Dominion A Show of Strength (TSE Dominion of Kalee)

[Darth Ophidia]

For the longest time, the Kaleesh had been lingering just outside the Empire.

A tropical world, riddled with bountiful rain-forests nestled between deep canyons, framed with expansive beaches and sapphire oceans, Kalee was beautiful, yet harsh and unforgiving. While low on resources, Kalee offered one resource above all others: Warriors.

The tribal warriors of the Kaleesh had held tightly to their traditional ways, and largely sought isolationism from the galaxy at large while they waged war on their ancient enemies, the Huk. A war which had not ceased for thousands of years, and whose vigor was renewed regularly. Such experienced warriors and a culture so innately tied to violence was nothing if not beneficial to the Sith Empire. And so, the Emperor and his Dark Council decreed that Kalee should be added to the Empire’s fold without undue bloodshed.

But the Kaleesh only respect strength.

It was a delicate balance, to show strength in perfect moderation where it would be taken as impressive, while not inciting an all-out war, and that would still allow the diplomats to discuss Kalee’s induction into the Empire.

To supply shows of strength, Sith delegates have arrived with the diplomatic force to engage the Kaleesh in games of strength through melee combat. Some fight to the death, some to first blood, and some to submission. These events are highly spectated, with many Kaleesh warriors are eager to test their mettle against the legendary strength of the Sith, and even more coming to watch and cheer for their champions.

They gather at their capital city of Kaleela.

Preliminary reports from the Saaraishash speak of a location in the southern hemisphere of Kalee. It appears to be an ancient temple-structure nestled in a forested mountain area, but the larger tribes avoid it. Reports from Kaleesh informants tell of a “Master” settling there years ago, after he too made great displays of strength. But they take no ownership of it, nor show allegiance to the one they called a Master.

Sith-Imperial operatives are sent to research the area and reclaim the structure in the name of the Sith Empire. Their orders are to find out who built it and what purpose it served. Operatives may engage and destroy any enemy remaining inside, but it is paramount that the structure itself remains whole. No bombardment allowed.

Moreover, near the location, oracles who have turned their minds to Kalee report a distinct presence of the dark side of the Force. This area is one the Kaleesh refuse to discuss in detail, at most we know it is old and perhaps a grave. This too is to be researched by Sith operatives so that it may be safeguarded, studied, and perhaps harnessed by the Sith Empire to strengthen their hold on Kalee.

Objectives:
1 Silver Tongued Devils: Convince the Kaleesh to join the Sith Empire by diplomatic means. Smooth-talk them into submission with honeyed offers and tales of Sith-Imperial (or personal) victories.
OR:
A Show of Strength: Engage willing Kaleesh in personal duels and games of strength to show the power of the Sith Empire. These games range from wrestling matches in mud pits or cages to outright duels for honour and glory.

2 Into the Unknown: Discover the Sith Shadow Academy, defeat its defenders and claim it, and any treasure within, for the Sith Empire. But beware, we know very little of what is inside. Or explore the Tomb of Brahk Eer Halgh and the dark force nexus around it.

3 BYOBB: Feel free to bring your own objective!

 

[Hont Atellies]

Soldier’s Log: Day 564
-BEEP-
“You have to be KIDDING ME!”
“HONT WATCH THE TABLE!”
“MY PROMO IS ON THE LINE FOR A DIPLOMATIC MISSION!”
SMASH!
“HONT WHAT IN THE LIVING-“
“GREG, I WANT THIS PROMOTION. But it’s going to be over a STUPID DIPLO-“
“HONT YOUR GOING TO BE FINE JUST STOP THIS MADNESS!”
“GREG WATCH THE CHAIR-
-STATIC-

Objective: Silver Tongue Devils
Hont Atellies was assigned to begin and finish the negotiations with the Kaleesh. If it means his promotion he is willing to sit down inside his armour and talk. He loves the thrill of the fight, why is he assigned to be doing diplomacy, who knows? But if he completes this, he will finally get the promotion he desires.

As he walks up to the Kaleesh, awaiting to start negotiations inside a large building, a keep, nested with the skulls of the fallen.

“Do you understand Basic, Kaleesh?”

“Yes, as “primitive” as we are some of us understand, this basic you speak”

Hont moves into the keep. Warriors, the best of there kind, practicing there techniques inside. A loud, jeering crowd can still be from here. The hall is lit up perfectly, as the skulls of great beasts, some with weapons still impaled into there skulls, line the top of the halls. A small table has been set up inside for the negotiations.

Hont moves up to a primitive table, were what seems to be a highly decorated Kaleesh sits, armoured with the skulls of the fallen, his intimating look could easily scare someone of lesser willpower.

Hont didn’t blink.

“Let the negotiations, begin.”

 

[AMCO]

Objective II: Explore the Tomb of Brakh Eer Halgh.
Writing With: [Open]
Post Number I
---

It was with minimal fanfare that the sleek yacht emerged out of hyperspace, sliding through the atmosphere without bothering to greet any other Sith-Imperials in the system, its transponder code making it clear that whoever it carried was not to be disturbed.

Yawning slightly, Adrian pushed himself into a sitting position, though he did not see fit to leave the plush couch just yet.

"Put on my boots, please - oh, and give me a beverage, something fresh, and some little cakes."

Reducing the dignity of the of the office of the Triumvir of Power with every waking moment, he allowed his servants to carry out his requests while he considered this most recent endeavour. A tomb marked by the Dark Side said to contain ancient alchemical knowledge - he could hardly ask for better, though care must be taken, for his Soulstones were not yet ready to be put to the use; a shame, since the place was almost certainly haunted.

It certainly felt haunted, for as the gleaming vessel set down upon tainted soil it was met with naught but silence - and the rustling of corrupted predators lurking in the distance, eager for blood. As if a Sorcerer of his calibre was threatened by mere beasts, hmmph.

... that being said, he did bring a pair of hulking brutes in gleaming armour as he left his yacht. Purely for the sake of appearances, of course.

