Heavy Machinery || CIS Dominion of Shadda-Bi-Boren

[Eternal Artistry]

​

Destroyed.

After the entire population of Shadda-Bi-Boren was evacuated, the planet was empty. The native inhabitants were gone, resettled or dead, and everything from family homes to industrial factories lay abandoned. Visited only by the occasional spacer or smuggler searching for parts or anything of value -- of which there were few -- there was nothing and no one left of this once-great planet. Shadda-Bi-Boren was doomed to remain a shell, with nothing but whispers left of its former glory.

At least, that was what the galaxy believed.

​

A transmission from Shadda-Bi-Boren was first disregarded as simple static, a technology malfunction -- for surely nothing still lived there. But it was persistent, and an error it was not.

According to the message, there remained one life form on the planet. Quickly, this was backed up by investigation. Scans revealed that though the atmosphere had been restored and there was motion on the surface, there were no life signatures. Further exploration of the planet by one exploration team revealed something none had even considered might exist. It was a unique discovery… a population made up entirely of droids!

From the metallic sheen of the leaves waving artificially despite the lack of wind to the quiet chirping of spring-loaded crickets, it would seem that every being on this planet was mechanical. Sparkling fish jumped from clear ponds, as artificial kelp waved peacefully below. Each was carefully crafted, and could easily be mistaken for the real thing unless inspected truly up close -- that is, assuming they could be caught. The quick-moving creatures seemed almost scared of any interaction, darting away quickly when approached. One specimen that had been captured by the team was a mechanical butterfly, its stained glass wings sheer and light. When attempting to take the creature apart, to examine its inner workings, however, it caught fire -- it would seem a self-defense mechanism had been triggered, but not before a glimpse of the complex inner machinery was caught.

And everything, each shining creature, every literal part of the flora and fauna, was the result of one man's work.

He gave the Confederates no name, but simply extended an invitation -- to the faction as a whole, and anyone else who wished to join. Explore his wonderland. Meet his creatures. And perhaps, as he watched those who frolicked in his world, he would consider giving them it all.

​

POINTS OF INTEREST:

Explore the expansive mechanical forests! Miles upon miles of trails through the trees are tiled. Take shelter from the hot sun in the shade of the tallest trees, and if you keep quiet, you might spot a variety of wildlife exploring the woods too. Try and feed them at your own risk!

Near the center of the city there lies an old hotel, predating the evacuation of the planet. Through an incredible feat of engineering, it has been rendered watertight and each of the doors replaced with bulletproof glass. Wander through the halls of the old building and watch the sea creatures frolic. Signage indicates interactive, touch exhibits -- but careful you don’t get bitten!

Hungry? No better place to sit and eat than the greenhouse with the only living, growing plants on the planet. Glass windows stretch across the ceiling and ornately carved benches abound inside. Rather than server droids, there is simply a constantly moving conveyor carrying unique plates of food. No two dishes are the same, and no clue as to how they were made are present. Enjoy!

Of the buildings in the city, only one remains untouched. The brick bell tower at the center of town is covered in cracks and seems to need only a breath to blow it over. It would seem, according to heat signatures… the man behind the curtain resides here.

Speak with him and discover his true motivations.

​

Spoiler

[member="A'Runda"]
[member="Adelle Bastiel"]
[member="Alden Akaran"]
[member="Alkor Centaris"]
[member="Alora Fae"]
[member="Amelia von Sorenn"]
[member="Aston Jacobs"]
[member="Aya Clarke"]
[member="Caesar Kenway"]
@Cardinal Vi'dreya
[member="Chikako Liona"]
[member="Corvus Dravere"]
@Cyper Rage
[member="Daisy Americus"]
[member="Damsy Callat"]
@Daniel Americus
[member="Dalton Kenway"]
[member="Darth Tacitus"]
[member="Darth Novus"]
[member="Daxton Bane"]
[member="Destroyer 2873"]
[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]
[member="Erin Tenel"]
[member="Fawn Alzi"]
[member="Gerwald Lechner"]
[member="Havoc (CT-375)"]
[member="Holt"]
[member="Ingrid L'lerim"]
[member="Ithiel Vi'Dreya"]
[member="Jayce Pryde"]
@Joannis Campbell
[member="John Locke"]
[member="Jorco Czeku"]
[member="Jorge"]
[member="Josh Dragonsflame"]
[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
[member="Karlie Lynn Destat"]
[member="Kasca Fen"]
[member="Kathryn Foster"]
[member="Kayla Wylen"]
[member="Keva"]
[member="Kiff Brayde"]
[member="Kingsley"]
[member="Krystal Estain"]
[member="Kurayami Bloodborn"]
[member="Kurenai Yumi"]
[member="Kyber"]
[member="Kyrinov"]
[member="Luna Terrik"]
[member="Luna Vega"]
[member="Lyla Quinn"]
[member="Maple Harte"]
[member="Maur"]
[member="Mauer"]
[member="Minerva Vessia"]
[member="Muad Dib"]
[member="Nine Lives"]
[member="Oax Ordo"]
[member="Orion Trex"]
[member="Petra Cavataio"]
[member="Pom Stych Tivé"]
[member="Qaarssk Roark"]
[member="Razelle Breuner"]
[member="Roy Americus"]
[member="Rylan Kordel"]
[member="Scherezade deWinter"]
[member="Sor-Jan Xantha"]
[member="Srina Talon"]
[member="Talon Rahl"]
@Teyla Ee'everwest
[member="Valencia Hadley"]
[member="Vanric Dannon"]
[member="Veronika Fleischer"]
[member="VildarnTentoria"]
[member="Voph"]
[member="Vyra Silara"]
[member="Vytal Noctura"]

 

[Luca Donskoi]

[SIZE=11pt]

[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt]Location: [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Shadda-Bi-Borren[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt]Objective: [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]#4 Cog Tower[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt]Post: [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]1[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt]Tag(s):[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] Anyone is welcome to join[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt]

