Populate ORDER-chaos-Harmony || CIS Populate of Javin [ KO ]

[Ascendant Muse]

CHAPTER I: INTO THE EYE​

CHAPTER II: FROM NOW ON​

CHRISTOPHSIS, OUTSKIRTS

Echoes of the Force.

It was seldom that the enigmatic power was this direct. This verbose. This demanding. When last the power that be uttered its will, calamity befell the Southern Systems. In those days, a relic of a forgotten era beckoned the wrath of beyond. Those who had pledged their lives to the Obsidian Knighthood stood valiantly against the spontaneous plight. As monsters poured into their sanctuaries, turning their kin into beasts, they fought to the last man. In the wake of the Cataclysm, their numbers were but a shadow. Their survivors scarred. Their ears and eyes...open.

So it was that the echoes were witnessed immediately.

So it was that caution was demanded.

It was the Solanaceae who first heard the echoes. Witches who studied the Force by Magick and by Ritual ferried the words to the Obsidian Council. With haste did they trace the stars, attempting to suss out where the next tragedy would unfold. Their efforts revealed the Crystalline world of Christophsis- a pivotal world of the southern community. Every hand that could was on deck at once. The Lord Commander rallied his Knights to muster upon the frigid world.

And as dawn began to pierce the night, so too did their boots pierce the snow.

Before them laid yet another relic of a bygone age. A structure buried beneath ice, crystal, and history. Were it not for the echoes, it could very well have laid undisturbed for millennia more. Yet this day, the Knighthood would not allow tragedy to unfold a second time. The Gates of Hell would remain shut - or they would perish trying. Now, the Lord Commander rallied the Knights. One final moment of calm before the breach. He, the bold wolf stepped forward and pressed his hands upon the frozen stone.

The doors creaked and cracked at his touch. The din of grinding stone would reach every ear.

The path forward was open. The Knights had but to take the first step.​

Spoiler: Tag

Taiia Mataan
Kyyrk
Dreidi Xeraic
Beric Layne
Millu Lee
Laneya Wexler
Quinn Varanin
Oleander Webb
Gerwald Lechner
Felix Aquila
C1-1347
Vyse de Valorous
Vanya Aklin
Illyria Le Fey
Luna Evanstance
Nova Velez
Eenia Vahn
Liam Du'Cal
Telula Vale
Narissa Jondi
Viana Morreth
Lunara Azure
Gianna Aegis
Srina Talon
Salak Duun
Donne Toulemonde
Caius Bardot
Rann Thress
Rik Perris

 

[Kyyrk]

D O O M
​

Kyyrk had intended to return home. After the events of Iktotch, he was done working in the field for the moment. But, such was not to be. On the return journey, a summons was sent. Christophsis. The Solanaceae had found another relic. And with The Eye out in the wild? It was best to contain what could be contained. And so his course was diverted immediately, and without hesitation. As his hyperdrive threw the ship into faster than light travel, a simple message was sent off. Have to reschedule dinner. Deploying to Christophsis. Urgent. Lord Commander's orders. -Kyyrk. He hoped that such a thing would not earn him too much ire. Alessandra Creed had, after all, made it known that patience was not her strong suit. But Kyyrk's dread was soon turned to what awaited them on the frozen world...

Hours later, he joined the other Knights, his armor donned and his saber waiting patiently at his shoulder. He kept his distance from Gerwald Lechner , and was otherwise silent, save for the odd gesture or verbal command. He turned, however, as the doors opened. His doom waited beyond. Another piece of the puzzle. Another chance to repent for his sins.

This time, he knew what to expect. This time? He was ready...

Rann Thress || Valeria de la Vallée

 

[Josiah]

C H R I S T O P H S I S​

TAG: Kyyrk

The cold was wicked on his knees.

It had been years since he felt fit to fight. Years since Josiah had any confidence in his ability to raise a saber. The culprit to this vulnerability had been that damned day. When the heavens broke open and monsters spilled out onto the Temple. On that day, the former Jedi acted as a shield for the younger members of the order. They were mere initiates. Children. Unable to hold a saber properly, let alone fight off beasts. As they skittered away, Josiah did his best to hold off the horde.

He failed. Miserably. By fang and by claw he was torn apart and cast aside.

And before the light left his gaze, he watched as the beasts pried the childrens' flesh from bone.

Since then, he had not forgiven himself for that day. And perhaps that was why his body had fought him so harshly. He survived, but nothing was the same any more. He could stand, run, and wield his blade. But nothing flowed. Nothing felt right. A lifetime of experience was stolen from him, just as the children's lives. But...with each passing month, the weight of guilt eased ever so slightly. He meditated. He trained.

He learned to forgive himself.

Now, feeling more whole than he had in a small eternity...a chance at redemption was just ahead. The echoes from beyond were whispering. The same omen which had unleashed the unspeakable horrors upon them in the first place. They had returned - and this time, he would not falter. He would not fail.

Following the lead of the Lord Commander, the Obsidian Lord stepped lively into the maw of the structure. The cold yet agitated his aging bones with every step, yet his boots sounded with confidence. No matter what hells he fought this day, he would not battle as an invalid.

He was whole. He was forgiven. And he was ready. Turning his head, he noticed the presence of Kyyrk walking in tow. Offering a polite nod, the Lord acknowledged his fellow. "Together, we just might see tomorrow."

