Empress of the Eternal Throne

[Kay-Larr]

~THE SPIRE, ZAKUUL CITY~​

Today was the day.

A couple of months had passed since [member="Lannis Morcus"] had brought Kay to Zakuul to help bring about stability and strength in a sector of space left in chaos due to the collapse of the First Order. She had done the same in the Colonies after the One Sith had fallen. However for Commenor and the CSA, she wasn't as strong as she should have been.

That had all changed now. They say that prison changes people, and in a lot of ways that was true. But Kay wasn't alone in there. [member="Yasha Cadera"] had sent [member="Ambrose Cadera"] to spend time in there with her, both to protect her and to keep her company. [member="Adenn Kyramud"] was also essential in her escape. Even [member="The Amalgam"] had set forth a plan to help her get out of prison. To them all she was eternally grateful and vowed to repay them in kind.

She couldn't do that while living in exile, keeping to herself and staying out of the goings on in the Galaxy. What Lannis had offered her instead had given her a lot more resources to help make the Galaxy a better place.

Kay stood just outside of the Spire where a podium had been set. Holocams were set up, dozens of them. Eternal Knights held their posts nearby in case of trouble. All traffic coming into the system was being monitored.

But it wasn't as though she was expecting trouble. All of her concerns in that department were left for the Scions to take care of. Jareth took the lead on that one. He knew what potential trouble lay ahead. He had foreseen it, just as he had foreseen this moment many months ago.

"Everything is set, your Majesty. You only need to step up to the podium and give a nod."

"Thank you, Jareth. I'm well aware." It wasn't as though she wasn't used to this sort of thing. It was just that she was distracted in her thoughts.

Jareth stepped forward, taking his place to the side of her and slightly behind. His hands were clasped behind his back. "Stop thinking about him. Your husband already told you how he felt. Move on and don't dwell. You have an entire system counting on you."

Kay clenched her jaw. Although [member="Veiere Arenais"] visited her in prison, he did not approve of how she had gotten out. Nor did he approve of her claiming the Eternal Throne on Zakuul. If everything went to hell, he'd be unable to help her. That was going to be very problematic in the future. She hoped that it would never come to them being on opposing sides in any conflict. But there were no guarantees of that.

Clearing her throat, she stepped forward to the podium. As she gave her nod, all of the holocams began their live broadcast. Kay was visible, as well as the Scions and Knights.

"Today is the start of a new era. Earlier this morning, the Scions performed the ritual to bring about what they have foreseen. With the First Order gone, Zakuul can once again regain the power taken from them. Once more the Eternal Empire of Zakuul can regain it's strength and not hide behind someone elses banner. The Eternal Throne no longer sits empty. The Scions have entrusted me to lead as your Empress, and it is not a job that I will take lightly. With my ascension I give you many allies and strength to the economy. But we will also have our enemies, those that feel threatened by us. There will also be those that can only look to the past and judge us for the actions of those long dead. But we will prevail. The Eternal Fleet will return and the Eternal Fire that burns within each and every one of us will not be doused.

Today is a new day. Let us rejoice and give thanks to the Scions for bringing forth this glorious future."

Kay turned and applauded Jareth and the Scions that were behind her, amplified by the applause of a huge crowd that had gathered at the steps of the Spire. Each of the Scions bowed slightly to the holocams before the broadcast was ended.

The new Empress smiled to the crowd as she stepped away from the podium, her eyes scanning the individuals for those that she knew.

 

[Ardgal Raxis]

"Attonement reporting in, we are clear on all counts," Argo said over the RMIA private, encrypted comms. He too a step towards the massive view port that overlooked the giant city bellow. The hot caf in his hand gave off a quiff of steam that quickly dissipated into nothing. "Air traffic looks good, the weather looks quite fine from up here. No storms on the horizon."

"This is the Bird in the nest, reporting in from the perch," Virgil said, her tone calm and steady despite the massive Ghost she held in her grips, a single round could have brought even the strongest warriors to their deaths--or a stand still. The T-slit visor she viewed the entire crowd from was matted to keep her from glinting light and catching someone's eye. Around her, the dense cover of her hidden location kept her safe. "All clear, no suspicious activity."

"Comm chatter sounds clear," said Hermes from an apartment two blocks down. Each of the analysts holed up in the room with him were bent over their own comm units, bunkered down, listening carefully across a variety of broadbands. Their ears were keen as they reviewed endless streams of potentially dangerous words that could indicate any possible harm to the queen. He looked out the apartment window. Even from here he could see the spire in all its glory. "Boy does it sound gorgeous from here."

"Excellent work," Ardgal affirmed. He sat atop the Behemoth, one of several RMIA tanks patrolling the outskirts of the crowd. Sometimes a show of force was all you needed to deter an idiot. His black and red armor glistened proudly against the light of the star above and the lights around him, gaining a softly golden hue. His hand gripped a rifle, his elbow was propped on his knee. The cyborg had failed Kay once, he wasn't about to this time. She had paid him for his best, and he was going to deliver it. One of the patrons caught the Mandalorian's eye as they passed, He gave them a nod, they timidly nodded back before scurrying away. "Stay frosty, Vode. We are almost done, but the danger doesn't end here."

"Willco, Vod," came the reply from Argo above.

Ardgal's head turned to hear the future empress' words. The visual spectrometer in his helmet zoomed her to maximum size. Despite the fact that he was on the edge of the crowd, it was almost as good as a front row seat. He nodded occasionally with her words. Order. Prosperity. Stability. She gave a good message, but more importantly she gave one that she believed in. Ardgal stood for two of those things. He stood behind strength, because it afforded those things. His and her definitions might have differed slightly in the past, but soon they were coming to understand strength as the same thing, even if it took different forms.

