Cruisin' Kruskan [TSE Dominion of Hex AM-22]

[Arage Bao]

Objective 4: Non-Com Extravaganza

There were a couple of things that was crucial for the creation of the station.

First of all, they wanted it to be sparsely manned and mostly automated with only a skeleton crew that would verify claims made by the sensory equipment. This signified the lack of true priority this world had and Verse made note of that. The Empire was stretching, lazily and relaxed, but there were frontiers of battle. Enemies at every turn, some of them useless and fangless, while others were more formidable.

"Mmmm, no, I think we should use the alloy here." She murmured as she studied the schematics projected in front of her. One of the engineers, Zygerrian of course, nodded quickly and made an adjustment.

It immediately showed the increase in structural integrity, but also just how much increase there would have to be for its engines.

To be expected- the alloy preformed better in space rather than in the atmosphere, where the gravity well pulled against it. "Perhaps we can replace some parts of it with alusteel?"

This was more a suggestion and it didn't take long for them to start working on other solutions as well.

 

[Xevek Nekonis]

Location: Ruins of Kruskan.
Objective: [1] Uncover secrets long buried.
Nearby: [member="Adrian Vandiir"] | [member="Lisanne Escher"] | [member="Jacen Vadith"] | [member="Tsisaar Taral"]

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Beneath his mask, Xevek only scowled in annoyance as the pair who had seen fit to disturb his slumber saw fit to bother him further as the Iridonian paused at the entrance of the tomb, running a tanned and tattooed hand across the runes that were engraved there. Tilting his head far enough to one side so that the man, the one that had addressed him, drifted into view, Xevek took a moment to look him over to see if any recognition was sparked - ultimately failing to recognise him. As such, when he spoke, he spoke with a clipped tone of voice, carefully restrained. "Please, in the future, have a little respect for yourself, if no one else, and refer to no other, including me in that number, as 'my grumpy friend'. You sound, to say the least, completely imbecilic. But, I digress, to observe politness, I shall answer your question. No, I am not trying to, as you so.... eloquently put it, keep the good stuff myself. I simply did not see any reason why I should associate myself with those who saw fit to disturb me from my meditation."

Turning to face the man completely, Xevek's one eye blinked lazily at him. "Should I assume, from your companion's overburdened state," his gaze flickered momentarily to the young woman at the man's side before returning to him, he had been the one to address Xevek after all, "that you are also here in search of the missing research team? If so, I ever so kindly ask that you leave me be as we go our separate ways." Bowing slightly, Xevek turned sharply on his heels and disappeared into the entrance to the tomb, his hands drifting to be clasped against the small of his back.

Scenting the air as he walked, Xevek hummed to himself as what he smelt. Two newer scents drifted off in the same direction, however, a third, much weaker, scent trail lead deeper into the tomb. Pausing for a moment at a junction, Xevek snorted to himself before turning and travelling down the path that had remained untouched, the path where no scent trail marked the air. This was he could be alone once more, left to bask in the feeling of the Force and Darkness as it curled around him so fascinatingly, the song it was singing unheard by any living being for years upon years. After all, the Silence was where Xevek felt more at home.

A short while later, Xevek was stood stock still in the middle of a hallway, slowly sinking into meditation as he eased his mind further and further into the Force, letting the tapestry of the Force stretch out before him. When he stared out at the ruins around him on a metaphysical sight, he was not granted with the hazy outlines of walls and hallways reaching deeper into the ground. Instead, he was met with the sight of the Dark Side twisting around him, the echoes of times that once were playing out invisibly and soundlessly around him, the stories of ages past lay out before him as they wove their way across the fabric of reality, intertwined with the threads of the present as his presence within the ruins, along with the presence of others and the team before them, interfered with the carefully set story and added new words to a tale concluded when the ruins were left along and abandoned. It was a sight that Xevek adored, watching as the possible futures of reality were carefully sewn onto the tapestry, solidifying into the present then fading into the past, even as tendrils of untouched Darkness loomed deeper within the ruins.

