Dominion The Becoming | SO Dominion of Empty Hex (TSD Event Thread)

[CT-312]

//: Quinn Varanin //:
//: Elrood//:
//: Attire //:
//: Weapons: IQA-11 , LO-18D ASSAULT RIFLE, & Vibroblade Knife//:
//: OBJECTIVE III: Veil's Edge //:​

Sitting at the back right seat inside an empty assault gun dropship’s bay, CT-312 was the only Trooper on this flight to Elrood.

Alone.

A rare moment for CT-312 to have their helmet off. Her hand combed through her hair, sleeking back her bangs. Holding in her other hand, the letter that caused her new mission assignment. It threw her off. It was perplexing. The oddly floral scented paper read:

Dear Small Trooper 312,

It was a pleasure seeing your work during the mission <redacted>. Commander Gerwald has spoken highly of your skills and I require your attendance as an escort to the planet Elrood.

On top of what you’re paid through the <redacted> upon survival I will also pay you another lump sum and anything else you require to further your military career.

See you soon,

Quinn Varanin

Imperial Princess

Professor of Force Theory

Jutrand Academy

The letter didn’t make any sense. Looking back at the names and titles, it did not ring any bells. Except “Commander Gerwald”, not ‘Owner Commander Gerwald’, reminding herself. There was nothing during the mission or any missions that her own actions stood out to her. Only her job, nothing more. Scanning the contents again, it was clearly spritzed with perfume. Smelled of… rose and honey? Confused was an understatement. This has to be a joke.

Initially guessing this letter was directed to the wrong person. But the heading… CT-312 couldn’t decide to be insulted or annoyed. Rereading the contents once more. ‘Only one Trooper?’, Was she in trouble?, Payment? “Ha”, she couldn’t help, but laugh at that. Shaking her head in disbelief. The finishing touch of ‘further your military career’, really got her good. A joke. This ‘Quinn Varanin’ person is funny alright.

‘Imperial Princess? Professor?... What the heck is Force Theory?’. Was it an interrogation technique of some kind? ‘Jutrand Academy’. Clearly having no idea, except the basic words that made sense, Princess Professor Academy. Reminding her once more how little to nothing she knew of the Sith Empire. Her thoughts drifting to when she was given the letter.

–

Waking up in the detention cell block, CT-312 was gasping for air. Recalling the dream she had from her past that turned into a nightmare. Her thoughts cut short as the cell block door opened with a sharp hiss. The Scout Trooper was assigned her next mission.

In the Star Destroyer’s hangar bay, CT-312 was assigned to a new squad. About to enter into the dropship, her serial number was called out loud. Halting. An officer stepped in, gesturing to the rest of the Troopers to load in. Except her.

“CT-312. You have been reassigned to another mission”, the officer handed off a sealed letter to the Trooper. “Alone.”, Signaling the assault gunship to carry on. “Re-gear up head to the ship at the end.”

–

“Arrival in 10, Prep yourself Trooper”

Putting the letter away, she stood up. CT-312 did a final inspection of her equipment. It was unorthodox to carry two main weapons. But this was an unusual situation. Being the only Trooper sent, with no information whatsoever. It was better to be over prepared than under. Slinging the QA-11 sniper rifle on her back, she checked the contents of her pouches. Mainly the medpac along with a few stimpacks. Patting down the ammo and any explosives brought. Lastly her hand went to the back of her belt to feel the secured vibroblade knife she obtained on Woostri. Content. CT-312 grabbed her helmet off to the empty seat aside from her, securing it on.

Picking up her newly acquired weapon, the LO-18D assault rifle she obtained off of the Diarchy’s RDB Droid. A weapon designed for close to mid-range. CT-312 couldn’t help, but feel a little bit excited to finally use it. As she made her way to her drop pod, raising her right hand, placing it on the mouth of the helmet. The Camouflaged Scout Trooper brought her hand into a fist banging on the drop pod as she proceeded to enter in. Closing the hatch. It was time.

The drop pod was ejected out of the Assault Gun Dropship as it flew above the rendezvous zone. It only took less than a minute for the metal coffin to impact the ground, sending dust and a small shockwave around its area. The hatch flew open, CT-312 stormed out. Weapon aimed. Swinging it sharply around, checking the area for any hostiles. She felt a small pulling feeling that always unsettled her.

There was a familiar figure that was in her sights. CT-312 recognized the contact. One of the contents in the letter was correct. They were on a mission together, but she never asked for names or titles from the ‘Sith Lords’ on the mission. The small unsettling familiar feeling came from them. The ‘Small Trooper’ lowered her weapon. Making her way over to the contact. Not knowing what to call… remembering back at the string of titles, this person. Who summoned her. Only her. CT-312, reached for the pocketed letter. Holding it out to the contact. Nodding. “Ma’am.”, returning the funny letter, “CT-312 reporting for duty”

 

[Lirka Ka]

"Yes...exciting."

It was the right attitude to have about impending violence, and really was why Lirka picked up people like Christina Locke in the first place. If the possibility of force wielding, time traveling, teleporting, and Force only knew how many other thing, being on the offensive with intent of your annihilation brought excitement? Well, then that was the sort of company Lirka preferred to keep.

"Poignant, Warrior Locke. Poignant indeed."

Flowery words were something Lirka was very familiar, she often spoke in odd flowery ways though she would never admit to such a thing. No, far more importantly did her mind quickly flash to her last little bout with Serina Calis upon Anoth. Silently did the Once-Sephi chuckle to herself, if only her new Corellian compatriot understood just how close to home those words had landed.

"On Thustra, my home, flowery words became something of an artform. Artistry in all things, such was the culture. In age and experience I have come to appreciate crude bluntness."

Of course, Lirka neglected to mention the fact that she was a liar. Lirka may have appreciated bluntness at times, but she adored lying so much more. Thustra may not have been her true home, but the artistry of weaving words had never truly left her wretched soul. Letting out a huff of air to signal her amusement, the monstrous metal woman's words strummed out in a perhaps uncharacteristically playful aggression.


"Well, if you words have deceived me with a veneer of competence I suppose I may just have to find another corellian size crook for the Entourage."

Lirka's sense of humor danced between dry and murderous. Yet in humor, Lirka watched, and she noted. Interactions were but the vector by which Lirka judged the worth of her fellows, noting every little thing she could for when, in her mind, the inevitable time came when blades would be drawn and blows struck. She had picked up many skills in her long life, and getting into fights was the skillset she had mastered most of all - made sense that the two of them met in a fight pit.

"Your wisdom shines true once more, Warrior Locke. This Empire needs more people of such thought-process. There is too much arrogance in the Order, they are unprepared for the worst. So many do not understand the true nature of the struggle upon which power is born."

It was ironic for someone as arrogant as Lirka Ka to criticize the order for such a thing, but such was one of the many oddities of the Kainate's cudgel. Boundless hypocrisy. For a moment, Lirka pondered what she truly felt - thought she began with a simple assurance.

"Lirka Ka does not know fear. I feel...curosity. The Galaxy is a strange place, of many moving pieces. Yet, they are now misarranged. Why? How? What is to be gained, what is to be lost. The dull drivel of politics and war, unfortunately."