​

 

[Narissa Jondi]

​

LOCATION: Ancient Temple
Equipment: Echani Light Armor | Echani Icy Vibroblade | Wearing
Tag: [ Rann Thress ] [ Kyyrk ] [ Valeria de la Vallée ] [ Josiah ]

The ancient ice whispered half-heard secrets to Narissa. Tension and unease shivered through her, for the murmurs which reached her were cloudy and twisted. The mountains of this strange world sheltered and shaped the ice growing upon this side of the Temple Door. The patterns and growth of the crystals shaded the living, growing ice towards permanence and strength; a celebration of life. But the thing the frozen water touched, the twisted hostility deep within the hidden temple shrouded the clean, beautiful ice in echos of death and eternity. Those echoes lured and demanded; had haunted her nightmares and shattered her meditations. Nails pressed perfect, crimson half-moons into her leather-clad palms as she struggled for focus past that hungering call. Sweat beaded and froze upon her forehead, at the effort involved in simply barring that insistent whisper from her soul. It slithered and pressed against the barriers of her mind, calling endlessly.

Around her, the ice shivered, threatening to become a physical wall between herself and the psychic attack. Calm. Focus. She reached out a hand and stilled the subtle tremors at her feet, her gaze free to sweep over those gathered here. What specific call they had answered, weather of Force-driven dreams or more mundane means, she could not say. Before her, the Lord Commander opened the gates of the Temple.

The whispers grew louder.

Dawn sent perfect spears of light amongst those gathered, and Narissa nodded greeting to Lord [ Felix Aquila ], and the tired, eldritch Scholar she'd met in the library of an ancient Castle, Lord [ Kyyrk ] . Lord Aquila's presence soothed; surely one as gifted in the Light as he could make short work of whatever dreadful presence the dwelled below. Lord Verros' presence disturbed her, greatly. Curios gaze settled for an instant upon the scholar, as unease drew closer to fear. "Lord Verros, does this venture touch upon your research?" How she hoped it did not!

[ Josiah ] The small gathering Lords Obsidian she found herself with walked forward, into the breached temple, and Narissa felt herself drawn along in their wake. One of their number - an older warrior, with pain shadowed eyes and a brilliant, light-side presence in the Force, spoke to Lord Verros. She offered him a faint smile, unsure of the etiquette for proper introductions when facing near certain death. However optimistic he was, she was not. Still, as he seemed to feel he had the answers here, she planned to stay close. A long, slow blink as she realized a moment too long had passed between her decision to introduce himself, and doing so.

"I am Lady Narissa Jondi of Thyrsus." The cool, clear voice was reminiscent of a spring rain, and her gaze danced upon those present whose she did not know, not only the scarred Light Side warrior. "Squire Narissa, now, I suppose." Her gaze flickered to the Lord Commander, holding the gates open, before returning to the knot of Lords she found herself with. "I have some gift with the element of water, if that is useful to your plans."

Another small gesture crisped the ice beneath their boots, roughening the texture so it gave traction and purchase. It wasn't much, truly. A small gesture, against a threat that loomed so large full Obsidian Lords feared what was too come. Looking behind her, she used a melding of Light and Water to form a small mirrored surface, which sent spears of light from the morning sun into the corridor ahead of them.

​

​

​

 

[Alessandra Creed]

Location: Naboo [Creed Tower]
Tag: Kyyrk

____________________________________________________________​

Have to reschedule dinner. Deploying to Christophsis. Urgent. Lord Commander's orders. -Kyyrk.

Red? Or purple?

Alessandra scrutinized her outfit choices with a keen eye and tapped her well-manicured foot on the polished floor. It was raining. Better to wear something a little darker to avoid any mishaps if she couldn't change after work. There were about a dozen fires that needed to be put out before noon and though most people wouldn't think the Ministry of Commerce was fast-paced...It was. There was always something, someone, and some way for the nation to be hemorrhaging credits.

Her comm went off, interrupting her thoughts, and she felt a little bubble of curiosity before making her way toward her nightstand. Kyyrk?

Have to reschedule dinner. Deploying to Christophsis. Urgent. Lord Commander's orders.​

Oh. Kyyrk.

She sighed softly and reached up to run a hand through her hair to stifle a soft sense of disappointment. That soon rolled into concern. He didn't seem the type to want to break plans easily, especially, since he'd seemed all too ready to get away from his last adventure. The Minister placed her personal feelings to the side and instead sent back something far more thoughtful.

// You were right. This Lord Commander has no idea what he's doing. Mutiny. //
//Just kidding. I'll be still here when you're done saving the galaxy. Desert might spoil, though. //
//See you soon, Kyyrk. Be safe.//​

Be safe. It was a tall order for a member of the Knights Obsidian. She might as well ask him for the sun and the moon while she was at it. Not asking for much, right? Still.

She hoped he'd try.

 

[Felix Aquila]

P R O T E C T​

Equipment: None
Tag: Lunara Azure Narissa Jondi Josiah

Felix had been sent yet again to another backwater, however even he was able to feel the radiant psychic energy here resonating in such force it probed his uniquely ironclad mind, though he would bar them entry. Felix was deaf to the lamentatious echoes which reverberated through the force as they attempted to beguile his mind, dismounting the sleek chrome ship and moving into the field, trudging in the snow the Obsidian Lord would appear uniquely naked. No saber at his side, no taloned parrying shield donning his left arm, only the apparel of the Knights Obsidian and an air of confidence in his abilities.