Moving without really feeling his own body, Xevek's remaining flesh and blood hand came up to rest against the rune covered wall, tracing patterns that only he could see as rough and callused fingertips ran along engraved carved into stone ages before. Moving slowly, Xevek continued on deeper into the tomb, absentmindedly shifting from tracing patterns to tracing the runes themselves, reading them even as he continued on deeper into the tombs, exploring its depths as he followed the twisting path set before him by the Dark Side that clung to the stone around him.

 

[Jantar Keltainen]

Objective: Three — Cult of Regera Girawn
Post: One

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11A8JZ-RDDo

Officially the Cult of Regera Girawn was a threat to the careful order of the Empire. Jantar didn’t quite see it that way, and was keen to reach Kruskan before they were wiped out.

The planet was located on the far fringes of the Colundra sector of the Outer Rim Territories. It was noticeable from a dark-sider’s history perspective because Sith Acolytes hid a holocron in a mountain stronghold on the planet. The planetary capital city later grew up near to the ruins, and the holocron was uncovered by the servants of the noblewoman Regera Girawn.

She was affected by its powers, her face and hands burnt by it as it was destroyed. Her Force-potential uncovered, she became mad from the persistent visions she received, terrifying her subjects.

But in Jantar’s eyes, a Force-sensitive Kruskan noblewoman who turned to the dark side, becoming a Force Witch can’t be all bad. Jantar was see to see if any information contained on that Holocron was still in the hands of the Cult.

 

[Tabigarashu Madara]

[member="Darth Saarai"] [member="Velok the Younger"] [member="Zahori Denko"]

Hirou bowed at the waist to Velok from their perch on Tai's shoulder, and offered a nod to confirm that, indeed, they would just as soon be called by 'Hirou' as all of those titles. Mostly, the titles were just bemusing. As far as Hirou was concerned, they just did the best they could. As it happened that usually meant something important to someone else. Full name and titles all told.... it was a very long way to address a very smol mouse.

Hirou knew Zahori from serving with her at Kuat. It had been a weird dynamic, but they had done well together- Hirou mostly staying out of her way, tactically. Of course, no one could have expected the defenders to destroy their own shipyards.

Staying on Tai Fa's shoulder until they reached the table, Hirou scampered down his wing, a small leap to reach the surface. Shaking out their fur and ears swiveling, they sniffed- catching the same scent of charred flesh as the first time they had been here. Fur rippled uneasily.

"We hope to treat in good faith," came the high pitched, tiny voice of the Nezumi. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Velok of Toola."

Though squeaky, the voice was solemn when they continued. "While we fight the wars we must, if there are other paths open, the Empire will walk them."

 

[Velok the Younger]

[member="Tabigarashu Madara"] [member="Jantar Keltainen"] [member="Darth Saarai"] [member="Zahori Denko"]

"Well then."

The negotiating table now comprised several cultists, several Sith, and one old Whiphid. Velok gestured to the former.

"As I understand it, the Girawnites would be most comfortable with the following outcomes." He laid one massive finger on the table with each item. "One. Assurances that they, their assets, and their knowledge will be left alone. No raids, subversions, appropriations -- the usual. Two. Assurances that members of their association will have full and fair opportunity to join the ranks of the Sith and have their skills and experience recognized. And three. Protection of their recruitment base. One could all too easily imagine some ambitious Sith rehabilitating one of the ruined temples and luring the best candidates. I've been given to understand, however, that collaborative ventures and instructional programs are acceptable, even desirable, as long as they remain equal partners.

"Your thoughts, friends?"

 

[LT-137]

Objective One; Post One.
Nearby: [member="Lisanne Escher"], [member="Adrian Vandiir"], [member="Jacen Vadith"], [member="Xevek Rakama"], [member="Tsisaar Taral"]

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The Crumbling Tower.​

His body was wracked his pain from the most recent events on Jaminere, but as he had grown bored of floating aimlessly within the confines of a bacta tank, Khonsu had elected to join an expedition down to the surface of Kruskan - as the man believed it wouldn’t tax his partially broken body any more than the Insurgency did. With much of the Golden Company deployed across the system, assisting the Sith-Imperial armada in combating the League of Voss, the Twisuns Legate was alone; with nothing but his burnished armour and sword to keep him company. It would be more than enough for what laid afore him, the Sun Guard mused, as he doubted that there was an army nestled within the ruins where the first expedition was rumoured to have been lost.