 

[Joycelyn Zambrano]

Objective 1: A Show of Strength

In higher orbit, barely visible as a triangular shadow in the blue of the sky, the Cathedra marked the official presence of the Princess of Dromund Kaas. It was there as a display of the Empire's war machine: A monstrous creation that could swarm planets with thousands of ships should it so desire. While it was there for display, it was not empty, but kept a vigilant look at the planet below to secure Sith-Imperial interests were maintained.

Yet, the Princess was not on board. She wanted to get her hands dirty with the matters at hand.

"My Princess, all is made ready."

The attendant bowed courteously as Joycelyn laced up the final traditional garment of her people's combat raiment. Last she had worn these clothes, she had fought in the tournament in Ravelin, bested two opponents and fell exhausted in the battle royale at the end. The wear and tear from last time had been fixed, but as Joycelyn looked herself in the mirror, she felt a small pang of regret at not winning the battle. Then again, in time since then AMCO had shown himself to be more capable than first presumed. Even so, a part of her wished to grind his face into the dirt in retribution.

She stowed the aggression deep within her, letting it fuel her anger while she made herself smile.

"Let us get this show started then."

Turning sharply, Darth Vornskr the Second stepped out of her tent and toward the wooden cage enclosing a muddy pit. Behind her walked a pair of attendants, one dressed in purple, one in red. The red attendant, a miraluka of short stature held a large sword in her hands and walked with great reverence. Meanwhile, the purple-robed attendant was far taller and rather human-looking, and he held Joycelyn's standard as a member of the Zambrano dynasty and as heir apparent to the Sith Empire.

As she stepped out, Joycelyn waved and smiled, then stretched her arms up and flexed confidently. Her body was anointed by the sacred oils of the epicanthix and her brow had been marked with the sacred ashes of the Vahla faith. Her tanned skin was criss-crossed with silver scars that gleamed in the bright sunlight of Kalee. She received cheers from pro-imperial Kaleesh as well as visitors from the Sith Empire as she stepped up to the edge of the cage.

An elderly male Kaleesh with an extraordinarily ornate mask opened the cage with an unsteady hand and bowed slightly.

Joycelyn returned the gesture with a nod of acknowledgement and stepped confidently into the cage. Her two servants eyed each other and remained outside, each representing the two parts that made the Princess of Dromund Kaas: The Vahla and the Epicanthix; the Sith and the Empire; the esoteric and the military.

Her arms went out to her sides once more, encouraging more cheers as she grinned. Across the way large Kaleesh climbed into the ring as well, inciting an equal amount of cheers. She had heard of this legendary warrior: Syrgh San Gryth

 

[Aerarii Tithe]

Location: Kaleela, Kalee
Objective: I - Silver Haired Tongued Devils
Kit: Skystas Rieve iv Tave Daboti Dvasi
Allies: Hont Atellies
Post: 1

---

The boarding ramp of the Tau-class shuttle lowered with a loud hiss and a gust of steam. A single figure, attired in the regulation Sith-Imperial military uniform with senior command officer equivalent rank plaque, stepped forward from the darkened interior of the shuttle and strode down the ramp. Pausing at the foot of the ramp, he looked around at the primitive Kaleesh village.

Consul Tithe - his new title following the Tutka’va Reformations - studied his surroundings with caution. Kalee was a dangerous world inhabited by a violent people, and even if this was a diplomatic mission, he was on edge. A bureaucrat such as himself, more accustomed the board rooms, working groups and council meetings, could easily get himself in trouble on a planet such as this. While the Legion had secured the immediate area and reports were that the local tribes were willing to talk, Aerarii didn’t plan on taking any chances.

He moved into the centre of the village toward the central keep where negotiations were scheduled to occur. The eyes of suspicious Kaleesh followed him as he strode through their midst, their outbursts kept in line by a desire to side with the Sith Empire or the threat of violence by the Legionaries patrolling the village.

In the main hall of the keep he found Legionnaire Atellies, the young soldier who had spoken with such conviction during the recent convocation. Evidently Aerarii had not been the only person present to take note of Atellie’s gift with words. “Legionnaire,” he said with a slight nod as he took a seat next to him. While the young man was training with a blaster, he could go far if he choose to pursue a career in public officer. Aerarii looked to the leader of the Kaleesh delegation and offered another slight bow of his head. “Conquerer.”

The Kaleesh were warriors, and conflict was embedded into every facet of their civilisation. They would find in Atellies a kindred spirit, one they could relate to. For now it would be best if Aerarii, who represented everything the Kaleesh hated about the Empire, held his tongue, no small feat for a man who liked to babble. He made himself comfortable in his chair and watched on, ready to offer advice or counsel if required.

---

Hont Atellies​

 

[Ladybug]

Post: 1
Objective 1 (A): A Show of Strength



Prior to her indoctrination into the ranks of the Sith Empire, the young Mikilanna had been wooed by the tales of Sith warriors wielding the mighty lightsaber in combat, demonstrating both prowess and strength while simultaneously instituting fear into the minds of those that opposed them when she was a youngling in the Jedi Order. Where the lessons were to expose her to the heroes and justice of the Jedi that fought them, it was upon the opposite swing of the pendulum she found herself clinging to. Today, as warriors from both sides gathered in preparation for the battle arenas, she too mentally prepared herself. She was young, far younger than any warrior participating in the duels. Where as the other Sith possessed the traditional killing tool of the Sith, the highly touted lightsaber, she possessed only the common, basic training lightsaber; meant to stun and inflict pain upon those foolish enough to make contact with it. There were several other melee weapons to choose from for the fights, but comfort rested in the training instrument.

And as she stood there waiting for her name to be announced and her duel to begin, it was not lost on her the eyes of the Kaleesh warriors glancing in her general direction. By comparisons, in their blind-eyed opinions, this young teen girl would not only be a poor representative of the Sith in these matches, but truly did not belong among great warriors. Sith or Kaleesh. Some of the Kaleesh even made efforts to intimidate her only to be met with defiance.