As quickly as the pair's vessel arrived in hyperspace, it seemed to have left as the microjump ended. And with it came the storm of gravitational anomaly, the Vessel veered violently as the storm washed over them. Locke had been wise to activate her mag-boots, for the unfortunate souls around the pair that did not stumbled and were thrown about in the wake of the storm. Though while their vessel, the vessel of Darth Strosius , and the vessel of Odrin Rath had been capable of quick readjustment. Other, smaller, craft were not so lucky. Outside the viewport, two landers buckled and veered - slamming into each other with the fiery explosion of combusting fuel lines. Lirka's stoic form seemed undaunted, utterly unconcerned at the possible hundreds of souls before the two of them dying in the void.

"See? Unprepared."

 

[Kivah]

Objective II: Echoes Beyond the Drift
Tags: Naamino Zuukamano | Darth Strosius | Odrin Rath | Lirka Ka | Christina Locke
Ship: Kivah's TIE Reaper

Mention of a concert perked her ears up under the wild mane she called hair. Though she was certain that the Tuk'ata they both knew as a house mascot back on Korriban would say that Tuk'ata don't cry. Still, maybe she should go check it out, concerts usually pulled in a fun crowd. But before that, "Sorry to hear." She stood to move behind where Naami was seated at the controls where she leaned on the back of his chair. "But if you're having cred problems, I could always cut you in on a few jobs. Can put what Gavin taught you to work and rough up those knuckles in Canto. Or, if you want to go a little dirtier, there are always shadow jobs in CorpSec proper. It's how I stay on my feet." She shrugged, knowing he'd feel it even though he couldn't see her behind him, before pulling away and making her way into the living quarters between the cockpit and the drop bay. Her tail was telling her it was time to get changed.

"Think about it," she called through the open hatch as she took her udyr biosuit from its locker and began to strip down to pull it on. "Take a few days off, put what you're learning to the test in a real environment, and come back with a stack of ACVs and gems." So many runners had dreams of hitting the mother load, or the big score that would leave them with stacks of the untraceable cash vouchers or even a few crystalline vertex gems, but becoming an independent contractor in the shadows of the corporate sector was far easier than making it super rich. The good ones settled for staying alive and finding cushy gigs or retiring to something better. And while Kivah wasn't a rockstar and had never hit the big times, she was karking good at what she did. Pulled herself out of bumming couches to sleep on to avoid homelessness, to affording all this, her ship, her 'ware, guns and armor, even slipping by without having a proper sponsor at the academy.

She was just pulling on the second leg of the suit, feeling it adjust and wrap around her as it warmed to her presence, when Darth Strosius' flotilla wide alert went out about the bad jump. She didn't hesitate, "Gem! Drop us!" She shouted at the integrated droid pilot, thankful that she hadn't gone for one of the super fast drives or put them into the jump herself. Naamino's lack of familiarity with the procedure and her ship had put them almost last to jump. Even then the ship rocked and pitched forward as it reentered real space, the violent motion sending Kivah from awkwardly standing on one leg as she twisted about to work her tail under the waist of the udyr, to being thrown forward and back into the cockpit where she slammed into the central consol between piloting stations in just her undershirt and the parts of the suit she'd managed to pull on. "Ow. The feth?" She weakly complained.

"Huh, Giant Space Serpent."

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: CT-312 //:
//: Elrood //:
//: Attire //:

Quinn stepped back at the trooper's sudden arrival. "Oh, where did you come from?" she asked, surprised. This camouflage was indeed helpful for the soldier. Quinn couldn't tell when they had arrived or gotten this close to her.

It was terrifying.

No wonder 312 was as vicious as they were. Quinn caught her breath and regained the regal air about her. Looking down at the letter, she raised an eyebrow. It seemed the trooper had kept her special letter requesting her service. Quinn smiled softly, her features showing her appreciation of the trooper holding the letter. "Welcome to the best mission you've ever been on." Quinn waved her hand over the letter, "You can keep it; it's my gift to you to remember this amazing adventure."

Quinn waved her hand as she began to walk away from the small trooper. She fully expected 312 to be directly behind her. So, as they drew closer, Quinn smiled and began to explain the planet's landscape and the veil that thinned between worlds. "Welcome to Elrood, a planet covered in hellscape, sith spawn, and the veil between two worlds."

She stopped and stood with her hands on her hips. Her eyes narrowed as she was trying to read the interference. Quinn sighed softly as she could see the brief anomalies, but it wasn't enough for her to open a portal. Something needed to cause a reaction and pull forward the darkness lurking behind the small gate. A small black feline appeared just as she was ready to pick on the little trooper.

It seemed more interested in the trooper as it slinked against the camouflage legs and then ran over to its master. "Oh, you know something?" Quinn looked down at the cat and paused. The cat seemed to know the anomalies and how to draw them forward.

Looking at 312, she let her cat work and focused on the trooper. "You seem nervous." Even with all the force energies swirling around them from the planet, Quinn could zero in on the tiny trooper's vibe. She smirked as she stepped closer, tap, tap, tap of the thin heels. She tilted her head and remembered they were never properly introduced.

With the sweetest smile the Imperial Princess could muster, she offered her hand. "We never had proper introductions, and it would be a foul of mine if I didn't oblige my escort." Another smile followed the beat, "I am Princess Quinn Varanin; you can call me Princess or Quinn - never Ma'am…" Frowning, Quinn remembered the earlier interaction and shook her head. "I'm not in my 50's."

While they spoke, the tiny cat suddenly ripped open a portal through the veil. A loud screech pierced through the air as it opened, and Quinn snapped her head over her shoulder. "Well, it looks like we're gonna have visitors when we enter." Quinn waited and looked at the trooper expectantly.

"You first." and she nodded towards the open portal.

As 312 looked towards the portal, the aura of the circular void breathed with energy, almost beckoning and daring the little soldier to step forth. Another roar screeched through the portal. The cat looked at the soldier and stepped in, almost mocking the trooper's fear.

"Okay now, go go," Quinn ushered the trooper towards the portal, and she stood behind them waiting.

On the other side, a world that looked almost upside down awaited them, wanting to swallow the pair whole.

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

On Mission With Kivah
​

Distracted by whatever that forewarning was coursing through his senses, Naami still had ample attention for the mention of credits. He was not a greedy boy by nature but he was practical. Everything cost something, and costs were only increasing with the state of the war. Despite being on scholarship at Kor'ethyr and there being a few interested parties regarding his career, it might be wise for him to branch out a bit... The trick would be to avoid getting caught. Though he trusted that Kivah of all people would have plenty of pointers about that.

"I really appreciate that Kiv... I'll uh- have to think on it but it might be necess-"

"Gem! Drop us!" She shouted at the integrated droid pilot, thankful that she hadn't gone for one of the super fast drives or put them into the jump herself. Naamino's lack of familiarity with the procedure and her ship had put them almost last to jump. Even then the ship rocked and pitched forward as it reentered real space, the violent motion sending Kivah from awkwardly standing on one leg as she twisted about to work her tail under the waist of the udyr, to being thrown forward and back into the cockpit where she slammed into the central consol between piloting stations. "Ow. The feth?" She weakly complained.