Eyes pure blue and silver as the light rebounded off the snow, Felix could feel the morning sun hit the tops of the mountains around them, as it would bathe the valley in unearthly splendor. Snow reflecting the Sunlight in every direction, off the slopes, the earth beneath them, what flakes hung in the sky and the sun itself. It was like being within an Ion Reactor for the young Aquila, using Tutaminis to absorb as much of the ephemeral power as he could. Palms to the ground as he would inhale, and with his breath draw the energy into his body, raising his arms in time with his inhale. Ritualistic and meditative.

Opening his eyes, they would shimmer a little brighter as he would approach the congregation, he was under orders here to report to Lunara Azure, however, sans her arrival he figured he was fre to his own devices. Spying familiar faces among the crowd. Kyyrk, a rival figure, at least in his own eyes. The Second of Srina Talon and the man who seemed to almost enjoy butting heads with him or getting in his way at any given turn. 'Of course he's here...' He'd internalize, but spying Narissa across the way, smiling as he would approach, hailing her warmly after she would introduce herself formally to Josiah.

Waiting at the periphery until the exchange was done before approaching, bowing lightly to the two of them as he would stand. "Lady Narissa, it's nice to see you, I hope your studies are going as well as mine, I don't think I can thank you enough for that gift of yours its proved... more insightful than i could have hoped." Smiling warmly again he'd turn to the fellow master, extending a hand to greet the man with the same inviting smile, introducing himself to the stranger. "Felix Aquila, its a pleasure."

But he couldn't help but feel the mysterious presence that followed him seemed... on edge.

There was something deeply wrong about this place... Something the Rylothian both dreaded and craved to discover.
​

 

[Mishel Kryze]

T A M A N E N

M U S I C​

It's been a long time.

Mishel hadn't set foot on Tamanen in years, the former criminal capital of the First Order still held neatly to its title of corruption. The city on the bayou that never slept. Officially she was here on Jedi Business unofficially she was tracking down rumors of Sotta the Hutt harboring some old First Order relic. Not that she particularly cared, but if he had his grubby little mitts on them then there was no telling how far and wide something like this had spread. Of course, there were still plenty of dirty secrets that the old nation held. Memories of her days as a Ren flooded back to Mishel, albeit blurry - none of them were that good or kind. Not around Tamanen at least, she walked into Sotta's palace, gambling and drinking were taking place on the left and the right.

Jazz reverberated from the lounge up in the back of the main floor. Looked like Sotta kept a few souvenirs from the day, Stormtroopers included, Mishel looked at the polished white plastoid armor that these guys wore. She walked in with her usual Corellian outfit, lightsaber hung from her belt loop. Most here were too tasted or into their gambling and or girls as it might be. Mishel having passed a man with two, one on each arm as he shouted with a drunkness she hadn't seen on this side of Coruscant since the New Republic released all their data on the HoloNet.

Now where is that Twi'Lek.

Sotta's Majordomo was usually around here somewhere, she canvassed the first floor carefully pushing her way through the crowd. A small touch into the Force would tell her all that she needed to know. Sub-level, and she'd probably need to find a pass to get down there. As crowded as the place was, she figured she could pull her best klepto-impression and lift a card off one of the roving waiters. Not gonna be that easy, the Hutt's survived a lot better get down and take a look at security.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

"No evil shall befall you, nor any plague come near your dwelling."
______________________________________________________________​

He had heard the whispers, even as the witches had brought the matter to the council. The wolf was touched by the Nether, touched by the dark things which went bump in the night. He could not escape the certainty that for some reason he was connected to a great many things which made little sense to him. The Lord Commander had tried, even those moments he had spent floating between life and death after Rhand, Gerwald had tried to determine why it was he seemed to constantly be faced with the realm of the dead. She said he did not belong there, but there were times the wolf could not help but think Naedira Darcrath was wrong.

The pull was strong.

A long sigh escaped his lips as he could feel the judgement which seeped from Kyyrk . The Knight kept his distance, and yet every encounter seeped with some form of expectation and unspoken offense which Gerwald did not understand. It would come to a head eventually, and Gerwald knew he would have to confront the insubordinate attitude, but until then, the wolf was content to let the matter be. All eyes would be on the Lord Commander anyway. He knew the tales the others spun behind his back... could he do what needed to be done or would he simply abandon them all to find a way to bring the woman he loved back from the dead.

They had all forgotten Naalol. They had forgotten his sacrifice. Not a one of them could make the same claims to duty as he could. Even at her insistence he had tried to destroy the thing which had bound her soul. It had failed, only making matters worse for her. He could almost here her voice in his head now as his hand reached for the opening to the structure they had discovered. The veil would be thin here, he knew it. Duty demanded he press ahead. The thing he had spent the past five years preparing for, rebuilding the Knights for, today would be the culmination of that. Not even the Noćna Mora itself would cause him to deviate from his path. This world was cold. Here it would be weak, and perhaps then... Gerwald would finally be rid of the beast which haunted his dreams.

