In Orbit Above Damoria

[Soeht]

The Sith had grown interested Damoria - a planet in Republic territory without much of note. As the Republic rushed to defend planets such as Zeltros, a few One Sith Star Destroyers sat in orbit and terrorized the traffic going to and from the planet.

Republic Intelligence managed to get an agent aboard the flagship of this small group. The agent managed to relay a message back to Republic Intelligence. Among many things related to the Sith’s movements on the planet was this: Daella Apparine was aboard.

The Jedi-turned-Sith had not been at Zeltros during the chaotic clash that recently happened. Yet, it was confirmed that she was deep within Republic territory without a major force supporting her. The probability of capturing her was higher at that moment than ever before.

The agent did not recommend attacking with tremendous force - as that would only prompt an immediate retreat or Daella would disappear to the planet’s surface. Instead, the agent recommended a strike force to quickly board and secure Daella before calling in backup. The agent also warned Republic Intelligence of the possibility of other, highly dangerous Sith potentially being aboard the ship.

____________________________________​

In a silent room, Darth Junra awoke. There was not another soul in this dim room. She laid in bed for several seconds before sitting up. Her blonde hair was a mess. Then, she placed her right hand upon the temple of her head. Her blue eyes squinted as if in slight pain.

“That dream again,” she groggily murmured.

As usual, Darth Junra quickly readied herself for the day. Within thirty minutes, she had a fresh, black tunic as her attire as her hair was up in a bun. She emerged from her quarters to be greeted by the cold, metallic hallways of the Star Destroyer she was on. She then made her way toward the bridge.

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Zeltros had been a bloody mess. There was much to clean up, and much to salvage. That which hadn’t been broken was teetering awfully close to total destruction.

There were two reasons Kiskla didn’t stay behind too long to assist in the restoration and soothing:
1.) She was terrible with pheromones and emotion
2.) Mobility demanded her elsewhere.

It seemed that as soon as Zeltros had cascaded into a lull state (which seemed almost the most dangerous being the eye of the storm and all) — a report came through from Damoria. In and outbound ships were being hassled and prevented by Sith Forces, putting the planet below in a perilous position. Some brave soul had crept on board and managed to gather enough information, and pass it on to those qualified to broaden the reach of the message so it could come in loud and clear to those able to act on it. And, with war criminal [member="Darth Junra"] and Sithly friends on board, those acting would have to be qualified.

Those who were able, and qualified, were to assemble in Commenor immediately; within the same system as Damoria, but still far enough for the Star Destroyers to not pick up on the activity just yet. Even if they were, the amount gathered wouldn’t be overwhelming considering how spread thing The Republic was in response to the Sith attacks.

The woeful thing was that The Republic was severely lacking in stealth ships — The Protectorate had a wealthy armoury, but this was a short notice reaction. Hardly enough time to get their allies to meet them in the heart of Republic space to lend them a ship. If they wanted to go in undetected, they’d have to use some more ancient techniques.

Those making the jump to Damoria were to meet in the ship’s briefing room.

Spoiler

[member="Varus Shatterstar"] | [member="Haytham Kaze"] |

 

[Varus Shatterstar]

The briefing was barely more than a break room, but Varus figured it hadn't been meant to serve an overly extravagant purpose to begin with. It was likely meant for more private sessions, where as elsewhere there would be a much larger room meant for the generals and admirals to meet. As for him, he was just a soldier for now, and his calling hadn't gone any further than Jedi warrior for now. He hadn't wanted for more, and he certainly was no less than what he was. A saber toting man with a simple purpose. To protect those without the means to protect themselves.

For now he'd wait quietly on the others to join him before he finally met Kiskla Grayson, a woman of great renown among the Jedi as one of their most storied warriors, unmatched beauty and a seat on a Council of Legends. Someone he could admire, look up to and be certain would guide him in the right direction if he were to falter. Something he didn't plan on doing himself, though he'd wondered just how hard it could be when he'd heard so many stories of Jedi falling into darkness.

He didn't want to lose his way, and so, as he sat and waited patiently, he closed his eyes and allowed that brighter, warmer side of the force to fill him to the brim in his very core. That light that would guide him because it was blinding in such a way that even when he closed his eyes, he knew exactly where he was going and why...