"Huh, Giant Space Serpent."

"CHIT!"

Naami braced through the lurch, remaining seated though casting about wildly to get his bearings. He took in the sight of both Kivah and the alarming anomaly ahead of them. Wide blue eyes turned back to his friend an he managed to ask.

"Should I suit up too?"

Regardless of her orders or the strangeness of it all, the zabrak was ready to leap into action.

 

[CT-312]

//: Quinn Varanin //:
//: Elrood//:
//: Attire //:
//: Weapons: IQA-11 , LO-18D ASSAULT RIFLE, & Vibroblade Knife//:
//: OBJECTIVE III: Veil's Edge //:​

Observing the Contact who was slightly surprised at her arrival. CT-312 just kept quiet. Not knowing what to make of this Sith Lord. The lack of armor, dressed in all black– are those heels? The stunned Scout Trooper rapidly blinked twice. She had to be a Sith Lord. Recalling some Trooper mentioning before hand, “If they're not in uniform or wearing whatever they want, they’re most likely in a higher position. Probably a Sith Lord.”

Having a proper look at her Contact. ‘She’s young.’ looking about TK-710’s age. Wondering what a kid was doing here. Let alone requesting her as an escort in a place like this. CT-312 only heard whispers of ‘Sith Lords’ from others in the passing. Don’t get in their way and they are capable. Extremely capable. Respecting that age shouldn’t be a factor in one's capability. But it doesn’t mean they were capable of leading.

Waiting for the letter to be taken, she was… smiling? It didn’t seem like there was any ill hidden intent, almost genuine. It made the Trooper uncomfortable. None of this made sense at all. ‘This has to be some kind of test.’ Guard up, waiting to be reprimanded or a hidden attack.

"Welcome to the best mission you've ever been on." Quinn waved her hand over the letter, "You can keep it; it's my gift to you to remember this amazing adventure."

Did she just hear right? Helmet tilted slightly angled. Raising both brows up. Bewildered. Not knowing what to make of this…expressive Sith Lord. The friendly tone was throwing CT-312 off. She slowly nodded. Best mission usually implicated the worst. As for the ‘gift’, pocketing the letter away. Clearly a jokester. The Trooper was less than enthusiastic to see where this ‘amazing adventure’ goes.

As the Contact waved their hand and began walking away, the Camo Trooper followed suit at a respectful distance. Keeping an eye out of their surroundings. Listening to the Sith Lord as they spoke.

"Welcome to Elrood, a planet covered in hellscape, sith spawn, and the veil between two worlds."

‘What the hell is a Sith Spawn?’ Nothing in that sentence made sense. A child Sith Lord was literally taking her to hell. Was this divine judgment? CT-312 was beginning to miss her time in the detention cell block. Halting in her footsteps as the Contact came to a sudden stop. Waiting. A tiny movement caught the Trooper’s attention as she quickly aimed her weapon at– ‘The Space Cat?’ Remembering her first encounter with this creature during the mission with the Contact. ‘What is it doing here?’ Standing still as a statue as the cat was by their legs, until it ran off back to the Sith Lord. Looking at the interaction between the two, 'You have got to be kidding me.’

"You seem nervous."

Nervous? This whole planet, the contact, and now cat were causing screaming alarm bells in CT-312. Thinking it was from the planet’s gravity that was causing the heavy pressure she was experiencing. That didn’t seem to be the case. It was the same with the Force Light Golems, looking at the Mors Mon, the feeling whenever she was near a Sith Lord, and even the damn cat. More like on edge. CT-312 was still trying to make sense of everything. Taking a deep breath, reminding herself that it didn’t matter how she felt or thought. What mattered was the mission and her job. The sound of near heel clicking brought CT-312’s attention back. A hand was extended to her. A Sith Lord’s hand. Slightly raising her visor, there was another smile.

"We never had proper introductions, and it would be a foul of mine if I didn't oblige my escort." Another smile followed the beat, "I am Princess Quinn Varanin; you can call me Princess or Quinn - never Ma'am…" Frowning, Quinn remembered the earlier interaction and shook her head. "I'm not in my 50's."

Was this a test? Designed that no matter what CT-312 chose, she’d fail? ‘This has to be a test.’ Despite not having any proper etiquette, she knew better to call a person of status on a first name basis as if they were a familiar. Acknowledging with a nod, “Princess.” Shaking the hand in a firm grip, expecting a knife or something to harm her. But nothing of that sort happened.

Interrupted by a sudden loud screech. Immediately CT-312’s body moved instinctively, instantly bringing the weapon up. Aiming towards the source of the noise. Ready to pull the trigger. Eyes focusing on a portal that was ripped open. Staring, CT-312's brain couldn’t fathom what was going on. Not believing what she was seeing. What the heck did she get dragged into.

"Well, it looks like we're gonna have visitors when we enter."

‘Visitors?’ Blinking, in disbelief. Was her ears working properly? Did she hear correctly? The Princess was too nonchalant, as if she’s done this before.

"You first."

CT-312’s head slowly turned to this crazy Princess who nodded her towards the portal. Staring. The Princess was too calm and relaxed for the Trooper's own liking. If she wanted her dead, she could’ve just said so. The Scout Trooper had seen and dealt with a lot of things during her brief time in the Empire. But nothing like this. Looking back at the portal, was it fear? Angry at the thought of it. There was nothing to fear for a failed clone like herself. Death was only the option. She’d embrace death. It was confusion. The black cat that caused the portal to appear casually strutted next to it, looking back. Orange eyes staring at her green visor before walking in. ‘Freakin Space Cat.’

"Okay now, go go,"

Shaking her head with a heavy sigh, CT-312 switched the active ammo type on the LO-18D to the 30-06 slug rounds. Remembering how it simply made Byss Cheese out of lightsaber wielding Siths on Serenno. Wanting to make sure anything that greeted them on the other side would happily be terminated by maximum force. Rifle aimed forward, knees slightly bent, CT-312 proceeded cautiously, entering the portal. Each step deliberate, heel to toe. Reducing any noises from her footsteps. ‘Let’s get this mission over with.’

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Dress
Tag: Ashin Cardé Varanin
Nearby: Darth Empyrean Darth Carnifex Darth Nefaron Allyson Locke Loryn Praji Avel Som Taeli Raaf Madrona A’Mia

"I was more concerned with free travel to study the anomaly. Opportunism was only a selling point to win the vote of our most warlike thinkers, but If the Mors Mon is capable then problem solved." she sighed.

At the end of the day that was more important than her pride, frustrated though she was.

But Ashin had more to say, and every word painted a picture most foul.

The name Akala especially...

"Well... what if it's not someone exactly like Akala, but still something from beyond...?"

Her golden eyes, aglow in the dim chamber, widened just a little.

"Something equally powerful but whose agenda is more secretive. Perhaps we should record what visions have survived, catalogue any commonality between them in case there is some truth to be gleaned."