Mikilanna didn't doubt herself, though partially wondering if exploring the tomb or seeking out this academy would have been far more advantageous. The mere fact she elected to forgo objectives that tugged at her mentally and skillfully in favor of participating in brutal sports was uncharacteristic of her. Nevertheless, she needed this match for two reasons. The first was simple, to prove to herself she belonged among the Sith. In wasn't a question in her mind if one day tales of her prowess in combat would spill between parting lips of Jedi Masters to younglings, rather it was more about reinventing herself under the mantle of Sith. The other reason carried far more importance, she needed to prove she was worthy of being Sith to her peers. This was the time and moment where her success would lead Sith Lords, Knights, and the Emperor himself to spill her name through their parting lips.

While the first set of matches kicked off, Mikilanna opted to walk about absorbing the several and unique techniques on display by Sith and Kaleesh alike waiting on her name to be called. As she strode about, her mind turned to the one she would be potentially paired. Per the match rules, pairings where not predetermined but chosen randomly from the silver tumbler on the judge's balcony. Not dismayed or concerned, but there was not one single Kaleesh warrior physically she could be possibly paired with evenly. Undoubtedly, she was physically mismatched. On the outside.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

Location: Wilds of Kalee
Objective: Wrastle

​

If one was to rule, then one must be willing to put themselves in harm's way for what they believe in. For many years, the Emperor of the Sith had fought and bled among the common soldiery on nearly every battlefield. He was a warrior before he was a politician, he much preferred the sweat and blood of combat before the stuffy halls of the bureaucrats. Austere in every category, the Emperor would often devise military solutions to problems rather than speculating on negotiation, a facet of his being that caused much anxiety for his advisors and companions.​

​

Usually, it was these advisors that would persuade him of a different path, and he was more than receptive to their wisdom and counsel. Fortunately, it appeared today that combat and diplomacy were intertwined. The warring tribes of Kalee had slipped loose from the yoke of the Sith Empire some time ago, and they had been allowed to retain their brief stint of independence. However, the Sith had returned to Kalee to bring them back into the fold. Though the Sith could have waged war on the Kaleesh, much blood would be shed trying to subdue them. ​

​

Instead, the Sith would prove to the Kaleesh why the Sith Empire was the strongest.​

​

With feats of physical strength, and trophies of their great military victories.​

​

So this is where we find the Emperor of the Sith, stripped down to a simple loincloth as he grappled with one of the largest Kaleesh ever seen in a shallow dirt arena. Nearly as tall as him, the Kaleesh warlord fought with fierce tenacity, but he could not pin the Sith Emperor. Special nullification fields had been erected so that the Sith would fight on even ground with the Kaleesh, deprived of the Force and stripped of their armor. All around them were similar bouts as Sith Warriors tested their mettle against the Kaleesh, with some emerging victorious while others were beaten in turn.​

​

None were killed in the bout, only injured. It was a strict part of the Kaleesh's society, and the Sith vowed to not break such traditions. So when the Emperor's opponent tapped out, the Emperor released him and allowed him to retreat. Breathing in deeply, the dirt and sweat coated Emperor look about the other Kaleesh mingling on the periphery.​

​

"Who's next?"​

 

[Telis Taharin-Zambrano]

Objective: II - Into the Unknown (Explore the Tomb of Brahk Eer Halg)
Writing With: AMCO | Anybody Else
Post Number: I

”Tell me, does the Violet look suitable with this plate, or would it be wise to stay within the lines of convention?” Aagenti would turn to the serving man standing just outside the door to the cabin’s washroom. Looking into himself in the mirror, Aagenti was quite deep in thought deciphering exactly how far he could go with flair while still fitting in with the now-much-reduced palette forced by his new social image amidst his peers and once-elders. Dressed currently in only a thick, fluffy, black washrobe, Aagenti was meticulously picking apart his appearance, coming his hair and swapping through a rainbow of different implant colors, while every so often looking at the thin, dark, featureless robe and reflective onyx armor prepared and placed on the stand beside the washroom. The robe itself was one of his classic preferences - lighter weight and a tab bit on the tight side (though, he would do his best to deny any mention of such), and on each of the armor’s round shoulder-plates, the symbols of the Sith Empire and the Sith Order were emblazoned in bright red.

With a defeated sigh, Aagenti would look back at himself in the mirror, his eyes fading from
violet to gray, and then shifting from gray to a deep crimson, matching both the emblazoned symbols and the scrawlings now etched on his chest, arms, and legs, revealed as he pulled off the robe without hesitation in front of the servant, moving elegantly over to begin getting dressed. ”I mean, it truly is a shame, don’t you think? I see other Sith all around me wearing the most flamboyant articles of clothing imaginable, and I’m stuck with red and black because I’m the Pyramid of Military Command. Simply ridiculous, if you ask me!” Darth Aagenti would softly chuckle, looking for a response from the servant, but all he found was the man caught between curiosity and an ingrained sense of ‘don’t do anything to get caught.’

Aagenti would prepare himself quickly from that point forward, throwing on the mixture of plate and somewhat tight robes, as Adrian’s yacht approached the planet of Kalee. It had been suggested numerous times, after the attack on his home from Darth Avernus, that he spend as little time as possible without proper guards and avoiding traveling alone, and Adrian seemed like a nice enough companion, especially with their shared interest to explore the Tomb located on Kalee. Of course, Aagenti felt rather out of place with such grandeur and ostentatious displays of wealth, but he did his best. The only true challenge during the trip so far had been avoiding the various delicacies that were being served on board - he would not like to see another Darth Voracitos in the Sith Empire, and he felt he had a soft enough figure already, especially when it came to how tight many of his old pants seemed.

