Junction The Divide | TSC & TSO & ME Junction of Carratos, Ank Kit'aar, Sarka | IC

[Aether Verd]

Wearing:
Armor - Darksaber - Mask of Mandalore
.​

ABOARD THE TYRANNY

The future began now.

After the speeches were made to Mandalorian and Sith alike, the Iron, the Titan, and the Dread stepped within the appointed space. And frankly, Aether was grateful for the difference in scenery. It was a far more personal room, dulling the overlapping voices to negligible levels outside. Before taking his seat, his gaze moved briefly to his Dral'buir.

It had been years since he had seen her like this. Years since he had witnessed her hand in another's, or the small gestures of pulling out a seat for her. The sight was the definition of nostalgic for the Mandalorian. It reminded him of those years spent on the edge of creation, watching as his sire treated the Empress the same way the Titan did now. Were the circumstances any less important? He might have allowed the smile which formed as they interacted to last longer. Alas, it perished as soon as his Voice began to speak.

Gratitude was extended. Introductions were made. And before he descended into his seat, his Bright Mother's gaze found his own. And with it, her wintry touch on his psyche. Normally, her words were a source of comfort. Now they were laced with a guilt-trip so heavy that it threatened to weigh the Tyranny into orbit.

<<OhfortheloveofKadI'llcomebyafterthismeeting.>>

It was very seldom that, at least when it came to familial affairs, Srina didn't get what she wanted. And per the usual, she would - at the very least - see her godson after the gathering. Lest she wither and the Sith Order be without its monarch. It was then that Aether found his seat and turned his head towards the Ambassador. And in their private comm, he answered: "Yes. Yes she does. It's how she shows affection." There was a pause and he added: "You must ask her to bake something for you when this is all over. Her confections are to die for."

His tone was earnest, as if there wasn't a graveyard of devastated ovens that had been tormented by her attempts at preheating to 350.

Alas, they could not tarry on the lighter side of things. Not when the fate of entire worlds hung in the balance. In but one breath, the godmother was absent and the Dread Empress had arrived once more. It felt as though the very air shifted and all who could hear listened. Her words, as ever, were a paintbrush. And with them, she created a masterpiece that was clear and to the point. It was refreshing, dealing with those infamous for their absolutes. Treating with the Light felt like dancing across a minefield just to get to the point.

Yet here? The point was made. Aether leaned forward. His fingers formed a bridge just beneath his chin as he hearkened to the words of the Dread. His expression was stone for the whole of her thoughts. It was only when the Titan spoke - amidst the din of metal being revealed - that his eyebrows rose slightly. Then, even Gerwald shared his mind, hearkening back to the nation his sire had once built.

The irony was not lost upon the son, who now sat before the comrades of his father. They were living proof that their words were true and possible. Living proof that a variety of creeds could work together and not only survive, but thrive. The Mand'alor carefully considered it all before answering.

"You have my gratitude for addressing the Wookie in the Room directly. And as you ask for the same consideration, I will share with you what I shared with the High Republic during our first meeting. Mandalore is not so narrow-sighted that she cannot tell the difference between states. Aye, there may be similarities. Aye, there may even be common faces. Yet she is wise and mighty enough to understand that Ten and Eleven are not the same."

"And just as you, Empress, are who you are. So too am I. So too shall I do what is required to ensure the future of my people. And as the Diarchy, and Imperials, and Jedi alike have discovered, the cross awaits those who threaten that tomorrow. In a perfect world, such measures would not be necessary. Yet we are War. It is our god, our flesh, our bone, and blood. We understand that restraint is far from weakness. And we too understand the folly of blind trust."

As the Diarchy had learned the hard way...restraint is the ultimate form of mercy.

"Thus being said, I do not imagine a world where every soul within my Empire suddenly trusts every soul within yours. Nor do I have any illusions that our meeting today will encourage all to...hold hands. Now, as for your concern...My people are accustomed to the standing agreement between our nations. Your children are in no danger."

He understood her meaning. He knew she would understand his.

But what of the Titan's?

Aether's visor moved to Mercy. He first regarded the trove of precious metals with a nod before addressing her directly. "None." he began. "Our distant cousins have made a home elsewhere. Our other clients simply pay what is demanded for our services. None have offered what you do now. If the Covenant wish to answer the blood spilled on Mandalore with this ransom, then I will consider it. I do have one request of the Order, if possible, to add."

"Information."