When and if the Queen looked in his direction, Ardgal nodded, raising his hand towards her in a simple greeting. If she couldn't see him from here directly, she probably could see his tank with its massive size, or the others along the edge of the crowd. Yes, he wanted everyone else to know he was here--but most importantly, he wanted her to know.

[member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Kay Arenais"]

 

[Aphrodite]

Aphrodite stood proudly amongst her fellow Knights, observing both the crowd and the woman they were listening to. The Knight tilted her head slightly, granting her a better view of the woman who was about to become their new Empress. Even though Aphrodite didn't know her, she had absolutely no doubt in the woman's capabilities. After all, Aphrodite had heard the stories. Apparently the Scions had foreseen this woman becoming the new Empress, the one that would bring them prosperity and glory. And Aphrodite trusted the Scions and their wisdom with her life. After all, they had foreseen Aphrodite rising above the other knights to serve and guard the next Empress- and here she was.

The Knight stayed amongst her fellow Knights as she looked over at their new Empress and wondered what the woman was like. It was without doubts that things would change under her rule, but what?

Aphrodite nodded along slightly as she listened to the speech. At least their new Empress had a good way with words.

[member="Kay Arenais"] || [member="Kaine Australis"] || [member="Ardgal Raxis"]

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Zakuul City, on Zakuul, was supposedly the place where the Eternal Throne was, and where the Eternal Emperor/Empress was supposed to rule from. That was now supposedly [member="Kay Arenais"], though Adenn didn't know the full specifics. What he did know was that Lady Kay was still around, and was supposed to stick around, alive and well, for some time to come. So he had decided to come along and act as a sort of informal security, not that he didn't trust the current security, it was just he didn't trust the current security.

That was no fault of theirs, just Adenns paranoia took hold, and he decided to come along with some of his own men. They were stationed around the ground, all in beskar'gam, but nothing too conspicuous, no, the ones in the big armor were aboard his ship in orbit. If anything went wrong, they'd be able to drop down quickly and protect Lady Kay. Adenn himself wasn't in the crowd, he was stationed above and to the right of where [member="Kay Arenais"] was giving her speech.

He listened calmly, quietly as she spoke and noted that it seemed as if she believed in what she was saying. That was good, all leaders should be confident in themselves, but not overtly so. Currently though, it seemed as if she was well balanced, so Adenn simply remained where he was. He sat there on the edge of the building, one leg over the edge swinging gently in the breeze, the other bent up before him with an arm rested across it. If she looked up and saw him, Adenn would give a mock salute with 2 fingers before returning to his overwatch. But if she didn't, he'd just continue to watch over the crowds, hoping to spot anyone who would wish to do Lady Kay harm.

@Aphrodite @Ardgal Raxis [member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Kay Arenais"]

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori had arrived a few days ago. Although she didn't stay with her mom, [member="Kay Arenais"] . It wasn't exactly a good idea and she was still working on being independant.

But she had to watch the speech in person. In amongst the huge crowd, Lori listened and kept an eye on those nearby to get a sense of how the Zakuulan's felt about all of this. It was strange to be on such a religious planet, but they seemed to take the words and wills of the Scions seriously. Maybe even too seriously.

Lori wasn't in a cloak, wasn't hiding her face at all. In these parts she wasn't known at all, so there was safety in that.

As the crowd clapped, so did she. Her mom always had a way with words and speeches. Did she make that all up on the spot? One may never know.

There seemed to be a big presence of defence all around them though. That was probably a good thing. Trouble was attracted to her mom like a magnet. Lori hoped to be able to avoid that herself.

[member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Ardgal Raxis"] [member="Aphrodite"] [member="Adenn Kyramud"]

 

[Kyyrk]

Voph stood in a dark room, illuminated only by the soft blue glow of the holodisplay in front of him. His arms were folded across his chest, and a frown on his face. He'd held a fair amount of respect for Zakuul back in the day. The one nation that could bring the galaxy to her knees. And in a way, it was responsible for the man he'd become. But it was never a friendly respect. More the respect one offers an adversary.

Voph's frown deepened. Glorious future. The words seemed...twisted. Hollow. At least coming from Lady Kay. There was a time when Voph might have respected her. He'd even pledged his continued service to her. But only as the figurehead of her nation. But now to understand that she'd murdered those he'd swore to protect... Voph sighed quietly, chewing on the corner of his bottom lip. He wasn't sure what her plan was, but making a grab for Zakuul certainly didn't bode well. His brow furrowed as he noticed a familiar shape among the crowd. Loreena. Voph wondered if the girl knew the weight of the decisions she'd made. By every right, Voph would have been justified in killing her for her crimes against Commenor. And he was sure he'd be paid a hefty sum for hauling her back to the prison she'd been confined to. But he decided against it.

It was only fair. A life for a life. If not for Loreena, Voph wouldn't be here. So he was willing to spare her mother this once. But his mercy and good will only traveled so far. And given his alliance with Darth Tacitus, the afore established ruler of the Eternal Empire, and declared to be Valkorion's heir, it was only a matter of time before his interests and Kay's interests collided. The numerous Mandalorians dotting the crowd weren't exactly inspiring hope either. To this day, Voph wished he could have had the foresight to just gut Yasha when he had the chance. She was right there. In arm's reach. But Voph didn't know any better then. His thoughts strayed to Srina, and her home planet of Eshan. The young woman had never been the same after that bloody battle. Would the death of the Mandalore have prevented it? Probably not. But at least he would have tried.

This Empire, however...he'd not make the same mistake twice. He cleared his throat softly.

"Yes, my lord?"

"Assemble the fleet. Post them on the northern borders. We'll be ready this time."

"My lord?"