The half-Dathomiri's mind continued to race and question as it always had, obsessed with knowing the unknowable for the good of her home and because she simply needed to know things regardless their consequence. But the more she pondered over the mysterious woman's words, and the grim reality they face, one in particular stood out.

And as she rubbed at Quinn Varanin 's promise ring beneath her glove for comfort, it hit her like a landspeeder.

"...wait..."

"Pardon me, but did you say were a Varanin?" her rusted-gold brows rose curiously.

​

 

[Ellissanthia]

Location: Bridge - Odrin Rath’s Corvette
Attire: White Outfit
Notable Personal Effects: Standard Lightsaber - Purple Blade
Objective: Echoes Beyond the Drift
Mission Objective: Locate the Aing-Tii
Tag: Odrin Rath Lirka Ka Christina Locke Kivah Serina Calis

It was only the melodic tones of a familiar voice that drew Ellissanthia from her prayers. Cutting short the final verse, the Undine glanced up and turned, her gaze widening with equal parts shock and elation as she looked upon the holographic figure in the middle of the bridge. An individual whose digitized presence was both expected and surprising—Serina Calis.

And once again, she was planning something big.

Ellissanthia felt that she had no right to overhear whatever was being said, but the sensitivity of her ears betrayed her. The webbed appendages twitched as she processed the words spoken by the holographic figure. Daggerfall. The word lodged itself into her mind like a blade. For a moment, the Undine contemplated what it could mean. However, it did not take long for the Adept to decide that it might be best for the plan to remain a mystery to her.

Thus, pushing the matter from her mind, Ellissanthia smoothed her features into a grateful smile in response to Serina’s compliment. Then, once the call was turned off, the Undine found her eyes locked onto the piercing crimson gaze of the Sith Knight. She offered him a deferential nod, the intensity of his gaze causing a tight sensation to rise in her stomach.

Then, just as Ellissanthia turned back to face the viewport, the bridge lurched.

Ellissanthia gave a sharp cry as something big slammed into her legs, immediately throwing the Undine off-balance. She braced herself to hit the floor, but her landing was somewhat cushioned instead, rendering the effort redundant. Still, the force of the impact briefly dazed her, though she retained more than enough focus to understand why her fall had not been so painful.

For situated beneath her was the Sith Knight Odrin Rath.

 

[Ashin Cardé Varanin]

...wait..."

"Pardon me, but did you say were a Varanin?"

"The original of the species. You know my daughter Quinn."

She expressed it as certainty because Quinn was a knowable person, the most prominent Varanin in the Sith territories - and because Ashin was fairly sure she knew who this was. But she didn't like to lean too far on speculation. There was more than enough speculation going around already.

"It seems clear," she said, still in a private aside, "that the Emperor called this meeting to draw out anyone who'd boast about having resources that offered insight - resources like the kind of comparisons you're talking about. But nobody I'd expect to have such resources is speaking up. They all look as short on answers as the Emperor says he is. Which suggests to me that it's been tried and it hasn't yet worked. The future is shrugging us off."

A strategy unfolded in her mind from nowhere. Since over-promising and under-delivering were not in her skillset, she kept it to herself.

"I have something I'd like to try."

She turned and left; whether Anathemous came along was up to her.

 

[Jacen Breska 'TK-710']

WEARING:: Jacen’s Second Legion Armor
EQUIPMENT: KCR-22 Mk II

LOCATION: BRIEFING ROOM
TAG: Gerwald Lechner | @OPEN FOR OBJ3

Not many troopers had the occasion to have a one on one chat with a Sith Lord. Even less, a chat with one of the most influential Sith Lords in their corner of the galaxy. Jacen found the exchange enlightening, the only time they spoke before was while on mission.
The man spoke with conviction and gravitas. There was no question about that. It wasn’t surprising to Jacen that Gerwald rose to command the power he did. It wasn’t just about the innate power in the Force he had. The way Lord Lechner seemed to know just what Jacen was thinking was unnerving, but he had begun to learn to expect such…peculiarities from the Sith.
Jacen looked down at his feet, then back out of the window as he thought silently. Finally and with a sigh he spoke, “I don’t…I never considered that term to be a negative.” He said, shrugging his shoulders, “Being ‘dead already’, I mean. It’s…the best way to enter combat. Helps me, helps us focus on the mission instead of worrying about making it back. If it’s not this,” he gestures out to the rift, “that gets me, it’s something else.”
He thought silently, pursing his lips together, The version that survived Woostri? That’s the version that wakes up every day.
But instead, he simply nodded his head. “I am at your service, my Lord.” He thought about his men, what their fates would be, but cast it aside.
I’m doing this so they can do something else. Whatever it was, this was his mission now. Maybe it’d just be him and Lord Lechner, and he silently hoped for that. Losing men was a feeling he wasn’t used to, and he hoped he’d never grow used to it. So if this mission removed that…possibility, all the better for it.
He didn’t know what to say, what there was to say, letting the silence hang between them for as long as it would last.
“We’ll do the work. We’ll get it done. Count on me, you won’t be disappointed.” He turned towards the towering Sith and bowed. Internally, he thought it funny. Perhaps a bit strange. Not that he'd had many interactions with Sith before, but from what he learned...The Woostri operation was hardly an outlier. Soldiers lived to win battles, not come back alive. You didn't want to throw men away, sure, but ensuring victory was the objective. The only thing that mattered. It's what Jacen drilled into his own head anytime he made a call that got men killed.
Yet Gerwald Lechner didn't think that way? It made Jacen wonder. It made him curious. He never dared to hope, however. Perhaps even despite his words, at the end of the day Gerwald would sacrifice Jacen for the greater good.
It made no difference, and Jacen shook the thoughts away as he rose back to his feet. The truth of what Gerwald said, how he felt, didn't matter to Jacen, he wouldn't let it. He'd enter this fight as he'd entered all others. Feet first. Ready to accomplish his objective. And if he was the soldier from Woostri, the type of man Gerwald desired him to be? Him coming back wouldn't even be a question.
"I'm ready whenever you are already, my Lord."


​

 

[Allyson Locke]

//: Darth Empyrean //: Madelyn Lowe //:
//: Serina Calis //:
//: Attire //:

Her job was to watch, listen, and learn.

People continued to filter in, offering their ideas to her Master, faces she'd seen before and others she'd lied to. Some glanced her way, but she hid her face in the shadows. Stepping back, she remained at his side. He spoke, and she listened. But He wasn't the only one she was listening to.

Someone else in the room had already spilled their secrets to the Corellian. Allyson's eyes followed the woman as she excused herself from the meeting. Her exit was too clean. Too quiet. Every movement set off alarms—the stillness of her departure, the strange phrasing she'd used before leaving. Allyson's instincts sharpened.

She glanced at her Master. As he finished, Allyson stepped forward, sharing silent words—concern over what she'd reported from her last mission to Anoat. Whatever had just happened, it wasn't nothing.

And just like that, the woman was gone.

Orders had already gone through, and a ship was being prepped. Allyson quickly approached the hangar, slipping a sleek black communication device from her jacket pocket. It only had one connection, one person it could reach.