[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=11pt]It began as nothing more than an orb of color crying out in the clutches of darkness, but steadily grew to world of extensive and unexplained wonders as the lone T-77 “Talon” Stealth Interceptor race forward. A world of mechanical splendors now, this planet, Shadda-Bi-Borren, sought to see itself risen from the ashes of the great calamity that had purged it of life and its inhabitants long ago. Some had been busy pressing forward with an agenda vastly unknown to the greater galaxy the expanded around it. An agenda that had, thus far, ran unabated toward its unannounced goal. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]A spectre of color incased the small fighter as it rapidly descended through the blanket of warmth its sprouting atmosphere provided. It wouldn’t take longer before the fiery spectacle would pass as the Alden expertly piloted the expensive and technologically advanced Talon toward the surface. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]He made a few passes over the city, laying into the enhanced sensors suite of his ship in order to get the best picture of what to expect once he landed and in a final sweep, he dipped the nose of the starship toward the planet’s crust, dialing in a few controls as he rapidly descended further toward the surface. Finally, just moments before he would have impacted the ground, Alden pulled back hard on the fighter’s yoke, pulling the nose of the craft up and away from the surface, all the while his speed rapidly decreased until he whipped the craft around slowly and softly allowed the ship to touch down to the surface in an area that had undoubtedly been an old landing pad which would have predated this planet’s evacuation so very long ago. It was a maneuver he would have never thought to perform until recently; the G-forces alone would have had the potential to cripple a normal man. However, Alden was not one of the common inhabitants of the galaxy. Not anymore. [member="Adron Malvern"] had opened his eyes - and his mind - many months ago to just what he could be if he embraced the gift that life had bestowed to him. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Upon landing, Alden thumbed in several commands within the Talon’s cockpit, both powering it down and releasing himself for the straps that held him snuggly in place throughout the course of his journey here. It was mere moments later that he emerged from the ship, hs feet coming down on hardened surface where he’d just landed. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Around him, the city blossomed into an array of alleys and streets devoid of natural life. Instead the place teemed with hundreds of mechanical marvels that, had he not been briefed prior, would have been easily mistaken for the real lifeforms in which they flawlessly resembled. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Due south of his position, an again tower stood defiant of time, yet threatening to falter and ripple to the ground should the wrong breeze brush against its cracked and fractures walls. And . . . it was [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]this [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]building that he’d come to investigate.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]However, that investigation would no doubt soon be accompanied by others of the Confederacy as they would begin to arrive in waves momentarily. [/SIZE]

 

[Nyx N1X3]

​

Location: Shadda-Bi-Boren​

Objective: Locate the Creator​

Tag: [member="Alden Akaran"] | Open​

​

The Scythe popped back into normal space after a long trip through hyperspace. Brokering no delay, the heavy starfighter's engines flared to life to close the distance to the planet ahead. Its pilot sat motionless before the controls while sensors swept the surrounding space and locked on to its ultimate destination to calculate the optimal flight path.

As soon as Nyc had discovered a mechanical world had been announced and an invitation offered, the droid had set course. Naturally she also filed a mission report with the Ministry stating her intentions to avoid any surprises should other assets be deployed. While unlikely such a place would supply knowledge of Nyx's own existence, an entire world of droids had her attention. Who had built them? For what purpose? Were they more advanced than current models? Could this technology be adapted for the Confederacy? Many questions rose from the sole fact that this very planet and its creations existed.

Heat shields took care of re-entry as the Scythe fell out of space. Gravity could do most of the work with engines stabilizing the approach. Little time passed before the plasma and electrostatic discharge dissipated allowing for a smoother descent toward town below. A slower entry would have been less dramatic, but was unnecessary; the ship was built to withstand elevated stress.

With a single pass and verification that the landing area was clear, Nyx set the ship down not far from another craft that had arrived. Landing thrusters had flared to life as the fighter eased itself down onto its supports. A quick checklist of ensuring environmental conditions, ship status, and readiness to secure the vessel while on an familiar world passed in only moments. As 'eager' as the droid was to explore this world had previously gone unnoticed. A quick check for anything immediately out of place might help spare other Confederates interested in this world like herself. Fortunately, nothing stood out yet.

The ramp descended toward the ground and admitted the metallic feminine figure to disembark her vessel. Shadda-Bi-Boren. The planet's geological entry was placed in active memory for ease of reference as needed, along with the aerial map she'd taken.

Curiously there seemed to be a single building that stood out among all the rest. One with a single lifeform occupying it. As interesting as the mechanical makeup of the creatures would be, locating their creator and understanding his purpose and those of his creations would be more pertinent. Nyx set off in the direction of the tower, and of that of another lifeform not of mechanical make on a similar path. The owner of the T-77 most likely.

 

[Kaden Farr]

LOCATION: Trailhead​

w. [member="Daisy Americus"]​

A world full of life and yet devoid of any technical reading of it. To many that would seem impossible, but to Kaden it seemed as normal as anything he could expect. The very idea that things could exist which would never register as a life form was a reality Kaden had lived in the Netherworld. He had even been “alive” because of the force and would not have been readable by anything scanning for life. A ghost some would have called him, and did. This was not that. These creatures were droids, and the very idea interested Kaden.

His eyes scanned the forest with a curiosity that may have been lacking from anyone else. His mind was racing with questions as to whether any of the mechanical creatures could provide a similar challenge in a hunt that many of the hellbeasts had given him so long ago. Perhaps the curiosity was too much to ignore, or maybe Kaden simply lacked the willpower to say no, but the warrior was determined to venture in. He would not go in alone however.

[member="Daisy Americus"] was with him. Kaden has refused to explore the world without her. The recent conflict with the Mandalorians has seen them separated. Kaden has fought on Taanab, Daisy had not, and Kaden did not want to venture off on another mission, assignment, or official Confederate outing, without her. He was mandalorian as was she, and that meant fighting together, side by side. They may not have been family, but the harsh reality Kaden was reminded of was Daisy and [member="Scherezade deWinter"] were the closest thing he had to that in the physical world. Yes, [member="Darth Elyria"] was a mother to him now, but he’d yet to see her in a physical form.

The one thought brought Kaden to a decisive conclusion about the past months of missives and time spent together. Daisy was certainly more than a friend, and he needed to stop being brazenly stoic in the moments that were. Twice he’d rescued her, and only in those moments had he felt like he could express anything to her. Kaden did not feel, not unless he was fighting or killing. The hunt, or the idea to hunt, was as much about expressing himself to Daisy as it was the curious nature of stalking something mechanical.

Kaden was dressed for the forest. His clothes were the colors of the trees and ground, a disguise from those he wished to hunt. Perhaps it didn’t matter, perhaps they hunted differently. Kaden didn’t know, and it was what he didn’t know that was thrilling. A look of wild anticipation was caught in his eyes as he looked at the blonde which was with him. Perhaps she had seen the look in his eyes before as they had prepared to battle the givin, but Kaden came alive for these moments. They were all he truly knew to be pure. Feelings, intimacy, sorrow, joy, they all faded or changed, but the hunt, battle, it was always the same.

“I wonder what we might find,” he suggested as Kaden stood at the mouth of the trail. It was covered with dirt and gravel, fashioned paths for the casual enjoyment of those choosing to use them. While Kaden was at the head of the trail for now, they would certainly deviate once they drove deeper into the wood. “C’mon, adventure awaits!”

 

[Malok]

Tag: [member="Srina Talon"]​

On the surface, the day was auspicious. A world formerly thought to be uninhabited was teeming with "life" - and the man responsible was open to sharing his creations with the Confederacy. Despite the wars and conflicts of the present, this seemed to be a reprieve from what was becoming the status quo. There would be no needless death. Be no quests for justice. Be no suffering. Yet, despite the boon that the present moments offered to the Southern Systems, the Vicelord was the furthest thing from joyous.