As the ship finally touched down, Aagenti would take a moment to gather his belongings, ensuring he had all the tools he’d need for the endeavor ahead, before moving off of the ship behind Adrian. Flanking him were two Tri-Tech commando droids, each one of them following soundlessly behind him. Eventually stepping out into fresh air once more, Aagenti took a deep breath as though the corruption wasn’t there at all, breathing a deep sigh as he looked about the haunting atmosphere. No problems here at all, just minor annoyances, really.

”Well then, Adrian, Lord Alchemist, seems we’re the first to show any interest in this old tomb. Might I say, your Yacht is very comfortable, and made for a great trip to Kalee. Do you have any suggestions about how to continue forward?” Looking towards the beginning trails towards the ancient nexus, Aagenti could feel the thrum of dark power in the air as thick as a smog. It was equal parts toxic and invigorating, and threatened to draw him deeper and deeper into reveling in the Darkness. With a breath, and just a tiny bit of meditation that he’d learned through his kindling of the Art of the Small, he brought himself back to the present, with a coy smirk on his face.

The casualty of the trip faded away from Aagenti as his mind set to focus on the task at hand - perhaps he should’ve been focusing on diplomacy for the sake of the Empire, as one in his seat should, but here he could find the tools to build the ever-growing Imperial war machine. With Adrian at his side, though, Aagenti was sure that they would both be able to utilize the secrets of this ancient tomb to their highest caliber. With a brave step forward, Aagenti would beckon Adrian a long, making his way from the yacht and towards the tomb.

 

[Kascalion Giedfield]

Location: Kalee
Objective: I - Wrestling
Allies: TSE
Post: 1

Kalee. The Devil Lion had long desired to visit its lands but never found the opportunity to do so on account of his more gripping duties as Pyramid of Scientific Advancement. He had always held great respect for the Kaleesh because of their warrior ways, honor-bound and savage in combat, so much so that one of his previous spouses had been one of them, a personal favorite in recent memory. Thus it could go without saying that the man was practically giddy with excitement to finally be upon the homeworld of a favored people, even if it was to take primary control of it for the conquest machine was the Empire.

However, much to his relief, this was not a conquest of smoke and blood. Instead, it was a predominately diplomatic mission directed to prove to the Kaleesh that the Sith, that the Empire was the strongest. It just so happened that one of Abaddon's favorite pastimes from when he was a young man was one of the leading methods to accomplish this. Wrestling, martial arts, combat sports. All held a place in the black heart of the Devil Lion.

For such a special occasion, the Dark Councilor had chosen to forgo any and all clothing save for a pair of loose pants made of black leather, allowing his own chiseled physique to be put on display against the perhaps universally defined Kaleesh warriors. A slight chill from the wind ran over him as he applied the liquified form of Norris Root to his body, the red paste standing out glaringly on his grey skin as it ran down his trapezius muscles and pectorals. His emerald eyes akin to mythical green stars glared upon those in the arena, particularly the humongous Kaleesh that was defeated almost effortlessly by the Emperor.

"A shame he fell so quickly," the Devil Lion muttered with genuine disappointment to the young Sith Pureblood next to him. "Wouldn't you agree, Xisae?"

"He is a shame to the Kaleesh, Lord Abaddon," she responded with a Pureblood's trademarked disdain. "I would have thought such a specimen would have held out longer. But alas."

Abaddon smiled a blindingly white smile as he applied the last of the paste to his right bicep, "Yes...well, there are many more to go through, my Apprentice. Let us move to the cages."

And move they did with rapidity and purpose. The grunts and yells of combat between the many individuals attending the competitions echoed in the air and stuck like honey in the Councilor's ears. It was a joyous occasion of honor and glory, he decided, and perhaps he would be able to find an apprentice or two, even if they were unable to use the Force. He smirked at the thought as he came upon the cages with Xisae just as a duo of rather young Sith, likely acolytes, were soundly thrashed by a duo of yellow-skinned Kaleesh adorned with numerous tribal tattoos. Without wasting any words, the Devil Lion entered the wooden cage next and silently signaled that he would be their next opponent, a prospect they surprisingly did not attempt to mock or laugh at. Instead, they nodded curtly and adopted the stance of their fighting style. Abaddon nodded back just as curtly, his fists clenching as he adopted the beginning stance of the brutal fighting style of Stava, his breathing slowed to almost nothing, and his heart calmed in his chest.

"Come on then," the tallest of the two Kaleesh grunted before charging the Councilor.

 

[Darth Sibilus]

KALEE
FIGHTING​

The Epicanthix were a warrior-people. From an early age, Darth Sibilus had fought, and he had fought well. An invitation to show off his people's aptitude for combat was not one to miss. The last time the Epicanthix Sith Lord had come to Kalee was with the Sith Ascendancy, where, under the command of the Togrutan Sith Lord Darth Pyyrhus, he had failed miserably in subjugating the Kalee people and suffered the consequences of such a failure. Now, he was stronger, smarter and much more powerful with the Force as Darth Sibilus, shrugging off the identity of the weaker Drios Rapux, he had ascended to the mantle of Sith Lord. He would not fail again.

Clad only in a traditional Epicanthic sash and loincloth and with his sleek black hair knotted into plaits entwined with jewellery and opulence, the Sith Lord had seemingly returned to his Panathan roots for the occasion, the only signal of his Sith allegiance being his bright burning eyes and the assortment of Sith tattoos that ran like deep fissures across his skin, jagged and unpredictable like the nature of the Sith. He was at heart a warrior; a warlord from a long line of conquerors who subjugated and controlled masses to place the Sith Lord where he was today. Today, he would not be met with failure on Kalee, quite the contrary, today was a day for showcasing the supremacy of the Sith, of his people. Perhaps he was peering too far into it, or perhaps pride and hubris were traits too common amongst Sith and Epicanthix.

Crack! Sibilus did not need the Force, which had been taken away from him in this bout, to subdue and batter his opponent with clinical accuracy. He raised himself to his full height, parading himself around the arena to the cheers of onlooking Kaleesh, deep lacerations from the Kalee's claws spread across his body as he squirmed from his iron grasp.