Voph turned to the two men standing behind him. "Zakuul nearly killed this galaxy once. We're not going to let it happen again. Even if the true Emperor is on our side this time. If their fleets attempt to breach Confederate space, we'll be ready for them."

"Yes, my lord."

Voph turned to the other one. "You have your orders."

The man simply bowed in response, before hurrying to the nearest hanger bay. He had an appointment in the northern systems...

Voph, meanwhile, picked up his datapad. He still had a few old contacts. From the old days. The years had gone by in a flash, and yet it still felt as though it was forever ago he had a home on Brelor. For a moment, he wondered if the information was even accurate any more. But it didn't matter. He'd send the message anyways. He tapped on the contact simply labeled "Zûtarsika."

If you're reading this, Arenais, be warned. The Octarchy are watching. Do not repeat Arcann's mistake. The Old Enemy still remembers. We survived the test of time. Will you?

Voph

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

​

Soundtrack: Killzone 2 - Visari's Lament​

Attn: [member="Kay Arenais"] | [member="Voph"] | [member="Loreena Arenais"] | [member="Adenn Kyramud"] | [member="Aphrodite"] | [member="Ardgal Raxis"] | [member="Kaine Australis"]​

​

• Fortress of Solitude
  Nelvaan, The Eternal Empire

"So," the man spoke, his eyes going over the report on the desk in front of him, for a second time. "It has come to this," he said, shaking his head as he stood up and reached for the cloak and longsword that the protocol droid held out for him, draping the fur-lined vestment around his shoulders, over his pristine white uniform and clasping the weapon to his belt.

The Darkside rippled and shuddered in anticipation around him as cold rage radiated from the normally calm warlord, though even know, he maintained his composure. Once more, his kindness had been repaid with betrayal committed against his people. Once more, the nation of Nelvaan was stabbed in the back. He should have killed Lady Kay when he first had the chance. When she stood as his guest on Winter, all those years ago, he should have just reached out with his fingers and strangled her with his own two hands. He should have done what deep within, he knew he needed to do. No follower of the Lightside should ever be suffered to live.

"Is everything ready?" he asked the officer that stood at attention in front of him, his voice cold and commanding. "Yes, my lord," answered the military official.

"Good," said the Sith Lord, even as his hand clenched into a fist. "Have the camera crew brought into my office. I believe it is time for me to address the vermin from Zakuul."

As the equipment was set up, deep beneath the fortress, within the cavernous maze that was High Command, technicians worked to carry out their leader's will. With a final press of a button, every single holoprojector on Zakuul, public and private alike, would go blank, for a few seconds displaying nothing but the crimson triskellion flag of Nelvaan as Zakuul's holonet relays were sliced and hijacked by Blackwatch for this transmission.

The image then cut to reveal a silver-haired man with slitted, cat-like eyes that held a piercing and harsh glare. Eyes that glowed with the baleful golden light of the Darkside of the Force.

"People of Zakuul. I am Darth Tacitus, Eternal Emperor of Nelvaan and true heir to Valkorion's title by right. It has come to my attention that, after allowing yourselves to be corrupted by the deluded Lightside beliefs of Kay Arenais, you have decided to usurp that which is not yours and proclaim her to be the holder of the Eternal Throne and, in doing so, you have committed one final, blasphemous crime."

"In your never ending pursuit for superficial comforts, meaningless wealth and the hedonistic pursuit of laziness and pleasure, you have reached for that which belongs to others and this vile act shall not be allowed to stand. The title you are claiming is not yours, you have lost all rights to it when you squandered the legacy of your ancestors in exchange for the easy life of subjects to the First Order's rule."

"Know this. The title of the Eternal Empire belongs to Nelvaan alone, for only Nelvaan is worthy of claiming it. And we shall not allow it to be tainted by a wretched subject of the Lightside of the Force. Least of all by you, Kay Arenais. You, who have committed grave crimes against the Eternal Empire, when you offered sanctuary to Ra'a'mah Numare and her accomplices, as they were fleeing the righteous justice of our agents in retribution for the millions they have slaughtered in their selfish pursuit of power and wealth, the same things you pursue now."

"Now, once again, you show yourself to be an enemy to my people, this time by attempting to usurp what is theirs alone. And thus, you shall no longer be allowed to go unpunished for your crimes. To you, Kay Arenais, and to your followers, I have but this one more thing to say. Know that by claiming the Eternal Throne, you have committed unforgivable crimes against Nelvaan's people. And the punishment for that... is genocide."

"Let it be known henceforth, that any and all who pledge their loyalty to the illegitimate usurper Kay Arenais, are hereby marked for execution, along with all their wretched kin. Know that we are coming for you and that we will unleash upon your world our righteous, inescapable wrath. Know that the fate reserved for you, is a slow and painful death and know within your hearts, that this is inevitable."

"And to the people of Zakuul, I say this. Know that should you continue to support the usurper's illegitimate claim, then on the day when our fleets will darken the skies of your world and our soldiers will march through your streets, that Nelvaan's wrath shall be your demise."

With that, the screens faded, once more displaying the triskellion banner of Nelvaan, before the transmissions across the world returned to normal.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth stood tall, in the front rows of the multitude of people of Zakuul. A new era had awakened in the northwest portion of the galaxy. Once which might bring a new day, a new era, and maybe some stability to an increasingly unstable and dark-sided galaxy. Beth held her hands in front of her as she smiled. She was simply waiting for the moment. The moment that [member="Kay Arenais"] would become the Eternal Empress of Zakuul and a new golden age could arise.

Beth wore a light pink, purple, and diamond shoulder less dress with her caramel blonde hair resting straight, brushed down well past her mid shoulders. Her ears had long jewelry across them – resembling wings. She understood that there would be powers that… Did not like this. Another Eternal Empire. Surely the Confederates wouldn’t like it. But, the beauty of the new Empire meant that they had the people on their side.