That was not to say that he was ungrateful that his people were not in danger at the present. But rather...the quiet allowed his mind to wander. Priorities had seen the totality of his focus placed upon the war effort. He was the warrior liege who boldly led his people into the fray - not one who was absent during their most dire hour. And thus, from debating on the Viceroyalty floor to the actual warzones, the Sith had no time to spare for anything else. Yet now, whilst striding quietly upon the mechanized world...he did.

And his mind returned to Kuat.

There had been no satisfying end to the operation against the New Republic. Though their victory had resulted in the collapse of the corrupt adversary, the battle had come at a monumental cost. An explosion had nearly robbed Darth Metus of someone he cherished above all others...and in that moment, nothing else mattered. Though the thought of a final death terrified him, he gladly gave all of himself to liberate [member="Srina Talon"] from the jaws of death. In doing so, he succumbed to the fate intended for her.

He remembered the cold chill which slithered over his form. Vividly recalled how his life seeped through their Bond and into her fleeting essence. He thought that, even if this was the end of him, she would yet live. He could protect her one final time. Darth Metus was happy to lay down his life for the alabaster woman...but the price he paid was far greater than just leaving the world of the living. One might say that it was "not his time", but his sacrifice on Kuat had disturbed something. Someone. Where he came to wander in the beyond, a creature of ancient might stirred.

She ejected him back into life. A blessing at face value. But, she also followed him. Her eternal prison wavered due to his interference and, now freed...Darth Metus found himself shackled. And though the ancient being had made no grandiose moves upon his existence just yet - the reality of his living was tied to her whim. At any moment, [member="Darth Elyria"] could snatch back her "gift." And in doing so, the Sith would return to the dust from whence he came. Thus, before the war effort...he obsessed over ways to change his fate.

But above all else, he never uttered a word to his beloved Apprentice.

Though his fate was uncertain, this was the one and only truth he hid from her. No matter how freely their bond ran betwixt them, there was always an island that she could no longer reach. In times past, this would have been a cause of considerable alarm for Srina...but she never questioned it. For she, for some reason, had erected just as large a wall about her thoughts. Something had pained her deeply since that day - but neither Master nor Apprentice would come clean about their burdens. That is, until the present.

The distant world was one of artificial metal...all save for one ardent locale. A greenhouse of considerable size had been erected and was seemingly the source of naturally grown food on the world. Darth Metus did not guide them towards the everlasting conveyer of foreign foods. But, rather, procured for them a kettle, mugs, and the fixings for a decent afternoon tea. After all they had endured - after all the time apart - he imagined...it would do them both good to return to basics while they had the chance. He hoped that, at the very least, he could help her release whatever burden she carried. In doing so, she could enjoy the life he had given richly and to the fullest.

Thus far, he said nothing as he poured her the first mug. T'was only after his own beverage was poured and the kettle placed upon their table that he addressed her. "How are things?" he began. At face value, his question was simple. Basic. But the way he reached across the table and took her hand in his own begged otherwise.

 

[Josiah]

Tag: [member="Mara Denko"]​

He knew how long it had been...

Though neither of the Jedi would ever admit as much out loud, the last time they had enjoyed such a leisurely activity was years ago. In those days, a far younger Josiah Denko busied himself painting the walls of a nursery whilst Mara obsessed over the right furnishing. All was in preparation of a special bundle of joy that would brighten their days - even brighter than the Light Side itself. During this time, the Denko household was at its happiest. Even with Josiah's love of giving his bride a hard time, all was good.

In those days, trips to such locales as hole-in-the-wall tea shops, museums, aquariums, and much more were commonplace. The hope was that they would make a short list of exciting places to show their little one as she grew. The chance to do so never manifested. Life had...seen fit to rob the pair of their joy in one fell swoop. And they, at least back then, were not strong enough to pick up the pieces. It had taken literal years apart for Josiah and Mara to piece themselves back together. And now, they were committed to making this work.

They owed it to themselves...and they owed it to their lost Light to try. To well and truly try.

Thus, when the fog of war had lifted from the Confederacy, a fresh opportunity presented itself upon a rather distant world. In fact, Josiah had never personally heard of the planet until just this moment. According to the reports, the world was thought to be devoid of all life...and yet, upon landing, they all found the planet to be populated. Though what was there could hardly be classified as actually alive. Metal covered everything as far as the eye could see - and the inhabitants were a wide variety of droids. In essence, they had stumbled upon an automaton paradise.

But here, Josiah did not have to raise his saber on the battlefield. Here, Mara did not have any wounded to mend. Here...they could just take a moment to enjoy some foreign sights. Upon hearing that there was an Aquarium of some description available to browse, the two made a b-line for the "city" proper right away. Arm-in-arm, they entered with a small crowd of Confederates before breaking away from the tour group in order to browse on their own. They found themselves within one of Mara's personal favorite places: the Shark Tunnel.

The aquariums that had visited previously made a feature of such locals. A tunnel run directly under the water, affording a wonderous view of the shark enclosure. All manner of the creature swam overhead, with several sizes, shapes, and forms. Josiah hazarded a guess that they were not organic...but, that only added to the charm of the establishment. "You know, I hear there is a shark petting enclosure in here somewhere." he remarked, whilst tracking the motions of a hammerhead above. "Is that something you'd like to do next?"

Frankly, whatever she wanted to do, he was perfectly happy to oblige. Anything to put a smile on her face.

 

[Srina Talon]

Tag: [member="Darth Metus"]​

Status: "There is a dark place calling to me, but, I will not go just yet. I know I can't return from it."​

​

---

​

---

A mechanized world.

Srina found a certain level of interest in such a thing, though, she was a little concerned that something like this could spring up in their backyard without triggering some sort of alarm. The Confederacy had investigated the signal, certainly, but there was an intense amount of work that had transpired without their knowledge. Her military-minded assumptions left her standing silent as stone within the Gearhouse Garden with her arms crossed. This place was presented as peaceful. No war, no death, just a clever imitation of life.

She did not trust it.

It was hard for her to see. When she viewed an organic being she could see past what they wished others to see. Echani eyes were keen, so much so, that she almost knew when someone planned to make a move against her before they had even accepted it themselves. She could read threats, perceive danger, and take preemptive actions if needed. The Exarch could not do this as easily with technology unless they operated with specified personality matrices. Even then—It was difficult.

Had the Confederacy created this Droid Utopia? The young woman would have been more at home. On most days, it seemed, that she preferred the company of droids over people. They were simple and effective. She had no questions about them, whereas, people often lied. Her only compunction was drawn from the fact that her nation had not ordered this world remade in the image of a mecha-paradise. Who knew what else the Architect of Shadda-Bi-Boren was capable of?

Were there more than just mechanical flora and fauna? Had he created weapons as well?