 

[Rabbit]

Location: Objective II
Partners:/b] Telis Taharin-Zambrano , AMCO
Post Number: 1


Deep breaths. Relax. Feel the air go in and out. These were the mantras she always told herself when she had to do maintenance on herself. Even Rabbit had to admit that taking off her own arm was a slightly harrowing experience, even after years. She was hunched over the scrap monstrosity laying on a workbench, her goggles secured over her eyes to protect them from the sparks from her torch. Some would think of her arm as a marvel of engineering based on the fact that it functioned at all, considering it and the rest of her cybernetics were assembled from literal garbage. Most would look at it and think it was the ugliest and most patchwork prosthetic they had ever laid eyes on.

This was the second time that day she needed to commit to maintenance on herself. Was day the right word? Ever since she had left Raxus, time had become a strange concept to her. How could she tell day and night in the endless void of space? She hadn’t been able to yet, but she supposed that would come with practice and experience, like her new traveling companion always said. She just slept when he told her it was time to sleep. She trusted him, even though she had only known him for about three days. He had been nice enough to pick her up as a crew member, hadn’t he?

The servos near the elbow were acting up again. Getting stiff. Tight. The metal around the joint was wearing thin from so many weldings. It was time for a replacement. Carefully, she severed the section of metal from the arm as a whole, setting down her torch to take up some tongs. Working with one arm was the hardest part of getting used to fixing herself when she needed to. She had found it limiting, and still did to an extent, but out here, no one had the intrinsic knowledge of her patchwork fixes to do any real repairs. It needed a special touch, that only she or her uncle could provide. And her uncle was on Raxus. And she was not. She was in space, going to a remote world to do mercenary work for the Sith.

Once the patch had been applied, she went about the process of re-attaching her arm. Connecting the proper wires, sliding it into place, and switching it on. There was a jolt of electricity, and she was able to move it again. She tested the grip, and the joint movement. Not perfect. But good enough. There was only so long she could keep repairing this. But her arm wasn’t the main concern, honestly.

She took in a deep breath, and lifted her shirt to expose her left side. It was a mish mash of barely protected wires, parts, and components that kept her breathing, and her heart pumping. And one of those systems was acting up. One of the pumps for her left lung needed a tear replaced. She was already having trouble breathing, and if she let this wait, then it would only get worse. So she steeled herself, and turned off her lung pump.

From here, she had four minutes to work before she was dead. She had to stay calm, so her heartbeat would stay relatively normal, and her hands would stay steady. She worked quickly, feeling her heart beat in her throat, and holding in her breath as much as she could. The clock ticked, and she was still working, attaching the patch to the pump, she had to go quick, or she would-

Got it. The patch was applied, and she turned her system back on, taking deep gasping breaths. The lungs weren’t the ones that concerned her. If the parts that kept her heart pumping ever went on the fritz, then there wasn’t much that she could do to keep herself going. She had to get the money together for better internal parts. Or she would die.

She finally left the engineering room to join her partner in the cockpit. Dahvin was a gruff older man, the epitome of a mercenary. He barely acknowledged Rabbit as she entered, grunting.

“We’re coming in on Kalee. Sith want us to explore some tomb and provide back-up. Should be easy enough, just like I told you.”

Rabbit nodded, though she was still nervous. She had never met a Sith, before. Only had a vague idea of what they were, even. She had heard some stories from her uncle, but no real facts, or details. What were they like? Were they the evil wizards her uncle had made them out to be? Only time would tell, she supposed.

Their smaller ship came down to the appropriate spot, where a yacht had already landed. Dahvin grunted as their landing gear came out, and stood, securing his armor to himself.

“Follow my lead. Don’t offend the Sith. Keep your head on a swivel. And relax. You’ll be fine. I promise.”

The two of them came off their landing ramp, Dahvin the vision of a mercenary in his armor and blaster rifle, and Rabbit much less intimidating. Her partner had only given her a small blaster pistol to use, and it was unfamiliar in her hands. All of this was new. Familiar. Intimidating.

“Don’t talk to them, Rabbit. Let me do the talking.” Dahvin led her to the entrance of the tomb, where the Sith were.

“Dahvin, and this is my partner, Rabbit. We’re here for escort duty.”

 

[Drew Benneck]

Objective: 1
Post #1

A cargo class Frigate pulled out of hyperspace above Kalee. This was unfamiliar territory the old man thought to himself as he stared out at the planet from the bridge viewport. A diplomatic mission to a tropical planet, somewhere back on Mygeeto there was a TSE rep laughing at the irony. Everything about the situation was outside Drew Benneck's comfort zone. Even the ship Drew stood on wasn't his, it was assigned by the Sith, but the troops and equipment on board was all Benneck. Ready to start siphoning off the resources this inferior world may hold. He could walk away from this with another treasure to add to his personal Vault or a small fortune to add to the coffers at the Iron Gates. A small sigh escaped him, had he been a younger man, Drew would have been against such intentions. But he wasn't a young man anymore and this was a different Empire.

"Making our final approach Brigadier General Benneck," a shout came from the helm. "Imperial forces are already on the ground." A holographic representation of the planet appeared on the Command deck, red markings indicating the various Sith ID tags known in the area. Aerarii and Hont were already in the Capital city Kaleela beginning negotiations. Drew readjusted his military uniform before distributing his orders. "We won't be joining events in the Capital at this time. We will make contact with the southern tribes. Let us show them how far the might of the Empire can reach. Prepare my shuttle with the cargo.

Drew turned away from the viewport to exit the bridge and made his way to the hangar bay, where his shuttle would be waiting to take him to the surface. A shaking cage with three of the Huk natives was being forced into the shuttle's cargo space. Their oversized insect bodies writhing for space in the small cage branded with the emblem of The Sith Empire. Drew entered the shuttle just as the last of his security detail was situated alongside their cargo. And awaited for the final decent into his gambit.