Beth placed a hand on her still small but extending stomach. She had started show earlier than she expected – likely due to it being, well, twins. Beth inhaled as Kay spoke. A big grin – after a series of losses, unplanned accidents, and… Well, maybe this was a new chapter – a happier chapter.

Who knew though. Beth clapped alongside the large crowd, eager for the next steps to begin with the newly minted Empire of Zakuul under the Eternal Empress Kay Arenais.

[member="Darth Tacitus"] | [member="Voph"] | [member="Adenn Kyramud"] | [member="Aphrodite"] | [member="Ardgal Raxis"] | [member="Kaine Australis"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[video]https://youtu.be/jt4b2wT4Olc[/video]​

Kay spotted [member="Ardgal Raxis"] in the crowd. How could she not? He was on a tank! She gave him a slight nod as he saluted her, a silent acknowledgement of the Clan siblings. She didn't see her daughter amongst the crowd, but she did see [member="Beth Cadera"] in the front. Kay gave her a smile and nod, feeling as though today was a successful one.

But then it all changed.

The screens nearby flickered to life displaying a design that Kay hadn't seen before. She looked to Jareth whose face gave no expression. She wasn't exactly sure what that meant, having not known him for very long.

[member="Darth Tacitus"] appeared on the screens then. Kay blinked in surprise and spoke quietly to herself. "Kainan Wolfe?..." She hadn't seen him in years, and when she did see him, his fleet was on the run. He took her captive just for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. And now? Now he was a hundred times worse.

And he was threatening Zakuul and the people within it. That she could not allow.

"Turn those holocams back on! Ready another broadcast!" It was clear that everyone saw what the Sith Lord had sent out. To go inside and call up a meeting without formally addressing the issue would probably look cowardly. No. She had to take this head on.

Kay stepped forward to the podium and gave the nod that she was ready, her eyes steady and determined.

"And I thought that the First Order were excellent wuth propaganda. Well it seems that the Sith are too. This Darth Tacitus, as he calls himself, is quite gifted in hypocricy. The Eternal Throne has ALWAYS been here in Zakuul. And because his people on a planet on the OTHER SIDE of the Galaxy went through a rebellion or what he calls an attempted genocide, he claims that that gives him the right to to the Eternal Throne? Well there are dozens of worlds that have gone through such a fate. So by his logic, do their leaders hold a rightful claim too? And by threatening us with genocide, does he then legitimize myself to the Eternal Throne should he enact upon his threat?" Kay slowly shook her head. "It was the Scions that foresaw who would lead Zakuul abd the region. It was the Scions that put forth their plan to bring me here. It was the Scions that placed me on the Eternal Throne. The Eternal Empire strayed away from the Jedi/Sith conflicts, seeing them for what they are. A complete waste if time and resources.

I am no Jedi. I am no Sith, either. I am exactly what the Eternal Empire represents. The rest of the Galaxy looks upon our past and our fearful of us. So much so that they get their facts wrong! Zakuulans are not lazy. What do they think this is? Some pleasure planet or vacation destination? We will fight and we will win! We will show them our unbreakable spirit! We will show them that the Eternal Empire of Zakuul, the TRUE Eternal Empire legitimized by HISTORY will prevail! And not some Sith Lord in grief looking to enact the exact same crimes that he has condemned others for, and bearing the Eternal Empire title as a means to intimidate his victims!

Let them come! We will be ready!" She brought a clenched fist to her heart before raising it skyward to the Spire. The crowds erupted in cheers.

Kay held onto that moment for a full minute before nodding to the holocam crews, signalling the end of the broadcast. As they turned off, she turned, narrowing her eyes to Jareth for a moment before moving past him to go inside. "Call up a meeting. Right now. In the Throne Room. With Lannis, Beth, Ardgal, [member="Adenn Kyramud"] if he's here and anyone else you can think of." The Knights were bidden to follow her. She was angry. How could Jareth and [member="Lannis Morcus"] keep all if this from her? Why not tell her everything? Why only tell her what they want her to hear? She needed answers. And she needed to be ready for a fight.

[member="James Justice"] [member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Aphrodite"] [member="Voph"]

 

[Ardgal Raxis]

RMIA's finest had been monitoring, not controlling the signals going through when [member="Darth Tacitus"] made his broadcast. Ardgal's back muscles stiffened at the man's face. He didn't know him, but he knew the type. Sith. Under his helmet the Mandalorian's face grew stone cold and calculating. "Track it."

"We are working on it, boss," Hermes said, his voice tense. He bent over one of the computers, "We just need a few more minutes."

"Stay ready," Ardgal rose to his feet, nestling his rifle in the crux of his elbow, "It could be a diversion."

"I'm on it," Virgil bit out, her scope roving the crowd for any suspicious activity, "I am getting zero."

Ardgal's own eyes roved the crowd as he listened to what the man said. His ears pricked at the mention of genocide. He paused, tilting his head to the side slightly. Who wasn't killing who these days, honestly? The galaxy had been bathed in blood for so long it was hard to keep track of where, when, and how everyone was killing each other. Mass murder happened every other day. And genocide? Well that was an every other week thing.

"Hey," Argo said from the Atonement above, "Didn't we once--you know---"

"Can it," Virgil spat out. "Now."

The transmission ended and Kay began one of her own. Ardgal wasn't about to wait any longer. There wasn't time. If someone got the wrong idea based on those words, or someone was sent in to finish what those words started--well, he couldn't risk anything happening to her. The Mandalorian had failed his vod once before. He wouldn't again. His jet pack roared to life and the soldier was sent over the crowd, landing next to Kay with a heavy thud the moment after she had finished her transmission. His impact made the ground beneath him rock for a moment. She gave her orders to Jareth, that was fine and dandy, but Ardgal had another job to do.