She pulled away from the gleaming Gearhouse windows when a tingle in the back of her mind pulled her back toward her Master. She was an Apprentice, one of many, but her loyalty to [member="Darth Metus"] was unmatched. Whereas some sought the way of the true Sith and wished to surpass the Vicelord the Echani held simpler, quiet goals. Power was attainable. She could feel it through her own means and that which she drew from the triumvirate she had become part of. As she grew stronger—So did they.

Stronger together.

Ivory hair seemed almost iridescent beneath the tailored lights and her attire made her seem, almost, as if she might be part of the scenery. Srina did not often choose what she wore outside of a battlefield but they the decision to droids and attendants. An Exarch that represented the Confederacy, apparently, couldn’t walk around in leathers and armor all the time. It annoyed her—But at least there were little hidden pockets. She had a plethora of weaponry hidden on her person.

No one would know. Not when gowns of silver and gold shimmersilk hugged her person like a second skin. What she wore now was long-sleeved, giving the illusion of modesty, whereas the parts that were not pattered with filigree were darkly translucent. Her empty expression combined with luminous eyes that were lined with kohl lent credence to something that was too perfect to be real.

When she sat down at the sprawling table, taking note, of the gears that made both it and the chair—She scarcely breathed. Srina was and always had been a woman unto herself. She did not move unless she wished to. She did not entertain for the sake of others, moreover, when she did speak, she spoke her mind in the bluntest of ways. Cruel or not. That was what should have given the Vicelord reason to pause. Whereas she’d always been on the quiet side—Now, it would seem that she had gone mute. The ability to emote had essentially been cut off, especially, since Kuat.

Some blamed it on what had happened to [member="Aryn Teth"]. Some blamed it on the rumored, albeit temporary, passing of [member="Darth Metus"]. Some said it was due to the loss of her rabbits. Due to the failure of negotiations…Her failure. They were all correct. And, very wrong.

Silver eyes flickered when she picked up the cup of offered tea. She drank it hot. Always. So scalding that it would have burned the tongue of anyone else. When her Master reached to take her hand she paused. Instead of taking a sip, she set the beverage down and leveled him with an unyielding stare. “Sufficient.”

He wanted more. She could feel their bond resonate with his desire to know what it was that had turned her to ice and stone. Srina didn’t know how to answer his questions. Every time she thought back to Kuat her anger rose like a rolling tide. It was unstoppable. Unfathomable. It made her want to take the Force that ran through her, grasp it by the throat, and ensure that it allowed her to wipe out anything and anyone that stood in her way. “I am…Adjusting.”

It was a pale response. What was she adjusting to? Being independent? To watching Aryn slowly lose his connection to the Force? To realizing, slowly, that there was no balance in the Force and there never would be. There were the weak. There were the strong. Dark or light didn’t matter.

Crush or be crushed. Kill or be killed.

“I apologize, Master. I did not understand.”

He wouldn’t know what it was that she referenced. Long ago she had balked at the notion o the Sith Lord using living, breathing people, criminals or otherwise, in his alchemical practices. She had been horrified to know that he used fear to make items more powerful. That he used blood to create weapons of war that would fell their enemies. Those on his slab—They deserved their fate. “I did not understand, before, in the Well. Forgive me...I understand now.”

 

[Asher Malvern]

​

Objective: IV | Location: Shadda Bi Boren | Tags: [member="John Locke"] | Theme: Link​

The moment Asher set down on the planet, he had known he found something worth his time. A single crystal blue eye gazed out at the metallic scenery with a near-wanting expression. It was as if the entire planet had been crafted from the ground up, as a single technological wonder. A hand slid into his pocket while Asher gazed out with his good eye. The morning sun washed over the metallic landscape making it shine with a certain glow. The clearing behind him was bustling with activity. A number of Science Officers from the Confederacy had joined the man on the world to examine this phenomenon. Most were still working to get their mobile labs and equipment set up, however a few were preparing for sample retrieval missions. The first day was easiest. Pull a number of random metallic samples and then they could ascertain the metals used to create this new world.

Normally Asher had a quiet, distant demeanor that led most people to leave him alone. Today he was in a good mood. The slightest sign of a smile crept over his expression as he looked over the terrain. "Exceptional." He said, before tapping the watch that laid on his wrist.

"Delta, have you begun analysis?" He asked.

In the next moment, the face of his watch came alive with an orange glow. The mini holoprojector embedded in the device produced the image of a young man, practically a boy, made entirely of code. The AI's hands rested behind his head while he peered up at the Scientist before him. "Almost done, we're at seventy-four percent already. But Asher I don't know how good the data will be. Without the samples I can only do so much."

"I know, I know. But it never hurts to get an early start on the day." The older man returned, before tapping the watch once again. Delta, Asher's personal assistant, evaporated into a small cloud of code before disappearing entirely. "Whatever you say, Asher." As Delta returned to his own task, Asher produced a small pack of cigarra's from his lab coat's pocket. Breaking the seal on the container, he quickly placed one of the cylinders between his lips before searching his pockets for his lighter. When he did find it, it was only seconds before the cigarra was lit and he was taking a deep drag from it. The nicotine had a bitter tasted that flowed to the back of his throat and immediately left him a bit more relaxed than he already was. As it was, Asher still had some time before he would be ready to begin the project. Delta needed to finish scanning the area for biohazards, the science team would need a bit more time to offload the equipment, and Asher was informed he'd have a partner for this project. One that had yet to arrive.

With all that in mind, his hand sank back into his lab coat and he exhaled a thick cloud of smoke into the air.

 

[Daisy Americus]

LOCATION: Trailhead​

w. [member="Kaden Farr"]​

______________________​

Even though the tainted bacta from Thyferra had been purged from her system it had taken several months for Confederate physicians to clear her for field duty. The golden-haired Mandalorian had stayed behind from the fight on Tanaab for several reasons. Firstly, because she wasn’t in any hurry to die quickly. If she went into a fight unrepentant, and unprepared, she would most assuredly lose against those she had once considered kin. Secondly, because of a past sense of loyalty, and the Six Actions. She still felt conflicted. Even while knowing what happened to Kaden—Fighting against her own?

It felt horrible.

“Hey wait up!”, she called after Kaden, moving through the mechanical forest, with a certain sense of anxiety. Daisy was good at taking things apart and putting them back together, but, she couldn’t fathom how all this all worked. Maybe through solar panels but truthfully the amount of energy and upkeep it would require to maintain this was intense. Nanotech? Maybe.

Kaden kept getting ahead of her because she kept stopping to examine every little flower and leaf they passed. At first glance, it all looked real. But, the textures were off. She could see a faint shimmer on the undersides of the leaves that denoted it was made of thousands of pressed thin pieces of metal to allow flexibility. “Be careful walkin’ through this. Some of it is right real sharp—You could get hurt!”

It was funny that she would give him a warning. Usually, when chit hit the fan, she was the one in trouble. Not the other way around. By the time she caught up to him at the top of the path, she was able to see that some sort of creature had landed on the back of his neck. He was in such a hurry, truthfully, she doubted he would even notice. “Hold still ya big lug…”, she trailed off, holding onto his shoulder for a moment, so she could reach back to pick up the mech-bug.

