Private Reunion among storms

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Armor + Robes
Tag: Brooklyn Zambrano Darth Carnifex

The world of storms loomed all around them.

Every few seconds were interrupted by thunder over the hum of The Masquerade's engines as the obsidian craft descended through clouds into the sprawling city of spires below, each standing like pointed blades against the gray skyline.

Kaila navigated her ship to the designated landing platform with a serene grace, but her inner thoughts swirled like the storm outside. She had brought Brooklyn here under the guise of a learning opportunity, a chance to see how her fellow Epicanthix lived outside the black pyramid of Jutrand, and to learn of the sith holy worlds. Deep down she hoped it would show the acolyte just how brutal Kainites could be, and that she would never become like Him.

But she had ulterior motives.

Darth Carnifex had been informed of her impending arrival, but never her intentions. She could sense their familial connection, but could not rightly say from which branch of the family tree did Brooklyn fall, and so she was here to find out. The girl was—to her own shame—as much a peace offering as she was a student. It was time to make amends for her transgressions against the dark lord, and what better way than to reunite a family?

But first she needed to see for herself that He felt it too.

If He did, if her suspicions were confirmed, than she would double her efforts to guide the young Acolyte away from His path of brutality and upon one she believed more beneficial to the empire, and if not, she would still take interest in the giant's potential.

"We may be stopped by authorities," she explained, leaving the cockpit as The Masquerade touched down.

"Standard entry protocol. Kainite security has always been thorough, and my name is... it will draw attention."

The young Darth pulled a hood around her golden curls, peering out from under at the giant as she held out a similar cloak for the girl.

"The rains were endless last I was here, best keep ourselves dry."

All the while a boarding ramp descended before them, and the ancient city was revealed.

​

 

[Brooklyn Zambrano]

Equipment | In Bio

Location | Dromund kaas

Tag | Kaila Irons Darth Carnifex

She hadn't expected to be going on a trip this far away, with what she considered home to be so far away. The girl takes a peak at their map right as they came out of the hyperspace tunnel. This place was far beyond where she would have figured, only ever hearing about Dromuund kaas.

Her attention is of course taken by the window, gazing out at the black and red obsidian-scape that seemed to go on for miles on end. ​

"We may be stopped by authorities,"

"Huh?"​

Standard entry protocol.

"Oh!"

She had her for a moment there! Brooklyn wasn't too used to being stopped herself, normally on much larger craft where someone else dealt with this.

But it sure was nice to know that there was nothing to wo-
​

and my name is... it will draw attention.

"Wh- HUH?!"

Brooklyn asks in bewilderment as they land, being offered a coat to help stop the rain. A blessing really, she was rather sick of extreme weathers for now.

"So like- Are you some sort of criminal around here? Politics? Not what I expected when you asked if I wanted to go visit and see this place, I'm not going to get in trouble too am I?"

She fastens the coat, thankful for that at least.



​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

They'd been identified as soon as they entered the atmosphere, a pair of security interceptors emerging from a cloud bank to shadow their approach to the city. Just beyond, they could see the two-hundred meter sihlouette of the security monitor; little more than a reinforced hull with engines and quad turbolasers strapped onto it. It was the epitome of function over form, the boxy craft stalking their ship even more ominously than the interceptors.

Fortunately, all three vessels broke away when their ship got in range of the city, returning to the clouds. Unfortunately, that meant that she was in full range of the city's anti-air defenses, some of which pivoted to track her ship as it entered the spaceport. So many eyes were fixed on them it was impossible to not notice, especially as a small cadre of black-armored soldiers appeared to wait for them as they disembarked their ship.

The commanding officer would've been someone that Anathemous recognized, a tall wiry rod of a man with a cruel look. A long scar ran from scalp to chin, completely bisecting his face into two equal halves. Consequentially, one half had been adorned with ritualistic tattoos while the other remained unblemished.

His eyes, piercing icy blue, locked with Anathemous as she and her companion approached. For a moment, nothing was said, and then the man turned away.