It rang once.

"Hello?" came an annoyed voice on the other end, sharp and clipped. A scolding followed immediately. Something about the hour. Something about how lucky she was; the meeting had been canceled.

"Uh-huh," Allyson answered, wincing. "Well, I have some unfortunate news—" She was cut off again. More irritation. She nodded as if they could see her. "Yes. No. Yeah, I know."

Finally, she forced the words out. "I called because I have to cancel our da—uhh, meeting. At seven."

Silence.

Then, a long, pointed exhale.

Before she could explain, before she could even say this is official business, something you already know about—the signal cut out.

Allyson froze just outside the hangar. She stared at the blank screen, jaw slack.

"Did she just—?"

She tried calling back, and straight to voicemail.

Allyson stared at the comm. Chewed on her thumb. The irritation built—not toward Madelyn, but toward the absolute idiot she now had to clean up after. Bantha turd. That's what Serina was. A walking headache. And somehow, she was the one left holding the mess.

With a sharp breath, Allyson fired off a message to the Minister who had just given her a taste of her own medicine:

<Heading to Saijo.>
<Don't eat my leftovers.>

She paused. Thought for a moment.

<I'll make it up to you. Promise.>

Tucking the device back in her pocket, Allyson tossed her cloak off and pulled on her usual jacket. She grabbed the fighter's helmet from the rack as she passed Tech.

"Anything yet?"

He shook his head.

"Okay. Fuel her up. I'll head out."

Minutes later, the fighter blasted from the hangar, slicing through the sky to Saijo. Allyson sat locked in a rigid silence inside the cockpit, staring ahead. Her grip on the yoke was tight enough to turn her knuckles white. She wasn't thinking about the mission. She wasn't thinking about Serina or the danger waiting for her. She was thinking about the evening she had just given up. Her jaw clenched. Hands trembled.

With a sharp flick of her wrist, she shut off the comms. And screamed.

A raw, unfiltered burst of frustration tore from her throat as she rocked herself once in the cockpit. She cursed Serina. Cursed her luck. Cursed the entire damn galaxy.

She even cursed Lirka Ka — because that pink menace somehow had to be behind this.

But beneath all of it, one thing gnawed at her most. She was this upset about missing a night with her Minister. And that irritated her more than anything else.

 

[Christina Locke]

//: Darth Strosius / Lirka Ka / Odrin Rath / Merion Oreno / Ellissanthia / Kivah //:
Objective: 2 Echoes Beyond the Drift

Her answer seemed to be the proper one.

Even if it was just how she wanted things to go for simplicities sake. The annoying possibility of needing to chat up beings who were, by her own very limited understanding, dogmatic didn't rank high up on her list of things to participate in. Then again, it probably wouldn't hurt to at least attempt to be diplomatic if the opportunity presented itself. If only to make it easier to slip a blade in their ribs. The thought cut short as Lirka began to speak once more.

Chris had never been accused of being a complex creature.

The mention of flowery words seemed to put her commander in the mood for them. Hazel eyes watching the armored figure as she spoke. Narrowing only a fraction as her attention focused on the phrasing. On how it was explained.

"An art? Well," A tiny smile that appeared only at the corners of her mouth as she crossed her arms. A hint of amusement to her tone. "Yeah. I can understand that. "

In truth she had never been accused of being particularly artful with her words. At least not besides the agility to string together curses at a creative rate. But it was evident that Lirka was well versed in finer speech with how she continued to structure her words. A mental note added about the one that she had signed up with as her eyes lazily slid back to the armored figure. The taunt met with an easy grin.

"Lying about capabilities is a fine way to get yourself killed. Would I omit some? Yes. Always leaves room to negotiate and surprise those that try looking at your paperwork. But lie?" Her own question being visibly weighed as she let her head tilt back and forth as if thinking before her smile grew. "Only one way to find that out."

Unsure still how to feel about being complimented for her rather simplistic outlook. Or maybe it was just an overbearing pessimism from the past she had yet to shake. If she ever could. The idea shaken as insight was shared. Taking Chris by surprise at the eccentric nature of the answer. A jarring shove in the opposite direction of what she had guessed about Lirka.

And a welcome one she finally admitted to herself.

But that wasn't a hard thing to accept after watching Lirka drop a room full of people just for her own amusement. The micro-jump ended as quickly as it had begun. The magno-grip barely enabled in time as they reverted back to realspace. Chris going pale at the sight of the other vessels attempting evasive maneuvers akin to performing neural surgery with a mining laser. Somehow though, they had managed to avoid trading hull plating with the nearest vessel. The majority did at least as bodies were thrown about the bridge.

Her own arms wheeling in the air to keep balance and avoid snapping an ankle. The soft thuds and crashing of bodies subsiding as Chris looked around, the harsh grab of a magnetized foot against the floor plating the only interrupting sound as she turned to examine the room.

Until the small explosions outside the viewport caught her attention. Another heavy thunk of the boot as her gaze went outside only to shake her head.

"Unprepared and ignorant of potential outcomes. Not like we've been having jump issues this entire blasted time we've been out here." Hand coming to pinch the bridge of her nose.

Maybe she was being a bit harsh since her only comparison on flying ability was Allyson Locke . Her sister had an uncanny ability that went beyond the memory of their childhood when it came to tech, and only further irritated Chris to no end. As if she could avoid hearing about the Locke Company model and her flying capabilities working in one of their family's manufacturing plant.

"Fething void help us." Still not sharing an ounce of sympathy for those that had crashed. Arms crossing once more and looked at the mess of a formation before them.

"Still should be plenty for any fighting to come though."

 

[Darth Nefaron]

You haven't turned to dust yet, old witch?
​

It was a bitter, childish insult that Nefaron wished he could cast at the Dark Counciler, but he knew better. The Lady of Secrets was not one to be trifled with, especially without making proper preparations. Nefaron had wished she had taken her damn chair and performed her useless dutites, but in the end she had come to disrupt his plans once again.

He had concluded that she had dispatched a spy to his fortress. The same spy who stood at the Emperor's side.

But she had inadvertently given him a great gift. A being with direct access to the Emperor, especially in a private setting.

She may be of some use later.
​

But Taeli Raaf would not escape the Corpse Lord's wrath in the future. There would come a day when her pedestal was toppled, when she was cast down, and Nefaron intended to be there, ready to rip her mind apart and cast her back into a galaxy to wander in shadow until the end of her days. But he could maintain the expected formalities for a bit longer, no reason to burn any remaining cache he had left amongst the other Lords.

"My Lady, I had not expected you to join us. As always, your wisdom continues to be inspiring."

To top off his little act, Nefaron offered a polite bow before returning to his intended target.

"The esteemed Dark Counciler had provided an excellent introduction. Darth Nefaron, a pleasure to meet one who has some interest in my work."

The slaughter on Woostri had been enjoyable, to unleash his toxin on Alliance forces and watch his Apprentice reign death had nearly warmed his black heart. But it had ended all too quickly, and it brought the unfortunate news that Darth Strosius yet lived, and while that fool lived, Nefaron could never fully expect his Apprentice to follow the path Nefaron had carefully laid out. He would be dealt with later, but for the time being, more pressing matters needed to be attended to.