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Nemesis Khurshid]

DAMORIA: IN ORBIT
OBJECTIVE: HEAD TO THE BRIDGE
ALLIES: SITHIES
ENEMIES: JEDAII
MUSIC: HABITS by TOVE LO

Never in his life had the monstrous lizard man been on a starship. Not even once. Growing up a slave did that. Especially when one was a slave on the lowest levels of Coruscant. So yes, this was Nemesis' first trip outside of his home planet. It was his first time getting to see the awe-inspiring vastness of space. And it was only then, only now, that he realized how small he was. Most of his time here had been spent staring out viewports. Only once in awhile would he go to eat, or to sleep. Those tasks lacked importance in his mind. For there was so much to learn and to see from where he was. This was a good experience for him. He did not dare try to deny that. Here he could learn about the One Sith, his new family, he could meet others like him, and he could find himself in the presence of mighty warriors. It was here that he could stare into space with a soft smile. This was where he could find a peace within himself he hadn't known for years.

Waking up at this hour was not something he had planned. No, the Vidhvansaka had wanted to be up hours ago. But his alarm had not gone off. Nor had his roommate bothered to wake him. What a horrid thing! Nemesis was instantly put into a bad mood as he rushed to get ready. For one like him it did not take long. All he needed to do was throw a belt on over his 'shorts', strap on his durasteel knee-pads, and pull on a few holster straps. The straps were empty, serving an aesthetic purpose instead of a combat one. They were there to make him appear clothed. Once he was ready he exited his room quietly. He stretched with a yawn, tight muscles ripping underneath a scaled hide, all while revealing a multitude of scars. Several marked him clearly as a former slave. Others were simply the results of fights. They told his story.

Now much calmer he started towards the bridge... completely unaware of the fact that [member="Darth Junra"] was right behind him. He was also blissfully unaware of the Jedi preparing to meet the Sith in combat. For once he was not as insanely prepared as he usually was. What a shame. Of course, when the time came, he'd find a way to appear ready. Just as always. After all, he had a trope to live up to!

 

[Soeht]

As she walked down the hallway, Darth Junra remained behind Nemesis. She examined the creature. He stood well over a meter taller than the Sith Lord. He likely weighed three to four times as much as well. She carefully traced out the beast’s body structure. It would have reminded a most of the Graug - savage aliens that Darth Junra had helped nearly exterminate during her time as a Jedi.

Each tattoo - or the equivalent of it - that was visible on Nemesis was glanced over by Darth Junra. She would not know the meaning to them - if there was any to be found. She did not notice the Mark of Darkness on the creature’s body.

After some time, Darth Junra ended up stepping on a slightly loose panel of the floor. A loud clang echoed out through the hall - one that Nemesis would surely be able to hear.

[member="Nemesis K. Khurshid"]

 

[Nemesis Khurshid]

DAMORIA: IN ORBIT
OBJECTIVE: REACH BRIDGE
ALLIES: SITHIES
ENEMIES: JEDAII
MUSIC: WARRIORS by IMAGINE DRAGONS

There was an odd feeling to the air. A sort of... tension, almost. Perhaps Nemesis was subconsciously tapping into the force, and realizing that trouble lay ahead. Or maybe some of those he passed were simply frightened by the Darth who strolled behind him. At first he paid it no mind. This was a vessel full of many dark beings. For it to feel this way did not really seem unnatural to him. In fact, it merely reminded him of how things were when he was a child. That was well over a century ago. Tension was something he had grown accustomed to during his time as a slave. Later, when he first left the underbelly of Coruscant, it became a sort of 'lover' to him. They constantly played a game. He would fill those around him with dread because of how he looked. The air would become thick, others would tense, they would watch him. And he'd let out a mental chuckle before seeing how long it took to clear the air. He could be oddly charming for such a monstrous being. So this feeling, this tension, served no purpose other than a reminder of times past.

One cut short by an equally short individual. Well, in reality Daella Apparine was, in fact, not terribly short for a female human. However when you compared her to Nemesis... she was rather tiny. Yet one loose tile was enough to make her sound like a Graug breaking the bones of the weak. Only a slight exaggeration, I assure you, only a slight one. For in a corridor as quiet as this one had been small (unexpected) noises often seem tremendous. Such was the case with this moment. The clang was enough to make the giant pause. With a blank expression he looked over his shoulder... and held back a gasp. [member="Darth Junra"]! Oh, had he heard so much about the woman! She had been one of the strongest Sith at the battle of Coruscant. Without her, who knows if they would have been able to take the planet. Which meant, by extention, she was the reason for Nemesis' ability to become a Sith. His home world had once been a swarm of Jedaii. Now it held a beautiful mix of people. Partially thanks to she who stood before (ahem, behind) him.

