Campaign The End Of A Bloodline: Matricide | Part 3

Teresa Pelles | Darth Pellax · Mar 19, 2024

The Shadow descended through the thick layer of the evenings darkened storm clouds with several transports in formation off the sides. Rain pelted hard against the Cockpit window that it sounded like gravel being poured. Despite all the dreary weather everything was running on auto, a predetermined path logged in between each craft for coordination. Comms had been turned down a little though the noise of small chatter between the ships least stopped everything being dead quiet. To her right was the woman's retainer Komi who was running through something in her datapad. No doubt it was studying material as she pushed herself.

A heavy exhale left the Blackened Valkyries lips, as her eyes looked at the occasional glimpse at tangletown through the clouds down far below still. "Where here," she said turning her head to the teenager besides. "You'll be staying on the ship till I call for you. When we land make sure to do the check on the shuttle. Should be small enough to land in the street later for transportation. Provided we are successful." Those last few words hit with an impact that there was much riding on this. There was no failure, no retry or attempt two, this was her only chance.

It was rare for Teresa but she wore heavy Black robes with two laced up splits along the back. Textured embroidered patterns ran the length of the hem down the black part of the tunic with the full lenth of bright red trailing down the middle underneath gave the outfit an air of elegance, status, power. Her appearance gave the air of a sith in just a look, every bit intentional as a warrior of Kainite on a personal mission. Several sabers where attached to the woman's hip vai clips where two others sat within their Lightsaber Auxiliary fastened to her hip.

A constant strobing bleep began to play out as the ship was now on final approach. Reaching over the console Teresa pressed a button muting its sound as her retainer placed away her datapad. The large light freighter slowed down as two of the transports moved ahead. One by one the several ships landed and from where she sat, the Epicanthix Valkyrie could see the ramps extend with rows of troops marching down them.

Teresa herself stood up and made her way to the Cargo bay of the Shadow, hitting the open ramp button she could hear the familiar hiss as pressure equalized. The moment it opened a crack the sounds of heavy rain pounded on wet ground and metal. Teresa waited under the cover for the commanders and officers. They would soon rush over gathering inside huddling in a semi-circle around the Blackened Valkyrie. Each of them wore identical armor rank only shown by a pauldron that sat atop. Tossing down a holoprojector, the repulsor kicked in hovering it inches from the Alusteel floor.

Golden orange eyes looked at each of them silent waiting for the shuffling to stop. "For some of you, this is your first time meeting me," She said setting the tone that hushed the others gaining their attention. "I am Valkyrie Commander, Darth Pellax." Though she hated using a title, Teresa said it with pride given it was a name her Master gave. "All of you were placed under my charge to command as an extension of my will and the will of your Lord Carnifex."

A dark aura began to fill the small space sending a tremble to those gathered. "For this reason, I will not tolerate failure. Especially today." Her voice growled with each word, the threat though unspoken was heard loud and clear. Taking out her datapad she fiddled with it for a moment till the projection of the town came up. Each part was accurate from avid recon, even their main objective was located. "Valkyries, you will stay out of sight, cling to the rooftops and monitor this resident," a second image projected above the map of a woman and text detailing her appearance. "You are to ensure this woman remains in her residence till my arrival."

"Troops on the ground will be divided into four, this is among you how to manage where unit number will be allocated." Icons appeared over the map one green, blue, red and gold. In the middle was an icon to represent the Valkyries and Teresa herself. "First you will move into these area clearing the buildings of civilians. Capture the women and children seperate the men furthest away from buildings and others. Take your time and follow the training. There is a possibility that the local enforcement may put up resistance and is possible for further conflict. However you are warriors of the Kainite, kill any resistance without mercy and indiscriminately."

The files was shared between the leaders to then go over and formulate their plan. "Mirilla Pelles must not be aloud to escape or harmed. Move out!" The gathered gave their various affirmations and began to dissipate back into the rain to those below them. For now she would wait here till it was time, it was expected to take a while and there was still chance for the rain to calm.

Darth Malum of House Marr

Teresa's Sith Robes

Iroai Amulet

Old Owners Lightsaber,

Ancient Lightsaber

Trandoshan Jedi's Lightsaber

Fathers Lightsaber

Svikin hjörtu

Darth Malum of House Marr · Mar 20, 2024

He had found out about the Kainite movements as soon as they had left the Stygian Caldera, it was uncommon enough to have the information, the Tsis'Kaar were not the vast sprawling shadow empire that they had once used to be. However, this was a most special case indeed. The Kainites had launched their main attacks along the Daragon Trail and the Hydian Way, Yavin, Celanon, and even Moridin- Mandalore, had faced the wrath of their undead legions, their Graug hordes, their mighty Despoilers.