"As the saying goes, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. And the mistakes which led my predecessor to seeing Mandalore burn on her watch? I would have it so those footsteps are never tread again, not by me, not by those who come after. Only, I do not know what all had led the Second Mandalorian Empire to falter so spectacularly. The records from that era are murky at best. Thus, my request is understanding. If the Eleventh possesses any intel on why the Tenth cast aside its alliance with Mandalore, I request a report. Iron and Information, that will satisfy me."

The Mand'alor then looked upon his comrades briefly. To the new generation and the old. His words were intentional regarding satisfaction - for they were an invitation to share their perspective. As his godmother always told him, let the past die, and if you cannot...kill it. Was this enough to move forward?

His gaze then moved to the Dread Wolf.

"From there, terms."

Srina Talon | Mercy | Quinn Varanin | Arris Windrun | Lirka Ka | Mia Monroe | Lily Rhodes | Adelle Bastiel | Ivalyn Yvarro | Kurayami Bloodborn | Astra Sadow | Leontis Antalis | Zeptepi Zambrano | Gerwald Lechner | Nagual | Varin Mortifer | CT-312 | Darth Carnifex | Darth Prazutis | Siv Kryze | Amelia von Sorenn | Darth Reign | Veyla Krinn | Dral-Kar'ta Saandyr | Adonis Angelis IV | Nephthys Nardithi-Verd + Open

 

[Lirka Ka]

OBJ I - War Council
TAGS - Srina Talon Gerwald Lechner Quinn Varanin Taeli Raaf Aether Verd Mia Monroe Adelle Bastiel Arris Windrun Mercy

Sometimes, it paid to be an observer. Paranoia aflame with so many unfamiliar and powerful faces about Lirka soothed her erratic nerves in the best way she knew - listening to those who sat on their Thrones, and running the calculus of how this talk of fledgling alliance benefited her own machinations.

Of course, it certainly helped plenty with all this talk of the Moridinae Project. It was a warm, fuzzy sort of nostalgia. A time to look back and appreciate herself in her younger years. Lirka was always thankful for her blank-faced helm to hide her emotions - she was certainly not in good company to fondly recall old exploits. Even if she did sit in the rather uniquely privileged and pathetic seat of having much of her dark deeds overshadowed by the Dyarchs’ own massacres.

But, that was 50 years ago. Pieces had moved on the board since then, it was a piece of history to most rather than that artful brushstroke of systemic eradication that Lirka’s pride had sought to place upon the Galaxy.

Lirka pulled herself back to the present rather than fondly recalling her youthful years. Allowing herself to more intently follow the words of the leaders as they spoke - even those that perplexed the Once-Sephi. Certainly the idea of offering up a hefty bounty of raw riches and ever valuable iron was nothing the sort of politicking that oft crossed her mind.

Ultimately, the monstrous metal brute kept her machinations within her own sniveling little bubble. Skulking beneath the eyes of giants whenever she could - to be in the presence of so many was a rare sort of outing that allowed analysis. Pleasantly she was surprised by how swimmingly everything was going. As of yet, there was not anything to be concerned about for her machinations.

There had yet to be much for the creature to add of any real value - without proper policy declared there were no mighty Ayes nor Nays to let loose. Though, with the request from Aether Verd for information, the cool droning of her vocalizer came to life.

“Far from a lofty request. The information you seek is attainable - if you so wish, I could seek to have the information acquired, complied, and a Datapad presented with haste.”

By all reasonable metrics, Lirka should’ve known exactly why she dissected a planet. She had never much bothered with the why, the broken bloodlines and mountains of bones had only really been a stepping stone to her. Atrocity committed for far more selfish reasons than her peers.

​

​

 

[Arris Windrun]

Mercy | Aether Verd | Srina Talon | Quinn Varanin | Adelle Bastiel | Lirka Ka | Taeli Raaf | Mia Monroe | Gerwald Lechner​

There was so much going on.

Quinn was positively playful, and her not-so-coy implication lived rent-free in the cyborg's skull. She glanced in the Queen's direction, who sat next to her, of all places. Her offer to Arris, 'don't hesitate to ask,' only reminded her how surreal all this was.

Certainly not her first meeting. The Covenant had plenty of those. Even the Conclave on Coruscant, following their conquest of the Core. Though never was diplomacy the matter of course. That was new to her.

Thankfully, her bodily sensations were dull; otherwise, she might've reacted more noticeably when Quinn squeezed her leg.

A representative from Mandalore spoke next.