The wolf released another sigh as he walked into the temple. He could sense the presence of those who had answered his call. There was one among them. Josiah who had long ago warned Gerwald about the foolish business that revenge was. If only the younger pup had listened then. He was not the same anger riddled Squire he had once been, and it was good to see a familiar face, one which Gerwald knew carried the wisdom many of the younger Knights lacked.

He nodded to the man. It was small gesture of regard, but it was given nonetheless.

His squire was there, Narissa Jondi . There were many there who would protect her if he could not. His eyes drifted her way along with a small thought. < "Eyes open, senses out. This is what we have trained for." >

The rest who arrived would do their duty. Whatever it was they were set to face, they would not fail.

They could not fail.

Gerwald reached for the ring which hung from his neck. It had become ritual as much as a nervous habit. Whatever lay within the darkness, it would not remain hidden for long. With one final sigh the Lord Commander removed his hand from the stone door.

Forward. It was the only way.

 

[Vitaara Oduro]

"Defending those who are unable to defend themselves is among the greatest honors."

EQUIPMENT: P'uki [Lightsaber] | Teilmelloma [Lightsaber] | VT-Kinetic Impact Gel | Asheran Armorweave | Grappling Hook | Utility Belt | Hush-98 Comlink | Imagecaster | Holomap
POST: 1
TAG(S): Kyyrk | Josiah | Narissa Jondi | Felix Aquila | Gerwald Lechner | Open

The crystalline structures of Christophsis glittered in the waning sunlight through the trees, providing a prismatic display of brilliant color as a lone Artemis-class Star Yacht descended to the planet’s surface below. The scene looked of something one might only of dreamt in whimsical through an imagination that might captivate one’s unconscious mind as they slept through the. However, here such splendor had been made into reality. A captivating array that the Obsidian Knight, Vitaara Oduro, unfortunately wouldn’t have the time to admire and appreciate.

Each second that would pass would bring her closer and closer to an objective. And she’d find herself in a scenario that seemed all too few and far between.

It was often that Vitaara journeyed to missions and requests granted to the Knights Obsidian of the Confederacy as a whole. Yet something about this call had drawn her. Nothing she could directly put her finger to or identify, but there was something there nonetheless. She looked inward, centering herself and reaching for a certain balance taught to her by her former Master, a man she’d not seen, nor had she spoken to, in quite some time now. But his lessons remained with her. Keeping her steadfast with her beliefs and her application of the Force to protect those which could not protect themselves.

A few more moments would pass before the landing gears of her ship would descend and brace the landing. With a hiss of steam erupting from them, the ship set down into the snow blanketed ground of the planet followed swiftly by another hissing oration singling the ramp descending to the snowy bank in turn.

A rush of cold air whipped in the void of the ship’s entry and gripped at its lone passenger as she assailed from the comforts held within. The cold gave her certain comfort as it reminded her of home. Of Mirial, where the chill was ever persistent and always there. Only here, there was more life to be studied and understood. Not the voids of endless rolling dunes of desert sparsely populated around the rare oases that served to support what life the world of her birth held.

The curve hilt of a lightsaber adorned each hip, P’uki - Vigilance in the common tongue - on her left and Teilmelloma - Serenity in the common tongue - on her right. The black and silver of her usual robes caressed her figure, cinched at the waist by the leatheris belt that bound it. Her arms were wrapped in the same materials that comprised her robes. Beneath the robes’ folds, portions of what was obviously an armorweave of some kind could be seen, adding to her an additional layer of protection. But none of this with anything beyond what was normal for the young woman to wear.

As she took the first step from the polished durasteel of the ship’s ramp and onto the frostbitten ground before it, the snow let loose faint wails as it crunched and compressed beneath the weight of her form. And all the while, she felt a certain comfort here.

She was at peace.

In the distance ahead of her, at what looked to be the old sealed entrance to a forgotten page of history, she could see the outline of a few of the others which had already arrived. And so, she quickened her pace, hastening her approach and catching up to the group in the process. As she caught up to them, Vitaara took a moment to look each of them over, but to no surprise, she recognized none of those who had answered the call. After all, there were very few within the Knights Obsidian, or even the Confederacy as a whole, where she could put a name to a face.

With no desire to come across as rude or ill-mannered, she patiently waited for an opening where no conversation was being held before she’d move to introduce herself to the others.

Bowing her head formally and respectfully, she spoke. “I am Kight Oduro,” she started, “but you may call me Vitaara.” She offered a warm and welcoming smile to the others. “Is it safe to assume we are all here for the same purpose?”
​

​

 

[Kyyrk]

D O O M
​

Kyyrk's eyes flitted to the side as the message appeared on his HUD. //You were right. This Lord Commander has no idea what he's doing. Mutiny.// Kyyrk chuckled to himself as he read the message, turning his attention to Josiah . He offered only a nod of acknowledgement and reassurance to the knight. To many, he was just a new face in the Confederacy. Of the present company, Gerwald was the only one who knew how involved he'd been in the previous attack. Two more blips sounded, followed by two new messages.

//Just kidding. I'll be still here when you're done saving the galaxy. Desert might spoil, though. //

//See you soon, Kyyrk. Be safe.//

Kyyrk reached down, and typed out a single message in return. //Would that I could. But in the absence of Voph, Gerwald is the best hope for the Knights.// Squire Narissa Jondi approached him, and asked if this matter pertained to his research within the Castle those months ago. "I cannot say for sure. But I doubt it." Though as he said it, his doubts waned even further. What if it did? What if the Knights were marching towards their deaths? He paused at the threshold, and sent off another message. //Do me a favor. I think I know what we've found. Pray that I am wrong.// He wasn't sure what caused him to express this concern to Alessandra Creed among all people, but he felt like she deserved to know. There was a chance that dinner may not happen...