Let his brothers earn their glories against the ailing might of the League, it was on the surface of Kruskan that Khonsu sought his spoils. For who knew what secrets these ruins would hold, and what treasures sat undisturbed?

Whatever he would find in the depths of that mountain stronghold would doubtlessly prove to be of some use, as the man carried on with his lessons in private and could always use something more to fuel his ambitious pursuits. His helmet-shrouded eyes would keep an eye out for anything of note, but would doubtlessly have to contest the others that were hired by the Historical Society who would be searching the ruins alongside him. That meant the Sun Guard would have to be quick in stowing away anything he found, along with moving as swiftly as his broken body could find their expeditionary predecessors. Sure, that might stress his healing wounds, but it was better than being stuck in a dreamless state within the armoured bowels of the Solvognen.

Khonsu’s search began at the collapsed peaks of the carved mountain fortress, knowing it was unlikely that the others would’ve made their entrance from such an unstable avenue. It was there, as the shuttle drifted closer towards the crumbled parapets of the tower, that the crippled Sun Guard stepped off the extended platform and onto the old structure. It slowly began to buckle underneath his armour’s weight, coupled with the pressure exerted by the thrumming anti-gravitic plates of the shuttlecraft. He needed to move quickly, lest he is dashed upon the mountainside below. With a wave of his hand, the Secret Apprentice had dismissed his transport and hobbled his way into crumbling tower - silently cursing himself with every pained step.

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Toola​

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Task Force 648; the Nightbloods​

VSS Vindicator​

The Nightbloods arrival on Toola left Fiolette taking one of the shuttles from the Vindicator following the four weather corvettes to the surface while their carrier remained a visible sign in orbit. At 750 meters the ship rested and began to establish communications with corporate back on Botajef, the Cirrus lead the way as the four pointed ships broke through the atmosphere. The cold climate and tundra landscape of the planet rushed forward, the temperatures were read by the flight controller as he adjusted the ship's systems for the cold. Glaciers and frozen oceans greeted them with a haunting stillness as the ships past overhead.

Whiphids were the native species here, an aggressive and bloodthirsty lot by their very nature. "Have the Vindicator dispatch the Marines."

"Of course," an officer acknowledged, as Fiolette squared her shoulders.

Plans for the research facility were just to the right still held on the computer. It was largely subterranean with a smaller amount of levels above ground. "Avaneaux, take us down to these coordinates." They would be well within speeder range of the starport. "Have our ships set down here, here and here."

"Aye madame."

 

[Darth Athora]

Objective 3
[member="Velok the Younger"] | [member="Tabigarashu Madara"] | @Darth Saraai

Zahori took her seat after being introduced grandly by Lord Fa. She had no idea who the Whiphid was nor why he spoke for the cultists, but she listened to what he had to say for them. Whether it was actually what they wanted or what he wanted them to want, was unknown to her. That would have to be revealed later.

The terms seemed simple enough. Zahori saw no issue with them as she didn't really care for such religious affairs. However, their compliance would be needed in order to assure stability in the system.

As long as the peace was kept, she'd be content.

 

[Shade of Decay]

Objective 1: [member="Jacen Vadith"]

Tsisaar withheld making any witty comment on the shocked expression that shortly played across Jacen's face - after all, he doubted that his own expression shortly after running into the man was particularly calm or relaxed. He was, however, slightly surprised by the invitation from the Sith Knight to join him through the ruins. The pair had, after all, only met a very short time ago on Jaminere, and Tsisaar didn't particularly think his own performance noteworthy enough for any of superior rank to want him joining them in future potentially-dangerous activities.

On the other hand, he was only an acolyte, where Vadith was a knight, and he hadn't presented enough to make him look like a threat to the other man. Hopefully.

"Sure," Tsisaar replied, not letting any of the trepidation that had shortly crossed his mind into his voice. He started following along behind his new companion, tucking the book into an inner pocket of his clothes. "We'd best be careful not to run into any traps like we just did each other, though." The simple thought of any danger reminded him of the weight of his lightsaber at his hip. While he wasn't particularly skilled with it, certainly not compared to more physically-minded acolytes, it was nice to know he had it with him, both in case of a fight and in case he needed to cut his way into or out of something.