 

[Hont Atellies]

Objective: Silver Tongue Devils
Allies: Aerarii Tithe

“Legionnaire,”

“Consul,”

Hont turned to face Aerarii Tithe as he came into the keep. He took a seat next to

“Conquerer,”

The leader spoke some exotic language to the guards, opening the right side of the room to reveal what appeared to be crude fighting pits almost big enough to to be full blown arenas, with the view from the keep revealing all the current fights. The crowd was massive, and the fights looked like something Hont would much rather partake in.

The chieftain turned to face Hont and Aerarii once again.

“Welcome, Sith to the Grand Hall, the Kol Solith Grphy. Many among our population seek to join your Empire, but I am hesitant. Though some of your kind go and prove to us why we should, by honourably duelling, you come here to talk. Tell me, why should we, join you?”

Hont looked directly at the chieftain, his armour glistening off the sun, which had just been revealed through the opening of the wall to the right.

“We offer a position for your people to fight more foes than ever before, to prove your honour on the battlefield, just like I do. I am a legionnaire of The Sith Empire. I serve those above and command those below, it is honourable. Something I could see your species doing with conviction.”

Hont is bored underneath the helmet. He was using a small modification inside the armour to play some games with his bunk mate Greg. He hated this, as he would much rather fight than talk. Though he was bored, when led to speak, his words sounded as if he was paying every bit as much attention as he did when he was speaking about the soldiers. His words carrying the tone of a soldier in arms.

“What about you, this, Consul, what do you have to offer us?”

Aerarii Tithe​

 

[Lord Venari]

Objective: Locate and explore the Sith Shadow Academy
Allies: Leon Amun , any who wish to join.

"I told you, we have more than enough warriors handling the trials of strength!" The Sith Lord shouted as he drove his crimson blade through the tusk of an enraged Mumuu. One of his telekinetically drawn sabers plunged into the beast as another bisected a charging Kaleesh warrior. The Kaleesh local to the temple were not the same as those the Empire had been engaging in "diplomacy" with. These warriors were as crazed as the beasts they fought alongside. Hyper aggressive even by Kaleesh standards. "Are our gracious hosts here not entertaining enough?" He continued berating his Sith-Mando attendant.

With a final stroke of his personal saber, the last of the crazed Kaleesh had fallen. The warrior's once ornate war mask now as twisted as the outer grounds of the ancient temple. It was a far more beautiful visage than that of its more tame brethren. As fierce as the Kaleesh were, even they lacked the ferocity of this "clan." Yes, the dark side was strong in this place, magnifying the most base instincts of the wildlife and any who dared to call the grounds home. Beautiful indeed.

A cool breeze swept away the foul stench of charred guts and viscera. Kalee was a tropical world but wasn't without its tundra. The temple didn't reside within the southern ice covered Grendaju landmass, but was exposed to the harsh winds of the cold front.

"Colonel Waldar is to stand in our place in the capital. We are to seize the temple above as the Dark Councilor and newly appointed Triumvir explore the apparent gravesite below," the whir of Venari's deactivating lightsabers was quickly replaced by the bassy whoosh carried by the air current that stemmed from the not so distant temple.

Scattered spires breached the darkening skies above and the clouds stirred over the land as the Venari and his ally closed the distance. As soon as the Reclaimer entered the system Venari could feel the power of the Nexus. It was a beacon of bogan energy. Unfortunately, his was not the task of venturing the grounds below. Still, the temple held much promise. It sat as a cap above the Nexus and one that would certainly play home to many ancient artifacts. What secrets did it hide, who had built this dark sanctuary and called themselves its masters. The Empire wanted answers, so too did the Sith Lord.

At Venari's side one of his recent creations, a Xalmiris, feasted on the Mumuu's corpse. The little wonder would play a rather important part in the coming wars of the Sith Empire, but this little guy was one of the first successful prototypes and would remain by Venari's side. "Now, if you're finished with your pointless protests, we have a job to do," he said to Leon as the two continued through the wooded valley.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

Location: Wilds of Kalee
Objective: Wrastle

A fist slammed into his midsection, bruising the flesh as the knuckles pulled away in what seemed like slow motion. Slapping away another punch, the Sith Emperor rammed the palm of his hand into the meaty bicep of the Kaleesh warrior ahead of him. The impact sent the smaller alien spinning in the direction his arm was jerked towards, his balance completely destroyed as the Emperor swept his legs out from under him and pinned him to the ground. A couple of seconds of struggle ensued before this warrior, like all the others, tapped out as his airway became constricted.​

​

Releasing him, the Emperor rested on his haunches and wiped the sweaty strands of hair away from his vision. He'd defeated a healthy number of Kaleesh since arriving, his prowess as a warrior proved many times over. But he could see that the Kaleesh grew pensive at the thought of challenging him in a one-on-one match. He would need to give them more of an edge, to make them more confident in their victory.​

​

Before it was snatched away.​

​

Rising up to his full height, the Emperor stretched each limb and let out a contented sigh of relief as his joints popped loudly. "Alright, that was a thorough warmup." He looked to one of the older warriors, considered a paragon among her people. Her ruddy orange skin was marked with countless blue-green tattoos, and her reptilian face was obscured by a bleached mask of chiseled bone. "Send ten of your best warriors to fight me, I will fight alone on my side." He smiled grimly in the baking sun, and even though he couldn't see it, he imagined that the old matron smiled back.​

 

[Leon Amun]

"BUT THEY DON'T HAVE THE MURDERHAWKE!" Leon bellowed to Sith ally. Though the Mandalorian began to have his doubts that Venari was even his friend at this point The (In)sidious Sith lord had used their friend ship and his trust to completely and thoroughly betray him. Such a betrayal had not been seen since the likes of Anakin Skywalker. Venari had successfully convinced The Murderhawke to accompany him to the planet of Kalee with promises of wrestling. Leon wanted nothing more than to show off his skills in the ring to some unsuspecting aliens and he immediately took his friend up on the offer. What the scruffy nerf herder did not include was that they would, in fact, be absolutely no where near the wrestling.