He activated his personal shield generator, encapsulating them both in its protective sphere as he reached to firmly, but gently grab her elbow. The blue-purple energy would keep any potential energy attacks at bay for some time.

"Your Majesty," he said his voice determined, disciplined, and as hard as beskar. Under it, to someone who knew him, there was a hint of care, "You are too exposed. We need to get you to a safe place now. If a riot starts or if you get shot down that will not be good for morale."

He was sure there was already a safe zone in place, he would storm away by her side, matching her step by step till Kay was safe again.

"We have a location," Hermes said at last his voice grim, "It came from Nelvaan, I can parse it down to the continent, but not much else. Five more seconds and I would have had a zipcode too."

[member="Kay Arenais"] I [member="Beth Cadera"] I [member="Voph"] I [member="Aphrodite"] I [member="Loreena Arenais"] I [member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Adenn Kyramud"]​

 

[Dominic Craig]

Location: Zakuul City, Central Sewer Line
Objective: Be the spark which burns the Eternal Empire down.
Allies: 'Zabrak Moon', 27th Werewolf Brigade

Dominic could sense the seething anger in his companions as they walked the catacombs. It was a view he shared although muted by the stench of rich methane which infected the under parts of the city. The degeneracy of the Zabrak people must be punished. Although he would not let the men and women of 'Zabrak Moon' Werewolves hear that view. Instead he silently walked with them, the clattering of his toolbox gently echoing through the vast chamber. "They're traitors." spat Myell, the youngest of the group, "How could they have done this to you, to our protectors?!" She viciously protested. Venom and anger rattled in her veins. Dominic stifled a chuckle, but took a drag from his cigarette.

"Your time will come soon." He smoothly simmered. They could hear the sounds of the speech resonating in the streets above. It was an interesting state of affairs. The First Order was still around. Perhaps not in the capacity it had once held, but nonetheless willing and able to strike. "You said the main transit line was around here, right Gruce?" The human stopped, and let the gruff, orange Zabrak take the lead. Dominic was a large fellow in his own right, but Gruce, Gruce was a seven foot even, monster. It was no wonder he had come to lead this chapter of First Order resistance.

"Yes." Gruce mutedly replied, "A few more feet, and we have Zabraak City's main magrail terminal above us." Dominic chuckled a little, allowing a smirk to pass along his chiselled features. "Those pipes up there, are the gas pumps, pump swamp gas from across the city to the power plants all around the city." Dominic nodded, as he moved a few more feet toward the designated location and stomped his feet, pointing down at it. The group of Zabrak scouts seemed a little confused by the gesture.

"Here ladies and gentlemen," Dominic began, "Is the ground floor of your revenge on these scum." He gestured up to the roof, "The type of yuppie, stab you in the back jagoffs, who are now gargling the unmentionables of a pretender!" He thundered, before gesturing to Myell, "Head back to the others at the entrance, and get us a few of the boxes." He then gestured to Gruce, "Grab me some of those hydrospanners there," He gestured at the piping, "I want all of us to spread out, start rerouting all mains around here, to this point."

"I bet this 'Empress' is gonna have a blast at her coronation."

 

[James Justice]

[member="Kay Arenais"] I [member="Beth Cadera"] I [member="Voph"] I [member="Aphrodite"] I [member="Loreena Arenais"] I [member="Kaine Australis"] I [member="Adenn Kyramud"]​

Months ago, James would have wiled away the moment in a bar, drinking his sorrows away. That was before Stardust had found him, before he had decided to start living out his steps and making amends. He had a lot to make, many he couldn't. The people he had literally killed in his lifetime was too great for the old spacer to even come close to counting them all. It didn't make his sorrow go away, he just had to stop feeling that sorrow for himself. The dead had their peace, he was alive. He wouldn't get that solace till he made amends for all of it.

He watched it all go down from his hidden shadow among the crowd. He was just another common man with a bushy beard and a leather jacket. He stood there with his hands in his pockets. The fact that Kay would bring him along to help her was something of massive value--but he was not about to let his sister risk her status and everything she had worked so hard to get just to have him standing by her. There was too much at stake. When she looked over the crowd, he hid his face, ducking behind a taller wookiee before him. He hoped she wouldn't sense him through the crowds. Their reunion had been--well, he wasn't sure what to expect after vanishing for twenty years from her life.

But after the massive screen had lit up with the yellow eyed man, James knew she needed him by her side. The spacer ducked out of the crowd, easily weaving away through the mass of humanity. His steps were sober, even though his hands shook from the withdraw. He could feel the tremors beginning to threaten to take him over. He took steadying breaths through his nose, the spacer didn't dare stop. Not Now. Not for the call of booze. not for anything. He flashed his ID at the guard standing post by the main entrance. After several more checkpoints, James found himself in Kay's new command center. Back on Soceras, the Angel's Den unused strip club room for the night would have done the trick, the laser light show illuminating the various locations. Of course, which strip club room was not in use varied from night to night. This was a lot more elaborate than what he was used to.

The spacer took a seat in one of the chairs, the exertion had all but knocked the wind out of him. There were others forming a crowd in this room of brilliant minds, tactical acumen, and strategists of all sorts. James' fumbling fingers drew a flask from his coat pocket. They unscrewed the metal cap and tenderly brought the opening to his mouth. The sweet release of liquor poured down his throat. He managed to steady himself as his body once more got its fix. He tucked his flask away. She didn't need to see that, he was trying to be a different man now.

