Faction A New Home (Tsis'Kaar)

[Helix]

Objective: Currently unknown
Equipment: E-4H Phosphor Pistol, Horror Matrix
Tags: Darth Malum of House Marr / Darth Strosius / Darth Nefaron / @Anyone else present
OPEN​

Helix arrived late, snapping into orbit aboard a sleek stealth corvette. Once landed, he quickly made the decision to dampen his olfactory sensors. The hordes of unwashed, miserable dregs were as much of a nosesore as an eyesore.

The nano-entity had made little secret of his utter lack of compassion for the masses in the past. He saw no moral issue with slavery (or any other crime) but as ever, politely kept his opinions to himself. Still, it galled him that so much perfectly serviceable meat was here, walking around and sucking up valuable resources, instead of being repurposed to more useful ends. He could only assume that this pageantry served some political purpose above his station. Malum seldom did anything for no reason.

He arrived some minutes behind the infamous Nefaron, whom he favored with a slight inclination of his head. They'd met only transiently in the past, but Helix knew well that the disfigured Sith must share his views on this shameful waste of resources. What power Malum held over the creature, he couldn't guess. Nefaron was normally all but a rogue element, answering to nobody but himself. Then again, the same could be said for Strosius, who was also present.

Interesting. The two famously did not get along, and to see them here in vaguely-civil circumstances was jarring. A tiny part of his compound-consciousness made a note of this. Helix had worked carefully to stay off the hitlist of each without offending the other. Strosius was a longtime friend, one he would far prefer to keep on his side, and Nefaron was as close to a political ally as he would ever get within the Order. Open advocates for slavery were few and far between, given the Emperor's policies. Few had the gall to flout such rules. He was one of them.

Helix had no real need for slave labor as such, but from time to time would nonetheless scoop up isolated individuals for his experiments. Being worked to death was a far kinder fate than an extended stay in his larder-dungeons, but the Order only seemed to care (so far) if the meat was used for labor, rather than testing. A puzzling and frankly pointless distinction, but one he'd not bothered openly arguing for some time.

Perhaps the whole thing was merely a screen for something else. It was wise, when dealing with Sith, to never take anything they said or did at face value. Malum must have some reason for this charade, and he meant to find out what it was.

 

[Armaros Asenath]

Tags: Darth Malum of House Marr , Aeizori-Mei Kaeirosae , Mariah of House Marr

"So the inhabitants of this citadel require... aesthetics to do their duty?" Asenath pondered aloud, part of him genuinely confounded by such a notion, "Is faith so lacking here that such disproportionate resources must be dedicated to the notion of aesthetics for your servants instead of the war effort against the infidels who would defy us?"

Though at least someone here seemed to understand duty, and Asenath now regarded the vulpine in a different light despite her seemingly inane tasks. Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life. For Aeizori, it was housework. For Asenath, it was razing worlds. They really weren't too different.

He once more gazed at the velvet in his fist. Gloves with minuscule flecks of dried mud sullied them. "These patterns are woven at an atomic level. The same hands that weaved this curtain surely would have been of better use putting together a fission missile, no?"

To Asenath, war was a formula. It had inputs. It had outputs. The former is constantly under constraints, while the latter must always be the same result: victory. The only thing he ever truly had control over was the equation in the middle. It was his abattoir, his slaughterhouse. He looked out the window again at the baying crowds entering through the gate. For a butcher to waste meat. To feed and clothe it without exploiting the labor, while wasting manpower on curtains and dusting...

Inconceivable.

Again and again, this Galaxy continued to perplex him with its propensity for waste. It was one thing to hear the prophet's preachings on its sinfulness, but it was another to behold with one's own eyes how broken it was.

"I suppose different worlds have different needs," he said, reminding himself he was here on a diplomatic mission. No need to insult his host.

Though he now couldn't wait for when the time came and he would be allowed to put this pompous world to the sword.

"I don't believe we've met," he nodded, "Chervertim-Colonel Asenath of the Pact is at your service. I presume the droids here are yours?"

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

He allowed a breath of relief pass his lips, through the mask, as each and every one of them undertook a task in service to the objective that he had placed upon them with little warning. It had not all gone to plan, mind you, but it was enough for him to feel the weights on his shoulder lessen, as he rolled them back, and for once, felt not the bearing weight.

But hope.

It was the question of what exactly that hope entailed that stumped him, theres was an Order, a creed, that so often essentialised the need to steal hope from the hearts of their enemies. So what to do, when it was one's own people, one's own heart, that required it? The question went unanswered, as Aeizori grew taugh and taut, leaving without a word, dutifully to execute his commands.

He could not help but feel as if he should have done more.

Green eyes were staring at the back of his head, overflowing with raven locks, a gentle if everpresent reminder that beyond the audience casting their eyes upon him, there was one of supreme importance here as well, one whom shared the same blood as many who stood in conjuction here. To think he had been unaware that a von Ascania had been within the borders of the Empire, that a lost Marr had been within the borders of the Empire...

They had much to catch up on to say the least.

He flicked red eyes towards Mariah, gazing through the glass visor, and offering a gentle nod of his head, even as he grimaced slightly, "You are too hard on yourself cuz, but still, I appreciate your aid," Left unsaid was the silent thanks, that she followed Aeizori, as always he required eyes everywhere.

Even if in this instance it was to make surety the safety of one of his ser-... subordinates.

That left his sister, a ghost of a smile broaching his lips at her antics, the pure goodnatured conduct of one that was meant to be anything but. He found it hard to imagine any of his other sisters would be so... gentle with those of pasts like this. It was not that they were incapable of it, it was not as if they did not care but... when Julia was so skittish, Caecia so cold, and Sophia... well, Sophia might be the best suited out of those three, but...

...He did not know if she could do as Elise did.

It was as her attention was drawn to Lysander, that Malum realised he had been too distracted by the sight, "My apologies for the non-announcement, sweet sister, but I am glad you are still here," He offered with all the genuineness that a younger brother could offer an elder sister, "Alas, I do have one more responsibility to give you," He turned his masked face towards the von Ascania, as the hairs on the back of his neck spiked at the presence of one he had called here.

But now most desperately needed to move somewhere far from here, thankfully, approaching from the flank of the Corpse Lord, there was another key ally, that was essential to the discussions of today.

"Elise of House Marr, meet Lysander of House von Ascania," He gestured to both, "He is... well..." He trailed off, it was not a new concept for his sister, her younger brother bringing more and more kin from out of the woodwork, but for Malum, it never stopped being at least somewhat awkward, "He is our cousin, I am sure you will both have many questions for each other."

It might have been slightly cruel to leave them both with that revelation, but as Malum reached down, laying the child he held with remarkable gentleness, watching with a feeling of forlorness as they rushed forth to joining the entanglement of his sister, he was quick to turn away, back towards a corpse, and a droid.