As Gerwald Lechner stepped within the threshold, Kyyrk was the first to follow. His lightsaber found its way to his hand, though he did not ignite it yet. He would wait for a sign of actual danger to present itself. Or for the light to dwindle till the Knights could not see. His doom lay before him.

He only hoped it went better than last time...

Rann Thress || Valeria de la Vallée

 

[Mishel Kryze]

T A M A N E N

​

Security as it was required a cylinder code, and a keycard so Mishel was going to need both. This was definitely one of the few times she wished she was capable of performing Mecha Deru. The palace was crowded and the upper levels more so, she sighed and thought about her options. She could try to sneak into the lounge where the employees were. Or... as the Tygaran crossed the main floor once again, stalk a security agent and take what she needed. Which was the current opportunity presenting itself to her. The CIS had only just begun to step into old FO space and between them and the EE. She wasn't entirely sure that any of them had a clue as to what hidden secrets the old Sieger Ren-dominated regime still had in place, for while Ariel might've done some work in redeeming the organization.

The truth of the matter was, they would always harbor dark secrets. The guard in front of her was at least a meter or two in height above her, big guy, shoulders for days and weight to match it. Gamorrean hybrid she figured, which only made her shudder as to the who, what and the why behind it all. He inserted the cylinder code and swiped his keycard, and just as he turned to see who was behind him. Mishel made quick use of the Force to slide into the lift ahead of him.

When the guy turned back around, confused as all heck - the lift doors were closed and he sighed.

Mishel on the other hand exhaled. Sotta no doubt had upped security since the last time she had come through these parts. The Hutt remained in business with good reason, his security, his trades, and the ability to know when to hold'em and when to fold'em. She tapped the Force once again and realized that security up ahead was a lot tighter than she hoped it would be.

You're not trapped down here with them, they're trapped down here with you.

Then the lift doors opened up and Mishel smirked, as she readied her lightsaber with one hand a fireball in the other.

​

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

T A M A N E N
M U S I C
​

Bavva was a seedy planet back in the day and to be honest, it still was. It was where Ishana had often come to after combat flights or training missions. Back when she was an Imperial Pilot for the First Order now having retired her days were not nearly as filled with the thought that she could die at any given moment. These days she was more content to sit at home and raise her children, children she had with her wife Kaalia Pavanos and who would have thought that they would be back here. Twenty years later, married still, and happily, so it was why Ishana insisted on the two of them taking the old Blue Star, their Heavy TIE Bomber converted into a mini home with flight capabilities. ​

​

All the way out here. ​

​

The Blue Star was parked nearby as the two rode along the river heading toward the Delta Towers. Their ferry tonight was simply beautiful, a converted old vessel that was given new life as a luxury ship along these waters. The stars above glittered in their reflection upon the water, and Ishana with an elbow against the railing of the ship looked up at her wife. She only smiled, and took Kaalia's hand into hers, "do you remember where we are?"​

​

Dinner and a movie, twenty-plus years ago... Ishana at the time thought she'd just give the young woman one single date and be done with it. Then that night turned into another, and then another... Until it was that Ishana realized the only reason her life was worth living, worth giving a damn about was for the very redhead standing with her on this ship now. It was indeed Kaalia who inspired Ishana to truly live her life, as they say, dying is easy - living is harder.​

 

[Nine Lives]

Wearing: Obsidian Type Strike Armor

Armed with: Hundred Handed Giant

Objective: Answer the call of the Knights


Disaster.

Laertia had made a disastrous choice destroying Gihinnom and was now exiled from the CIS.

Nine did not particularly care about Gihinnom's destruction, even with all the slaves that had been on it, even though multiple friendlies had been killed. She herself might have ordered it destroyed.

But Laertia herself was no longer welcome in Confederacy Space.

The CIS had played right into the Maw's hands, exiling her. Her Neutralizer Droids remained, as did the ones who had fought at her side. The Black Knight's reach in Confederacy Space was not purged. She had fingers everywhere, whether they liked it or not. But she herself could not physically enter it.

Nine was quietly trying to appeal through back door channels to reverse this decision. But they had made Laertia the scapegoat for the trap they had walked into. Even Kiff-fething-Brayde had called them out on how hopelessly uncoordinated their op at Rhand was. It had been a clusterfeth from start to finish. Not one of the upper tiers of command had a plan to really take into account how savagely destructive The Maw could be.

That said, they had let her live, where they might have executed anyone else for what she had done. Perhaps even they too, had seen some truth in what she had said, but it wasn't politically expedient to concede any of her points.

Really, Laertia's exile was a slap on the wrist.

Nine had wanted to be horrified at Gihinnom's destruction and the loss of all the slaves, but really...she couldn't. After Csilla, and every other evil The Maw had inflicted, what had the CIS expected? The Maw were self destructive and spite filled. And if the reports were correct, they themselves had been planning to destroy Gihinnom.