Gingerly she guided it onto her finger and pulled back a little so that Kaden could see it. A big butterfly. With crystalline wings that she could see fractal after fractal in. Still leaning on him, heads close, she murmured a soft wow when the sunlight caused fractals to dance. “Nothin’ like this on Haseria…That’s for sure.”

Seafoam blue-green eyes flickered, pulling up from the butterfly so that she could smile in his direction. At least she wasn’t falling out of a Skywheel this time. She knew he wanted to hunt and or explore so she’d mirrored his state of dress. Dark colors that represented the forest in a pattern that would make her hard to distinguish. Flaxen hair had been pulled up into a high ponytail that bobbed, here and there, when she moved.

As much as she wanted to echo the enthusiasm she couldn’t figure out why they were trying to blend in. These things weren’t real animals. They probably had a variety of sensors and infrared to tell who was who and what was what. The butterfly seemed to get tired of sitting pretty and took back to the sky with a beautiful little flourish. Daisy wished she would have brought a holo-recorder. Her mother would have loved to see this. “Well…Ah guess we should be on our way then.”

Daisy tried not to let the recent war-state bother her. Part of her, more than part, had been afraid that he wouldn’t return from Tanaab. There had to be some kind of reward for bringing him down. Again. Whether it was personal or private biting her tongue was all she could do not to selfishly ask him to stay behind. A lot of people had died on Tanaab.

Daisy was just glad he wasn’t one of them.

 

[Madalena Antares]

Tags: [member="To'Kola Bakari"]

Through the gardens she wandered, glowing green eyes taking in the sights of what looked like native fauna and flora, but was 'only' just mechanics at work. Madalena was aware that others such as Vicelord [member="Darth Metus"] and Exarch [member="Srina Talon"] were in the area as well, yet for once, she preferred to maintain some privacy and distance rather than to go and greet them in person. She knew it would only be a matter of short time before Cardinal, or rather, To'Kola, would be arriving.

She had not expected to be coming here that day. In fact, she had thought to take several days off just to rest and regain her energies after several back to back missions she had been on, most notable among them with the new Mandragora recruits. But there was… something. Perhaps, it was because Madalena was now spending more time around Witches, which helped develop and grow the depths with which she knew her Sith Sorcery and expanded her abilities. Perhaps, it was because she was slowly coming to learn that she had inherited yet another part from her mother, the Foresight, and knew she had to come to this planet.

But for what?

Letting To'Kola know that she would be there, and knowing he would come, she had darted right out of her ship, clad in civilian clothing, and had begun to wander around. Her feet knew where to take her. Without a map, without a guide, without ever having been here, her body knew where to go, and by thus, could serve as a compass for To'Kola to know where to go in case he did not know on his own.

It was only upon close inspection that she realized, not everything was mechanical after all. The grass was true, as were some of the bushes. The smell was of fresh forest, and she inhaled deeply as she walked through, passing over the food for the time being. Hunger was not in her stomach, only curiosity in her mind and love in her heart when she saw it.

Towards the northern edge of the greenhouse, a small bush. From the distance, she was uncertain whether it was true or mechanical, and closer inspection showed that while the leafs and branches were indeed some form of metal, the flowers that grew felt very much alive.

Madalena's hands began to rummage through the bush, triyng to see if she could pluck a few branches out.

For To'Kola. For the promise she had made him, to fill any office and any house he had with plants and flowers from exploits. There was even a surprise she still owed him from a time long ago. But that… Would wait. For now.

 

[Krystal]

Objective: MachiniTree Forest
[SIZE=10.5pt]Wearing: Discreet armourweave ([/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]not[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt] her Trinity Armour)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Wielding: Danzatore, DL-44 Pistol, twin Czerka knives. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10.5pt]Tags: [member="Darth Tacitus"][/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Krystal needed an outlet. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]As much as she tried to shove every thought from her mind, and desperately avoided sleep for fear of her dreams, her guilt continued to gnaw at her nonetheless. She refused to acknowledge it, she would not let it take a hold of her mind, but it would not leave. [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]I left, I left, I left. [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]The Knights Obsidian fought. The Dauntless fought. [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Civilians [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]fought. And she had not. She had left them, and that would never change. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She wore not her usual distinctive white armour but rather a simple black armourweave, for she did not want to be recognized. There was nothing she could do about her force signature, but she simply hoped that those on this planet would not be looking for her. Directing her ship not to the main spaceport in the city but simply to an open plain on the outskirts, she landed and ensured her blade and pistols were holstered at her side. She took a deep breath, and broke out into a sprint towards the dense forest, around half a mile from where she had landed. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Breathing heavily by the time she arrived, she paused near the edge of the forest and listened. It looked almost identical to an actual forest, down to the weeds on the ground… but it was entirely devoid of sound. Even when she closed her eyes and simply tried to take it in, she heard nothing. No birdcall, no animals rustling… She could hear her own heart pounding in her ears. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Remaining perfectly still, she watched the forest now. Still, still, still… [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]there. [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]Without so much as a rustle, a squirrel had showed itself from beneath the faux undergrowth of the forest. Moving silently, she reached one hand to her waist. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Three shots rang out, shattering the quiet of the forest. And where the squirrel used to be lay a smoking pile of metal, scorched and shattered. Approaching it carefully, she reached a hand out -- avoiding the smoking areas -- to touch the creature. She slipped the whole body into the bag she carried on her back. Straightening, she holstered her pistol at her side. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She drew her sith blade instead. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]It gnawed at her, begging for violence and reeking of corruption. It would take whatever she gave it and it would take more. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]And Krystal did not care. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She stalked into the depth of the forest. [/SIZE]

 

[John Locke]

Location: Shadda Bi Boren
Objective: IV
Tagging: [member="Asher Malvern"]

Droids were present throughout the galaxy, they were perhaps the industrial backbone of the galaxy, one of the most common sights that could ever be found. Metal automatons that strode across the landscape of the galaxy, carrying much of the industry of the galaxy with them. That brought with it their own issues, the issues around droid sentience had led to several locations around the galaxy that toted themselves as refuges for droids. Only, this was perhaps the first time that John had even come across a location that more than that. Everything on the world seemed to be metal, from the lowliest leaf to the creatures that stalked through the forest.

The engineer knew that the Confederacy had deployed science teams to the surface, teams intent on dissecting the creatures here, about finding what made them tic. And John knew he should join them, he would in a moment. What they could discover here, the new techniques could advance robotics and cybernetics in the Confederacy by leaps and bounds, but just for a moment he wanted to take a chance to step back and appreciate this. Metallic hands met a metal tree trunk, tracing a ling up the surface as he played his fingers along the trunk. Clinking sounds echoed through the forest as he took a step backwards, letting his eyes slide into his pockets in a very practiced gesture. Looking at him, you might almost not know the level of cyberization he had undergone, if not for the glowing irises of his eyes. “Ok EX, which way to the teams?”