"It is that triumph among other things we will discuss, come along," He intoned, before turning towards the good Commodore, "It has been too long, Helix, my apologies again that the Assembly did not see the wisdom of your rise... we will turn that around in good time, I promise." That left another, the fourth piece in their mournvival.

"Come find me brother, there is much to discuss." He spoke in silent whisper, a dark ichor that followed the winds to be heard by only a pair of chiropaterac ears.

Mariah of House Marr Elise of House Marr Lysander von Ascania Darth Nefaron Helix Darth Strosius
Present: Aeizori-Mei Kaeirosae Lúthien Tinúviel Armaros Asenath

 

[Mariah of House Marr]

Aeizori-Mei Kaeirosae Armaros Asenath


What was this habit of the third person? The barabels did that, as did some others, but it seemed to be a trauma response. Strange. Her response to

the man was simple and polite, and probably at least partly true, and then she stepped behind Mariah who made no effort to change that, though she was hardly much of an imposing protection she imagined. At least not in this body.

"Require?" she repeated the word back at him in a tone somehow both formal and mocking, then she hummed as he continued, "Rather narrow view if you think it's only for the servants. You don't deal in politics much do you?"

She chuckled at his comparison on the usage of hands, "No. For one that work is almost universally better for machines in either regard, and for two, they'd be different machines. Specialization is typically preferable in production as it reduces excess energy and material costs." despite her talk of aesthetics, she still understand the world of machines and industry. She just disagreed with kinds of efficiency. The offense she took regardless at the criticism of aesthetics was present, but she at least partly kept it out of her voice. "You're looking at this too much like a machine, that excludes too many factors about the galaxy. It's, ironically, less effective. It seems numerically efficient only when accounting for the materials and energy uses of only what you currently possess directly. But doesn't consider political or social effects. Besides the fact such over-efficiency is simply unnecessary. The geonosians follow that method more than most, and they are often at the bottom of the pile when considering empires."

Regardless, now there were introductions, "I am Mariah of House Marr. And many are. I have a fondness for the more technological progressions and applications. Force related or otherwise" she explained, she reached a hand behind her discreetly to Aeizori if she sought it, just some sort of minor comfort, letting her have the option of if she wanted Mariah to introduce herself or not. Mariah held little authority at present, and she didn't know this man. So didn't want to shove Aeizori into the conversation if she didn't want to. At least not right now. Though already she had one of White-5 doing searches for any details they may have on him.

 

[Darth Strosius]

Darth Strosius offered a noise that sat somewhere between a hum and a slight chuckle in response as He nodded, finding the wording rather apt but more than likely not for the reasons that Nightingale meant it as. Divine benevolence indeed, He almost wondered if she had spent any time around His followers with talk like that. They did have a habit of exaggerating a bit after all.

"Yes, now you understand the necessity of the task at hand." He was more than satisfied by the summation it seemed, returning her gaze with another slight nod. "Fear is a useful tool, but that is all it can be. A tool. An empire requires many various tools if it is to prosper or even be formed at all. One cannot build a bridge with a dagger, but neither can one terrify their foes with a hammer. A true Sith knows when to employ their tactics and tools to make use of their maximum potential, whether that be an act of kindness or one of despair."

The question, her confusion, brought Him pause for a moment as He cocked His head to the side. He mused on the question before responding, glancing away for a moment to type again. "It is possible. There will always be weak links in the chain, no matter how strong it may be. Some of these freed slaves could very well leave Alvaria the moment they are properly fed and rested, never to return and never to declare loyalty to the Sith. If Darth Malum is as clever in this matter as he is in most others then he will be aware of this and will prepare accordingly."

Darth Strosius was something of an expert in that regard, one didn't lead a cult without some purpose for its members. Enticing loyalty even in those saved from certain doom could indeed be a complicated and risky affair, there would need to be vulnerability in order to form connection but that very vulnerability could be easily used against them in turn should the rescued parties find some flaw in their saviors. It was a delicate balancing act and no two individuals were the same in their motives even if they were from the same origin, but it could be done.

"A proper empire does not have a single pillar to hold itself up, nor does a strong society. Every level should be self sustaining to some degree, able to weather the disruptions above and below it. All are connected of course but there must also be enough of a barrier so that one weak link does not destabilize the entire structure. Strength may wane, but if accounted for properly it will never diminish." The method of how one achieved such strength was far more nebulous and circumstantial than He could really explain, but the basic concept could be grasped easily enough. Nightingale was smart enough to fill in the blanks on her own.

"Come find me brother, there is much to discuss."

Darth Strosius inclined His head slightly at the whisper that reached Him and cast a glance at the planet below from the periphery of His visor. With a click of His tongue He typed out a new order and sent it, the vessel starting to move soon after. "It would appear as though our landing will be sooner that expected. You'll get to see these poor souls and enshrine their loyalty firsthand Nightingale. Do be on your best behavior, they may be your future compatriots and contacts on assignments."

Darth Malum of House Marr / Aeizori-Mei Kaeirosae / Mariah of House Marr / Elise of House Marr / Armaros Asenath / Lysander von Ascania / Lúthien Tinúviel / Darth Nefaron / Helix

 

[Aeizori-Mei Kaeirosae]

Aeizori winces at how Armaros Asenath 's dirty, muddly glove continues to ruin and stain against the banner she had cleaned hours ago. An ear twitched. A sign of displeasure rising up, but she stays her tongue. As he spoke, the words echo in her mind. Does he not appreciate the work she has done here? To make the grand palace look appealing to the eye? His uncaring words stab her like daggers. Harming her very being.

Her feelings don't matter. Shouldn't matter.

Should they? Her mind still traumatized from the sight of those children. Those war-torn, and formerly enslaved children. A place in which she hails from. Forged and brought up this way. Her mind struggles to make a coherent thought to state her displeasure of how dirty the man is making that banner. Or how him and his men's boots have tracked mud in the halls.

Aeizori remains silent. Unsure if his questions and responses were directed at her or the woman in front of her. Instead, she allows Mariah of House Marr spotlight in such even if she wishes for the maid to speak as well.

Alas, a question that she could answer arose. Her head perked up, tails faintly swaying behind her. At the mention of driods, however, it was directed at Mariah and not herself. Her head lowers down once again. A dultful servant knows their place. To speak when addressed, given commands and follows them without question. A path she falls upon once more.

Alas, her silence is broken. She leans further towards Mariah to speak in a very soft tone nay a whisper. 'May Aeizori leave to clean what mess Malum's guest has brought forth? Or should she stay lest you need her assistance here.'

Yes, she is hypocritical when it comes to cleaning.

 

[Lúthien Tinúviel]

Interacting: Darth Strosius
Others: Darth Malum of House Marr | Mariah of House Marr | Aeizori-Mei Kaeirosae | Armaros Asenath | Lysander von Ascania | Elise of House Marr |

The addition to my summarization and further eloquence of words allowed a greater understanding of the situation. My birth and early life was predicated on cult behavior of self sacrifice out of fear, and repentance. The Maw and their ilk sought to bring much under their gaze and grasp. Willing to rule over ashes and destruction just to say they were the victors. Their destruction and obliteration of planets was very clear. They did not take lightly to the aspect of being followers of the Dark Side of the Force.