"He's expecting you."

The soldiers turned with the man, following in lockstep behind him. It was the indication for the pair of women to follow, directly from the port to the sprawling citadel complex that dominated the skyline of New Kaas City. With their guide leading them, they quickly passed checkpoint after checkpoint, and got to see the full spectrum of life in Dromund Kaas' capital. From the workers toiling endlessly for their cruel masters, to the heights of hedonism and splendor by the wealthy elites. All maintained under the carefully curated order of the Kainate, enforced by the ceaseless watchful vigilance of the Eternal Father's enforcers.

As they passed deeper into the citadel, the colder the air got, and the darker everything became. Shadows became more drawn own, and seemed to writhe and dance on their own accord just out of sight. The guards became even more austere, and sometimes more monstrous, as they ventured deeper. It would have been an intimately familiar sensation to Anathemous, not so much for her companion. The Citadel itself seemed to come alive, a dark and malevolent presence pressing in all around them.

It was at the threshold to the throne room where their guide left them, disappearing down one of the infinite corridors and moving out of sight. It was up to the two of them to proceed onward, to stand before the Eternal Father; Anathemous' former master.

He who waited just beyond, sat upon His throne.

Kaila Irons | Brooklyn Zambrano ​

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Armor + Robes
Tag: Brooklyn Zambrano Darth Carnifex

Kaila did not answer for a time.

She simply stared ahead at the soldiers in waiting, and cradled her helm under an arm.

"Politics."

The young Darth smiled innocently and disembarked.

"I am a governor, but not a Kainite. They'll have questions, naturally."

"You'll be fine."

Brooklyn would be fine. As for herself, who could say.

She descended the ramp, steps unnaturally heavy for a woman of her size. Their arrival had drawn quite the crowd it seemed, and yet her golden eyes swept only briefly until settling on the black-clad guards, the scarred man in particular. It felt strange in a way, to have seen this face so many times but recall so little of the man behind the armor. Perhaps after killing her fellow apprentices, she'd given up humanizing fellow kainites.

"He's expecting you."

Kaila looked unsurprised.

"Very well."

She leaned close to speak with Brooklyn in hushed tones as they followed, however it was difficult given the staggering difference in height.

"These men belong to Darth Carnifex, leader of the Sepulchral. He knows and sees much, it is best we behave ourselves."


The trip through Dromund Kaas' streets was quiet and brief as expected, and the sith knight moved with familiar ease, taking only cursory glances at the many sithspawn and twistedly nostalgic locales. A forge she had commissioned to shape her cortosis, the tailor whom sewed her favorite cloak. An alley she'd once fought in.

There were new sights as well, new monsters guarding checkpoints, buildings which hosted new people, and many more Epicanthix than she remembered, a result of Panatha's grim fate no doubt.

She took one last look at the stormy skies as they neared the malevolent palace, allowing the cool rain to hit her freckled face.

But whatever calm the water may bring, she could still feel Him pressing against her senses like a vice. The pain was familiar now, tolerable perhaps, but still she dreaded the horror whom awaited inside. Nevertheless she pushed onward, taking a deep, steadying breath as they entered.

She pulled her hood away as the guards veered off, leaving them to approach alone.

"Be respectful," she warned.

A hypocritical thing to say, but she needed to see for herself that the girl was indeed a descendant of His, and for that she needed her alive.

Kaila pushed onward then, through the doors first, then a short distance from the throne.

She paused, meeting his eyes for but a moment. Her own turned molten, despite her deceptively mechanical expression.

"Lord Carnifex."

She bowed her head. Only her head.

Darth Anathemous gestured to the girl then, the one whom she hoped would hold His attention.

"May I present Acolyte Brooklyn, of the Jutrand Academy."

Her inquisitive eye never left His form.

​

 

[Brooklyn Zambrano]

Equipment | In Bio

Location | Dromund kaas

Tag | Kaila Irons Darth Carnifex ​

"I am a governor, but not a Kainite. They'll have questions, naturally."