So, it was enough to catch their interest when Kainite forces had begun moving not west, towards the Mordiniz- Mandalorians, not towards the Alliance and their Jedi, but south.

Toward the victorious heirs of the New Imperial Order.

Toward Lothal.

And if that was not interesting enough, the leader of this expedition, a concubine of Kaine, Teresa Pelles, Darth Pellax.

Well, it was certainly enough to get his attention. He who had been miffed enough to have his ventures in Lothal interrupted by the arrival of the Imperial Fleet above the world, and Imperial Stormtroopers ready to occupy the world. It was humorous how quickly the predictions of both him and the Nautolan had come to pass, for indeed, the one thing that they had not predicted, was how fast the imperial sons of traitors would come.

It definitely made his attempts to dig deeper into the Jedi Temple more difficult. It was one thing to have some Jedi, powerful or not on the prowl and alert, it was quite another to have Imperials actively patrolling a world they would forcefully claim as theirs.

He might have cut his losses at that point, good sense would have recommended he do so.

After all, even making it as far as he did in the Temple with the Jedi he had accompanied, he had not found what he was looking for.

And now with the Imperials here...

Yes, he should have left.

Yet, news of the Kainite incursion had mandated him stay.

Curiosity was the reason he gave himself, why they had flown so far out of Kainite space to Empire territory of all places, when their war was westward. Curiosity regarding this concubine of Kaine, he had after all only met one, and though Darth Xyrah was not to be underestimated, they were not exactly what he had expected when imagining a consort or a lover of the Butcher King.

Yet, it was more than idle curiosity, he knew it well.

It was opportunity, an opportunity to ingratiate himself with one of Kaine's favourites, for ingratiating himself with one of them, would be ingratiating himself with Kaine, something that was certainly necessary for all that would come.

And then there was the second opportunity, a last chance.

Kainite reinforcements would be unexpected, but they would be useful.

It had been difficult to make much progress into the Temple, as it had necessitated subtlety, deception, and stealth, all of which he specialised in, but alone, with Jedi and Imperials opposing him, with the Temple's own intricacies, was difficult to do quickly.

He had not brought the resources to storm it.

And he was more than willing to waste Kainite lives to accomplish that.

So he watched, atop a solitary tree, hidden from both the naked and unnaked eye, the rain was bothersome, but it was also oddly comforting. Thunderstruck, as the Kainite transports broke orbit, having been visible for minutes before, and begun reaching this world, that had once been free, and now would be fought over by those without their interest at heart.

The butchers against the traitors.

While Lothal would burn.

If this rain would let up.

The vessels disgorged their content of men armoured and armed, held with supreme discipline even as the rain pelted them, he had seen the Kainite Legions battle before, they were brutal, inhuman, the very mark of one as Kaine. It was by this point he fell from the tree, letting out a small groan, barely audible, as he landed, and began walking down to the landing site. Confident by now, none could see him.

Yet, it was never them that worried him, as imposing, as terrifying as they were to the rest of the galaxy.

That honour would go exclusively toward this Darth Pellax.

A few minutes of marching took him to the imposing darkened ship, a veritable shadow.

He had noticed with keen eyes when its doors had opened, great figures running, indeed, running, not marching to greet whoever exited.

It seemed he had found the one who he sought, catching the tale end of her words, someone, a name he did not recognise, was to be captured.

And that required an entire Kainite incursion... either they did not act with half-measures, or this was a powerful individual indeed.

It was a small fortune that he had indeed heard her, before he saw her, for as soon as his red orbs met her... he had become overcome with uselessity. She was in short, absolutely breathtaking... beautiful, was not accurate enough. That did not even begin to describe her, she was gigantic, towering over even him, with porcelain white skin, only marred with the tattoo upon her face, raven black hair not so dissimilar to his own that reached her shoulders, and orange-flame-filled eyes, that blazed with clear emotion. Oh, and she had wings... the last time he had encountered a woman with wings, it had... well it had not gone horribly in retrospect.