However, as a sudden head tilt of my sponsor lord, I felt a flowing through the current. A subtle shift in its flow and movement. Forced and pushed past like a Colonial through flora of a foreign world. He was being spoken too. I could feel it, but not interpret it. I did not dare probe my mind towards the Sith. Invasion of his own mind was not a friendly action. Nor did I feel the need to be snooping where it would only produce trouble. Having already done that before to someone else, if a flow was made of the mind, I dare not experience that again.

His words cut through the air after. A slight touch of almost... annoyance? I was still unsure how to correctly read the man with so much of his visage and demeanor hidden without his voice to tell me. Speaking plainly, he made mention of be being behaved. I soft roll of my eyes at the comment. Making mention that these people I may have to work with later. So leaving a good impression was better than a sour one.

"I play nice should the others do so. Yet, I shall rein in any loose tongue that wishes to speak."

I released a sigh and just looked to the holoprojector and the dancing lights of people moving through the system. The soldiers moving about as their job was detailed.

"Should I prepare anything for our arrival, or is that provided for us?"

 

[Trayze Tesar]

CURRENT MISSION - Suffer the Little Children
Immediate Goals -
1: Reconvene with House Marr and allies
2: Ensure the dispossessed have a home

BLUFOR - Darth Malum of House Marr & Allies

OPFOR - Darth Nefaron

TARGETING ACTION(S) - OPEN FREQUENCY

---

The Conciliator had followed shortly after Helix, with a brooding Kiffar ahead.

He had heard the news, and had suspected the worst - children, sons and daughters of chattel to be used by Sith of the worst experiments. This was something that, sadly, he knew all too well when he was on the Peacekeeping Force, and so his heart swelled in bittersweet pride as he intently strode into the halls of Alvaria, sans droid accompaniment.

It was in his mind's eye that he sensed them, newcomers - both Force sensitive (perhaps more distant relations, it seemed every time Malum could shake a tree one or two cousins of incomprehensible removal or dishonored descendents of the Ancient and Illustrious House of Marr could be found), and non. Darth Strosius ' presence cheered him, as did his Lordly Cousin...

But even one who abstained from the game of politicking could smell the stench of Nefaron.

Under the polite protection of hospitality.

A stone's throw away from his victims.

Under the protection of Malum's hospitality?!

Steady breaths, Trayze... The Kiffar cooled himself, preventing an errant tendril of rage from damaging the very expensive manor. No need to throw a wobbly and give the help a headache... Yet.

 

[Darth Nefaron]

I am not your pet, fool.
​

Nefaron held his tongue. He would be doing that often these days, for he was surrounded by those who thought like Darth Malum. His faction had grown stronger following the Kaggath, though his victory had also earned him far more enemies within the Empire. The fact that he was wasting time bothering with the weaklings that once toiled away beneath Nefaron's fortress already set him apart from more conservative elements in the Empire's vast and complicated bureaucracy. While not as vocal, many wish for the return of open slavery within the Empire's borders, no need for religious exceptions, or whatever else was used to justify having thousands under the lash. Many thought Nefaron foolish for failing to justify in his reasoning for having slaves, but in truth, it worked out better than he could have ever imagined. Now he was at Darth Malum's side, though the boy was idealistic and held to a pathetic sense of honor, he was still eager to compromise if it meant furthering his own goals.

The Corpse Lord had much to offer him.

In return, Nefaron would poison his very soul.​

Yet some held common cause with the Corpse Lord, even among Malum's circle. He was surprised to see the Droid Warlord Helix amongst those called by Malum, but this only strengthened his hand in the coming discussion. While they certainly didn't agree on everything, they were both in favor of removing the artificial shackles of morality in order to put the entire galaxy in chains. He was still friendly with the fool Strosius, but Nefaron felt confident that the Droid would soon find himself more and more aligned with the Corpse Lord, especially when he heard what was brewing in the Dark Lord's mind.

When Malum commanded them to follow, Nefaron was quick to come to the Commodore's side as they walked. It was best to make initial introductions now, as Nefaron held little doubt in mind that Malum would have much to say once all his guests had arrived.

"Helix, my old friend, it has been too long. I have yet to thank you for your help on Vassek some time ago. A wonderful bit of slaughter and destruction was wrought that day."

In fact, many of those freed from Anoat were collected during the raid of Vassek. The assault proved that such raids would go unchallenged by the Alliance, as those words not in Alliance space were deemed irrelevant. Not even the Jedi saw value in defending the pathetic weaklings who toiled away on dying farms.

"I am pleased we find ourselves once more aligned. Much can be gained from our cooperation in the coming months."

As the pair walked together, the Corpse Lord suddenly sensed a great deal of malice being directed his way. Such was to be expected, but he had done a great deal to conceal himself on this world, so only one well-versed in the force might have picked him out.

Nefaron stretched out to find its source. It seemed a new arrival had joined them, one more of those aligned with Malum.

Tesar ​

Though they had never spent a significant amount of time together, Nefaron was at least familiar with the man's reputation. It seems he disapproves of the Corpse Lord's actions.

Nefaron took great care to give him a glance, his hood concealing most of his features aside from the cruel smile that had formed on his lips.

He was weak. No better than those who once labored for Nefaron.

He would break him. He would crush his will.

As he would do to Malum.

TAGS: Helix Darth Malum of House Marr Trayze Tesar ​

 

[Helix]

Objective: Unchanged
Equipment: Unchanged
Tags: Darth Malum of House Marr / Darth Nefaron /OPEN

​

"It is of no consequence." Rasped the nanocolony in response to Malum's apology. In truth, he'd not been especially keen in being tangled in the Sith's politics, and was secretly relieved. He had his own to worry about, and was far happier on the battlefield than in a meeting room. "Politics at the barrel of a blaster are an option now. It is well past time that the Tsis'kaar had force to back up its schemes. I am confident that matters will go our way in time, regardless of the Assembly's willingness to cooperate."

He fell in step with rest, moving in that strange, unnaturally graceful stride he'd possessed since his upgrade. His surface gave the occasional shimmer or ripple as he registered the others present, one by one.

Aside from Nefaron, Trayze, and Strosius, he recognized none of them. A good sign. Perhaps others were finally taking this seriously, and picking sides in the current climate. Or perhaps they were spies, reporting to unknown masters. He'd have to moderate his language.

It didn't take Nefaron long to scurry up to him and utter some trite greetings. For a being so ravaged and disfigured, Nefaron certainly didn't lack for a certain serpentine charisma. Once again, Helix found himself wondering what manner of influence Malum could possibly hold over this apparition. He doubted it would last forever. Nefaron did not seem the sort to be content with a leash.