"Wait, so like a big shot?"

It was clear that Brooklyn was confused, normally all the lords and governors wouldn't bother associating with some random Acolyte. The girl was respectfully on the fence about it, but their time spent together so far never raised any alarm bells. Leaving her to unknowingly lean more into thinking this was just a trip to learn and explore.. At least for now.​

"He's expecting you."

She lets Kaila do the talking, after all she had to be good at that in order to get where she is right?

As they followed behind the escorts, the start of the trip wasn't anything new to her. It tugged at her some to see workers in poor conditions, but ultimately it was the same on Jutrand. The further into the citadel though- She began to raise a brow at some of the guards, going from looking like mangey stim junkies with inbreeding issues to strange and twisted forms of what could have been a person once. She showed no fear, not to them.

Her mind was more interested in meeting the head figure of their people, it was thanks to him that their people had places like this.

​

"May I present Acolyte Brooklyn, of the Jutrand Academy."

Brooklyn snaps back, her attention and mind returning. It was strange- She had only ever seen statues of him, now being able to soak in the details of his face... For now she tries her best to give a respectful bow as per she was taught at the academy, easy to see that she wasn't the best at it.

​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The Dark Lord of the Sith was swaddled in blasphemous regality, robes of rich ebony draped across His muscular form, embroidered with symbols and icons of ancient Sith significance. His eyes, like smoldering coals, watched the two of them approach. At His back was a giant glass mosaic of ancient history, Sith of forlorn glory ensnared in battle with the Order's hated enemy; the Jedi. All around Him was symbolism and ritual spectacle, all of it designed to inspire and entrap all the same.

"You are recognized, but by no means welcomed, Governor Irons." The Dark Lord's voice hit like a thunderclap, the sheer weight and power behind every syllable rattling down to their bones. "You have yet to account for your recent indignation." He rose, cloak spooling about His feet like an inky puddle. It flowed in His wake as He descended the dais steps, coming to stand on equal plane with both of them; but nonetheless towering mightily above.

His eyes swept from Kaila to Brooklyn, brow knitting as He took greater stock of her features. The faintest hint of recognition began to creep into His expression. He then looked to Kaila again, the intensity of His eyes having grown in the brief moments that He'd looked away.

"By what reasons do you bring this child before me, Anathemous?"

Kaila Irons | Brooklyn Zambrano ​

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Armor + Robes
Tag: Darth Carnifex Brooklyn Zambrano

Her golden eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

The young lord of Echnos did not expect a warm welcome, but a part of her despised hearing her own name. Irons, a moniker given to her by another, a symbol of His everlasting mark upon her body. Though few would ever see it, She felt it in her metal bones even still.

Anathemous sung more smoothly in her ear, a name she had taken for herself upon the killing fields. The Empress had graciously given that name legitimacy and for that she was ever thankful, but she alone was the architect of this identity.

But as the Dark Lord approached, all that pride withered.

He had trained her to never show fear and she had taken to His teachings more than anyone could know, but internally the knowledge that only the thinnest line separated her life and His will for it to end remained a constant in the blackest depths of her mind. She did not move, did not falter, but certainly kept a cautious eye on his titanic form.

Was she powerless to stop Him if it came to this? Possibly, but she would not surrender easily to fate again.

"By what reasons do you bring this child before me, Anathemous?"

But by every mote of fortunate left in the galaxy, He was not quite the mindless beast her instincts regarded Him to be.

"...to atone for a sin, my lord..." her chin slowly inclined.

The time was upon her to come clean, ashamed though she was.

"Forgive my secrecy, both of you," she glanced at Brooklyn standing beside her in a brief pause.

She knew, to some degree, that this was wrong of her. But she allowed herself to believe that this would benefit the girl as much as herself, and that Lord Carnifex may forgive her transgressions. Everybody wins, she told herself.

