dempsey. He was a quick learner and quickly rose up the piloting ranks. Through his time there he would go on to earn some of the highest merit medals in under a years time. After a short stay in Delta Squadron under Dempsey, Landon commanded his own Squadron named Alpha Squadron. This Squadron would ultimately make a name for itself by placing 1st overall in many competitions month after month, and leading all other Squadrons on it's ship in the annual Raise the Flag tournament. For Landon's commitment he would attain the rank of Major in under 9 months in the TIE Corps. His final achievement would be the earning the title of Top Gun which was held for nearly a decade by Brucmack. Towards the end of his career Landon started to her rumors that his rise to the top was threatening some in other fronts. It wouldn't be long before he would be attacked in an Imperial Space port while surrounded by other pilots. All in told Landon Cruise, Jacob Van Nowak, Drake Starfire, and Chrome were able to make it out of TIE Corps space and jump to the safety of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood Space.

Once in DJB space, Landon would end up seeking refuge in Arcona under the guidance of Mark Schueler. The other pilots were taking time to gather their thoughts before officially joining the DJB. It was at this time Landon made several small contributions to Arcona. In the end Landon would find out that Mark Schueler was apart of the Emperor's Hammer Command Staff and his paranoia led him to believe Mark was trying to capture him in order to return Landon for his sentence from leaving the TIE Corps. It was at this time Landon abandoned the DJB and fled to the outer rim with his other buddies.

A year later an old pilot named Delak that once flew with Landon suggested Clan Scholae Palatinae. His brother also stated he had once held a spot with this Clan and they all decided to offer themselves to fighting with this Clan. Once there, the Emperor asked Landon what it was he expected to get from his stay in the Brotherhood. Landon response was "To dive deeper into the Force. My whole life I have been a pilot with a strong connection to the Force, but I have never been able to fully explore the possibilities that might exist to me".

He made the long trip to the outer skirts of Clan Scholar Palatinae space where he would end up answering a beacon call that he thought was sent by Delak. Once Landon made it to the landing coordinates on Judecca he ended up realizing that it was a transit by Emperor’s Hammer hidden agents. Delak had been captured by Force sensitives and Landon’s ability to find him would hang on whether Scholar palatine would trust him and accept him into their Clan.

It would take three days before Landon would fine the hidden agents in a cave off the outskirts of town. Once there he utilized everything in his body to defeat the agents. Many blows were dealt this day, but in the end Landon would emerge victorious over them. Delak was happy to be free from these grasp of the Emperor’s Hammer and finally took Landon to the Imperial Palace of Clan Scholae Palatinae.
The Emperor smiled and told him he was in just the right place. From that moment on, Landon devoted his life to the Empire.

Story of Landon Cruise’s ride to the light side.

Judecca
Edge of the outpost

Krennel and Cruise ran to the back of a crumbled outpost. Tired and worn from the hours of battling against Fallax’s new control over the Imperial military the pair ducked down from the laser fire. Lasers felt like they were coming by the thousands flying over their heads as they sat down behind the crumbling building that once housed the very troops who were firing at them. Cruise looked towards Krennel and nodded in his direction. Cruise didn’t have to say anything to Krennel, because Krennel could see what he meant with the nod through the Gray Jedi’s eyes. After all they were fighting against a force that just weeks earlier was loyal to them. Now under a corrupt Emperor who was so easily blinded by the power of the Dark side that he could lose sight of the staying true to the loyal members who helped him protect his Clan even when the times were tough. Krennel didn’t have to understand the nod in Cruise’s eyes to see the resignation. After all this was the same man who had slowly descended from the Dark side and venturing into the Gray side of the Force. He brought unconventional tactics while in the summit that some approved of in the Clan and others didn’t quickly became enemies with the man. Either way he knew it was over. Landon Cruise was done with the Dark side haunting the Clan and reaching out for something loyal, of peace, and more aligned with helping balance the Force.

Suddenly off in the distance the sound of footsteps could be heard running up to their position. As Krennel jumps on the defensive and draws his lightsaber, Cruise sits there slowly meditating with his eyes closed.

“Calm down Krennel, they are with us.” Cruise said still sitting there patiently with his eyes closed. Within seconds Corm Wagglehorn and Alara Deathbane came around the corner.

“How did you know?” Krennel asked looking at Cruise in disbelief. “The Dark side can cloud even the strongest of minds as you can see what has happened with our Emperor.” Cruise said as he nodded towards Corm and Alara.

“So what is the game plan against Fallax now that they have our Forces? I have tried different avenues with Alara and I still think there is a strong shot we can attack them head on in order to reach Fallax. The military might should be loyal to Kell if we can find him and defeat Fallax. New Dawn will fall hard.” Alara said.