"No thanks are necessary, Lord Nefaron." Came his reply. "If anything, I should be thanking you for so fortuitous an opportunity. The Vassek incident was most enlightening. A turning point, one might say." Helix, too, had come away with the conclusion that the Alliance was either too weak or apathetic to defend far-flung territories not in their sway. Territories ripe with meat for the fleshworks. He'd been more aggressive since then, and his forces had scooped up great quantities of organic detritus.

Helix was not, of course, Force-sensitive, but even he could read a room, and his senses extended far beyond simple photoreception. He detected elevated blood pressure, tensed muscles. Heard heartbeats quicken with anger. Nefaron was not popular here. Interesting, but not his concern. He would associate with whom he wished. An ally was an ally, regardless of affiliation.

"As am I." Responded Helix, lowering his tone as they walked. "I must confess I am pleasantly surprised to see you in present company." He wondered how long such a heterodox bunch would play nice with one another. He didn't know the others well, but he doubted they all marched in ideological lockstep with Malum anymore than Nefaron did. As ever, it was a balancing act. One he was happy to let Marr handle the particulars of.

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

He kept a subtle masked eye upon Darth Nefaron as they walked, quickly both Darth and Commodore had taken up position on his rear flanks, content to converse on matters of shared import, as their legs, biological or not, took them to the destination he set. There was a certain power in that all unto itself, a power that he enjoyed far more than he would ever verbally admit.

There was power too in all those that trailed beyond the motley three gathered. A familiar heat at his chest, his amulet brimming with the sensation of so many Marrs gathered in one place, as too, one more of his blood had joined them. He felt the organ in his chest hearten... there was much that he needed to tell Trayze.

So much that...

...Would need to wait for another day.

From far above, they all bore witness to the vessels of the Wonosa begin their descent, great hulking crafts filled to the brim no doubt with all that which was required for what they would accomplish here, but, held of most import, was one who wore a mask distinct from his own... but within held a kinship beyond that of blood.

The Mournival would soon be complete, but still, there were those missing still. Those flung far afield, those with tasks underway, those that had been lost...

...Darth Fury's absence was felt.

So was Darth Latens', Darth Anguina's, Darth Sicarius', Darth Pararius' and Lieutenant Vax's.

Far, engrossed...

...Lost.

That with each name he grew far and far less confident of their fate, and of the the names unmentioned, those which he had made common cause... that which had long since flouted their oaths of fealty, their leal bonds. That now, one of his most prized was a walking corpse that actively plotted against him...

...The Tsis'Kaar always survived, that had never been in question, they had survived the depths of the Ouroboros Crisis, the setbacks he had faced since Dorvalla, would hardly be the events that finally caused the house of cards to collapse.

...But it had been setback... setback, after setback.

He would have to move more carefully than he would like, more carefully as eyes always watched.

They crested up the hill, biological and robotic eyes catching sight of their destination, a quaint table, sat upon the middle of the grassy plain, piled high with plates steaming, and cold liquids bringing comfort upon the tongue. The table was too big for those gathered here, a reminder, of all those that should be gathered. Preperations had been made as soon as he had made landfall, preparations completed as the various spectres and ghosts that he called ally, gathered here.

Sat beneath the radiance of the Alvarian sun, without the shade of darkened ceilings heralding overhead. They of the darkness, were brought under the sight of light, there would be no hiding here, no secrets.

Apart from which he allowed.

"For all the success at Vassek and Ukatis," He intoned deeply from within the replica mask of his great and powerful ancestor, taking his position at the head of the table, gesturing for his companions to sit, awaiting the arrival of his brothers elder, blood or not, "I return to find our position back home deterioating, Polis Massa lost to some vapid girl who has usurped one of our seats on the Assembly, and who has struck against one of our own at Saijo."

His voice drifted along the clearing, heard by the trailing Trayze, and over the comms by the arriving Alisteri.

"Yet, we have returned nonetheless victorious, now it is simply a question of what we do... I am most curious what all of you have been doing these days, for indeed, I have been absent for far too long indeed."

Helix Trayze Tesar Darth Nefaron Darth Strosius
Mentioned: Ansisa

 

[Darth Nefaron]

"Indeed. Events are turning in our favor. Perhaps we shall have to exploit such an opportunity again in the future."
​

Nefaron did enjoy the murderous droid. Such a strange creation, and yet the Dark Lord saw him as more than some programmed servant. Helix was a cunning ally, and while he seemingly continued to enjoy close ties to Darth Strosius, Nefaron was certain that he could sway the commodore to his side in the coming months as their goals aligned more closely. Still, that level of cooperation would have to be carefully negotiated, especially while Strosius was still in the picture. Perhaps something could be done about that?

"Our galaxy is a tumultuous place. The Sith must adapt to survive the great tide of change, and so I have come to offer my aid to one who might make best use of it. How we feel about each other is irrelevant if it means striking a decisive blow against the Alliance and ensuring the dominance of the Sith."

Careful as always with his words, Nefaron chose not to antagonize anyone else for the time being. It was true that the galaxy was changing; a great tide of chaos and upheaval would provide the Sith with nearly unlimited possibilities for future expansion while the Alliance and Jedi remained bottled up in the heart of the galaxy. Of course, Helix was touching on more personal issues between the Corpse Lord and those who had gathered today, but such things were better saved for a more private conversation. That would not be what they shared this day, gathered around a lovingly arranged table to discuss the future of the Tsis'Kaar and the goals of the gathered, be they Dark Lords or those simply in service of the Dark Side.

The Corpse Lord took his seat, one close to their illustrious host. While he may not view the Corpse Lord in high regard at the moment, Malum would need the guidance Nefaron offered in the coming months if he ever wished to advance himself in the Empire and claim the victories he desired in Alliance space. Ukatis had been an excellent demonstration of what Nefaron is capable of, even if Malum disagreed with the final phase of the operation. Nefaron poured himself a glass of the finest wine and took the glass into his withered fingers with great care as he ascertained the vintage and age. Outside of his blasphemous work on Anoat, he did find time for the finer things in life.

"My Lord, we have our course plotted already. Ukatis was but the first plunge of a dagger; countless more await in the dark to strike the Alliance. But perhaps you are correct, we should turn to more domestic threats before we seek to strike out ancient foe once more."

Nefaron took a sip of the wine, his lack of lips making the spectacle rather unnerving, before returning to the discussion.

"Let us start with this upstart. Serina Calis, a girl who would be helpless against the might of the Tsis'Kaar, should we seek to destroy her. But why waste a potential asset? For one who is not Sith, she has proven to be rather capable. Why not dispatch an emissary to Polis Massa with our demands? Let her keep that pathetic rock, but make our terms clear. She is in our service and will obey when you call, Lord Malum. She provided some aid to us on Ukatis, perhaps she could become an asset to our cause rather than a liability. Besides-"

Nefaron leaned a bit closer to his Lord, his tone dropping to but an insidious whisper.