So many proper nouns and titles. Her eyes flicked to Mand'alor alone during the introductions. Until the candy fiasco, anyway, which earned an inquisitive brow. 'Huh, what?' She looked at Srina next.

The Blackwall Empress had plenty to say. Obviously, the fact that Eshan was a victim of similar treatment stood out. Arris wondered: was that meant to be empathy, or a reminder that revanchism is often born of hypocrisy? All this airing of dirty laundry felt positively out of place for the Sith, however. Arris gave Mercy a look - wondering exactly what the play was. Because surely, Mercy wouldn't be so stupid as to--

Why did she have to open her mouth as soon as Arris thought that?

I will assume responsibility for the blood debt between our people. I will personally pay a Core's ransom of gold, silver and most important of all... the ancient iron of your people conquered from the filth infesting my backyard.

Well. That seemed smart. The Sith Covenant was already sending beskar to Mandalore anyway.

She noticed a few of the soldiers picking the bodies apart. "Those aren't trophies," she interjected. "Send the beskar to Mandalore! Put my name on the cargo." Then, muttered. "They'll want their property back..."

Then another spoke. This was the one Lily referred to as the Dread Wolf. He seemed reasonable for that epithet. Then again, what the hell kind of reputation was Dark Horse? Maybe they could bond over the nicknames. Arris snickered quietly, enough that Mercy or Quinn, or maybe anyone else near might hear.

Mand'alor was up again. Arris was glad he and Mercy continued to get along. Though they seemed to share an affinity for cutting through the banthashit. But she was confused when he asked for information. It took her a second to realize he meant that as a request for the Order. Arris knew nothing about 'tenth' or 'eleventh' in this context. Sith history was a source of ignorance rather than interest to her.

Besides. She wasn't alive. She didn't give a--

Lirka Ka

'That's right!'

Arris finally remembered where she'd seen her before. On some world she had already forgotten. Fighting some battle that no longer had any context or 'why' attached. That was when she met Varin, too. Funny.

All in all, the terms seemed simple enough, and far from her problem to solve.

Arris leaned in towards Mercy and spoke quietly.

"I don't think anyone here wants to waste any time." She suggested.

Honestly, though, Arris was left wondering what the hell she needed to be there for.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Location: Onboard the Tyranny, Conference Room
Sith Order Representatives: Srina Talon Gerwald Lechner Quinn Varanin Lirka Ka
Sith Covenant Representatives: Mercy Arris Windrun
Mandalorian Empire Representatives: Aether Verd Mia Monroe Adelle Bastiel
Others: Ivalyn Yvarro Darth Carnifex Darth Prazutis
​

How interesting that the first order of business was related to the Mandalorians. She supposed it was the sword hanging over any sort of forward progress in discussions, the proverbial gundark in the room. Neither Srina or Mercy had taken part in that orchestrated campaign of eradication and erasure that the Tenth Sith Empire under Carnifex had unleashed, but it was interesting that both were taking some responsibility for what had occurred. Srina offered, in her way, a conciliatory stance with her own concerns. The suspicions were deep among both cultures towards the other, for strong historical reasons, but it was true that such animosity could be and needed to be set aside. She was a prime example of this, considering how her family felt about Mandalorians.

Here she sat, patiently and politely, when there was a deep internal desire to continue the work for what had been stolen from her and her family. But... that was what had directly led to such animosities in the first place. She could always indulge that deep hatred on the Mandalorians that followed the Iron Covenant regardless. The Empress of the Core offered a far more direct recompensation, offering resources and beskar recovered from the recent attack on Humbarine to the Mand'alor, to begin covering the supposed debt owed to the Mandalorians for the devastation visited upon their worlds and culture.

It was a powerful gesture, and certainly underlined the seriousness that both Empresses were placing on these talks. Gerwald offered his thoughts as only a warrior could, but she was more interested in what the Mand'alor himself would say. He did not disappoint.

His request and words were pragmatic, born of the iron that he had claimed as his title. He had demonstrated quite clearly what would happen to those that threatened or betrayed his nation. The images of the Diarchy and Imperials on the crosses had gone far and wide, and it had reminded her of the sort of treatment that Ra Vizsla might have shown to his enemies. It was a show of strength and a warning, and the Mand'alor's words demonstrated both here.

Luckily for him, the information he desired was nearer at hand than he might have suspected. Lirka offered to compile the report for him, but she sensed how she could add to the discussions to push them forward. After all, she knew her oldest ally's mind better than most.