“Yes I agree. Last thing I heard before the transmissions died was Kell was close to the Imperial Palace, but that was hours ago. I have a location grid to his last known coordinates so we can make our jump there. The four of us can easily manage a Platoon of troopers if attacked. Any more and we will have to make a break for it.” Corm explained.

“He isn’t listening. Look at him.” Krennel said pointing at Cruise who was staring up into the sky as if looking for something further from all the chaos and corruption that had ravaged the Clan through the past.

“What are you talking about Krennel?” Alara said confused.

Corm began to walk towards Cruise and put his hand on his shoulder as if beginning to understand what was happening. “I think I always knew this day would come. You always were struggling with the Dark side. You Force sensitives are very different than myself in your balance of the Force, but I respect your decision if this is what you’re doing. You’re a good man Cruise and if it weren’t for my love of credits and battle, I would be with you. The Imperials pay too well for the time being and I love all the battles they like to muster up.” Corm said as Cruise embraces his fist in a deep arm shake.

“Corm, no words are needed my friend. You will always be great where ever you are. This is a journey I must take.” Cruise responded after giving a warrior like handshake.

Alara moved towards Cruise looking upset, but somewhat at peace at the same time. Her missions with Cruise in the past have been few and far between due to their differences in Houses, but the man had always been around at the Imperial Palace gatherings offering any insight that may be needed if she required it. The two of them while on different ends of the Force spectrum had similar tragedies happen in their life. The Force bond between them was strong and they both felt it, but never wanted to address it due to their own loyalties at the time to their respective houses.

“So this is it? Where will you go? What is your purpose if you leave your home?” Alara said to Cruise with a concerned look.

“I don’t know. Something is pulling me in a certain direction. Rumor is the Jedi made it off their planet after the Grand Master came after them and are evading in a Fleet. My path has always been in struggle with the Dark side that encompassed the Clan. I'm tired of all this corruption, malice, darkness, and chaos. My heart yearns for peace and that cannot be found here. My place is not with the Dark Side any longer. A stirring has begun inside my soul from the Force. I thought I could deal with the minor incidents here and there, but the Emperor is corrupted as you have seen when New Dawn easily used it to their advantage. My house leader is a puppet at his feet and will wait at nothing to take the throne when he gets the chance undermine the Sith. The Dark side tends to control those based on the greed for power. They will step over everyone in their path to it no matter what that person has done for them.” Cruise responded with great ease.

“I know. I always felt your connection there, but never wanted to believe it.” Alara said while hugging Cruise in understanding what the fallen Imperial Knight had said.

Cruise walked over to Krennel and almost instinctively they both snapped to and embraced each other’s right arms while pounding their fist into each other’s chest plates as the metal of their armor pierced the air.

“You will always be my brother. Your loyalty is without fault even if you do not approve of my path. Continue to harness your energy to walk the path that is in your destiny. Know regardless of what part of the Force your on that I am here for you brother.” Cruise responded as he let go and headed off into the heat of the laser fire being shot in their direction.

“How will you get off planet with the hangar and star fighters under Fallax’s control?” Alara yelled out.

Cruise looked back and smiled.

“I hear there are some legends waiting for me in a stolen ship by the name of Chrome. I’m going to go find out if it’s true.” Cruise responded as he lifted his fist in the air and ignited his blue light saber that gave off an alluring aura that instantly hit them and sent chills through their skin. They knew he was gone to the light side.

This fued has taken its toll,
after betrayal from a might foe,
the Sadows will learn that you reap what you sow.

Scholae Palatinae begin their their final ride,
setting their sights on the highest prize,
the artifact awarded will seal their pride.

Nearing the hour of the dead,
the Emperor pushes us all ahead,
for losing is not an option with all we have bled.

Strike down the enemy,
let them feel our power,
now is the time to make them cower.

Rally now as a Scholae
forward we will move,
victory awaits on this last finale.

Clutching the artifact tight, Cruise knew his time was limited in escaping back to safety. His communication link had been disabled for the past 3 hours with CNS and Red Fury Pirate interference and he knew following the valley back to where his ship was would be filled with Dark Jedi waiting to pounce.

He suddenly remembered Xen speaking of an old junkyard within the area that would be used for rally point if anyone were to come into contact with the artifact and comms were lost. Within this graveyard of ships would be scattered pieces of parts placed strategically in order to power an old star fighter. Downside would be figuring out how to find the parts, install, and correctly pilot the fighter.