"We could use one who lies outside the Sith hierarchy. An agent bound to no others. Something to consider, my Lord."

Leaning back in his chair, Nefaron once more took up his glass and continued to enjoy the benefits of the Tsis'Kaar while he had them.

TAGS: Darth Malum of House Marr Helix Darth Strosius Trayze Tesar
Mentioned: Darth Virelia ​

 

[Darth Strosius]

"See that you do, this is meant to be something of a charitous occasion after all. Spats aren't meant to break out." Darth Strosius paused and glanced back at Nightingale, something of a smirk evident in His next words. "Not where it can be seen and heard at least." He didn't expect any issues to arise, He intended to keep her rather occupied so that they couldn't, but one never knew what could happen with more than one Sith in one place. Hopefully whatever it was that Malum needed from Him wouldn't take long.

"Everything should be prepared by the time we make our landing, just more of the same. Supply distribution and personnel examinations are both underway so more coordination and assistance with existing operations is all that you'll have to worry about." One benefit of being a late arrival He supposed. Typically He preferred to be among the first to make planetfall but being able to sidestep the chaos that came with the initial landings and offloading did sound rather enticing at the moment.

As the ship broke through Alvaria's atmosphere Darth Strosius left the bridge and gestured for Nightingale to follow with a simple glance and tilt of His head, striding down the corridors that led to the loading ramp and paying little heed to the soldiers and crew moving past them aside from subtle nods of acknowledgement. "I may be indisposed of for some time shortly after our arrival but I trust that the officers already planetside will direct you accordingly." He crossed His arms behind His back as they walked, His visor shifting back to regard her as He spoke.

"And if not then I trust that you can keep yourself occupied with something or other until my return. Should you have any emergency arise beforehand then you remember the proper signal to contact me directly yes?" Hopefully it wouldn't need to be used but there was no such thing as too much preparation in such delicate operations as this. The refugees could be confused and disoriented coming out of their transports and in a state like that they could be very unpredictable and uncooperative. His followers were more than capable of handling such matters but He was unsure how experienced Malum's were in that regard. Thus came the necessary precautions.

When their ship finally landed and the ramp lowered to allow the medical personnel and the crates to be moved out, Darth Strosius set foot soon after the first wave had exited. His gaze snapped towards the Marr palace and He looked back at Nightingale for a short moment before inclining His head and turning on His heel to move towards the building. He could sense some familiar figures already ahead of Him, it seemed He was somewhat late indeed.

Darth Malum of House Marr / Lúthien Tinúviel / Darth Nefaron / Helix / Trayze Tesar

 

[Reicher Vax]

Tag - Darth Malum of House Marr Darth Nefaron Helix Trayze Tesar Darth Strosius Lúthien Tinúviel


The sun above Alvaria hung heavy in the sky, gilding the tall grasses with molten gold and burning the haze of morning into clarity. The fields rolled endlessly toward the horizon, winds whispering through them like voices of old, carrying memory and meaning with every pass. Amidst that sea of warmth and wind, one shuttle pierced the sky like a falling sword.

It was a plain vessel, unadorned and without flourish. But the moment its landing gear hissed against the softened earth, the air itself seemed to shift. Soldiers straightened. Attendants paused. The sound of the ramp touching ground resonated with authority.

Then he stepped out.

The armor he wore gleamed obsidian, engraved with subtle traces of his service and sacrifices—a reflection of the Empire he had fought for, bled for, nearly died for. A flowing cape of deep crimson snapped against the wind, trailing behind him like a banner of old as he descended the ramp, flanked by two loyal guards in ceremonial black.

He walked with purpose, every step measured, each stride a declaration: Reicher Vax had returned.

Two years.

Two years since he had laid down his command, found his way to his wife's arms, and found in her laughter a peace the galaxy had never offered him. Two years since he had held his sons in his arms for the first time, their weight grounding him in ways war never could. Two years of silence, of stability, of living—not merely surviving.

And now, it was over.

He paused at the crest of the hill where the table lay, the gathering already well underway. Ghosts of the past seated in the sunlight, powerful figures clothed in shadow but made to endure the burn of day. He took them in. But the one that mattered sat at the head of the table.

Malum. Reicher inclined his head with deep respect, and when he spoke, his voice cut the wind like steel.

"I had hoped to never wear this armor again. But a voice came to me. Old, loyal. A warning, cloaked in duty. I was told that the Tsis'Kaar suffered, that rot festered where our blood had once run strongest. I did not believe it. I did not want to believe it."

He stepped forward now, reaching the edge of the table, letting his voice rise, not in volume—but in gravity.

"And then I saw what had become of Polis Massa. Of Saijo. Of our oaths."

He looked to Malum, eyes blazing beneath the visor of his helm.

"And I knew. It was time."

He took his seat with calm control, folding his gauntlets atop the table. The earth seemed to fall quiet for a moment.

"Let me speak plainly, as I always have. I did not come back for vengeance. Nor for titles. I do not need them. I have held power, and I have laid it down. I return for only one reason: to restore what has been lost. The Tsis'Kaar was not meant to wither in the shadow of its enemies. It was meant to eclipse them."

His gaze passed now to Nefaron.

"And I will say this once. Cease your talk of Serina Calis. She is essentially blood. Whatever her path, she remains my sister, and I will not see her spoken of as though she were just another asset on a ledger. If she is to be dealt with, it will be by my hand or Malum's alone. You want obedience? Then speak to her as one who has earned it. Or speak not at all."

He let the weight of his words settle, then continued.

"We are outnumbered. Our enemies are unified in their scorn, and worse—some of our own whisper treason in dark corners. The galaxy runs thick with smoke and blood, the hordes outside just waiting for the final nail to crack, for the whole edifice to come tumbling down. But I have seen what we can accomplish when the will of the Sith is aligned."

He looked to Malum then. Not as an inferior. Not as a commander. But as a comrade.

"You have held the line, Lord Malum. And now, I will hold it with you. Whatever plans you have forged, whatever blades you prepare to draw—I am with you. My men, what remains of my Old Guard, will rally. And I will not stop until the Sith Empire stands unshaken again."

His hands tightened around the edge of the table.

"Not for glory. Not for conquest."

"For duty."

The wind howled once more across the plain, lifting dust and light into the air. And there, amid the ruin of ambition and the foundation of something greater, Reicher Vax returned to duty.

And the war began again.

 

[Helix]

Objective: Unchanged
Equipment: Unchanged
Tags: Darth Malum of House Marr / Darth Nefaron / Reicher Vax / OPEN​

Helix nodded. "I find myself in agreement with Lord Nefaron." He said after a moment's pause. "Any asset, even an unreliable one, has its uses. Particularly if one can claim plausible deniability. The surest kill, after all, is one that another performs in your stead, with no knowledge of your involvement."