After a few strides, Tsisaar spoke up again, taking what little opportunity he had to get to know more about the man he was currently searching with. "So, aside from the pretext of searching for the research team, is there anything else you consider more pressing to find?" Tsisaar himself wasn't particularly concerned with the research team, so much as he was with finding any interesting artifacts or writings. "Or is your wandering truly just that?"

 

[Jacen Vadith]

KRUSKAN

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RUINS

Strangely enough, Knight Vadith was relatively humble. He was able to acknowledge his power, know when he was better than someone else, and so on, he treated people with respect when they deserved it. Tsisaar had done nothing to earn Jacen's ire, and as a result was someone he could simply get along with.

A grin tugged at his lips once Taral mentioned startling each other, though replied with someone more serious in it's nature, ​"Keep your senses sharp." Vadith had an innate aptitude in Force Sense, always feeling through the force for danger, even when he didn't mean to. He was sure to know when a trap was present. Fear not Acolyte, someone is watching your back. Alongside Tsisaar, Jacen continued to move throughout he ruins, his eyes scanning all that he could see with a peculiar wanderlust even though he didn't particularly care for them.

His head pivoted back to Tsisaar once he continued the conversation, if you could even call it that. "Everyone is searching for something, Acolyte." His tone genuine, but with a vague answer. He wasn't prone to coming clean at the first question, but maybe the Acolyte could aid him in one way or another.

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Objective 1

[member="Tsisaar Taral"]

 

[Arage Bao]

Objective 4: Non-Com Extravaganza

"Where do we stand with adaptability?"

It wouldn't surprise Verse if the Sith would want to deploy this thing on worlds that would be... less than suitable for regular use. Toxic environments, extreme temperatures (on both ends of the spectrum), there were a lot of options there that could wreck the entire operation, if they weren't cautious about it. She studied the screens as it shifted, showing a cut-in of the internal systems. They had properly shielded most of the internal components that could present a challenge, but that wasn't enough for Taggart.

"Let's see if we can add more shielding to the hull- lose the guns, if that will help with the power output." They had placed a few turbolaser emplacements in the concept design, but... no, that could probably go away. Most of these things would be station in Sith territory after all.

They could profit of the Legion and Armada.

No sense in shoving more into it than strictly necessary. "Hrm. If we lose the guns... I think we have enough room to add some more sensory equipment." The other Zygerrians looked at her with a curious expression. She understood, seeing as they had already shoved a lot of sensors into it.

But all of those had been strictly for the civilian/exploration purposes.

What if... they added something else to it. Something the Saaraishash and the other agents of the Empire could use?

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Velok the Younger"] [member="Tabigarashu Madara"] [member="Zahori Denko"]

A nod of the beak in confirmation to Hirou's words.

This was true.

Lord Saarai often (and eagerly) played the foil to [member="Darth Carnifex"]'s darkest instincts. Where the Butcher King offered slaughter, the Thirriken offered words. Where the Black Iron Tyrant suggested the slagging of worlds and defiling of their territory, the Thirriken offered diplomacy. Where Kaine Zambrano worshiped destruction... Tai Fa devoted himself to order. In his experience it was easier to destroy. The challenges Velok and himself had faced to push the Silver Jedi Order out of the Sith Worlds, their efforts to erode their influence around the Tingel Arm... difficult, yes.

But the wrangling and cat herding (sometimes literally) that Lord Fa had to busy himself with to keep the gears of the Empire smooth and running? That was an entirely different challenge.

"The Sith Empire hears the concerns of the Girawnites." Tai calmly stated as he mused on those words. Part of it could be accommodated- it had already been in the cards, but there was one thing. One thing that could not be given or softened.

"The last of two points can be discussed and accepted with some stipulations." His wings folded themselves behind his back as he continued. "The first? Impossible. For the latter two to be accepted, all the knowledge of the Girawnites will be subjected to the review process of the Saaraishash."

His head swiveled to forestall the immediate protestations.

"Every group that has been accepted into the fold has gone through this process." ...or been destroyed, that last bit need not be spoken outloud. "There will be no exception here. Any traces of heresy as determined by the clerics of the Saaraishash will be purged and struck from the records." In this Tai Fa would not budge. Not even with an old ally trying to mediate. The entire foundation of the Empire was build around this.