"Visions?" ​

This gained the Lord of Fears' attention. While it wasn't unheard of for Sith to attempt to peer into the future, such visions were difficult to make out or deliberately vague. But Nefaron would admit that his mind had been plagued of late, blurry images and disturbances in the force seemed to appear from nowhere and disappear just as quickly.

"I cannot say anything with certainty. The force has been tumultuous as of late, the hyperlane to Anoat has become less reliable, and I find myself plagued by disturbances. But such things are occurring across the Empire, so I cannot say I have experienced anything unique."

Nefaron turned slightly to engage Lady Raaf, posing a question of his own.

"You know far more than we do, perhaps you could interpret our friends' visions? I am eager to hear what you make of all this, Lady Arcanix."

He used her Darth title with purpose, choosing to continue to show respect, if only to gain more information about what was going on. Surely she knew more than any of the other Lords who bickered around them, and the more Nefaron knew, the more he could use the knowledge to his advantage.

He had not yet given up on gaining Lady A'Mia as his ally. He could provide much for her, if only he could wrench her away from the Lady of Secrets.

TAGS: Taeli Raaf Madrona A’Mia ​

 

[Darth Strosius]

Objective: 2 Echoes Beyond the Drift
Equipment: Lightsaber - Sword - Dagger - Robes
Ship: Gauntlet - Indictable Class Frigate
Tags: Lirka Ka / Merion Oreno / Odrin Rath / Christina Locke / Kivah / Ellissanthia
--------------------------------------------

Several of the bridge crew winced as distant explosions and the screeching of metal heralded that not all ships in the flotilla had been able to adjust in time to account for the anomaly. One corvette even almost impacted the Gauntlet itself but due to a quick maneuver it was able to veer away just in time before the crash could occur. A handful of vessels behind them weren't as lucky but the bulk had made it through hyperspace and were reorienting themselves without too much issue.

Darth Strosius couldn't pay attention to the unfortunate fate of the unlucky souls in the fleet however, His gaze fixed on the serpent as it moved through the clouds before them. Still without raising any signatures on their scanners. But He could sense it which meant that if it was an apparition then it was an exceptionally potent one. That didn't bode well for any of them, Aing-Tii was home to mysterious arts of the Force which could very well be used to delay and hinder their progress. Perhaps the fools had managed to shift their planet away from Sith grasp?

"Permission to fire a warning shot at the beast my lord?" Before the Sith could respond however a fighter from the rear of the flotilla streaked forward ahead of them all. Its laser cannons opened up as it soared towards the serpent but no impacts were made, the arcs of fire simply passed right through it. So did the starfighter itself, passing through the translucent creature then swinging back around to return to the flotilla. A collectively held breath escaped several of the bridge crew at the sight.

"As I said, an apparition." The serpent suddenly dashed away into the clouds, gone as quickly as it had appeared. Something else emerged from where it had fled however, something that made some of the crew pale and shocked the masked Sith Lord to His core. It crawled from the nebula with lanky arms that seemed to be decaying and flaking off before their eyes, wild white hair topping a grisly face that possessed a yawning maw that made no movements even as it glided forward.

Just seeing it made His skin crawl and His tendrils flare to their full wing-like shape in a moment's time. "I-Is that a Starw-" "All batteries open fire!" A heartbeat passed before the Gauntlet opened up at its master's command, the looming Starweird their one and only target as laser and ion cannons ignited the space between the flotilla and the beast with a barrage.

 

[Odrin Rath]

ECHOES BEYOND THE DRIFT

Equipment: Lightsaber & Armor
Assets: Starship
Tags: Darth Strosius Lirka Ka Christina Locke Ellissanthia Merion Oreno Kivah

The collective booms and grinding of metal reverberated around them as other ships failed to perform their own maneuvers in time. Not all were as lucky as his own vessel in avoiding the calamitous hyperspace exit. Such was most of the galaxies luck in the face of this galactic wide event, unavoidable for even the most skilled navigators and pilots.

The apparition itself loomed ahead even as a lone Starfighter shot forward to engage it, both it and its weapons failing to do anything but dissipate the projection. "Fools..." Odrin muttered under his breath, though he did appreciate their version of bravery. Or stupidity. He hoped for the former.

Especially since the sudden change in the Force was felt instantly within and around him. The big brute took a few steps back from the bridges viewports as he stared out at what was crawling out of the nebula, urged into action due to the starfighters actions. Or perhaps it had always planned to ambush them. Either way, Odrin did not want to find out if this thing served the Aing-Tii or was here for or because of other reasons.

All that mattered was that it dispersed. He did not plan to fall this day.

Klaxons blared across the Corvette and other ships within the fleet, urging all hands into a collective rush for their battle stations and/or secured sections. "Fire everything! Engagement pattern Beta, avoid that fucking monster!" Odrin shouted as the entire fleet followed the Gauntlets example and unleashed every turbolaser, cannon and missile they had at that damned beast. Various colors and explosions filled the space between their gathered ships and the Starweird itself.

Even as their collective ships continued to engage it, Odrin knew they stood little chance at this rate. Though he would hold for now.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: CT-312 //:
//: Elrood //:
//: Attire //:

Quinn could feel the emotions malding off the little trooper. A part of her found it amusing that a faceless being such as this could have that range of emotions. Most of it seemed to be directed at the cat - something that the Echani Princess had figured would be the case. She wrinkled her nose towards the feline as it had beelined into the portal. It had done this the last time she needed a portal; Quinn wondered if her familiar was from the nether itself - which would make too much sense, so the girl brushed the thought off.

312 continued to work with her weapon, and Quinn waited. It interested her to see the trooper go over the equipment, preparing for what was beyond the portal. She watched, taking note of how long it took the trooper to be ready to enter. Quinn was fascinated by the weapon the small thing wielded. She had chosen right, and her gut was correct. 312 was a menace, one that would destroy whatever they encountered in the veil.

It was finally time, and she waited as the trooper disappeared through the portal. Quinn followed close behind and prepared to face whatever was screeching when the portal originally opened. As they entered, the world shifted, and everything was flipped. When Quinn looked up, she saw a cityscape like Jutrand breaking through the clouds. It was curious; the last time she had entered the nether, this wasn't what it looked like. It was a void, emptiness, and in the center was her mother's soul, and then the second time, it was Alina's.

"Are you seeing the same thing I am?" Quinn inquired of the trooper. She looked to the sky again. "You see the city above us, right?" There was a hit of nervousness as she looked back at the trooper. Maybe it was silly, but she hoped the trooper answered and confirmed the sight she saw as actually there.

Could Quinn have asked for more troopers? A whole squad would have been able to create a perimeter around her, which meant she would have been secure. Her hands folded behind her back as she continued to examine the terrain. As they moved further into the landscape, the once-paved streets shifted into dirt and foliage. "Interesting." She whispered as she looked up from the ground - back to what was around them.