“You know, you really can’t do anything without me can you? 40 meters to your left, and to try to be nice will you? I would really prefer that new body sooner rather than later, and if you manage to annoy them you’ll be walking home.”

"You know, maybe I can get one of hte rabbits here, plug you into that for a body? How're you like that?"

"...Touche."

The disembodied voice of the AI had the same level of snark that his droid had ever had presented, just now as a voice in his ear, a welcome distraction as he turned on a heel, watching the reflections of the light dancing on the forest around him. Nonsense patterns which swirled all around him, a kaleidoscope of patterns that shifted around him as he broke into the clearing, eyes flicking over the teams already hard at work. “Anything interesting so far?”

 

[Damsy Callat]

​

Form: Humanoid Tags: [member='Allya Vi'dreya'] + (feel free to join!)​

​

At first she was excited. She had flown in her own fighter to Shadda Bi Boren and hopped out bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to see whatever wondrous creations awaited.

Or so she had thought.

Her sate of mind was just about the very oppisite now, as Damsy sat, crumpled to the floor despite the skeletal supports on her legs, froglegged in a lonely corner of the hotel. Her face was hidden in her hands as she cried quiet, fresh water tears that slightly irritated her skin. Outside, the bionic birds and stained glass butterflies and gearbox squirrels had been easy enough for her brain to handle, her eyes to appreciate, but there was something about the marine exhibits that stirred the waters of upset within her.

It was strange, to see creatures with forms but not makeups similar to the ones she had all but grown up beside. Cogs replaced muscle, rods were now bone, blood had turned into oil. The predator, never once uncomfortable in the Kamino sea, felt her skin crawl here. They swam, and some of them 'breathed' through the water, but they weren't like her. Above all, it seemed like a lie. For a fleeting moment, she thought to the replicant of her own father.

This was like that. Something that looked like, but wasn't--

Just then, an artificial dolphin chirped at her, the sound an upsetting mix of natural and unfamiliar. Art imitated nature indeed.

Slowly, the Sithspawn glanced up. The cold, metal bottle nose pressed against the viewing glass. With legs shaky with emotion in addition to general weakness, Damsy stood and approached the glass. She hesitantly offered out a hand that, as if the creature could feel it, it nuzzled its head further against it.

Here, everything had been strange, but now, for a moment, Damsy felt at home.

 

[Allya Vi'Dreya]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QerUt7ql0NU​

​

Objective: ???​

Tag: [member="Damsy Callat"] (And any others who wish to join!)​

The teenager had taken time to explore much of the planet. For the technophile it brought a million and one ideas for new creations. She studied how it was made, and put together. It gave her ideas far beyond anything she had before. However, no matter how much she tried to enjoy herself, she felt heavier now than she had in years. The lives of thousands of her own people weighted heavily on her. She had single handedly slaughtered many members of a Mandalorian clan. True, at times her gun wasn't the killer. But her actions were. It was war, it was needed. They were destroying planets, killing countless people. It was needed. It was needed. And yet the blood coated her soul and made it hard to breath. Anger and rage, the dark side....it was threatening to consume her with each use. Without [member="Jerek Zenduu"] at her side like he had been, it made it hard to keep putting one foot in front of the other. He was busy. She knew it, they saw each other as much as was possible. But gods, at times like this she wished he was there. Her fist clenched, and shook her head. Her head threw back and a silent scream was brought to the sky. She had killed so many in the last couple of years.

She slid against a wall in her room till her butt hit the ground. Her eyes closed and tears fell into a pool between her legs. She has tried to get teaching in the ways of the force. To make her understanding of it deeper, hoping it would help. She had studied with Lord Voph, with several holocrons, and even the Jedi. And yet nothing made this hole in her soul better. The light had no place in her. And yet, she saw its comfort as much as possible. She knew what she was doing. Allya, was the the monster so others didn't have to be. The scape goat, so that her troops could sleep easier, the one hated and scorned so that the blame was put on a singular person. So that Luna could be the hero, that the troops the good of the Confederacy. Someone had to take the blame, and it was always her. Time after time after time. When something horrible had to be done, an order that could result in the deaths of many...it came from her lips. And it tore into her. But it was better this way. At least in this manner she had purpose. She would be destroyed, so others could live. It was the fate of those with power. Of those in charge. Besides....He knew every secret, every darkness in her, and still accepted her. It was enough to keep going.

Soon, the tears stopped flowing, and she wiped her eyes clear. The girl stood up and moved over to a closet a the corner of her room. She opened the doors and looked at her armor, waiting to be put on. Her fingers traced the battered, wartorn beskar'gam. She pulled away from it, and shut the doors, staying in civilian clothing, without her steel skin. The girl moved out of her room and let her feeling guide her. Soon, she found the crumpled form of her dear sister. Allya took a deep breath, calmed her emotions and once again locked up the pain, shame, and self loathing deep in her heart. She hopped over to Damsy and wrapped her arms around the woman, with a big grin. “Why hello there beautiful. Come to this place often?” The cheeky little teen stuck her tongue out at the girl,and booped her nose. “It's a weird planet, right?”

 

[Alkor Centaris]

He stepped into the hotel and ran a thorough scan of the structural integrity before traversing too far inward. The planetary reports had set a specific date for the evacuation, which branded this world dead and all of its denizens extinct, a time well before the Confederacy had considered stepping foot there. The fact that any of this was possible- for any of this to be maintained, meant that there were secrets hidden beneath the surface.

That was why the Southern Systems deployed their agents to unravel mysteries, after all. That, and those few people still taxed from the debacle at Tanaab... well, there was a hope that this situation would prove to be less than stressful.

He was only satisfied after the second test he can came back with favorable results, bearing in mind the lack of any human element in maintenance over the past decade, at least. Much of the world was mechanized, and for the Confederacy, that meant a possibility for learning and growth. Their science division was always scaling up in size, and they were always churning out new weapons, armor, shields, droids-

To not learn what was behind this world, to not find understanding? That would be a waste.

Alkor moved through the massive, highly resistant glass quietly, only dating to touch areas of the display that specifically prompted him to do so. There was a great deal of information, and a wealth of technology visible at face value-

But his mind was still elsewhere. He sighed audibly as he moved through the tunnel, almost completely unaware of the others who had chosen to investigate the same area.

 

[Naedira Darcrath]

Tag: [member="Alkor Centaris"]​

Note: This character is a Force Ghost. Dead as dead could be. Sorry not sorry. ​

The space beside [member="Alkor Centaris"] shimmered. A distortion of light bent the area around him to eventually reveal a young woman. Her visage had changed since the last time she’d appeared. Instead of wearing high waisted pants and a red blouse, this time, she was wearing a plain black sundress. It was long and functional with protective leggings beneath it. A leather blaster holster crisscrossed along her torso. He probably wouldn’t remember it, but she had worn it around Geonosis, many, many times.