Nine was close to finally relenting on her sticking point about Laertia and her alliances. The situation truly was desperate. As desperate as it had been with The Bryn'adul. Laertia doing what she had set out to do--help bring an end to the Bryn'adul as a military super power by aligning with whoever she had to to make it happen--had caused Nine a crisis of integrity so to speak.

It had not been done by being honorable. An enemy such as The Bryn'adul practically forced such notions out of the window. More so with The Maw. Laertia helping Ingrid L'lerim crush The Hated Lobster as brutally as possible had badly shaken her own notions. It made her wonder about her own father's choices in trying to move House Li-Ves way from it's brutal nature. A copy of her daughter Westenra-Prime, known in the GA as Lynda, had gone insane at Jedha, massacring vast swaths of Maw Warriors in revenge for killing her pet rabbit and her pet turtle. She could only imagine the horror Lynda might have unleashed if the Maw had killed something like a puppy of hers.

(Cutaway of John Wick staring menacingly at the viewer)

Nine began to wonder if honor, if even being considered honorable, was actually worth the hassle. There are plenty of dead people who kept their honor: what good did it do?

The CIS had wanted to be seen as the good guy so badly they had failed, once again, to take into account the type of enemy they were facing. Like the Bryn'adul, the Maw only cared about winning...

Nine had been half tempted to ignore the summons from the Knight's Obsidian. She hadn't been too eager to help after the CIS had exiled Laertia, but obligations were obligations.

This was why Nine was with Gerwald Lechner 's team. The silent, tall Arch Psy-Pire, clad in antiquated Knight Obsidian armor wielding her Katana was among those who quickly went in, after Kyyrk .

Nine, despite her continued research into reversing the Bryn'adul Terraforming, based on samples of the terraforming creature from Sev Tok, had made sure to keep her skills in battle. She hunted gangs of feral vampires in her spare time, or Maw. She didn't dare feed on Maw. She had seen a Psy-Pire do it once. They'd had to use Sorcery and blank his memory of what he had seen.

Interestingly (Though she conceded it was rather unsurprising), extremely sadistic Dark Side Adepts had better luck penetrating the memories of the Maw Savages and coming out unscathed.

Not that that was relevant to what she was doing currently. Just...keep it in mind...

Nine's sword was already drawn, awaiting whatever cheesy action horror the Gods had in store.

 

[Abel Denko]

CHRISTOPHSIS - TEMPLE

It had been quite awhile since they had entered the field.

For quite some time, the Knight and his apprentices had fallen into a routine. Regularity was good in Abel's mind, as it allowed him to attend to all corners of his life with equal measure. The demands of the Nabooian high society were finally being met in a healthy manner. No more losing sleep. No more double bookings. His Obsidian obligations were being fulfilled to the letter. And his students were finally being educated consistently. What had inspired Abel to finally tell others no when they required more of him?

The words of his apprentice, Luna Evanstance .

She revealed to him the nature of her suffering. The reason why her dreams were devoid of peace and recovery. There was a monster out there. A bullet with her name. And he had to equip her thoroughly if she was to save herself. To avenge herself. Therefore, the tutelage of Illyria and Luna became his utmost priority. The trio would have been working upon their bladework this day. But the summons from the Council changed their plan immediately.

His students were not yet under his charge when the Calamity occurred, and therefore they were spared from the scars of that day. Abel simply hoped that they would emerge from today's mission unscathed.

"No matter what happens, stay close to me. Eyes up." came his words of direction as they strode behind the Lord Commander.

"When we're done here, drinks on me."

A final moment of levity - complete with a smile - before Abel stepped into the dark.

Spoiler: Tag

Accompanying:

• Luna Evanstance
• Illyria Le Fey

Kyyrk
Alessandra Creed
Gerwald Lechner
Josiah
Narissa Jondi
Rann Thress
Valeria de le Vallée
Felix Aquila
Mishel Kryze
Vitaara Oduro
Ishana Pavanos
Nine Lives

 

[Ascendant Muse]

BELOW - TEMPLE INTERIOR

The Eyes were Open.

Within the bowels of the forgotten structure, the Force was at work. Twisting. Weaving. Its might was being woven into a tapestry by skilled hands. The artisans responsible stood in a circle. Crimson robes hung from their forms. Ancient lyrics rumbled from their throats. With hands outstretched, a monolithic sphere hovered above. Ichor - the emerald might of beyond - flowed freely from their target. It hummed with knowing. It hummed with life. It was, quite simply, a beating Heart.

The midst were entirely focused on their work. Focused on the worship of their unseen gods. Yet, one of their midst diverted from the ancient lyrics. They felt the defiance of those who discovered their hideaway. In an Outer Rim dialect, they spoke: "Intruders." Their hands lowered from the ritual, leaving their siblings to continue the Great Effort. They must not be disturbed, for it would spell ruin for their cause.

Sealed by blood did they begin a new mantra, before touching the stone floor with their open palm.

Ichor flowed like water.​

ABOVE - ENTRANCE

Once the doors had rumbled open, the path was breached by the Knighthood.

Boldly they stepped where their kind had never before. Bravely they moved to stare down the enemy that was anticipating their arrival. As the light of the exterior breached the darkness, their midst would find that their path was akin to a monumental bridge. Darkness extended beyond stone railings on either side. And peering over the edge would only provide a glimpse of the abyss. Fortunately, the way forward would not be difficult to discern. The light of day reached just far enough to illuminate the far side of the bridge.