Of course, he had no interest in Serina being disposed of. For one, if recent patterns held true, he'd be the one sent to do it. Who else pulled the trigger around here? For another, he'd wriggle and squirm and lie however he could to avoid removing one of his few allies from the board. Helix loathed waste, and loathed pointless betrayal even more. Treachery, like anything else, was a tool.

He suspected that Nefaron's desire to preserve Calis' life sprung from much the same motivation. Sith rarely argued for clemency, and even more rarely did so for purely altruistic reasons.

Helix's protean faceplate twitched into a smile, briefly forming the needle-fanged jaws that occasionally emerged when he was amused. A mimicry of humanoid expression, and one that landed firmly in the uncanny valley. Amusement was not something common to droids, and to see it expressed in this manner was blood-chilling. "New to associating with the Sith, I take it?" He responded. "Everything is a currency, an asset. No exceptions. Even me. Even you. It can be no other way. Compassion has no place whatsoever in operations like these. That said, I didn't know Serina had family. I rather assumed she had killed them all. Tell her hello for me, won't you?"

All this to the young fellow who had come in late, apparently some protege of Malum's. He'd never heard of him, but that didn't mean anything. Malum undoubtedly had thousands of various little birds and agents he'd never heard of.

"In any case, one renegade who refuses to play ball does not rank near the top of our problems, in my humble estimation. Sith space is absolutely overflowing with them." Some in this very room, he thought to himself. Alisteri was perhaps the most egregious example. Nefaron was another. Helix himself was yet another, but it would hardly be politic to say so. What separated him from Serina was patience, discipline, and restraint. That was why he was here at this table, digging himself in deeper with all the people who mattered. That was why he had become a power in his own right.

"Granted, it is the first time one has been bold enough to do so in this manner. Tell me, has anyone thought to ask Calis for an explanation before acting?" He looked around. "That seems to me to be the clear first step before acting. Have all the facts in hand before handing out a kill-order or anything so drastic. If only so that we can provide an explanation in turn, if asked for one." He folded his hands on the table and leaned forward.

"Moderation in all things, dear colleagues. Including murder."

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

To think, all of them in their own measures were counselling him restraint. It was entirely out of character for them he thought, Helix who would see any threat as reason enough to stomp it into submission under steel boots, Darth Nefaron who had never been shy of showing his immense dislike towards any who were not him. He idly wondered, would his Kara have offered him the same advice? Would Zachariah?

Their absences were sorely felt.

He flicked his masked gaze towards the Death Lord, his arrogance showed even in how he sat, so bold to take a seat so close, the scheming advisor whispering at his king's ear. But, that was what their dynamic had been, had it not? It may have been his Tsis'Kaar vessels and agents that had slipped the Alliance blockade, but it had been Darth Nefaron's poison that had seeped aross Ukatis and set it aflame. For all that it had ended.

It was not an event the Alliance was soon to forget.

It was not an event the Empire was soon to forget.

"...The Alliance will not soon allow us an opportunity to humiliate them again, it shall require the ingenuity of our new fleet to campaign as we desire, new technology that will soon be fully operational..." He replied, the ghost of a smile audible in both voice and tone, despite those he had aligned himself with, a victory so bright, was so close... he could taste it, "Until such matters are complete, it will be good to remind all our Sith compatriots of the daggers that exist in the dark."

The whisper of one more serpent than him, had him narrow his eyes, "Be as that may... her actions has formented a question, our silence has eluded most an answer, do you imagine one with such a poisonous arrogance would ever bow?" It had been only the actions of another of the Dark Council that had lulled his rancorous cholers.

Even then... only just.

Before his less explosive, fiery, mind had taken control. An opportunity developing, a thought. They had shown themselves invincible in battle. Why not show themselves magnanimous in victory? He had made declaration upon Dorvalla, that dream of Imperial Sith unity. Darth Fury had been a near perfect symbol of it, now, he was dead. Killed by one who existed outside of the Order, who had wormed her way into their chambers.

He would soon get his opportunity to humiliate her.

But there was truth in what they spoke of, he was both hated and loved in equal measure, but amongst the rising and middling Sith, there was a certain advantage.

Such thoughts were put to rest, as a familiar figure's presence. One whose company had not graced Alvaria, nor Malum, for quite some time. One whose shocking retirement... had thrown so much into chaos.

Malum's masked gaze tilted towards the horizon of the hill, crested by a figure worn in obsidian plate. Lieutenant Vax. Reicher Vax. Malum was silent, as he bowed, silent as he spoke forth in a temper of emotions. Malum kept his teeth together, his lips parsed as each word was spoken, Vax's retirement had been an altogether useful lesson.

He could trust few, and fewer still.

Yet, the fact that he had come to trust him, the virtue, the dignity... it struck a sore emotion even now.

"Take a seat, Lieutenant, I am glad to have you back at my side..." The words were spoken with little emotion, the temptation to say more, resisted at barest symphony, "...Your absence has been sorely felt, we lost what chance we had at a majority... will you be retaking your position?" He imagined not, he had said as much that he had not returned for titles.

Yet, he knew what Malum required of him.

"...As much as you may view her as sister, you must recognise that she has signalled all intention to be a foe... yet, I listen to those who advice me, and what better negotiator, then her own brother. Travel to Polis Massa, my dear lieutenant, convince her that her loyalties should be to the Ouroboros... even tell her I humbly invite her to Alvaria for further talks." It seemed to his immense mislike, he would not be removing Lady Calis without a headache, neither would many appreciate a Dark Councillor descending from their blackthrone to stomp down on a womp rat.

He had developed a reputation for taking in strays, pariahs, and rogues, what was one more?

The ghost of a smile returned, as the good commodore replied to the good lieutenant, even as his question had him turning to him, the answer quick on his tongue, one which few knew, but the Lord of the Tsis'Kaar had been quick to uncover, "The girl has come into power far too quickly, surrounding herself with sychophants that stroke her ego, when confronted by Sith Lords that refused to do so... well here we are." He kept Darth Fury's exact involvement to himself, he had been hardly blameless in what occured... but such open display of such knowledge would hardly be to his advantage.

Still, his description had him pause in realisation... she would hardly be a reliable asset, but the pieces were already in place to make her one.

"I will be convening all of you to Jutrand soon, for all that Darth Fury was, he was a Sith Lord, a member of the Assembly, a funeral is in order... one which we shall use to execute the promises made at Dorvalla, Jutrand's unclean will learn to fear the night." There was little dramatic flair in the unveilment of their next operation, compared to what had occured at Ukatis it promised to be far less entertaining... but that which he envisioned for their Order, could not be accomplished with a disease ridden capital.

He felt the last member of their group approach.

Turning his eyes to them, "...So I ask you all again now, now that we have returned victorious from the Alliance, what have you all achieved in my absence for the cause?" Darth Nefaron plotted, Vax was retired, Helix had been promoted of all things, and Ali... Ali was Ali. They were all capable in their own right, chaos makers too.