She had appeared to him wearing just about everything she had ever worn—Except, the Obsidian Strike armor that had been found on the floor of the Fortressa. It was strange considering she favored it so in life.

“You take me to the coolest places.”, she commented with a low, distorted whistle, turning in a small circle. Sometimes she surrounded the Dark Jedi in a way that was interactive. She could speak. Respond. Sometimes, it was a loop where she didn’t respond to him at all. Within the confines of his flat at the capital he would often see her making imaginary breakfast, though, she had never seen his lodgings.

Other times—He might see her walking down the halls of the Citadel. Or a glimpse of her running through the Golbah City when he passed her usual route. Familiar surroundings drew on her more easily than others, though, that didn’t mean she didn’t come and go. The beast was still there. Chasing her through the dark. She could only risk coming up for air for so long…

But it was better than the alternative. The more she stayed beneath the waves, the more she lost, from memory to her sense of self. This imprisonment was neither something she could change nor affect, but there was a reprieve, while she peeked out this singular window. She followed Alkor with silent footsteps and took in the sights of aquatic life through glass.

How strange. Truthfully, she felt like these faux-creatures. Trapped.

Her ghostly visage flickered as her uncertainty wavered.

She could see him now. But, would she remember later? Her voice came as a soft echo. There was a pleading tone that Naedira Darcrath had not been known to hold in life. Yet—It was here now. Acceptance. Nothing…Nothing was worse than having everything she was slowly peeled away like an onion. Not the torture when she disappeared. Not the knowledge that this would go on…And on…

“…Will you remind me. If I forget?”

…Unless Alkor destroyed what kept her bound.

 

[Kaden Farr]

​

​

LOCATION: Headed into the woods​

w. [member="Daisy Americus"]​

_________________________________​

Kaden hadn’t meant to leave Daisy behind and in the dust as he pressed ahead on the trail, he was just excited to be doing something with her that did not involve bad bacta or falling out of a skywheel. He also had never been a stop to smell the flowers person. In the Netherworld they got you killed. Taanab had been a different story, one where Kaden ran into the danger, but he always was. War was all he knew, and where it made Daisy uneasy, Kaden thrived under the thrill of it. This bit of domestication which Daisy seemed to pull out of him was the new and scary thing. Regardless of how he felt, Kaden could not help but smile when the blonde Mandalorian smiled at him as though she were made of sugar and spice. Kaden had not expected this, her, but she was the reason he fought to remain alive on Taanab, despite racing into a city to fight his mother in law. He might have downplayed that part when he told Daisy about the conflict.

Her smile pulled one out of him in response.

She cared. It was evidenced in her smile, and the way she told him to be careful with the sharp edges and corners of the forest. Kaden chuckled inside at the warning because if anyone was prone to an accident in the woods, well, it wasn’t going to be Kaden. Daisy seemed completely enchanted and mesmerized by the mechanical wonder before them, so much so that her eyes didn’t stay with his for long. Kaden didn’t blame her. The ingenious of the creation of them both was breathtaking and deserved to be admired.

He smiled again at her touch, a hand on his shoulder forced him to keep from barreling ahead once she had finally reached his side. Kaden hadn’t felt the bug on his back, but apparently it had been there. Daisy gingerly coaxed it onto her finger, allowing him to see it before commenting about its beauty. Kaden agreed that it was beautiful. The crystalline wings and the way the light refracted off of them was nothing short of amazing. Daisy was right that Haseria had nothing like it, but the world did have its own charm and beauty. Kaden let the bug fly off before saying anything, but turning to Daisy he simply smiled.

“Haseria has its own beauty though, and I much prefer her to the bug.”

It wasn’t right to call a Mandalorian pretty or beautiful, but Kaden didn’t care. His attraction to Daisy involved many layers of who she was, and her beauty was one of them. Both were considered Dar Manda as it was, so why not deviate from certain traditions. Besides, Kaden knew one thing about Daisy, she seemed to like being made over, she liked his attention, so Kaden had no problem giving it to her.

“We don’t have to be in a rush,” he said as Kaden looked at their attire and just shook his head. “You know… maybe I should have suggested we wear our armor instead.” When Kaden suggested they wear hunting gear it was simply out of habit. He didn’t think about the infrared sensors or the heat scanners that may be equipped on whatever it was they were going to chase and hunt. His eyes turned to look at Daisy once more, and he could see it, even hear it in her voice. He didn’t place the feeling exactly whether it was relief or something similar, but something had Daisy’s mind occupied.

War.

Kaden knew she didn’t like the idea of what the CIS was doing on Taanab, and she had not asked him to stay back. He promised to come back, and he had, despite the long lost of those who had not. Maybe he needed to ask. This was the part of relationships Kaden was nervous with. Kaden wasn’t even sure what to call their relationship, but it was certainly beyond friendship. Part of this trip, the hunt, was meant to clarify that point. He wanted Daisy in his life, and as more than just someone he saw from time to time. Kaden took her hand in his as he started to lead them into the wood.

“Credit for your thoughts,” he asked as the path led them into a deeper into the setting. “I’m glad to be home.”

Even though they weren’t “home” the statement should ring true Kaden hoped. Home was wherever he found himself with Daisy.

 

[Nathan Vance]

Heavy Machinery:​

Post: 01
Tags: [member="Nyx N1X3"] [member="Alden Akaran"]
Equipment: Basic Service Pistol, Civillian attire. Armor and Blaster stashed in the ship.
Location: Entrance to the Cog Tower
Objective: The Cog Tower

----------------------------------------​

​

"Alright, bring her down Kal"
A two-seater hovered above the landing pads, making it's landing approach, at an unusual trajectory.

"Aye, be gentle with the controls! We want to be able to fly away from this landing you know?"

The craft jolted sideways once more, before finally stabilizing and beginning a slow, careful descent. It was easy to see that the pilot was a novice, at best. The craft hit the durasteel platform with a loud thump, louder than is the standard for normal landings. The cockpit rolled back with a hiss, as the pressurized cabin depressurized into harmony with the planet's atmosphere. Two men clambered out of the ship, using the extendable ladder that unfolded itself from beneath the cockpit. They looked around, witnessing numerous CIS ships that already gathered at the platform, each of different origins. Multiple belonged to the CDF, however, there were quite a few private ships that had nothing to do with the defense force. It seemed as though a lot of influential people within the Confederacy accepted the mysterious invitation to this formerly "dead" planet.

Nathan and his partner Kal'Dar breathed in the fresh air as they made their way towards the set of buildings ahead of them. The planet truly did look alive. Various forms of wildlife fluttered from tree to tree, it was a living, breathing world. However, it did feel a little bit different. And it should be so, for the planet's wildlife was entirely non-organic. Nathan's eyes bounced around in gleeful joy, analyzing every bit of wildlife he could lay his eyes upon. It was simply incredible, how precisely built everything around him was. It all looked so natural, yet it was completely composed of durasteel and electronics. Unfathomable.