There was a single doorway of stone. Its actual door had crumbled into pieces before its arch. Yet there was the means to progress.

The space was clearly devoted to a religion of some kind. For on either side of the door were immense carvings. To the east of the doorway was a feminine figure with an inverted head. From its mouth extended a serpentine tongue. Within her mighty grasp was a spear, adorned with an edge of glimmering metal. To the west was her twin. One of a masculine figure, complete with the same inverted mouth and serpentine tongue. Yet this warrior wielded a tower shield and gladius, each born of the same glimmering metal. Both titans were kneeling, as if to worship the doorway itself.

Silence ruled, save for footsteps and the light chatter of the Knighthood.

That is, until the emerald ichor crept underneath the statues. Once more, the din of rumbling stone could be heard. But this time, it was accompanied by a venomous hiss. The serpents moved. The joints strained against slumber. And in but a span of moments, the Titans rose to their feet.

"What the hell are THOS-" began one of the Knights. Yet their voice was cut short. The Force shrieked from the female Titan, pulling their form clear across the bridge...and onto the waiting edge of her Spear.

The splash of their last moments dripped upon the stone beneath her feet.

There would not be time to mourn, for the Titans now advanced upon the bridge.

Spoiler: Tag

Kyyrk
Alessandra Creed
Gerwald Lechner
Josiah
Narissa Jondi
Rann Thress
Valeria de le Vallée
Felix Aquila
Mishel Kryze
Vitaara Oduro
Ishana Pavanos
Nine Lives
Luna Evanstance
Illyria Le Fey

​

 

[Kyyrk]

C O N T A C T
​

Kyyrk paused in the large chamber, looking up at the vast ceiling above them. They weren't in a cave. It was a temple. Right under their very noses. How had he missed this? Kyyrk reached up to tap the side of his helmet, taking a still image of the cavern. This place deserved more study than he felt he could allow at this point in time.

Suddenly his mind was filled with the sound of scraping stones. Of a fell wind sweeping through the abyss. He blinked, shaking his head ever so slightly. What...was that? He looked back to the doorway across the cavern, and to the two statues on either side. He could swear they had moved just now... Then the Ichor began to spill forth, and he heard the rumbling of stone once more. But this time it was real. Kyyrk cried out, "GET BACK!" But it was too late. The younger Knight already hung limp from the end of the spear.

As the Knighthood sprang into action, Kyyrk reached out with the Force to grip the spear of the Titan. His helmet was filled with a purple light as his eyes glowed violet from the strain. At best? He could rip the spear from the titan's hands. At worst? He'd made himself the next target.

Either outcome he was fine with.

 

[Taiia Mataan]

//: Allyson Locke //: Kyyrk //: Abel Denko //: Josiah //: Mishel Kryze //: Vitaara Oduro //: Gerwald Lechner //: Narissa Jondi //: Nine Lives //: Ishana Pavanos
​

Taiia arrived on Christophsis without incident, the large crystal formations on any other day would have drawn her attention and demanded study but at this moment the formations barely warranted a glance from the redhead. She marched quietly through the snow toward the meeting point in the temple. She was not alone, also there was the ever-present brunette Allyson Locke walking along her side. In light of past events, she fully doubted that Allyson would have let her go on this particular mission without her. She was both grateful for the help and at the same time wished Allyson was far from the danger ahead of them.

Likewise and against her better judgment, she brought both her squires with her Kristyl Arenais and Laneya Wexler Neither was ready for combat but the safest place for them was among the other Knights and Lords, if something like the calamity occurred again here they could be protected. If on far off worlds they were by themselves they would be vulnerable. Strength in numbers as they say, however that had not been true for Vylmira. She shook her head slightly as she entered the temple, unsurprised to find Kyyrk and Josiah already there, a firm nod to each was the greeting she would give, she glanced to Allyson for a moment before turning to her squires. "Stick close to any of the Lords or Allyson, do not get separated from us." she glanced back to Allyson and moved close to her to whisper "If anything goes sideways down there take them and leave."

Just then the door into the depths of the temple opened, emerald eyes turned toward the breach half expecting an abomination to emerge. Wordlessly she started toward it, feeling the other lords moving as one to meet the darkness within. For now, her saber remained upon her belt but in each of her hands electricity began to arc between her fingers and over her palms. They had scarcely stepped through before she felt the rush of the darkness within the ichor from deep within dripped with darkness and the statues began to move.

The electrical charge in her hands began to grow and change, the purple hue faded and took on a golden shimmer as the redhead channeled the light as Allyson had shown her, but in a different way. She heard Kyyrk call out a warning but it was too late. Already one had fallen here, and Taiia would not allow anymore to be taken. She lifted her hand toward the statues, and long golden tendrils of lightning infused with light ripped through the darkness towards the titans that would rend them all. The second hand lifted to join the first, Taiia intended to meet power with power at the outset and tear the temple to the ground if it meant ending this threat once and for all.

 

[Luna Evanstance]

Luna hardly noticed the frigid air of the space around them. She felt like an exposed nerve- raw from the elements of life as she followed close behind Abel Denko with Illyria Le Fey by her side. Her secrets had always been her own and with loose in the wind she found herself wanting to retreat within herself. It hadn't been all that long since she had finally confessed everything about her past and since then, she'd for once moved about with little argument or her usual teasing and testing her fellow student.