He simply did not know what to do. Yes, he had met Sith Lords before. But never one such as her. Never one who had (apparently) shared his fate as a slave for a time. It was safe to say the demon of a man was speechless. This woman was very close to what he wished to become one day. Now was not the time to be a blabbering fool, he thought. Now was the time to be as appealing as he always managed to be. Turning to partially face her, Nemesis bowed. As he rose back up he spoke softly. "My Lord. It is an honor." As always.

 

[Hailey Sosis]

Harley was onboard [member="Darth Junra"] star destroy, she was waiting for orders. Why did she always have to wait, it was most boring part of being a sith. She was impatient by her very nature, she wanted to do something anything. While she waited she continued to practice ataru, she liked the form. It was aggressive, and allowed her to move like the wind. She had learned a lot under tutelage of [member="Arturious Engel"], she had learned to wield a lightsaber. To move fast and to jump around, using the force. She also learned the basics, of push and shove things.

She was here to help out, to help prove herself to her fellow sith. That she was not something they dredged up, from the streets of coruscant and called sith. She hoped by proving herself here, that masters like [member="Darth Janus"] would not call her harlot again. Though she figured that would take more than just one battle, but she was not one. Though to be fair her mother was, and she no idea who her father was.

 

[Kian Karr]

Kian Karr broke out of hyperspace and disengaged the J-1 Interceptor from the hyperspace ring and made his way to dock with the Protectorate. He was starting to get use to the new ship developed for use by the Jedi. Docking with the Protectorate, Kian made his way onto the ship and toward the briefing room, the black hood of his Jedi Shadow robes pulled up over his head. He had never met [member="Darth Junra"] but her reputation preceded her and Kian had been present at the assault she had lead on the Ossus Academy. He had seen the horrors wrought by her and her minions. That was why when Kian heard of the assault on her ship, he immediately set out to meet up with [member="Kiskla Grayson"] and the others who were gathering.

Entering the room however, Kian was surprised to see his apprentice, [member="Varus Shatterstar"] sitting and awaiting the briefing. Walking over, Kian pulled up a seat beside him and sat down.

"I thought you were taking some down time?" Kian asked, smiling beneath his mask. Varus was growing stronger in the force and in combat each and every day, not entirely due to the fact that even when Kian gave him downtime to relax and do non-training things.....he still trained.

[member="Harley"] - [member="Nemesis K. Khurshid"] - [member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Gir Quee]

LLS-5 Concorde-class Shuttle Remember Hast, near Commenor

Gir's shuttle slid through the depths of space almost effortlessly, its hull purposefully gliding towards the larger Republic ship which was hosting the meeting. Yet Captain Quee's mind was not nearly as efficient as his flight plan. Zeltros had been his first encounter with the One Sith, and he had found the ordeal terrifying. To be sure, he had been in combat before, primarily against criminals and the like, but the Sith were altogether a different class of opponent: far more well-equipped, highly motivated, and mindnumbingly ruthless. They had begrudgingly earned his respect, and to a certain extent, his fear. But even as the faint thoughts of the battle and the aftermath he had witnessed Zeltros played through his mind, the man kept his hand steady on the controls of his starship, keeping it on its designated flight path. A buzz briefly emanated through his headset to harass his ears.

"Shuttle Remember Hast, power down your engines and prepare to be tractored in."

"Roger that control," said Gir slowly, cutting the power to the ship's massive fusial thrust engine, "powering down engines as ordered."

The shuttle's engines went dark, causing the ship to coast towards the Republic warship. Seconds later, a tractor beam grabbed a hold of his vessel and pulled it into the hangar bay. As soon as his ship had landed, the man almost robotically exited the craft, made his way to the briefing room, and promptly sat down among the gathering Jedi and other Republic personnel.

[member="Kian Karr"] | [member="Kiskla Grayson"] | [member="Corvus Raaf"] | [member="Varus Shatterstar"]

 

[Haytham Kaze]

Haytham and his Master had arrived upon the ship at the same time, but once his J-1 Interceptor had landed he had rushed to the briefing room as soon as he could. Once he had been given the directions of course, and once he arrived, he looked inside the room and set his eyes upon [member="Kian Karr"] and [member="Varus Shatterstar"].

Once he was in the briefing room, he stopped and cleared his throat so that the other Jedi would notice him and he bowed to each of them respectively and greeted them.