It was what made them strong, it was what ensured the Empire did not fall into chaos and anarchy, it ensured order of all things.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Location: Ruins of Kruskan
Objective: [1] Investigate ruins
Nearby: @Lisanne Escher | [member="Adrian Vandiir"] | [member="Jacen Vadith"] | [member="Xevek Rakama"] | [member="Tsisaar Taral"] | [member="Khonsu Amon"]

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With the disappearance of the excavation team of the Historical Conservation Society within one of the many ruins that dotted the surface of Kruskan, it had to be assumed that there was a chance it was not a mere accident. Darth Avacyn had delved through ancient structures such as Sith tombs in the past and knew how dangerous they could be. It was for that reason she did not have high hopes the missing persons were still alive, but even so it was imperative to know what was hidden within the ruin. She was far from alone in the endeavor, though. Albeit not directly working together with her they all had similar goals, investigating the place and potentially tracking down the excavation team, or learning what fate had befallen them.

While Avacyn approached the entrance of the ruin something in the Force drew her in closer, yet it was nothing that belonged there. It was a presence she had felt before, one that belonged to somebody oddly familiar. It took her a moment to recall why that was, but quickly the memory replayed in her mind. It was during one of the many conflicts the Empire had with the League of Voss where she was confronted by a small group of soldiers. All but one would meet their end, the last one able to escape. To most this meant they were given another chance to end the life of a rebel, but in the name of the Valkyries the Sith Lady would pass judgment and during the short confrontation the two had she had done so already.

The woman was worthy.

To cut the rebel down was unnecessary. To have her see the Dark side and its truths, to bring her in and foster her potential, that was what Avacyn looked to do and now she was given another chance to reach out her hand to lift her up. Without delay she made her way inside and let the Force guide her steps, the darkness of the ruin seemingly posing no hinderance to her sense of direction. It led her to a half-collapsed entrance of a chamber nearby the entrance, one that was difficult to notice, especially without any light source. A hiding place. The rebel was fortunate it was her who found her first; Had it been anyone else there was no doubt they would not think twice about striking her down.

 

[AMCO]

Objective I: It belongs in a museum, my museum.
Nearby: [member="Xevek Rakama"] | [member="Lisanne Escher"] | [member="Jacen Vadith"] | [member="Tsisaar Taral"] | [member="Khonsu Amon"] | [member="Kaalia Pavanos"]
Post Number III

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Adrian was, to put it bluntly, surprised. From his earlier silence, he had expected to be talking to one of that particular kind of Acolyte that only seemed to speak when they had to, and then only concisely. It was always amusing to address them head-on, in a casually amiable manner, just to see how they reacted. That being said, he simply couldn't let his counterpart get away with calling him imbecilic.

"Why, you are right in that it was hardly respectful, but neither was that its purpose. I have found that a bit of impropriety does wonders to provoke a reaction from those initially observed to be the quiet, brooding, type. Moreover, I can hardly see how any complaints about me disturbing your meditation would be at all justified, considering how you were, presumably, engaging in meditation in the immediate proximity of a ruin which you very well knew would soon see a sharp uptake in activity. It is hardly on me that you are unable to find a solitary place to meditate, or alternatively tune out any disturbances that might occur as a result of your poor choice of locale."

Was that a jab at him making his companion do the carrying? If so, it was entirely unfounded, but he saw no reason to get bogged down in details. Not when he was just as eager as the other Acolyte to begin investigating the ruins. "As for your suggestion, I dare say that would be best. No reason to be clambering over one another, when there is plenty left to explore." As the masked figure headed off, he looked sideways at his companion. No, he wouldn't say she was overburdened. Though some might consider it impolite that she was made to carry all the necessary equipment, while he carried only a few gadgets and his lightsaber on his belt. Him, a Sith, doing the carrying. While there was a perfectly capable young woman able and willing to do the job, no less. What an utterly absurd notion.

As he reached the same crossroads as Xevek before him, he took the time to examine his options, but only briefly. He had every intention of finding the archaeologists, if they were still alive that is. After all, they had been here for quite a while and might know where the really interesting stuff was located. As an added bonus, they were members of SIHCS, which meant that their lives actually mattered to him. Even if he would give them up in a heartbeat for the promise of ancient knowledge. He might not be the worst of the worst, but he was still, after all, very much a Sith.