Moments later, his sister burst through the door with some metal clad, rifle-touting Mando-speaking try hard. James rose. His voice would be one of the first, but not the first to speak up.

"We cain't strike back," he said. He felt his body tremor, the man placed a hand on the desk to subtly support himself. An observant mind would have seen his hand shutter, the fingertips bounced softly on a sheet of white paper. "We cain't. We strike 'em that makes 'em right. We need to be the bigger folk an' give peace a go. Offer em a talk. I know," he paused, "I know how this feels. But ye gotta understand nothin'll be solved by sheddin' blood except ye'll give 'em a chance to shed our own."

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori stood there in shock. War? Although people had threatened her Mom plenty of times, some even acting on it, this was different. It felt different.

Others in the crowd shouted and cheered after her Mom's second speech, while others immobilized. [member="Ardgal Raxis"] secured her mom's escape as it were, inside of the Spire. Her guards seemed to follow. Should she go too? Lori was conflicted.

But that was when she saw [member="Beth Cadera"] . Or rather her back. She was near the front of the crowd. Lori only noticed her as some of the people began to leave. "Beth!" She weaved her way through the crowd of people to find her, finally closing the distance and reaching her. "What are you doing here? Let's go inside! It's probably better if we did."

[member="Adenn Kyramud"] [member="Dominic Craig"] [member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Voph"] [member="Darth Tacitus"] [member="Aphrodite"] [member="James Justice"]

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

As the message from [member="Darth Tacitus"] came on the air, Adenn chuckled lightly to himself. The pompous fool thought that would scare them? Then Adenn noticed the crowd, several people didn't seem all that content and seemed to be murmuring to one another. Looking over the entire crowd, Adenn shook his head. They came out to support their new Empress, yet with but a few words from someone else they were already looking discontent.

Now Adenn wouldn't know what to say in such a situation, so he was glad when [member="Kay Arenais"] began speakin gonce more. Frowning slightly, Adenn took stock of the situation, speech after glorified speech. Sigh, it was all rather drab, and secretly Adenn hoped for someone to do something stupid. He took notice of the message from someone in Kays retinue, so she wanted to have them all meet up and discuss things. Whatever those things were, Adenn somehow suspected they'd be boring, but important.

Sighing to himself, Adenn stood up from his position and looked over the crowd once more. He was about to turn around when he took notice of a slight commotion near the edge of the crowd. It seemed a small fight had broken out there, whatever the reason for it, Adenn didn't know, nor did he care. He was about to dismiss it and let the guards deal with it when he spotted one of the men pull out a blaster pistol. Immediately the fight stopped as the others there saw it as well.

The man with the gun made some vague motions towards Lady Kay, and that was more than enough for Adenn. Before he moved though, he noticed someone move to protect Lady Kay as well. Whoever they were([member="Ardgal Raxis"]), Adenn was thankful to them. It meant he wouldn't have to worry about that. With that thought, Adenn jumped off of the rooftop and towards the man with the gun. Grinning grimly, it only took a few seconds for Adenn to reach the man. At the last moment, he activated his jetpack to slow his fall.

He slammed down on the ground, in front of the man, and in the small clearing because he had a gun. The man was shocked and so were the people around them. Adenn didn't give him a chance to recover, instead immediately bringing his left hand down on the elbow of the man, causing it to bend upward. He then grabbed the blaster from his hand and attached it to a magnetic clamp while his right hand went to the mans throat. The crushgaunt clamped down on the mans throat, and Adenn lifted the man up, suspending him there.

Snarling under his breath, Adenn held the man there for 5 seconds before dropping him. The man landed in a heap before him, shaking with terror and gazing up at Adenn with evident fear. Merely shaking his head, Adenn waited for the guards to come. When they did, he turned his head slightly to them and spoke in a cold, emotionless voice.
"Remove this rabble from here, do what you must according to the law. He had a blaster and wished to harm the new Empress. These people here are witness to that."

Having said that, Adenn motioned to those around him. There were a few fearful nods from them as Adenns gaze swept over them. The guards nodded their assent, but dared not say anything for fear of the Mandalorian before them. Sneering behind his helmet, Adenn shook his head and turned to walk to Lady Kays location. The people parted before him like water to rock. A few of the people nodded in thanks, others openly voiced their thanks, and others still simply feared him. There were a few though, a handful really, that gazed at him hatefully. However, the moment he looked at them, terror seized them and they looked at the ground.

At the rate the people spread before him, it took less than a minute for Adenn to reach the stand. Frowning behind his helmet, Adenn didn't comment on any of it and instead merely walked up and into the back door. He was aware that several people were still staring at him, but didn't let that faze him. Instead he just walked straight through the door Lady Kay and the others had used. He walked in confidently, being let past by guards who either recognized him, or had been warned of his approach.

Whatever reason for that mattered little to Adenn. He merely kept walking. When he caught up with the group surrounding Lady Kay, he attached himself to the back, not caring to say anything. He simply followed along until they entered the area where they would meet. Once there, he'd move to stand off to the side. Adenn didn't hide his presence, nor did he announce it, content to watch for now.

[member="Loreena Arenais"] [member="James Justice"] [member="Dominic Craig"] [member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Ardgal Raxis"] [member="Kay Arenais"] [member="Beth Cadera"] [member="Darth Tacitus"] @Voph @Aphrodite

 

[The Amalgam]

Wearing: Resistance Epidermis (http://starwarsrp.net/topic/137623-resistance-epidermis/)

Armed with: First Degree Burn (http://starwarsrp.net/topic/142244-first-degree-burn/)

Skin Razors (http://starwarsrp.net/topic/137389-skin-razors/)

The Amalgam watched from within her ship as [member="Kay Arenais"] made her broadcast. Kay had put her foot down with the Galaxy, going on the offense, being her own boss. It made her happy for her friend, or at least as much as such a monstrous creature could be happy for someone else.