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Varus Shatterstar]

Varus looked a little nervous when he felt Kian's presence as the door slid open to the briefing room. He sat up in his seat and displayed a crooked smile as he turned to his master, laughing lightly, and a bit nervously as he'd heard what he had to say. "Yea...", Varus started to say as he diverted his eyes from Kian and glanced down at the table for a moment.

"I... never take time off when you tell me to.", he admitted before looking up to see Kian, who he could tell was smiling a bit under his mask, which almost made him even more nervous. "I also don't think that detail has escaped you, though.", he said with growing confidence. He knew full well that Kian was aware of his activities at almost all times, and if he wasn't, he knew there were a few eyes at the Jedi temple who would have shared such information about his hard work even on days off.

When Haytham entered the room, Varus pushed up out of his seat and turned to the man, nodding his head in greeting as they joined him before he turned his eyes back to Kian. "How was the flight, guys?"

[member="Kian Karr"] - [member="Haytham Kaze"] - [member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[UserSpace107]

She was one of the many Jedi present, well could she truly call herself that now? I guess she could, she was now apart of something. She really wanted in on this mission, and she knew she could prove her worth to the others. Highly surprised that the council allowed her to even be present. Well it was what it was, and she had focus on the tasks that would be at hand. She made her way to the briefing room, and when she turned and looked into the room she saw plenty of others, pretty darn good turnout.

For a moment, she stood near the door, and a multitude of others were swarming in at command. Unlucky enough for her remaining in the back and out of sight wasn't the best idea, because there was too much traffic. She slowly and timidly moved further up, trying to ensure that she wasn't in anyones way, but she was in a position where she could hear everything she needed to. Somehow she felt like she would be spending a lot of time on this assignment, and it wasn't the force giving her such intuition.

She sighed, and crossed her arms. She shifted all of her weight onto her left leg, she appeared to be tilted a bit. She looked around the room at all the others, none of them she knew previously. This should be fun.

[member="Varus Shatterstar"] [member="Haytham Kaze"] [member="Gir Quee"] [member="Kian Karr"] [member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Soeht]

“Hail,” replied Darth Junra to [member="Nemesis K. Khurshid"]. Little of a reaction met Nemesis. She expressed no shock in his reaction or anything else. Several seconds passed with her standing in front of him - still. Her eyes blinked several times.

Then, she turned her eyes to the side and continued to walk toward the bridge - willing to pass in front of Nemesis without further word.

Before too long though, Darth Junra calmly asked Nemesis in mid-stride, “You are an Acolyte?”

 

[Nemesis Khurshid]

DAMORIA: IN ORBIT; NEAR BRIDGE
OBJECTIVE: CONFIRM STATEMENT
ALLIES: SITHIES
ENEMIES: THOSE DARN JEDAII
MUSIC: DAELLA'S BETRAYAL, PRE-RELEASE VERSION

They continued on in near silence. Their footsteps would occasionally become loud enough to be noticeable, but otherwise it was as quiet as it had been before. However, the tension from earlier had apparently evaporated. For the most part at least. Some things were simply fleeting. It had to be accepted. After a moment [member="Darth Junra"] spoke again. Nemesis had to hide his surprise. But, of course, that was one of the things he was good at. He kept moving without missing a beat. Within a few seconds he responded to the inquiry. If one could call it that. Really it was more of a statement. Daella was asking for confirmation. "Yes, from Coruscant." Why did he include the latter piece of information? Such trivia had not been inquired about. Perhaps though... it might spark further conversation. Or simply sate a question not yet asked. Whatever purpose it would come to serve, it would serve well. And that was reason enough for the giant to say it.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus headed for the briefing room. The recent exertions on Zeltros were still taking their toll on her mind and body. [member="Kana Truden"] had been poisoned and although she was now on the road to recovery, 24-hour vigils were never good for recuperations following a major skirmish.

And Corvus lived to serve. The Republic needed Jedi and so she answered the call. There was no debate, no inner turmoil - she followed the Grandmaster wherever she led. She had meditated as she travelled to the ship where the briefing was to take place. She reconciled Kana's condition and ensured that all thoughts of revenge or retribution were purged from her mind. Her conscience was as clear as it could be.

As she reached the door, she sensed four familiar presences. The Grandmaster's was the first she felt. Then Master Karr. She had worked with Padawan Shatterstar before, so was familiar with him too. And the naval officer she'd met on Hapas too. There were two she didn't know - but that was always the way with missions.