But what she did was in quiet resolve- she was more driven than ever to become faster, better, and stronger so she could finally fight the shadows that lingered behind her and threatening to yank her into the void.

But their time had been interrupted by an important mission- leaving the trio to find themselves in yet another undoubtedly precarious situation after being summoned. Luna had gotten used to the mundane side of a routine but as snow sat beneath their feet, she realized how much she needed a change of pace. "No matter what happens, stay close to me. Eyes up." That was the rule of engagement 101 and one that the young Smuggler took to heart without a second thought. She could feel all the emotions she had been attempting to keep down simmering deep within- she just hoped that her control over them remained intact.

She hadn't said anything as Abel spoke for the first time in a while leaving her to look over at Illyria with a very small grin on her face- anymore as such felt foreign on her features. "You ready for this?" It was spoken in a hushed tone as both of them followed their Master- the cold biting through Luna's jacket but leaving her unbothered. "When we're done here, drinks on me."

A drink sounded more than good at the moment but knew that they had an important mission first. It had taken time for the young Smuggler to get used to the idea of working in a group when it had been her for so long. "Lots of drinks…" Luna muttered quietly to herself as she followed Abel into the inky blackness with her emerald eyes piercing the void, she kept her gaze sharp as she followed him and Illyria into what would be yet another adventure of a lifetime. ​

•••​

 

[Kristyl Vaashe]

Master: Taiia Mataan .
Sister-Squire: Laneya Wexler .
Wearing: Training Robes of the Lotus.
Weapons: Asaraa's first Lightsaber.

​

Falling in line behind Taiia Mataan , Kris had kept closely alongside the presence of Laneya Wexler , the elder of the two students whilst their Mentor had been accompanied by another whom the young girl had yet to meet before, one Allyson Locke . Together the four of them moved to step entrance into a new Temple located upon the world Chrisophsis.

"Stick close to any of the Lords or Allyson, do not get separated from us" Taiia had turned and spoken to her and Laneya, to which Kristyl absently nodded while glaring a little cluelessly about their surroundings, making out the new site, the beauty in the architecture and the new environment of which she was quickly learning was one of a vast number in which the Knights Obsidian were known.

They had barely arrived and already something felt...-Scary to Kristyl. A feeling that sent a shiver up her spine just in time for movement and the creaking of old stone and metal grinding as another entrance seemed to open up deeper within the temple ahead, something lurking within. Without warning, her Master seemed to step forward ahead of them and the feeling of their environment became immensely heavy to Kristy's senses. The sort of feeling that came right before something terrible was about to happen, causing the young girl to subconscious take hold of the side of Laneya's sleeve out of fear.

Kristyl Arenais was from a fairly prominent family in the Galaxy, and yet she was a mere thirteen years of age with little experience, even less so when it came to combat scenarios. She hadn't mentally prepared herself for anything like what was about to fall before them, her eyes going wide as some kind of static electricity shifted about their masters' hands, immediately putting a halt to her step, not wanting to get any closer in the case that it somehow snapped back towards the two students.

"W-what do we do??" She asked quickly, quietly, glancing swiftly to Laneya in search of reassurance.

Kyyrk | Josiah​

 

[Alessandra Creed]

Location: Naboo [Creed Tower]
Tag: Kyyrk | John Locke | Mishel Kryze (No need to respond unless you want to haha...Ale isn't here - But raising heck on Naboo)

____________________________________________________________​

Voph.

Again.

The name circled around Kyyrk like a vulture and the Minister could feel a faint frown impress itself on her features. For someone so unconnected, truly, he felt like he had more sources than she did. What did a new Knight have to do with the former Lord Commander? From what she knew Voph had disappeared long before Kyyrk had ever stepped foot in one of their citadels.

So—What was the connection? Why did his name come up? Hero worship?

That didn't seem his style.

//Do me a favor. I think I know what we've found. Pray that I am wrong.//​

Her heart sank. Far too hard, far too fast. She didn't pray. She had learned not to depend on anything other than herself when it came to needing help and this was no different. For once...She was tempted. From the safety that Naboo had to offer she had no frame of reference for what could be happening. She wasn't often included in what the Knights Obsidian were investigating. She just ensured they had the funds to succeed. The only time she was brought fully in the loop was when the Vicelord and the Exarchs were also indisposed.

When the task of leading the Confederacy very well may fall on the Ministry.

//. . .Come home, Kyyrk.//​

Please.

He wouldn't know what she didn't say. Wouldn't... feel...

A quick flick of her wrist later had her dialing up John Locke from whatever Nabooian honeypot he was currently stuck under and no matter what time of day it was she would have answers. She was tired of being in the dark. Tired of constantly watching those closest to her heart sacrifice themselves. The Minister had lost Mishel Kryze on Atrisia. She had lost herself. Mish came home—But at what cost?

No doubt her sister wasn't far behind Kyyrk. Or ahead of him, knowing her. Chit.

Chit.

<<Patch me through to Exarch Locke.>>

|The Exarch is not available at this time. I can take a message—|

<<I don't care if his calls are being forwarded to the moon. Put me through to Locke unless you want to explain why his company assets are frozen in Confederate Space. Perhaps that will get his attention.>>