Another screech echoed through the sky, and before they knew it, a figure that looked like an angel dove towards them. Her target was the Princess. She reached out through the Force and stunned the sky banshee mid-dive.

"Kill it!" She commanded, looking at the trooper. Nodding towards the massive gun she was holding. "I can't hold it for too long!"

The Force felt weaker here; she didn't feel the power surge like she typically did when she fought outside the veil. She felt the doubt she had been feeling continue to swell. Maybe she wasn't as strong as she thought she was.

As she held the one demonic angel in place, the sky suddenly turned black as more were on the horizon.

Did she just condemn her and this trooper to their deaths?

 

[Kivah]

Objective II: Echoes Beyond the Drift
Tags: Naamino Zuukamano | Darth Strosius | Odrin Rath | Lirka Ka | Christina Locke | Ellissanthia
Ship: Kivah's TIE Reaper

"Don't look at me! Pilot the ship!" Kivah snapped at Naamino from where she was sprawled across the cockpit floor, more irritated at having lost her balance in the lurching shuttle than being seen with her biosuit half on and her undershirt. She arched her back and kicked her legs, springing upright even as she wiggled her arms the rest of the way into her living armor as it pulsed and squirmed around her, sealing away the opening.

Out the viewport, a distant fighter fired on the apparition and Kivah let out a low whistle of appreciation as it turned away. "Brave sod. I've head tales of actual space dragons snapping ships right out of the sky." She was just pulling on her weapons harness, when the next thing emerged from the clouds. "Aaaand, we're shooting. Okay." Dropping into her seat, she strapped in again and took the controls after pulling on a headset. "Get changed if you want, but hold onto something just in case we get hit by something weird again." She told Naamino as she adjusted the Reaper's reactor output and shields, brought the guns online and armed countermeasures.

Taking the yoke in hand, she brought the throttle forward and zoomed in towards the rest of the flotilla. As soon as they were in range of the new monster the fleet was raining fire on, she pressed the triggers to rain bolt after bolt of heavy laser fire down on the creature. Already it was impossible to see under their combined fire, but there was no kill like overkill, so Kivah started firing off the ion repeater she'd added too. Each blue-white bust radiating a small ion pulse with every hit. Breaking off, she peeled away, following a flight of fighters out as they looped around, giving the guns time to recharge while avoiding the massed fire coming off the flotilla. Not for the first time she regretted not adding some heavy ordinance to the Reaper. But missiles and torpedos were expensive, and so was reloading them. Plus they'd seemed like overkill and a good way to attract unwanted attention from SecDiv, especially when her cannons could already blast apart asteroids. The smaller ones at least.

Grinning to herself, she remembered something, and turned the music back up as they came around for another pass at the weird root mummy.

 

[CT-312]

//: Quinn Varanin //:
//: Elrood//:
//: Attire //:
//: Weapons: IQA-11 , LO-18D ASSAULT RIFLE, & Vibroblade Knife//:
//: OBJECTIVE III: Veil's Edge //:​

Since the beginning of this ‘best mission’ mission, CT-312’s brain has been having a hard time wrapping around what she’s been told and right now, seeing. ‘Did we just enter another planet through a portal?’. Everything was somewhat similar, but different. As if things had been inverted. It had to be a different planet they were on. Brushing off the thought, it was just a minor detail. Staying alert for the screech that was heard earlier on as well as keeping an eye out for a small black creature. ‘Where’d that annoying space cat go?’

"Are you seeing the same thing I am?" Quinn inquired of the trooper. She looked to the sky again. "You see the city above us, right?"

Halting, CT-312 turned her focus to the Princess. Following her gaze as she looked up to the sky. What the Scout’s eyes saw left her expression unchanging, becoming unfazed. Sighing. ‘Of course there’s a floating city.’ She knew that there were planets that had floating cities, despite the one in the sky being upside down. “Yes Princess. I am seeing it too.”

As they continued walking, the somewhat paved streets became dirt and foliage. Surveying their surroundings as they continued further, the terrain had different bits and pieces of foundations. CT-312 barely heard her contact expressing interest. Lightly kicking a rock in her way, subtly shaking her head. ‘Dirt is interesting?’, Wondering what the actual purpose of being here was. Clearly it had to be more than just escorting someone through a plain of pavement and dirt.

The same screech was heard. Snapping the gun to the direction of the sound. Whatever it was, it was in the sky. Aiming the gun’s end at the incoming silhouetted figure, it looked like a bird. As it dove, the details were indeed not a bird, but an angel of some sort. CT-312 froze for a split second. Remembering her dream in the detention cell block. Those things looked like the ones she dreamt of. Suddenly the angel-like creature stopped mid-dive, as if it was stunned.

"Kill it!" She commanded, looking at the trooper. Nodding towards the massive gun she was holding.

Snapping out of her trance. The Scout Trooper gritted her teeth in anger and in embarrassment. If it weren’t for the Princess shouting commands and that creature stopping mid-dive, they’d be injured or worse, dead. Why would it stop? Seeing the woman nodding at her weapon in her peripherals. CT-312 lined up the shot to the angel-like creature. It was just about in range of her weapon. But with a creature that big and can fly, missing was not an option.

"I can't hold it for too long!"

Once more, the Troopers' concentration faltered for a brief moment. ‘Now was not the time for jokes.’ , did she catch that right? Couldn’t tell if the Princess was being serious or kidding. Shouting, “This really isn’t the best time to use the restroom!”, CT-312 firmly stated “Or Joke.”

Re-focusing up, quickly analyzing the creature and their surroundings. She spotted a break in the horizon. Zooming in with her helmet’s optics, the Scout Trooper was able to make out the silhouette in the distance. “There!” Pointing to the north east. “There are trees, it will give us some cover”

Looking beyond the stunned creature in place, there were more flapping winged silhouettes headed their way. ‘Chit.’

No more distractions. CT-312’s thoughts turned into fists. Wanting to lash out without mercy. Making a simple and stupid mistake of constantly getting distracted. Of course a Sith Lord wouldn’t be bothered handling something this menial. If this was a test. She was failing. Horribly. Gripping her weapon, in a serious deadpan tone, “When this thing dives again, you need to make a break for it.”

“No matter what. Don’t look back.”, clenching her teeth trying to control her anger. “Don’t stop running.” briefly pausing, wondering if the Princess could even run in heels. Last thing CT-312 needed was this child Sith Lord rolling their ankles on top of failing her duty as escort. Taking a deep breath, rephrasing herself calmly, “Run to the best of your ability. Don’t worry about anything else. I will be right behind you Princess.”. Hoping the Princess would listen to her advice and headed towards the trees in the distance.

The winged creature broke through whatever was stopping it. Diving once more at the direction of the Princess. “Let's go.” whispering to herself, growling. It was time to do her job. What she was made for. Her trigger finger itched. As the creature was about one hundred and fifty feet in range, CT-312 took a huge side step. Planting herself firmly, tracking the winged beast.

BOOM. The slug round connected at the right base of the wing. Shredded through it, a puff of feathers littered the air as it let out loud shrieks. The body twisted, soon the creature became angled facing towards the Trooper’s direction.