"'Oh hey Leon, you should come with me to Kalee, there's going to be wrestling tournaments and shows of strength, it's right up your ally'" Leon Mimicked his comrade, rather poorly. "'The empire's strongest will be there, you'll have tons of fun" He continued only to be interrupted by a frenzied Kaleesh warrior charging at him. With one very quick and very deadly clothesline, the Kaleesh's neck snapped and it's body crumpled to the floor. "THIS IS CLEARLY NOT WRESTLING!" He shouted angrily at Venari, throwing what most would consider, a temper tantrum. "I SWEAR ON MY ARMOR IF I DON'T GET ONE MATCH I WILL HAVE MIRA PEE ALL OVER THE RECLAMER! You can't remove that stench Venari, you will be constantly reminded of your betrayal"

Even though Leon had to admit to himself he was having a modicum of fun, he would never actually admit it to Venari. As he continued to yell at his Sith companion, Leon began to grab and throw any remaining warrior insight at his partner, only to have them dashed to bits be the floating sabers the kept the warrior guarded. "See! This is why no one likes the Sith, you're all just mean...and you lie" He continued the tantrum until the rest of the resistance was finished, then, he strode off to sulk by himself.

Eventually the Murderhawke made his way back to the Sith near the temple, ready to approach the situation in a calm rational manner. Unfortunately this goal proved to be impossible as Leon's fury spiked once more at Venari's latest comment. "Oh, I knnooooooowwwww You did not just call The Murderhawke's protests pointless" He scowled at Venari "You have done a great disservice to the empire by robbing them the chance of seeing The Murderhawke in action! You have forced them to miss out on the entertainment of a lifetime! But of course YOU WOULND'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT WOULD YOU!? " His howl, echoed through the temple entrance as he scolded his companion "All you Sith do is worry about your power and how to get unlimited quantities of it, you people know nothing of how to sit back and relax, that's why you're always scowling and so susceptible to premature wrinkling! You need to learn to relax!" Leon gave his companion a quick pat on the back and continued forward into the temple, whatever the hell it was, he would at least make sure to put on some form of entertainment for his friend who desperately needed to remove the lightsaber from his rear.

 

[Ladybug]

Post: 2
Objective 1 (A): A Show of Strength


Crouched down and sifting dirt through her hands, Mikilanna felt the eyes of the spectators and other Kaleesh participants bearing down on her; gauging why this young, small Sith girl was in the arena. Her opponent had yet to be named, meaning the Judge for this scrap was affording her one last opportunity to back out. Sighing impatiently, Mikilanna looked up at the judge making a swirling gesture with a finger as if to tell him to hurry this up. Shrugging, the Judge announced her opponent. Across the arena the wooden gates parted, and stepping through to the thunderous roars of applause entered her opponent. Like the other Kaleesh, her opponent refused to take her serious. Even as the gong rang out three times to start the match, her adversary paraded about exciting cheers from his glorious fans.

Seizing the opportunity, she charged toward the Kaleesh while his attention was divided amongst the crowd. Reaching striking distance in accordance to her wingspan, her right hand balled tightly into a fist aiming for the kidney region of the Kaleesh. A second before flesh on flesh contact was determined, the warrior side-stepped her attack allowing her momentum to not only carry her past him, but causing her to face plant into the dirt. Once more, her ears burned to the thunderous roars of cheers now mingled with laughter. Quickly she recovered denying the seeds of embarrassment to bloom. Cracking his knuckles, her opponent struck.

Within seconds of his assault, Mikilanna found herself blocking, dodging, and pushing away a flurry of fisted attacks. If not for the evolution of her species providing her with ultra fast reflexes, the fight would have ended in seconds. The warrior could not break her defenses. The crowd itself began to simmer down when the realization set in that this girl possessed some fighting skill.

Back and forth the two fought, dancing about the arena leaving kicked dirt in their wake. Exchanging strikes, blocking strikes, and countering strikes. Where the Kaleesh held the more physical attributes of the pair, Mikilanna had endurance, perseverance, and resilience in her corner. Every powerful hurl that came her way, the Kaleesh grew tiresome and eventually his thrusts diminished with force behind them. The time to end the fight had come.

Stepping into his attack with everything he had in reserves, he left himself vulnerable. Ducking to her left, allowing the massive punch to whistle by, she gripped the Kaleesh's right leg with her long tail; wrapping in tightly enough so with a quick tug she tripped the warrior up. No sooner had the man hit the arena floor that she was atop, delivering an onslaught of rapid, speed infused punches that the Judge on the balcony was forced to call the fight; declaring Mikilanna the victor. As she left the arena to prepare for her next fight, she looked at the stun crowd flicking them a smile of defiance for their pre-judgments.

 

[Kascalion Giedfield]

Location: Kalee
Objective: I - Wrestling
Allies: TSE
Post: 2

The two Kaleesh had come at him with all their might, each throwing a series of hard-knuckled punches that would have knocked out lesser men in ten seconds flat had they connected. But Abaddon was not going to lose so handily once again. He was going to win and win decisively. And so, he dodged each attempted strike for nearly a minute before jutting his fingers between their left third and fourth ribs in a responsive assault so quick he appeared more blur than solid being.

These strikes, as expected, impacted the warriors' lungs hard enough to cause initial destabilization and shortness of breath but not complete incapacitation, which is what Abaddon had somewhat hoped would happen with the first strikes. The follow-up attacks, which themselves had followed more blocking of furious haymakers with forearms and elbows alongside rapid deflections and light push-kicks, were what truly began the path towards incapacitation of the Kaleesh warriors. A forward roll under an attempted spinning fist from the larger of the two warriors was immediately transitioned into a sliding leg-sweep that tumbled the big man onto his face, which the Devil Lion used to swiftly clamber over enough to a slightly kneeling position some feet away.