"I believed it a matter of safety." and she needed to see it with her own eyes.

And that faint glimmer of recognition spoke volumes, confirmed suspicions that He had trained her well to pursue.

"I have long suspected a familial connection between you both."

She revealed, and turned to face Him again.

"My hope is to atone for my actions upon D'qar, and to see this Acolyte rise for it, beyond the obscurities of the lower cohorts. She has potential which deserves recognition, and I believe it should be allowed to grow among family."

Saryn Zambrano had taught her that He was capable of love, in His own way. If nothing else, Brooklyn would be taken care of, perhaps even live in luxury away from that rotten academy.

But her potential, she feared it, feared she may one day become the next Carnifex or Darth Prazutis . Years from now she would look upon this day as a moment of triumph, or her greatest regret. The day she doomed the empire to another lifetime of butchery, another crimson age heralded by a Goddess of destruction, the third of that blackest pantheon.

And her chance to guide the young Acolyte's journey was now gone.

​

 

[Brooklyn Zambrano]

Equipment | In Bio

Location | Dromund kaas

Tag | Kaila Irons Darth Carnifex ​

"...to atone for a sin, my lord..."

Her brow furrows, arms crossed as she listened in.. In times prior Kaila had only ever mentioned her former master as 'him', making it clear there was a level of distain the Darth had for the figure now in front of her. So to Brooklyn this tone- Even if laced with a poison was still unexpected.

Kaila then goes on.​

"Forgive my secrecy, both of you,"

Everything she had learned by this point, every backstab- successful or not, it was a harsh lesson that was commonplace within the order.. And even more so at the academy. The words Kaila spoke had an instinctive reaction within the girl, her hand- shaking gently as it hovered closely to the handle of her warblade.

"Please don't do this.. Not you."

Brooklyn says within her mind, hairs standing up on her neck as she waited.​

"I have long suspected a familial connection between you both."

She kept on edge, all the while trying her best to keep a calm expression and not show signs of worry.​

"My hope is to atone for my actions upon D'qar, and to see this Acolyte rise for it, beyond the obscurities of the lower cohorts. She has potential which deserves recognition, and I believe it should be allowed to grow among family."

The girl lets out a sigh of relief, her hand moving away from her weapon handle and instead rubbing at her forehead as she was processing what all was happening.

It was indeed a backstab, one laced with honeyed words of course.. But at the very least there was not to be any attempts at killing.

"This is why you wanted to show me Dromund kaas? To just use me?"

Brooklyn grits her teeth a little, all the pieces coming together.. Being hovered over in Quinn Varanin 's class, the time they spent training and even sharing food. All because of her hatred of a man, all because they could be related.

"Such is the way of things... But honesty is still appreciated."

Would she still be annoyed by being a trade offer to fix someone else's mistakes or actions? Yes. But would it have stung far less to just be talked to about the whole ordeal instead of hiding? Yes.

Still, the prospect of real family was stitched well and firm into her hopes. No matter who he was, or how others saw the man. A family was all she ever wanted as a little one, and by Neaos she would claw her way through the hells if it meant she had family... 'Butcher king' or not.



​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"I see."

The Dark Lord's gaze settled once more on Brooklyn, bathing her in the full intensity of His glare. Her features bore that signature familiarity shared by all whose blood sprung from the line of Solomon, even those diluted by lesser lines still retained characteristics that a discerning eye could identify. It was not that familiarity which struck Him the most, however, she held within her being something that He thought He would never have seen.

There were no records, but that mattered little when secrecy was paramount. Why she might've never told Him was a secret that she'd taken to the grave. Doubt yet lingered, could it be that His own desires manifested what He wanted when the truth spoke otherwise? He had to be sure.

Snapping His fingers, a demure servant dressed in black robes emerged from a shadowy alcove in the wall. Their appearance would have been more shocking as attention was drawn to their head, or perhaps, the lack thereof. Their head had been shorn clean off just above the upper lip, with everything above that replaced with invasive cybernetics coated in a glossy black shell. This decraniated servant walked forward with predatory grace, standing to await the Dark Lord's instruction.