"Revenge and opportunity, Mand'alor," she would say quietly, but her words would carry around the table. "The Infernal and the Australis clan had led your people into conflict with the other galactic powers, the Silver Jedi and the Confederacy, and Darth Carnifex saw an opportunity to address an old wound. He remembered what the Mandalorians had once done to Dromund Kaas, the asteroid drop that devastated the world for over a generation. Their distraction, their weakness, was a sign to him that the time to strike was now. It certainly did not help that the Australis clan had been covertly aiding the Tenth Empire's enemies."

Operation: Hammerfall had commenced, and as Lirka knew as she oversaw what the Sith had called Moridinae, they had truly brought their wrath down upon the Mandalore system.

She continued. "It was originally planned to be an occupation and to strip resources from the planet, but then Australis and his allies tried to retake the planet. They failed, and their failure led directly to even harsher measures being unleashed. Councilor Ka might be able to elaborate more in the report you desire, as they oversaw the system during the Tenth's control of Mandalore. But if you want the motives, they tie quite neatly into what this discussion has already been. The circle of revenge for past transgressions, something even I have partaken in. The Australis clan stole something extremely precious from me, and I made it a duty to wipe them out root and stem in any manner I could. I will admit some personal satisfaction in how their clan leader was dealt with."

She would gently tap her fingers in a rhythm on her chair as she spoke.

"Regardless, as I doubt you plan to engage in a three-front war or allow your culture to become warped as it did under the Infernal and Australis, Mand'alor, I don't believe you will show the same signs of weakness that prompted the breaking of the alliance. And as Empress Talon can attest, times have changed. Relations have changed. Power structures have changed. Debts are being paid, and old wounds have been addressed and readdressed."

She would look to the Empresses.

"But I'm sure that we, as the Sith Order, can fulfill that request in totality. Darth Carnifex keeps rather extensive records of his exploits and his thought processes, and he can never refuse a request from Empress Talon or myself if we ask... properly. You'll have all the information you require, Mand'alor."

 

[Darth Prazutis]

The Dark Lord loomed in the shadows absorbing the flow of the conversation, taking in every individual from His position in shadows that crawled and climbed across the walls in His presence. It wasn't until the young Eira Dyn approached that the Shadow Hand even moved at all, the slight cant of His head as the young woman spoke, heavy eyes of molten fury settling on her. She desired to know more, and a take on the current state of affairs. Desire for information was good. a Sith should always seek understanding, but information of Him? Perhaps, but what cost would such information be was a different story entirely. The Dark Lord of the Sith was famously elusive, even His past was shrouded in secrecy in the modern age, His movements just like His intentions: Unclear. The Warmaster kept his attention focused on the unfolding meeting, it was his place to absorb information like a sponge to best do his duty as the martial commander of the Kainate's forces. The God-Splitter was a different story entirely, leaning on a gigantic axe, the High Warlord was devoid of the priests that typically guided his lucidity. The presence of his Dark Master alone was enough to bind lucidity to his mind, and sharpen the bloodlust with a killing edge and a deep seated malevolence that forged him into the instrument the Shadow Hand required.

The Dark Legion had performed admirably on Abregado-Rae alongside the Eternal Father and so the honor of escorting the Dark Lord to such a war council was awarded, and the Shadow Hand allowed Malgrog's escorts to accompany them to the Tyranny in place of his own. The bloodlust had been restrained beneath flesh, but it couldn't suppress the heat that radiated off the colossal Graug's form, his eyes like burning coals that snapped from the meeting to the individual who closed with his master. But Malgrog wouldn't speak, he wouldn't interrupt. "Of course Eira Dyn. We stand upon the edge of a distinct possibility. Sith supremacy is nigh in the galaxy, and we are presented with opportunity to cement our position. As for myself? Perhaps you should come to Dromund Kaas." Prazutis replied softly, to ensure His voice didn't disrupt the meeting. A few things unfolded in His response, first came knowledge of who she was in her full name, second a careful sidestep at providing blanket information to her, and a careful analysis with enough depth to invite further conversation.

While Mand'alor the Iron desired more information in regards to the failures of the past, in the area of the conference room taken by the Kainites, one of the chief architects of the Mandalorian Genocide remained silent, while others sought to explain and answer for the actions of the Tenth, of their Empire. While the Eternal Father and his entourage stood in relative close proximity, presenting a united front, despite His unique position to provide insight, the Shadow Hand remained silent.