Darth Strosius Darth Nefaron Helix Reicher Vax

 

[Darth Nefaron]

I should have you flayed alive.
​

Reicher Vax, this upstart, believed he could address a Dark Lord of the Sith as if he were a common lackey? Who was he to demand that Nefaron cease his schemes? The Corpse Lord managed to keep silent as he consumed more of the wine in his cup, allowing the ever-reliable Droid Warlord to put the fool in his place. Vax would come to learn that the destiny of the Tsis'Kaar no longer lay in Malum's hands, for the Corpse Lord had come to poison it from within, to turn Darth Malum into a tyrant who would bathe the galaxy in terror to achieve his goals. Perhaps this old soldier would live long enough to watch everything burn down around him.

Still, Malum had his opinions on Calis, and it seemed he was ready to act on them in due time. Thankfully, he made the correct choice not to utterly destroy her just yet, but instead attempted to make her an agent of sorts. All the better for the Corpse Lord, who desired his secret ally to live a bit longer and prove she was worth the investment. But great care must be taken moving forward not to arouse Malum's ire, at least not until the moment was right and the Lord of the Tsis'Kaar was read to lash out without thinking, like a wild beast backed into a corner.

It was only natural that the Tsis'Kaar would bother having a funeral for one of their fallen. Nefaron did everything in his power not to scoff at the idea, but he did bow his head in response to Malum's command that they be present on Jutrand for the event. It was but another tedious event on Nefaron's schedule, but perhaps he could find some fun in watching the fools mourn the failure that was Darth Fury. He would most certainly need more of the wine that was on offer for this little gathering to get through the damn thing however.

What was more important, however, was what Nefaron had planned to lure Malum deeper into his web.

"You have been at my side, my Lord. You have seen what I accomplished on Ukatis. We did not even bring our full force to bear, and look what we have wrought. Think what we might accomplish with a renewed offensive within the heart of the Alliance. But we need not stop there, for our enemies lie within the heart of our Empire as well."

Once more, the Corpse Lord turns to look at Malum, a renewed venom spewing forth as he spins another plot to be considered.

"The time has come to begin laying the groundwork for a campaign against your enemies within the Empire. While you remain on the Dark Council, you must consider that you will never be able to achieve your vision by playing nice."

Setting his glass down, Nefaron gestures to the gathered Lords and servants of the Tsis'Kaar to appeal to everyone at the table.

"A renewed campaign of infiltration, assassination, and general chaos to ensure a weakening of your rivals. Of course, such an open play for power would be noticed rather quickly. But perhaps we may find some aid from our old enemies in the Alliance. There is much to do to make this possible, including funding and personnel, but think of the possibilities. Of course, the decision is ultimately yours, Lord."

TAGS: Darth Malum of House Marr Helix Darth Strosius Reicher Vax ​

 

[Darth Strosius]

Leaving Nightingale to her own devices wasn't ideal of course, nor really was doing the same to any of His followers given the task at hand, but evidently He was already late enough as it was. By the time that Darth Strosius darkened the meeting table with His shadow the assembled were well underway in their discussion and beginning onto a new topic that He most certainly could provide input and insight into. Internal enemies, the only ones that truly mattered when it came to the affairs of the Sith.

The Jedi, the criminals, the Imperials, all constant and reliable in their varying yet repeating dangers and threats. But Sith themselves and the heretics that claimed to be such were in no short supply, riddling all levels of the Sith Order as it stood now and in the previous Sith Empire as it had fallen then. A terminal issue that stretched from the top of the Sith hierarchy and reached to the lowest Acolyte. A sickness that only righteous fury and cleansing wrath could cure, for there was no usage in a diseased limb. Severance was the only option.

"All plays are noticed eventually, regardless of how open or concealed they might be. All that matters is that the goal of the play is fulfilled, whether that be simple misdirection or a staggering of the status quo." The hidden gaze of Darth Strosius ran over the assembled, giving a brief courteous nod towards Helix, as He entered the meeting and began a slow stride towards one of the empty seats. He'd have much preferred an indoor setting but this one seemed more preferable for Malum given its previous usage as well. For whatever reason that might be.

"Now that your dalliance within the Alliance is done, it would be wise to allow our fellow Sith to continue focusing their efforts upon them while we point our gazes towards the true matter at hand." He took a seat and gestured towards Malum with a slight wave of His hand. "We have a plethora of enemies to choose from and they are all knitted together in one way or another, we must simply choose which string to begin plucking at first." He had a few preferences in mind as Malum and Helix would no doubt be aware of, evening the score with Raaf was as much of a strategic move as it was a vengeful one.

Toppling a member of the Dark Council wouldn't be simple at all, especially doing so without starting another Ouroboros Crisis, but the Tsis'Kaar could handle such a task if directed delicately enough. Time wasn't on their side however. It never had been and recent events had only proved as much and as such delicate options weren't ideal. There was however room for more overt obstacles that could yet be crushed. All they needed was the proper tools.

"At present nothing that we can bring to bear can face off against the force of a Legion if it were to be turned against us. As such, I recommend we focus our efforts towards securing one of our own. Whether that be through building or usurping matters little." His head swiveled back towards the others gathered at the table. "The seat of Dark Councilor only buys security so long as it is respected, and that is a fickle thing. We require more tangible methods of control if the Tsis'Kaar is to advance within the Order at present. We must either secure an Imperator for our cause, or ensure that none would dare turn against us if the opportunity came for them to do so."

Darth Malum of House Marr / Lúthien Tinúviel / Darth Nefaron / Helix / Trayze Tesar / Reicher Vax

 

[Reicher Vax]

Tag - Darth Malum of House Marr Darth Nefaron Helix Trayze Tesar Darth Strosius Lúthien Tinúviel


Reicher Vax leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms against the table's edge, the carved obsidian of his vambraces glinting in the sunlight. He did not interrupt. He listened—closely. To Nefaron's oily calculations, to Helix's measured observations, to Strosius' gravely authoritative logic. And of course, to Malum. Always to Malum.

When silence came again, it came like the space between heartbeats. Heavy. Still. That pause where battle-hardened men take stock before drawing a weapon or issuing a command. And then Reicher spoke.

"Serina Calis," he began, tone even, clipped, not out of disrespect but discipline. "Is not just my sister-in-law. She is a woman of incomparable will, unrelenting strategic foresight, and yes, arrogance—earned or not. She will not be cowed. She will not be persuaded to give up her ambitions. If the Tsis'Kaar plans to challenge her claim to the title of Imperator, then understand this: you are preparing to climb a mountain that grows steeper with every hour you hesitate."

He let that sink in. His gaze remained fixed on Malum, but his words were clearly meant for everyone.

"You do not convince Serina Calis to abandon power. You prepare to contest it, or to absorb it. Either way, you act."

A cold breeze danced across the hilltop, scattering dust across the surface of the table. Reicher did not flinch.