BOOM. A clean shot right into the chest. Punching a massive hole through its body. The corpse slammed into the ground, with a loud thud. Sliding on the dirt ground as dust kicked up.

‘Oh.’, a wicked smile appeared on her face. Each recoil shot slammed back into CT-312’s shoulder, shoving her back. Sliding her in stance as boots grinded against the dirt and gravel. The sheer raw force of stopping power of each slug round efficiently eliminated the problem.

She could hear tiny taps taking off into the direction of the trees. Following the pace of the Sith Lord, occasionally turning around and firmly planting herself as another one of the angel monstrosities dove at them. CT-312’s movements clicked into place. Cold, mechanical precision. There was no hesitation, no misstep. Only pure rhythmic repetition and muscle memory. Another corpse falling from the sky with massive holes in its body and soon another. And another. Wincing through the pain, CT-312 continued to smirk despite her shoulder screaming from the excessive kickback as each slug fired out constantly.

As they finally reached inside the forest, the flying creatures didn’t bother to give chase. Looking up through the tree’s canopy, circling up top was still a couple of the angel-like monsters. Using this time to catch their breath, CT-312 closed her eyes for a moment. Shrugged and rotated their bruised right shoulder. Trying to loosen it up. Her thoughts drifted back to her actions beforehand. Her dream. Guilt. Was this retribution for her past? Should she have let those creatures take her. Mumbling, “What the heck was that…”

The sinking weight in her chest, the sting of failure. ‘This is some messed up test’. How could she let her confusion and emotions be swayed so easily? To have her attention diverted constantly. The stupid dream, the space cat, and this Sith Lord acting not like a Sith Lord. Irritated. CT-312 didn’t even know how a Sith Lord was supposed to act! But nonetheless that was a distraction from her being able to perform and do her actual job. Even if it was only a simple task as an escort. She had failed.

No more. Opening her eyes, looking at her contact, the Scout Trooper marched over. Stood at attention before kneeling down. Her visor facing down at the grass. “My apologies Princess.” Infuriated and disappointed with herself. Not daring to look up. “I have failed. It won’t happen again.”. The Princess was a Sith Lord for a reason. She had no reason to show her capabilities to someone insignificant like her. But CT-312, a failed clone before birth... She had everything to prove. "I will accept any punishment you see fit"

 

[Avel Som]

Darkwing soared over a forest of mangled, dark trees. The ebon hawk spied two winged creatures in the distance. Prey. He rose high above them and dove, hitting one with a gust of wind and catching it in a small tornado, while he sunk his talons into the eyes of the other. Although much smaller than either of them, they were no match for the black feathered predator. He sank his beak into its throat, piercing its jugular. The one in the cyclone span faster and faster until its wings and limbs were ripped from its body. Both plummeted to the ground, dying in agonizing shrieks. He did not want them completely dead. It was better if the blood was still flowing when he fed.

The shadowy raptor flew down and began tearing into the flesh of the two dark beasts. The blood was dark, almost like an ink, but Darkwing did not care. He was hungry. He sensed two humanoids nearby. Two women; he paid them no mind. For his friend's sake, he did not attack people, unless they attacked first. All he cared about right now was his meal.

TAGS: OPEN
CT-312 Quinn Varanin​

 

[Lirka Ka]

OBJECTIVE II

Perhaps in grand irony, there were few in the Empire more dogmatic - and deluded - than Lirka Ka herself. A dogma of misery and embracing the worst of ones base desires - wrath, greed, envy. A dogma of the endless struggle and the evolution that is heralded forward by the quote-unquote "struggle of existence". Though, idly did Lirka still speak - she had not yet deemed it time to unravel the whole berth of her philosophy to the fledgling Christina Locke

"As you should. Artistry is a powerful thing when honed properly, it is a perspective of details and care. I may appreciate the blunt instrument, but the carefulness of an artist's touch is a thing rarely matched."

Lirka may have turned herself into a monster long ago, lost touch with many of the biological components that made her truly a Sephi. There was a degree of finery that could never be truly lost, the ways of Thustra had been crammed into her brain and that was a way of life not so easily discarded. Of course, Lirka added a small deflection regardless. They were taking notes on each other, but such was the way of things in the Empire. It was important to know how the many pieces moving their way across the proverbial gameboard were going to act.

"Of course, what good is finery when the hammer shatters your skull?"

There was no note more poignant to make for dear Lirka Ka than her penchant to immediately move her mind to violence at any given opportunity. Made sense why she had landed where she did in the grand Sith-Imperial pecking order.

Lirka strummed over the words Christina gave in response to Lirka's little taunt, it was a telling thing. For while the two were noting each other, Lirka would never truly miss an opportunity to go and start prodding, to flip another card to let loose some of the dark truths about the nature of her supposed "work" in the Empire.

"It is a foolish thing to lie about - if you do not intend to turn falsehoods into realities. Ultimately, I expect you to lie to me Warrior Locke. I expect you to lie, to cheat, to steal, such is the way of the Entourage - the way of the Strong. There is no shame in it, if you can get away with it."

As always, Lirka coveted the worst parts of people. But that was not a complex thing, it was animalistic almost. The power of the self, and the evolution to greater power that even greater evil was able to create. Cruelty, such a beautifully simple thing. For all the chaos that followed the micro-jump, Lirka seemed rather unfazed by the whole ordeal. She had plenty of practice with getting tossed around in the void after her various unsuccessful attempts at being a pirate. Of course, the magnets helped too.

And with great pleasure did she acknowledge the frustrations of her fellow. She had been worried, briefly, that the newcomer may have balked at such death. It only cemented Lirka's assurance in that she had made the right choice bringing the wayward Locke into her shadow. When Lirka spoke, she shared the same sentiments - no care for the fallen, if they were worthy, well then they wouldn't be dead.

"Unadaptable. They see chaos and panic, discounting my own personal misgivings with our scout-leader of course. While you are correct that there will certainly be something remaining by the time we reach Aing-Tii. My estitmations put us at an at least 30% reduced fighting force -."

And as if to interrupt her, klaxons blared, and the ship rumbled as turbolasers and other various weapon batteries sprang to life to meet the approaching menace of the Starweird. Things had certainly gotten interesting now, most interesting indeed. Though, still undaunted Lirka finished, and corrected, her estimations.

"Void war...interesting. At least 50% reduced. Come now, Warrior Locke, we will be of no use starring out at the void. Are you trained much in gunnery?"

Lirka most certainly wasn't. But if they could teach the idiots from the farms to shoot the big guns how hard could it possibly be? Brains, and muscle, this monster didn't stand a chance. At least that is what Lirka could hope for. Disengaging her mag locks, the Once-Sephi broke into a sprint as she began to make her way towards the nearest gunnery deck on their vessel: though of course, she was never one to keep quiet. Especially with all the reports thundering into her communicator, she looked back to Locke. Perhaps her new "associate" could shine some better light on what she was hearing.

"Initial reports are saying we have been engaged by some sort of "Starweird". Have you ever heard of such a beast?"