And since she was friends with the Queen, it meant she got to land on Zakuul, real close to the spire.

If this Eternal Empire was going to flourish, it would need the help of The Bogan...every government did, even the Republic, if only for the sake of having something to define itself against. The Amalgam was that edge. That darkness. The Brain Demon had given her full leave to spread the faith on Zakuul. Kay would need the nasty types the Amalgam would provide. She would preach for the Eternal Empire, but in secret. But more would be led here.

As she turned off the transmission, orbiting Zakuul, seeing its fine city below her, she felt giddy. She wasn't here for any particular reason--she was just here to visit a friend. It was a sensation she was not quite used to.

The Amalgam wasn't quite sure how to be a good friend. Did that mean gifts? Killing the enemies of your friend in gory ways like in that one FPS about killing demons? (Rip and Tear! Rip and Tear.)

The Monster, who had torn innocent life from thousands of bodies, who had long accepted she was evil, thought it best to just try and learn the basics. Stick with visiting a friend and catching up, worry about hilarious murder later. Simple, yes.

As the Phantom Class Yacht settled on a docking pad close to the spire, the Amalgam departed, clad in her preferred, skin tight, off white segmented combat suit, her master's spinning double blade clipped to her belt, her pistol in her holster. Her dead purple eyes scanned the glorious city. Yes, a woman could do great things in this place. Make something of herself.

She took her time getting to the spire, walking past throngs of soldiers and civilians, feeling the ancient pull of Zakuul in her corrupt bones. This feeling of friendship brought aches. Longings to have Uri here. Even Laertia. To have them drown in darkness as she did and be changed. Set free.

The Amalgam felt Uri's green eyes and felt the madness build at their simple, accusing stare, but she suppressed. Her experience at the Graveyard had forever changed her. All this feeling...this need...she didn't know what to do with it.

A traitorous, doubting thought hit her, one of many since becoming friends with the queen.

You're actually quite pathetic in spite of your power, and will have nothing to show for it in the end.

Something no doubt from her inner reflection. The Amalgam brushed it aside as she identified herself to the Zakuul Knights, who felt the intense darkness in her. Had it not been for the fact she was Kay's friend there was likely no way she would be permitted entry.

Besides, someone had to show Kay the secrets of magic...and darkness...(Goth meter increased by one point!)

The Amalgam walked through the fancy spire, still not taken with the riches she saw. She finally was directed to the throne room and whistled at how fancy she was, muttering a little at it under her breath. There was a great power in this place, not like at Kay's old place on Commenor. This was power. Real power. Kay had chosen a good place to build herself up from. But given that transmission by [member="Darth Tacitus"] the Amalgam had no doubt Kay might want an idea of what to do.

Then she sensed Kay, led by a retinue of knights and [member="Adenn Kyramud"] trailing behind. She gave a small grin at the thought of the Mandalorian, remembering his muscles and how they were obvious. She did not go for Mandalorians normally...too much armor to remove...but damn if they didn't make gorgeous men left and right...

Not realizing how similar this was to her daughter's preferences for dangerous lovers, or perhaps not caring, the Shi'ido patiently waited to meet with Kay, and see exactly how she could help and what Kay wanted before suggesting anything. It felt so strange, doing something for another just because you liked them...

 

[Aphrodite]

Aphrodite jerked her head towards the nearest screen when the broadcast suddenly started. While a few of the Knights started securing the area, making sure there wasn't an immediate threat, Aphrodite kept looking at the broadcast. The man threatened them, and while Aphrodite didn't care for his meaningless insults, she did care about the threats.

After their Empress had done her speech to calm things down, Aphrodite quickly moved to her side along with a group of other Knights, following her and escorting her inside. They couldn't be too careful, as the man could clearly pose a significant threat. Aphrodite doubted whether they were in any danger right now, but it was better to be safe than sorry. She'd never forgive herself if anything would happen to their new Empress.

The Knight noticed an individual among them who felt like they didn't belong, at all. She turned to look at her and wanted to ask her to identify herself, but it appeared she had already done so to her fellow Knights. Aphrodite just nodded slowly, making sure to keep an eye on [member="The Amalgam"] . She didn't know who this person was, or why she was here- and she didn't like that.

[member="Adenn Kyramud"] [member="Dominic Craig"] [member="Kaine Australis"] @Voph @Darth Tacitus @Lori Arenais [member="Kay Arenais"] [member="James Justice"] [member="Beth Cadera"] [member="Adenn Kyramud"]

 

[Dominic Craig]

Location: Zakuul City, Central Sewer Line
Objective: Prepare a reckoning.
Allies: 'Zabrak Moon', 27th Werewolf Brigade
Enemies of the Cause: [member="Adenn Kyramud"] | @Lady Kay | [member="Aphrodite"] | [member="The Amalgam"] | [member="James Justice"] | [member="Darth Tacitus"] | [member="Beth Cadera"]

​

"So what are these meant to do?" Myell asked as she cracked the crate open, spooling a missile in her hand. She swayed it around and around like a lightsaber before placing it down in the chrome First Order surplus crate. There were dozens of them. Missiles, rattling around in the crate. Dominic put down his spanner letting his pipe go before approaching the young Zabrak. He snagged a missile out and inspected it, with a smirk.

"These are shaped demolitions charges kid," Dominic chuckled, "Fired from a high velocity missile launch system," He added, covering one part of the missile with his shirt, and then clamping down. "The MPL-32 to be precise." He added, before unscrewing the missile and dislodging the warhead. "These were never built for proper combat use, but rather," Dominic approached the wall, and lodged the warhead in the top corner, "Search and rescue on disaster ridden worlds. Blowing through rubble, demolition type stuff." He paused and from his jacket pulled a small data pad and then attached it to the warhead, tinkering with it. "We're in." He cackled.