With a quick three-step motion, the grey-skinned titan slammed his right knee into the scowling face of the beast, briefly taking him out of the equation as the Devil Lion instantly sprung to his feet in the same motion. The smaller Kaleesh had donned an apprehensive, panting aura as he slowly backed away from the man who appeared to have been carved from a mountain of marble. Silently, Abaddon approached the smaller Kaleesh with a sequence of feigned kicks and punishing fists to the cheeks and jaw, a disapproving growl escaping his throat with each other strike. One particularly savage hook to the mouth knocked several teeth loose and broke at least one, a bloody shard flying to the floor as its former owner staggered against the cage wall.

By the time the large one had risen off the dirt, the crowd around the cage hollering and screaming at the sights before them, his compatriot was barely standing with a face swollen nearly beyond recognition. Yet he fought on, even if his attempted attacks were for naught and only connected with the air. The larger Kaleesh roared and charged the Dark Councilor, surprisingly managing to catch the man off guard and tackling him to the ground, dirt decompressing under the massive weight of the creatures as the Kaleesh attempted to wrestle the Devil Lion into a submission, possibly his last hope to even grasp the cords of victory.

To his credit, Abaddon would later admit, the Kaleesh was stronger on the ground than he was standing up and for a close thirty seconds, he held the advantage of strength and would have accomplished his goal had the smaller one not approached seeking to reclaim his honor from the embarrassing beating he had sustained. This would distract the larger Kaleesh long enough for Abaddon to regain control and quickly flipped the warrior over his head before kipping up and landing a skull-shattering spin kick on the smaller one, knocking him unconscious for, as Abaddon later learned, two hours. The larger Kaleesh rose to his feet only to fall victim to the same move seconds later, crumpling to the ground like a bag of rocks.

Impressing the Devil Lion, the larger Kaleesh awoke mere minutes later and approached him as he prepared for his next opponent to be named. Placing a fist on his chest, the Kaleesh bowed his head only slightly, "I am Shyraanaex Jal Qaemmi, Sith. I am proud to have fought you. You are a true warrior."

"I am Kascalion Giedfield," the Dark Councilor replied in perfect Kaleesh, drawing surprised expressions from the warrior and those around him. "You fought well. Tend to the smaller one and see that he keeps training. He fought with passion."

Shyraanaex nodded curtly once again, "He is Santaek Soggoth. A dear friend. I will inform him of your words, Sith. May you fare just as well in your next fights."

With that, the warrior left to do as the Councilor had requested, but not before vocally challenging any in the crowd to fight Abaddon as he had.

 

[AMCO]

Objective II: Explore the Tomb of Brakh Eer Halgh
Writing With: Telis Taharin-Zambrano & Rabbit
Post Number II
---

Smiling warmly, Adrian turned towards his fellow Sith, pleasantly surprised that he did not have to wait overlong for the man to decide on which fashionable outfit to wear. "Glad to hear it, Telis." Taking a moment to relish in the power radiating from their destination, he pointed towards the skull-shaped entrance to the tomb. "Only entrance, to my knowledge; likely trapped, but nothing we can't handle. Shall we?"

As they approached, his voice retained its casual tone, though his eyes were alert to any threats, his head briefly twisting in the direction of the skirmish in the Academy above before returning to its quarry. It seemed Lord Venari was dealing with the locals, excellent. "I took the liberty of hiring some mercenaries, the pair over there. Could be useful." ... especially if the local spirits were out for blood.

Greeting the mercenaries with a casual wave, he pulled a trio of talismans seemingly carved from humanoid bone from an inner pocket, throwing one to each of them - and one to the Dark Councillor. "Should ward off possession. You had some experience with traps, no? Keep an eye out and let Darth Aagenti and me handle anything supernatural." The pair of Karza'Arana flanking him should be well-enough protected already.

Without further ado, he led the way into the tomb, smiling brightly when he noted the ornately-masked Kaleesh spirit, likely part of the King's honour guard in life, greeting them as if they were guests to a palace awaiting a tour - likely unaware of his own deathless state, how curious.

Nodding to Darth Aagenti, he left the socialising in his capable hands, focusing instead on detecting any sorcerous threats.

 

[Joycelyn Zambrano]

The two fighters took a moment to look each other up and down. Joycelyn was taller than the Kaleesh, even though he stood at an impressive height among his people. He was broad, with long arms that rippled with firm muscle. Joycelyn herself was chiselled with toned muscle under tanned skin. It was a moment of mutual respect without curtsy, just violent intent. It was a moment of tension, broken only by the two of them suddenly rushing forward.

Flesh crashed against flesh as they threw themselves into the wrestling.

The Kaleesh threw himself at Joycelyn's lower abdomen, trying to seize her centre of mass. However, he was stopped by Joycelyn's arm slipping under his shoulder and through his armpit. She tried to put her other hand on the back of his head to steer him, but he pushed it away while fishing for her leg so he could tip her. weight.

She tried to twist him off to the side, but he managed to brace against her push. His attempt at pulling her leg out from under her was lost when she readjusted against his braced position. Locked in, he could not pull back without landing in a head lock, so he went in further, wrapping his arms around Joycelyn's front leg. His right arm went over her knee, the left went to her heel, and he pushed.

Joycelyn felt her balance come under threat, and she tried to turn it around, but her legs were in a bad position. She knew what to do, but she could not get there just then.

And so, on her back she fell. The outer defence was breached, the kaleesh side of the crowd cheered loudly as the imperials ooh'ed. The tensions rose, but there was yet more battle to be fought.

Joycelyn grinned as she pulled her hands up to her head and the Kaleesh tried to mount her torso and unleash a furious series of blows to her head. She was counting on it. He had come with a plan, and she knew what people saw when they looked at her.

Little did they know about the secrets of the Vahla,