Striding boldly through the middle entrance, he made his way towards the centre of the ruins by the most expeditious path possible. The centre was always a good place to start. With any luck, he would run into the archaeologists, or whatever had ended their lives, soon enough. Feeling the reassuring presence of his new lightsaber on his hip, he still made every effort to extend his senses outwards, to warn him against possible threats. He may be confident, but he was not a fool.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

Colundra Sector

"They're pushing forward, your Eminence."

Realizing their error, and perhaps anticipating the trap about to be sprung, the League fleet surged forward to engage the Emperor's flagship at point-blank range. By now the forward most Valor-classes had reached the innermost perimeter and had begun to slug it out with the Behemoth with a distance of only a few scant kilometers between them. It was at that moment that the waiting attack fleets sprung into action, cutting off any chance that the League might retreat back the way they came.

The Emperor was pleased, the gullibility of fanatics was always something that could be used to serve the Empire. "Engage the gravity well generators, there will be no escape for them." Carnifex steepled his fingers as his orders were carried out, the holographic display before him shifting to mark the activation of the generators as the ships, both friend and foe, moved in real-time.

Massive quad turbolaser batteries sung as their cannons recoiled with continuous fire, the shields of a nearby Valor-class crumbling under the stress of so much concentrated firepower. Another broadside of ion cannon fire dissipated the shield like hot steam on a cool night's breeze, and another barrage of turbolaser fire ripped the star defender in half. The prow of the defender continued to list forward, propelled by what remained of its initial momentum as the aft section exploded into a thousand different shards of metal debris. It would ultimately come to crash into the layered shielding of the Behemoth, skidding along the shields as it tore itself up in its final death throes before being obliterated by several more barrages.

 

[Darth Ophidia]

OBJECTIVE 1: Uncover treasures.
WITH: [member="Cerbera"]
NEARBY: [member="Kaalia Pavanos"] [member="Jacen Vadith"] [member="Tsisaar Taral"] [member="Khonsu Amon"] [member="Lisanne Escher"]

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"Look at them."

Ophidia gestured with her cup down at [member="Adrian Vandiir"] and [member="Xevek Rakama"] as they had their conversation at the ruins' edge, then aggressively sipped the contents before placing it back on the tray held by her dear droid, Darling.

"Completely unaware of their surroundings." "On Krayiss, they would have been eaten."

She looked at Cerbera, a smile smile curling over her lips and mischief shining in her eyes.

They stood upon a precipice not far from their landing site, observing the ruins from afar and above before entering. It was good practice to get some sort of overview before delving into what may easily be a booby-trapped labyrinth. There were more of them here than the two Sith Lords had originally anticipated, but with the tips they had been able to pry out, they had an inkling that there would be enough treasure in there to satiate the search parties.

It rather reminded her of Selvaris. Except, of course, this time they wouldn't be tailed by an irritatingly persistent woman shouting odaxelagnian euphemisms at them. Then again, it was possible it would not give quite as extraordinary a reward.

Darling rotated a little towards Cerbera as if to ask if she was done with her tea, his blank face staring down at the both of them through his white-glowing photoreceptors, set in a face of darkened steel.

 

[Tabigarashu Madara]

Objective 3:
[member="Darth Saarai"] [member="Velok the Younger"] [member="Zahori Denko"]

There were rumbles at that, and even without the Force, Hirou could feel the tension in the room rise a notch.

"There needn't be raids, or subversions," Hirou interjected, glancing from one to the other. They didn't mention the aprobation because, honestly, who would want to? Hirou wasn't really sure where burning ones face became a good idea, but it was a line beyond where they wanted to explore in truth.

"But where the Empire goes we seek stability. We would rather find ways to build that with you, instead of on your backs. But we must know what, exactly, we are looking at. Perhaps an exchange could be considered. After all, Imperial citizens had access to an incredible range of learning tools within the Empire, including the archives on Bastion, where the history of the Sith has a whole is kept- not merely that of just the Empire or any single group within, but the breadth of your traditions."