"Screw the warheads off, and then spread this around." Dominic commanded, "Lodge 'em all tight like, here." He tapped the top corner of the wall, "Spread 'em but keep them concentrated." He commanded before pausing, "Gruce, get our guys at the square on the horn," The Special Agent barked, "I think we're getting close to show time."

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth stared at the screens as this [member="Darth Tacitus"] spoke. A frown appeared on her face as she bit into her lip. Ah, kark, so much for a peaceful new era of prosperity and security... Instead, it would likely be more bloodshed, more death. Oh well, at least she knew which side she was on and man was she glad she was on [member="Kay Arenais"] side.

And just like that, she was marked for execution. Probably wasn't the only place she was marked for execution in truth, but the galaxy continued to get smaller and smaller for Beth. But, the Eternal Empresses's reaction was all she needed to know she had chosen the right side. She gave a nod, and cheered with the crowds.

They had chosen their Empress - not this man from the Nelvaan. Only time would see who would ultimately win in the battle of discourses and Gods knew the galaxy was a mess... Although, the sudden appearance of [member="Loreena Arenais"] brought Beth out of her thoughts as her frown turned into a big smile. "Hey! It's good to see you, I wasn't sure if you'd show up." She said with as she reached out to give her hand a squeeze.

"I'm going to, hopefully, be helping the Empress," she said proudly as she gave a nod. "Yeah, let's go in. This situation just got... A lot more messy," she said quietly as she began to move into the spire & towards the meeting place with Lori.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay looked to [member="Ardgal Raxis"] as he took her arm and nodded. She was angry, but not blindly so. And besides, it wasn't his fault. He seemedjust as surprised with the transmission as she was. So she didn't resist when he led her inside.
"Thank you."

She narrowed her eyes to Jareth as she walked, the Scion moving to keep pace with the growing group of people heading to the lift. His expression was neutral, something that Kay found annoying.

The ride up the lift to the Throne Room was a quiet one. Kay was saving all of her words for when she was up there where the public couldn't bear witness. She saw that [member="Adenn Kyramud"] and [member="The Amalgam"] had joined them. The Knights came too, with [member="Aphrodite"] among them. But what came at a surprise wasseeing [member="James Justice"] already there. Her adopted brother seemed to have anticipated where she'd be. But not her intentions.

"They are a Galaxy away from us. It'd be a waste of resources to go over there right now. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't prepare in case they act on their threats." Kay turned to Jareth. "You left me in the dark on all of this! You know about [member="Darth Tacitus"] , didn't you?! No more secrets! No more hiding things from me."

"Your Majesty forgets that I don't foresee everything. Merely the endgame. How we get there can happen in a multitude of ways."

Kay wasn't so sure that she believed him. Even [member="Lannis Morcus"] failed to tell her about all of this. She'll have words with him soon enough.

She looked to each of them. "We'll reach out to the systems nearby and form alliances, including military aid. As for a peace talk with Darth Tacitus? I don't think he'd even listen. I will try it once. Only once. We can't offord to give anyone too many chances." It could be costly if they did.


The crowds outside were dispersing. No one was aware of the trouble [member="Dominic Craig"] and his people were setting up down below. But they'd learn soon enough.

 

[Dominic Craig]

Objective: Reckoning.
Allies: 'Zabrak Moon' 27th Werewolf Brigade
Location: Zakuul City Sewers

​

Dominic placed the last of the incendiary charges in the lee of the reinforced archway. It would be the last of his parting gifts to Zabrak, the last phase of his own propaganda masterpiece. "Are we all set?" Dominic called, voice echoing through the halls. A series of affirmations confirmed that although clumsy and not as deft as he, the 27th were effective. Even if they hadn't managed to rig all the charges properly, there was a damn good chance something was going to go down. Especially with the rancorous stench of methane intoxicating everything. Dominic found himself hard of breathe.

"Alright," He called out. "I want us mobile, now." Craig snapped, pushing his way through the sewer maintenance halls. The clattering of workman's boots now echoed behind him as his sabotage team moved in lockstep with him. "This is it, this is the end of stage one." He continued, "If this works the way we want, which is a long shot, we may just see to the end of these asswipes and their little occupation here." The FOSB man mused, "If not, then we're gonna start a fire under the ass of every jagoff whose come to sit in that ivory tower." Craig continued, "And they're gonna come down, and come down hard."

"All of you need to slip seamlessly back in, just like training." He added, looking at Myell and Gruce in particular, "We're all going to need to lay low for a while, and see how this pans out." Hopefully it wouldn't be too long. This wasn't a statement. Command sure made sure that happened. No, no. This was a manifesto. A show of force so overwhelming and intoxicating, that it was hard to say how it'd play out. Ever the gambler, it was worth a try. As he saw the entrance in sight, Dominic reached for the clunky transmitter, "Alright." He began, speaking into the reciever, "Code Artemis, proceed."

The effect was felt instantaneously as the group exited the tunnel system. Dominic walked toward the beat up First Order Sanitation issue speeder, and tuned in. The speech reached instantly, and a grin pursed Craig's lips. Seemed the madmen had done it. They now had their spectacle, and Dominic had his trap. Putting down the transmitter on the passenger seat, Dominic turned to see the team split up into the warrens of Zakuul Cities slums. Craig meanwhile hoisted himself up, and clasped the data pad. Eight three rigged demo charges, with forty incendiaries? Why not.

A click of a button sealed the fate of his target. Now was the weight. Eighty. Seventy Nine. Seventy Eight....