Hunting in the Dark

[Darth Carnifex]

​

The Akkadese Maelstrom

The swirling chaotic turbulence of the Akkadese Maelstrom rolled around the Intrepid, a modified Ferrata-class Corps Assault Carrier captained by the Sith Emperor for a secret project deep in the heart of the Maw Nebula. Though barely large enough to fit through the charted passage through the nebula, the Intrepid did not cease its advance deeper into the vociferous gloom.

The Emperor had come to the heart of the Maelstrom for a special purpose, to capture one of the elusive Summa-verminoth that made its home deep within the Cluster. Accompanying him were those highly qualified to partake in this hunt, [member="Taeli Raaf"], [member="Khonsu Amon"], [member="Vilaz Munin"], and [member="Koda Fett"].

Each of them had been brief in full of the Emperor's desires, and all of them were awarded the tools necessary to carry it out.

Now the Intrepid neared the threshold leading into the calamity of the Maw, the crew bracing themselves as the gaseous clouds parted and all visibility dropped to zero. Carnifex stood on the command bridge, his compatriots arrayed behind him.

"Are you all prepared, my friends?"

 

[Koda Fett]

Initially, Fett had been incredibly reluctant to partake in this particular venture. The Bounty Hunter had almost denied the offer. Almost. Fortunately, the Dark Lord of the Sith had pockets that ran deeper than most. If there'd been one thing that Fett could reliably succumb to it were his insatiable greed. He desired these credits, and he held them closely in his possession but constantly refrained from too much. Stingy, a little. But, it hurt nobody. He could comfortable remain sat atop the mountainous ranges of coin that he'd acquired throughout several years of pursuing the most deadliest of men. You might be able to say that he's earned that much.

The Mandalorian had seemingly looked beyond Darth Carnifex and towards the Akkadese Maelstrom ahead, consistently intrigued by the unsettling nature of it as it flickered back and forth whilst retaining this tube they could continue through. He couldn't say that he'd been amidst such a thing before, but implications of inexperience weren't anything he were willing to announce so freely. Far too much pride. Instead, he offered a resoundingly simple, "Yes."

[member="Darth Carnifex"] - [member="Taeli Raaf"] - [member="Khonsu Amon"] - [member="Vilaz Munin"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Darth Carnifex"] [member="Koda Fett"] [member="Khonsu Amon"] [member="Vilaz Munin"]

A secret retrieval project to obtain one of the most elusive and obscure creatures in the galaxy in the middle of a nearly untraversable region of space? Of course, the Triumvir of Power would be interested in assisting with acquiring a specimen or two. She might not know what exactly the Emperor had planned for such a creature, although it would likely be some glorious new creation, she certainly had ideas on what she might do with one. She knew the stories, and with her own current project underway in the Valrar system, she could make use of some splicing.

She was meditating behind where the Emperor stood, focusing her attention on some of her pets she had brought along and directing their movements around the Ferrata-class carrier. They had not wanted to waste Sith-Imperial pilots in finding their prey, so Taeli had brought several of her Menacers to act as forward scouts for their expedition. This place was an ideal environment for her creations as it was filled with their favorite meal, and they also served the dual purpose of being easy bait.

"As always, my Lord," she replied to the asked question.

 

[LT-137]

​

As the Galaxy burned there was little time for sport. War was a profitable vocation and with the state that known universe was in? Business was booming. There was always an interstellar nation amongst the stars that was willing to pay for their services; ensuring that their guns were trained at their enemies rather than their own forces. With the fires momentarily diminished but never truly coming close to extinguishing, a rare opportunity presented itself amidst the smouldering ashes.

The Sith Empire, but more importantly the Sith Emperor personally requested that the Sun Guard accompany his expedition into the Akkadese Maelstrom; hunting an interstellar beast of legend. There was a part of him that regretted his decision of coming alone, as the notion of taking to the void with his gilded brothers was enticing. However, the man needed something to take his mind off recent events that plagued his waking dreams, and he needed to do it alone.

Thus, the Sun Guard came to the Emperor’s side aboard the Sunrunner; with his extinguished lance and gilded steed contained within its cavernous cargo hold. They would find themselves put to good use when the expedition began but rested peacefully in the interim; knowing their activation in transience would be all for naught. Yet, Khonsu didn’t approach the Emperor empty-handed. In fact, the Thyrsian was entombed from head to toe within his hardened battle armour and bore a curious relic at his side.

It had been some time since he wielded this crystalline blade but figured that the occasion was a suitable enough reason to draw it from his personal armoury.

He stood silently, as the others gathered on the command deck spoke to their readiness. When the eyes of the towering giant shifted towards him; Khonsu responded with nothing more than a subtle tilt of his head. There was a desire to speak, but it would’ve been wasted breath in the Thyrsian’s eyes. Asking a Sun Guard if they were ready, was like asking a man if he still breathed. They were always prepared, and that wouldn’t change until the Stars themselves grew cold.

| [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Koda Fett"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Vilaz Munin"] |​