There were plenty of things simply being a citizen did not gain you access too. Hirou was not a sith, not beyond the honorary. They hesitated to say 'we' when referring to those traditions, because of that.

"It would be better for that information to be exchanged freely, yes?" Their ears swiveled back and around.

 

[Jairus Starvald]

OBJECTIVE 1: Uncover treasures.
WITH: [member="Darth Ophidia"]
NEARBY: [member="Kaalia Pavanos"] [member="Jacen Vadith"] [member="Tsisaar Taral"] [member="Khonsu Amon"] [member="Lisanne Escher"]

"Mmmm, we could still make that happen here, darling." Cerbera cooed softly over the rim of her tea cup. She took a sip, letting her eyes wander and explore the various members of this little expedition forming. It shouldn't have surprised her- the Sith were always quite an eager bunch when it came to hints of power. The rumors about the treasure hidden here... well, it did quite do a lot to inspire greed, desire, all those neat little emotions that were so readily exploited by those with more sense than passion.

Few would accuse Cerbera of an excess of passion.

"Just need the right material, some time and I could whip something up for our babies here." They did seem awfully young and fragile from where the two Sith Lords were standing, but then again... most people did when you had wandered from world to world for decades at this point.

Eyes gleamed.

Absently she deposited her tea cup into Darling's stretched out limb and smirked a thin smile at Ophidia. "Let's see what we have, shall we?" Unless Ophidia had more words to spare they'd descend down.

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Toola​

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Construction Site​

Task Force 648; the Nightbloods​

VSS Cirrus​

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The cruel winds howled over the tundra, Fiolette felt the sting of the cold through the fabric of her jacket. Behind her the four weather corvettes had touched ground and her shuttle just to the front of the Cirrus. "Set the markers here and here," she informed their lead foreman, "have the droids unload the crates along this front, set our speeder pad here." She could hear the ships from the Vindicator first before she saw their silhouettes dash across the landscape. The retired grand admiral could even hear the marine chatter through her ear piece. Whiphids had been sighted, she patted the foreman on the shoulder and moved to meet with the colonel.

Colonel Leona Eldrel had been primarily with the First Order Rescue Services, she now helped to lead Fiolette's paramilitary if only as a consultant until a proper marine could be secured. "Scouts sighted several to the north, we'll be preparing for their inevitable show here. No doubt the massive forms of the ships have given them an idea of what we're on about here."

"Indeed, have the men prepare themselves. The facility will not be completed today, but we'll need to establish a forward camp until then," she nodded to the Colonel who brought up a tablet.

"Suggest the forward camp be placed here, with an overlook camp here."

"Agreed, but we must be weary. Any more men and it'll seem odd so we'll have to make due with what we have here," Fiolette said with a reminder that they were guests and it was already quite enough to have brought the Vindicator.

Leona nodded agreement, "right then, off I go."

"Cheer up, at least we're not facing down a horde of Ssi-Ruuk."

"You know, I think I'd almost rather the Ssi-Ruuk."

"Such lies you tell, my dear Leona." Fiolette quipped with a smile.

 

[Shade of Decay]

Objective 1
With [member="Jacen Vadith"]

"Yes, everybody is searching for something," Tsisaar replied, following along placidly. "There are likely even to be some here who are searching for the research team, rather than for their own gain." Tsisaar himself was not one of those; the way he'd worded his statement might come across as rather callous, but contrary to others in the galaxy, any of his fellow Sith, Jacen Vadith included, would easily understand and likely agree with it. Personal growth and gain, self-advancement, was a more pressing matter than nearly any other. While finding the research team could prove helpful in that endeavour, any useful artifacts found in the ruins would prove far more beneficial.

"My question, though, is if you're searching for anything specific." While walking, Tsisaar patted at the pocket that held the book he'd been reading. "For myself, any books, scrolls, or what-have you; the writings could be valuable to study. And any artifacts, of course. That's the most specific we can get right now, but it's at least an idea, no?" His hand fell back to his side, while his ears picked up the sounds of voices a ways away. Thankfully far enough away that Tsisaar hopefully wouldn't have to deal with them any time soon. "So, then, with the idea of specifics in mind, just what might you be looking for? Or are you not actually looking for anything?"