The two men walked in awe-filled silence as their heads turned as if on swivels. They were clearly enjoying their time on the planet. It was not often that the Dauntless could take a leave of absence, after all. It looked as though their time here would be a bliss change from the horrors of battle. Every soldier needed a break, a short return to the simple, kind world. They were going to make the most of it. Their heads tilted up, as their eyes gazed upon the Cog Tower. It was quite a large building. Definitely not the largest building they have seen, but large nonetheless. It was also of what looked to be quite an ancient design. From what the pair of soldiers had heard, this was the place to be if you wanted to find out more about this already fascinating world.

As they got closer to the tower, they started to see a small gathering of people. Organics and droids, quite a few beings seemed to want to enter the Cog Tower. Some of them looked familiar, while others didn't. However, one individual had caught Nathan's eye. He motioned to his companion quickly, and pointed in the direction of a man, standing near the entrance to the tower itself. They approached him, with a small waving gesture as Nathan spoke:

"[member="Alden Akaran"] , if I am not mistaken?" - He extended his arm to the pilot, as he continued to speak - "Nathan Vance and Kal'Dar Dekori, Dauntless Commandos, pleased to meet you."

 

[Malok]

Tag: [member="Srina Talon"]​

Objective: Seek. Understand.​

---

Though there was indeed the divide, wrought through their struggles, the Sith Lord knew his apprentice. He may have been off-base here and there but, for the most part, he knew that she had an affection for automatons. Or was it, that she had such an apathy for other sentients that she likened herself to droids? Whichever it may be, one of the earliest memories the two shared was of a pair of mischeivous rabbits wreaking havoc within their home. Sinner's Well had, prior to the alabaster woman entering his life, been a quiet fortress of solitude. It was Darth Metus' retreat from the Galaxy - a place to draw strength and to deepen his understanding of the Dark Side.

Yet, shortly after a certain young woman stepped into his life, the cold stones of the fortress seemed to...brighten. Whenever there was a smell eminating from the kitchens, it almost always was delicious. Just by being herself and being present, [member="Srina Talon"] turned a midnight bastion into a Home. And her droid bunnies had become part of the charm. At first, they were a source of annoyance for the Vicelord. Yet, over time, he quietly began to endear them - for they were a source of genuine happiness for the woman.

He knew that they had fallen on Kuat. And he had not forgotten. When the time permitted, he would quietly attempt to restore that broken corner of her life as well. But in the here and now, he at least thought his knowledge of the woman would see her somewhat...enjoy the distant world. Though the true nature of the planet remained to be seen, it was quite literally a planet teeming with that she supposedly enjoyed the most. Yet, there was not the slightest hint of the mirth she used to show the droid bunnies. Was it because these did not belong to her? Or was it the weight she carried upon her shoulders.

The Sith, quietly, endeavored to find out.

Ever the pinnacle of grace, the Echani descended into her seat without so much as uttering a sound. Her resplendent dress did not even seem to ruffle at all as she sat; which was a stark contrast to the Sith. His arrival was heralded by the clatter of their mugs and the kettle, followed by the scraping of his seat forward ever so slightly. Yet, despite the fact that they were literal opposites on the surface and in demeanor, they were always strongest together. And as he took her hand in his own, he hoped to somehow remind her of that.

Sufficient. I am...Adjusting.

When his question was posed, though seemingly simple, he was reaching. Hoping to snatch a nugget of understanding from the wounded woman he adored. Of course, Srina was not the...emotional type. It took the fire and ash of Coruscant's inferno to draw tears from her eyes - but otherwise, she was strong. Sure. Mighty. Even when she did not think it so. But...what could she possibly be adjusting to? Had...Had his sacrifice failed? Had it all been for naught? He thought that, by giving it all, she would emerge whole. Scratched, burnt, and bruised perhaps but nothing a bacta bath couldn't fix.

His fingers gave her hand a gentle squeeze as she spoke again. He did part his lips as if to respond to her first thoughts but, her current understanding left him at a loss for words. When she first came to the Well and witnessed the horrors of Alchemy firsthand, she was...terrified. Appalled. It was a secret that he had kept from her as she was not ready - and yet she discovered it all her own. Yet now, after all the loss, the pain, and the turmoil, she understood? When she first cried out in horror, he hoped that this day would come...

But now that it had arrived, it felt...hollow. The Srina he knew would never have understood. Just what the Hell happened? "I'm...relieved to hear you say that." he began, mulling over his words carefully. "What I do is necessary. To protect us all - to protect you." He paused, settling his sulfuric eyes upon hers. "I had thought that, on Kuat, using those bloody ways, I had saved you. But, since that day, you've been...different. What is it that you are adjusting to? Are you ailing in some way?"

Did my best fail you?

 

[Mara Denko]

​

Tag: [member="Josiah"]​

​

Her life had been solely devoted to the study of the light for so long that at times, looking back, she could admit now that she’d willfully ignored things that could have brought her joy. She’d been so focused on her work that it had made it a little easier to ignore what she had been forced to leave behind…

Losing their Light had caused a rift to form between them, and though it had seemed too vast to close, there had been faith in her that they would somehow manage. All that had failed her the day he’d left. The darkness had come for her, to swallow her like the great, gaping jaws of some beast from the depths - but she knew that to be lost in the darkness was to be lost for good. So she’d instead turned off the part of her that bled for what she had lost. She silenced the pain in her heart and turned all of her attention instead to her research.

The Knights Obsidian was eventually where she’d found her home, and the Archivists seemed to be the best landing spot within their organization. Even though at times she worked in close proximity to those that called the darkness their home, she could bathe herself in the vastness of her research and it would all seem to melt away… Until he came home.

All the pain had come rushing back to her when she’d seen his face, almost identical to when he’d left, and smiling still… It had taken nearly all she’d built up in that time not to break when she’d seen the recognition in his eyes that day… But all that was all in the past now. Her days were bright now, and the Light they’d lost had returned in small bits as they’re relearned to be with one another. Even if she was gone - they could still find some kind of happiness in this life.

An outing to one of the planets newly welcomed into CIS space seemed like as good a reason as any to take an afternoon to enjoy [member="Josiah"]’s company. The two had agreed to take one of the tours of the shark tank, but as soon as they’d be able they’d slipped off, finding one of the massive glass halls to wander along alone. She’d hurried ahead a little to press her hands against the glass and glance out into the dimly lit water, watching as the massive shadows lurked about, swimming in lazy circles in their tank.

Her gaze snapped to him as he recommended they find the touch tank. “... You know I would never say no to getting my hands on something that may well be a combination of organic and inorganic life. Did they have the location on the map they gave us?” She turned from the tank and made her way back to her husband before she unceremoniously started to dig around in his pockets looking for the map they’d been given.