So she opened the door and bowed to those assembled as she entered and awaited the Grandmaster's guidance.

[member="Kiskla Grayson"] | [member="Trinity"] | @Varus | [member="Haytham Kaze"] | [member="Gir Quee"] | [member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Hailey Sosis]

Harley was done meditating, and she made her way to bridge. She hoping to find out what her task would be in this assault, she want to be ready for it. She hoped to kill a padawan, as this would prove her strength to dark lords. She walked down the corridors to main lift shaft, then took lift up to command level. Then head to the bridge, there she saw [member="Darth Junra"] talking to another acolyte by name of [member="Nemesis K. Khurshid"]. She had seen him, in the academy on coruscant. She gave polite nod, but only so she did not get shocked. She hated bowing to people, though she had little choice, well for now. She stood back and waited to be acknowledged, as seemed to be the custom.

 

[Soeht]

“I don’t recall many of your kind on Coruscant,” immediately commented Darth Junra to [member="Nemesis K. Khurshid"] as she continued to walk toward the bridge.

At the corner of her eyes, Darth Junra noticed [member="Harley"] bowing to her. Her eyes quickly scanned the woman and took in what information she could by sight.

“Hail,” was her reply. She did not bother to stop, yet would not object to the woman following as Nemesis did.

It was shortly after her last comment that Darth Junra reached the doors to the bridge. They slid open to reveal the busy crew toiling away with the day-to-day business of running a ship. One crewmember - a Cathar woman - noticed Darth Junra and immediately bowed to the Sith Lord. After standing straight up again, the Cathar walked up to Darth Junra and gave her a datapad.

“Reports from the field, My Lady,” the Cathar told Darth Junra.

Immediately, Darth Junra began to examine the contents of the datapad. It did not take long for her to mind what she needed. Promptly, Darth Junra handed the datapad back to the Cathar and walked toward the center of the bridge.

Without any reservation, Darth Junra looked to a helmsman and ordered, “Prepare to leave the system. We have what we came for - it’ll be on the ship within the hour.”

([member="Kiskla Grayson"] - Just adding something to give a little sense of urgency >_> )

 

[Nemesis Khurshid]

DAMORIA: IN ORBIT; BRIDGE
OBJECTIVE: CONVERSE
ALLIES: SITHY SITH SITH
ENEMIS: JEDI PEEPS
MUSIC: GAME OF THRONES INTRO; REMIX

It wasn't terribly surprising. Most people never got to see any Vidhvansaka in their lifetime. The species generally stayed on their home planet. Only a few ever left. Those that did generally just did their own thing. A few lived on Coruscant. Unfortunately... most typically ended up in slavery. Somehow. Perhaps that was a little strange, considering their strength, size, and speed. Of course, slavers were notoriously creative when it came to their jobs. "I've only met three of my kin there. All on the Lower Levels. All slaves." With that statement he quietly gave a nod to the other acolyte, @Harley. Then he listened to [member="Darth Junra"] speak to the Cathar. It was obvious the latter was at least partially intimidated by her higher-up. Understandable. But Nemesis was more interested in what they were talking about. Quietly he turned to look out the viewport. As always the view was stunning. At least some things never changed.

 

[Hailey Sosis]

Harley stood back and listened to [member="Nemesis K. Khurshid"], complain about his people being slaves. Well if they did not want to be slaves, they should never got captured and got enslaved. She thought to herself, as he spoke to [member="Darth Junra"]. Then a statement came in they got the item, and were ready to get on the way. Well know time for some action, she hoped to meet a padawan or some else to prove herself against. When they get to where they are going, which she was still unsure on.

 

[Kian Karr]

"The flight was fun!" Kian said smiling. "The J-1 is proving to be quite a ship." Kian said and turned as the others entered the room. The first was [member="Trinity"], a newer member of the order whom Kian hadn't had an opportunity to get to know yet. Nodding his head to her, Kian indicated with his hand that she should join them.

"Hello Trinity. Please join us." Kian said, " I am Kian Karr, we haven't had the opportunity to meet yet." Kian said stretching out his hand in greeting. He was aware that they were likely pressed for time, but he still thought they had time for some introductions. When [member="Corvus Raaf"] entered, Kian smiled broadly behind his mask, he should have known to expect Corvus to be here and he was glad she was.

"Greetings Corvus." Kian said bowing his head and then settled in, awaiting [member="Kiskla Grayson"]'s instructions.