Cruise thought to himself that luckily flying has always been one of the few things he had been good at. Quickly Cruise began running towards the area of the graveyard. Within minutes he already came upon 3 Red Pirates combing through a couple of slain corpses along the path. He sensed something in the Force within seconds of watching the Pirates and planning his attack. The disturbance was one of rage, and power. As he felt it stronger, Cruise knew this disturbance before. Within seconds a Dark Jedi appeared suddenly and became to strike down the Pirates. One by one the blade hacked through them limb by limb. This wasn't the work of someone who wanted to defend themselves, but of one who wanted to ensure they died the worse death possible for crossing them.

Cruise slowly walked up behind the Dark Jedi as they were just finishing cutting off the last limbs of the 3rd Pirate.

“Thanks for the help Cruise. I was wondering when you were going to attack them.” Blade said while unveiling her hood.

“You always were the fighter Blade. I like to approach my situations were strategically and if needed handle my enemies quickly.” Cruise said.

“You Grey Jedi, all work and no fun. True power comes in total annihilation and complete terror of our enemies so that no one will ever follow in their foot steps again. That is the true power of Scholae Palatinae” Blade exclaimed while stabbing the last clinging to life pirate through the throat.

“Well I'm a pilot at heart. I'll leave the torturing, ground and pound business to you Sith. Speaking of piloting I have a fighter to fix and fly out.” Cruise said with a smirk.

“You cannot abandoned the mission until it is complete Cruise. Even you are bound by oath to the Emperor, or should you flee he will have your head.” Blade said while raising her saber in towards him.

“Woah, slow down. You might want to take a look at this.” Cruise said while pulling a glowing blue object from under his armor as Blade's eye began to open in amazement.

“Where did you..” Blade said as Cruise quickly interrupted her with “No time for explanations, let's get the hell to that ship and back to the Emperor.

The two made their way to the ship graveyard and ultimately off the planet and to the Emperor.

Excidium Air Space Control
Ptlolomea
0435

Landon Cruise:
Echo 3-7, this is Juliet 389 requesting permission to land for agricultural commerce drop at the Jormungand Quarry.

Excidium Control(Echo 3-7):
Juliet 389 your access to this area is not authorized. Please disengage and reroute course to capital city hangars.

Landon Cruise:
Echo 3-7, I have access codes that authorize me to this area for drop by way of the Emperor himself. Prepare to receive codes.

::Silence passes for 5 minutes::

Excidium Control:
Juliet 389, your access has been permitted, proceed to drop point.

::::::Entering Excidium Orbit::::::::

Dude that was so close, how freaking dumb can these Excidium guys be to take those fake coordinates? I should of poisoned the Blue Milk stalk, then we could of won this real quick. Drake Starfire said.

Brother, calm the hell down. I have a feeling they know we are here, but are following normal protocol to ensure we don’t catch on. Problem is we expected to hit them first and have prepared for their countermeasures. I just hope Delak and Blade make it to the drop. Landon Cruise responded.

What is our objective once we get down there. I fell asleep halfway through Lexic briefing dreaming of fairies and pixie dust, wait I didn’t mean to say that out loud. Drake responded.

We are merely a distraction so the rest of Imperium can make it into position and defeat these fools. I’m sure we will be spotted either in the Air or on the Ground, but thats the point. Distraction my friend, we are the bait! Landon yelled in excitement!

:::Warning, warning, missiles in bound, warning, warning, missiles in bound, evasive actions needed:::

Haha, I actually have the chance to kill the Landon Cruise, pet of the MAA, and puppet of the Clan. You made a bad choice by deciding to follow through with your leaders orders and attack us. I think you forget who won the last scuffle poor Mystic! Form said through the transmission.

OH snap, we have a fighter targeting us. Is that Jorm? Cruise, you better not get me killed before I get my chance to own a pink flamingo! I promised myself I would always have one! Drake shouted as the alarms sounded louder.

Chill out blue man, I got you. We will probably get shot out of the sky, but we should be positioned to land close to the other House members. So clam down bruh! I gotta come up with a awesome response to Jorm. Landon Shouted back at the man who's body was exhibiting a bright blue aura from the stress of the situation.

::Landon Clears his throat through the transmission:: Jorm, you are one funny dude. To think I would come here for any reason than diplomacy is unreal. You know me, I’m here to escape the traitors. Landon stated.

Fudge you Landon, I always wanted to knock you off, and Drake just make the price that much better, adios mother truckers!

::Missles launched and chase the scrambling fighter through the atmosphere before connecting to a wing::

Hold on Drake, we have lost comms, but he fell right into our trap. I knew his arrogance would ultimately be his down fall with attacking us. My calculations should land us 1 click away from Delak’s postion. Landon yelled.

Why do I always decided to fly with you! Yelled Drake.

Oh by the way, I hope you can swim! Landon yelled back!