"What she has accomplished in two years is more than many Sith have in a decade. Her fleet is growing. Her power base is consolidating. Polis Massa has become a fortress. She has a vision—dark, yes, but rooted in order. The kind of order many systems quietly crave in these unstable times. And make no mistake: she is not alone. She is gathering like minds, dissidents, cynics, visionaries, dangerous people who no longer believe the Council has answers."

A breath. Just one. Then he continued.

"And still, I believe she can be brought to heel. Not through threats. Not through war. Through respect. Through clarity. Through strength. If we cannot outmaneuver her, then we outlast her. If we cannot seduce her ideology, then we present her a structure she cannot tear down. A future that forces her to choose: irrelevance, or alliance."

His eyes narrowed slightly. He turned to Malum now, fully.

"But we must understand what we're fighting for. What exactly is the Tsis'Kaar's vision for the Legions? You speak of securing one. Building or usurping. Both fine concepts. But what has been done?"

Now his tone sharpened—not hostile, but honed.

"What projects are already in motion? What commanders are being cultivated? What worlds are supplying us? What logistics chains are being forged? And what propaganda is being disseminated to prepare the Sith rank-and-file to follow a Tsis'Kaar Imperator?"

He turned his gaze now to Strosius.

"You want a Legion. So do I. But who holds the ear of the armories? Who whispers to the sergeants? Who is recruiting the young, disillusioned captains who survived the last campaign by chance and are now wondering what they nearly died for?"

Then to Nefaron.

"You speak of internal enemies. Of a rot within the Empire. I agree. But Legion loyalty does not flow automatically to those who plot from shadows. It flows to those who bleed with them. Who offer stability in a crumbling galaxy. If the Tsis'Kaar is to own a Legion, then it must first command belief. We must show every rank and file that what we offer is not mere survival—but triumph. Purpose. Not just victory in battles, but dominion over fate itself."

And finally, to Helix.

"You said it yourself: everything is currency. So let me ask plainly—what investments has the Tsis'Kaar made? Where is our prototype? Our officer corps in waiting? Our Warlord candidate?"

He paused then. His voice softened, but his eyes did not.

"Because make no mistake. Serina Calis intends to claim the title of Imperator. She has been preparing for it since before she even spoke the word aloud. And she will be very difficult to dislodge once she has it."

Then, slowly, he leaned back.

"So I say again: what has already been done? Who do we back? And what must we do next, before she forces our hand and makes that decision for us?"

His expression never shifted from calm. But in his voice there was iron. The same iron that had rallied troops on burning worlds, the same iron that had held the line during orbital collapses, that had made Reicher Vax not just a survivor—but a commander.

He did not need titles. He just hoped Malum had an answer.

 

[Helix]

Tags: Darth Malum of House Marr / Darth Strosius / Darth Nefaron / Reicher Vax /OPEN​

Helix listened as the others bickered. He sniffed dismissively at most of what was said. He alone had possessed the skill and cunning to embed himself within a Legion's command structure. As ever, he was the one getting things done and getting holes shot in him on battlefields for it. Nefaron, as usual, was correct. They'd never win if they wore shackles that their enemies, both within and without, did not.

He spoke up, responded first to Malum's query. "What have I accomplished? Why, only seizing a high place in the Emperor's new Legion, and in the course of a single afternoon's worth of work." The words slid unctuously from his surface, as usual producing a sort of disturbing stereo effect. Helix spoke, when forced to do so, by vibrating his nanite composition, and his words seemed to come from several places at once.

"Not to boast, but as always, I believe my results speak for themselves, Lord Marr." Once again, that unpleasantly jagged smile slithered like a worm across his otherwise-featureless visage.

"Besides that, production of droid forces has risen nearly 3000%." A gross roundup, of course, but he'd long since learned not to bore organics with precise figures and facts. They liked grandiose, sweeping generalizations far more. "Perhaps the new models can be put to use in this Jutrand matter. It would be a fitting testing ground." The 'new models' in question were a match for his previous generation's elite, and available in orders of magnitudes' worth of greater numbers.

"Once more, I find myself in concurrence with Lord Nefaron, however. The Alliance is a weakened, dying beast, fit only to glut our bellies with carrion. It is as wealthy as it is weak, however, full to bursting with plunder and raw materials. Things we can use. Things we will need. I say we take them." Recent events had proven to him beyond a doubt that the Alliance either couldn't or wouldn't protect most of its planets to amount to anything. They may as well take advantage. "They are little more than a warchest, in my view, from which we may withdraw liberally and often. However..."

"As for the enemy within, why that is even easier. They have names, addresses, and usually live close to home. Regrettably, accidents happen often in Sith space. Should you wish accidents to befall anyone in particular, you are well equipped to do so. The esteemed Lord Strosius has decisively proven that these interlopers are far less invincible than they believe themselves to be. Everyone has a weak point somewhere, and everyone has to sleep sometime." Except himself, of course, but it wouldn't do to remind them of that fact. While he was certain that Alisteri's personal grudge against Raaf would get him killed, he also knew that dissuading him from it was an exercise in futility. He may as well give credit where credit was due.

He was not overly concerned with the idea of a Legion being turned against them, but that was simply because he had the least to lose. For Helix, the stakes were low, at least in terms of the worst possible outcomes.

Helix stifled another scornful rasp of amusement as Reicher Vax spoke up again. Poor boy. Nothing would be done because nothing was ever done. He'd be happy to be proven wrong.

"I find your idealism charming." He said bluntly. He'd love to pluck the fellow's brain from his skull and search for where such high hopes were located, so that he could replicate them. He needed some optimism of his own. "But you do have a point. The time for talk is long since over, or at least fast approaching. Either kill who needs to be killed, or leave them alone to do as they will. If you find the latter unacceptable, then you know what needs to be done."

Helix knew what he would do. Escape the sinking ship, if it came to it, as he'd done a thousand times before. He had Nefaron, he had Lirka, and yes, he had Serina. All individuals he could make himself useful to if Vax's doomsday predictions came true. All individuals with plenty of uses for a butcher who commanded an interstellar army. He had backups upon backups upon backups, and thus, nothing much to lose. Serina seizing the title of Imperator was, at worst, of no inconvenience to him, and at best highly lucrative.

"Ah yes, respect. The unspoken source code of Sith space. Remarkable what one can achieve with a little grace and civility. I didn't bully, threaten or assassinate my way into the third, I can tell you that much." That same derisive rasp of amusement. Suggesting to most present (particularly Alisteri) that they charm their problems away would have them look at you as though you'd suggested growing wings and flying like a mynock. "Either kill the girl or be nice to her. Either one solves the Calis issue, but only one keeps a useful, if unstable ally onside. I know the Tsis'kaar has no issue with such allies, as this very meeting sports several. Pickiness in one's choice of friends is a luxury we can ill afford."

"If that is too indigestible, then simply emulate the Emperor's hound and take the Legion for yourself, Lord Malum. Imperator and Dark Council member at once. A formidable combination. What's more, if you can play nice with Lady Ka, you then de-facto steer not one, but two Legions."