Direct: Eira Dyn

Nearby: Srina Talon | Mercy | Arris Windrun | Gerwald Lechner | Taeli Raaf | Lirka Ka | Quinn Varanin | Aether Verd | Mia Monroe | Adelle Bastiel | Ivalyn Yvarro | Darth Carnifex | Zeptepi Zambrano | Kurayami Bloodborn | Astra Sadow | Leontis Antalis | Gerwald Lechner | Nagual | Varin Mortifer | CT-312 | Siv Kryze | Amelia von Sorenn | Darth Reign | Veyla Krinn | Dral-Kar'ta Saandyr | Adonis Angelis IV | Nephthys Nardithi-Verd ​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"The Mandalorians," hissed a voice, the shape of the Butcher King taking form as He appeared amongst the gathering, as though He had always been there even when He evidently had not. Even though dressed in softer vestments than His raiment of war, the Eternal Father nonetheless impressed upon any space He occupied. Power given form, His body radiated with latent charge, energized by the Dark Side of the Force which flowed so readily through Him.

"Became prey. The Sith are the galaxy's anointed predators, and the Infernal's pack became victims of our predation." The others might have given their own detailed reasons as for why it happened, even going so far as to cite specific justifications. But the truth at the heart of the matter was simple. The Mandalorian Empire died because they had grown too complacent and too soft in the sight of the Sith, too comfortable in their shadow. Many eyes watched them from the darkness, and just as many teeth clamped down hard and mangled the Mandalorian Empire to shreds.

He looked to Aether directly, molten eyes staring into his helmet. "Look to your strength and keep it well-honed, Iron-clad, from one predator to another. Vizsla thought himself mighty, and now he is prey for worms." What few in the galaxy knew was that the resurgence of Ra Vizsla, which paved the way for the Infernal, was set in motion by the Eternal Father. He had recovered Ra Vizsla's broken corpse from Castameer, sequestering it on Khar Delba and fashioning a puppet of the late Mand'alor. He then set Vizsla in amongst the Mandalorians as a fox amongst chickens, driving them to extremes they never would have by their own hand.

All so that the groundwork could be laid for when the Mandalorians grew gluttonous and cowardly. The Dark Lord cared little for the destruction of Mandalorian culture, that was a byproduct. Even the obscene amount of beskar He had taken through right of conquest was only an afterthought. It was through the unshakable might of His will that such calamity was wrought, and no Mandalorian living had possessed sufficient will to oppose Him and reverse their apocalypse.

Might Aether's will be sufficient to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the galaxy's predators?

Perhaps...

Aether Verd | Srina Talon | Mercy
Taeli Raaf | Gerwald Lechner | Quinn Varanin
Lirka Ka | Arris Windrun | Mia Monroe
Adelle Bastiel | Darth Prazutis | Ivalyn Yvarro ​

 

[Eira Dyn]

​

Attire: Jacket and Smart Outfit
Equipment: Lethal Pursuers (hidden)
Tags: Darth Prazutis

The retinue that Prazutis had with him were not ones that intimidated Eira, after Dantooine, after letting go of her doubts and insecurities. Eira held no fear in what she could achieve. Her eyes never even lingered on the others around Prazutis. To her, they were fodder, nameless and people she would crush if they dared to think they could touch or attempt to intimidate her. Her blood red eyes were burning with a fire that had not been lit before, she was more than a Sith apprentice, she was someone that was constantly furious and barely holding back the desire to kill. If allowed, Eira would unleash power and fury to burn everything around her. She refused to allow anyone stand in her way. Even herself.

Eira nodded her head slowly, "does seem that we are on the cusp of achieving full domination. Hopefully the council with the leaders ensures that this continues. The High Republic exposed their secret weapon and allowed us to demonstrate that it is not the advantage that they were desperate for it to be." Whatever the device they obtained to create a void in the Force, it was clear that it failed in pushing the Sith Order back, all it did was weaken the High Republic and likely caused further division with them and their Jedi.

"I shall take that invitation to Dromund Kaas. It has been a long time since I was there last." Eira had visited Quinn there once after they had been distant for a while. It would be good to see more of what the world had to offer and what she could learn from Darth Prazutis. "I am curious to see if we can maintain this dominance and eradicate the Jedi for good." Eira mentioned, she had studied the histories on Sith empires and there had been several times where they could have ruled with little to no resistance but something always caused the collapse.