"Fetch the blood stone." The servant inclined slightly before robotically turning and swiftly leaving the room. Carnifex then continued, "I do not trust the instruments of modern technology, not when the ancient magicks are so much more potent. I shall quickly discern the truth of this, Anathemous."

To Brooklyn He would address, "Your name, child? And the circumstances of what brought you here today, what do you recall of your early life?"

Kaila Irons | Brooklyn Zambrano ​

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Armor + Robes
Tag: Brooklyn Zambrano Darth Carnifex

Her jaw visibly clenched, eyes screwed shut.

"...I'm sorry..." she muttered to the girl.

"Imagine for a moment that I'd been wrong, the way your heart would've sank to believe-"

"And have it pulled out from under you?"

But she wasn't wrong. She knew she was right, she had to be right, lest this all be for nothing.

Kaila's arms folded over her chest, rubbing with gloved fingers. She refused to make eye contact with her.

"I will take you home if you wish, but hear Him first."

"You will benefit from this, far more than I. He can give you a life that no one in the empire ever could."

The dark lord's approach silenced her then. It had been so long since they'd last been this close, and it was as suffocating as it was hopeful. He could show mercy for her transgressions or just as easily order he execution for using his kin, whatever her relation was. not His daughter, she hoped, or the rift she'd just dug between Brooklyn and herself would likely swallow her whole one day.

"Fetch the blood stone." The servant inclined slightly before robotically turning and swiftly leaving the room. Carnifex then continued, "I do not trust the instruments of modern technology, not when the ancient magicks are so much more potent. I shall quickly discern the truth of this, Anathemous."

She glanced sidelong at the decraniated servant through narrowed slits, wondering who they might've been before coming here. No different than slavery, their fate, or perhaps even worse. An abomination to everything she stood for, and yet here she was, helping Him just like old times.

Kaila couldn't wait to put this place behind her.

"It is the truth, I am sure of it." she spoke with confidence which belied a creeping urgency.

"I am a Seeker. This is what you trained me for." she appealed to His sense of superiority.

"And I'd like to think I had a good track record."




"...once..."

​

 

[Brooklyn Zambrano]

Equipment | In Bio

Location | Dromuund Kaas

Tag | Darth Carnifex Kaila Irons

The girl listened in, clenching her own jaw much alike Kaila. Yet, it was one of frustration, the Darth's words finding a harder time now to enter Brooklyns stubborn skull.

"I'm not some starry eyed child dammit, I am sadly used to disappointments..."

She had tried time and time again to find those related to her, with each so far being a dead end.

"How about you imagine for a moment, what if I had been told the truth? Today would have been different, while I would have been thrilled see if I did have family- I- My main focus would be no matter what.. I was to spend that day with a friend."

Brooklyn wasn't the hardest to get along with, a fact she knew was harmful to her. Today being an example of how easily she had been used, set up to be a prim and proper bargaining piece.​

"Fetch the blood stone."

Her dispute with Kaila had lead the girl to lose focus on the man they came to see, Brooklyn zipping her lip as she gave who could be family her attention. Raising a brow at the cyborg.. Was it a cyborg? Like those wackos from Denon that are more machine than man?
​

"Your name, child? And the circumstances of what brought you here today, what do you recall of your early life?"

"Brooklyn Tess, my Lord. I was under the assumption that today I would learn about places outside of Jutrand- While technically true I didn't expect to be some bargaining piece."

The girl sighs, rubbing at her forehead before assuming a firm and professional posture. One that Carnifex would recognize as it was commonplace among the acolytes of the Jutrand academy, the effort to keep a refined and strong appearance in the presence of lords.

"Early life... Mm.. I grew up on Jutrand, my Lord. Raised in the orphanage along with the cultural hub of our people there, I am an acolyte at the academy."​