Getting back on track, clearly, whoever this figure was, Darth Pellax did not consider a friend.

And with the shared name... Pelles, he had an estimation of who they were.

He could use this, and thus he allowed his cloak and concealment to fall, as soon as her officers departed.

A smirk upon his face, his robes and hair drenched in rain, as red eyes gazed up to orange, offering a nod.

Immediately his hands were presented, he was no threat.

"Lady Pelles, Darth Malum, of House Marr at your service," Balls, feasts, and galas were the times for full titles, hopefully, the admission that he was Sith would be enough to forestall any overreaction and have her listen, "I do believe we may be of assistance to each other."

Teresa Pelles | Darth Pellax

Teresa Pelles | Darth Pellax · Mar 22, 2024

Her eyes was drawn to the map for a few more moments listening to the sounds of heavy rain and sloshing boots marching about. In the top of her vision feat appeared suddenly snapping her attention up and reached for her blades. Yet after a moment, the face seemed familiar? Teresa thought a moment recognising him at both the Korriban Ball and Naboo Gala also from plenty of reports she had no interest in the details of.

The blackened Valkyrie could not tell either if how he referred to him was a name or a title layed with title. Along with that, the name he used for her that received a nasty look. "Teresa, don't lady or title me. Worst of all use that name." She spat with annoyance at the interloper. The sense of the woman's anger was easy to feel as it ebbed and flowed so heavily in this confined space.

Her stance relaxed as those Golden Orange eyes glared down at the Noble Sith. "I'll give it to you that you've got balls appearing in the middle of a warriors camp so to speak. People would not do that without caution or intention." Her tone changed so quickly this time touching on curiosity at what it was this man had to offer, worst yet, what was he after. She knew all too well no one moved without an agenda let along sith.

Kainite Soldiers adorned in their regimental armors where being organized by officers sending out the units in quick successions. She wondered when the local enforcement would begin the resistance and throw themselves against the vanguard. "Malum Marr, do pray tell how you may be of assistance to me? Let's not leave out what it is you need from me." She spoke plainly understanding a deal was on the table at such a strange time.

Darth Malum of House Marr

Teresa's Sith Robes

Iroai Amulet

Old Owners Lightsaber,

Ancient Lightsaber

Trandoshan Jedi's Lightsaber

Fathers Lightsaber

Svikin hjörtu

Darth Malum of House Marr · Apr 6, 2024

He knew he had made a mistake as soon as her expression shifted to something perhaps a mix of annoyed and angry, unfortunately though surprised for a moment by his appearance, enough to reach for her weapon. The fact she had not actually drawn it, either in shock or acrimony, was enough for him to not need to beat a hasty retreat.

Breathing softly through his nose, he nodded his head, "My apologies, Darth Pellax, or well..." She had permitted him to use her first name... as odd as that was before they even had truly discussed if there was to be any benefit in them working together... but it would be rude to reject such a thing he supposed, "...Teresa... please, then, call me Malum," The fact she did not refer to him as Lord Marr was small mercy, he was in fact Lord Marr, sure.

But his father yet still and thankfully lived, it was still a complete oddity for him to hear it... no matter how much he had been forced to get used to it.

He smirked at the rest of her words, even if there was a real desire to quiver at the glare she was giving him, the air still permeated in her energies, a force that commanded him to kneel or else face the consequences, "Ah well foolishness and bravery so often are opposite sides of the same coin, I can only hope to share the latter quality." Though he knew for certain, he did too owe much to the former trait, her voice shifting away from the enmity was enough to let him know there was a better chance of this opportunity actually succeeding.

He glanced back to the Kainite forces assembling behind him, "Your landing will have already caused a stir, and from what I imagine your purpose here... to find and capture a specific target, an army is not... if I might say the correct tool. One uses a scalpel for surgery, not a butcher's knife," Though considering she was consort to the Butcher King, perhaps no wonder she would default to this option to gain what she wanted.

Or who she wanted, anyway.

"I have Tsis'Kaar elements positioned on this world, allow me to secure your target." Red eyes glowed ominously in the darkened landscape, the smirk not leaving his face, "In exchange, lend me your forces, there is a Jedi temple upon this world, I would see it taken, and all its contents brought back and secured for better use."

Teresa Pelles | Darth Pellax

Teresa Pelles | Darth Pellax · Apr 6, 2024

Teresa's brow furrowed as the title was used once again before being corrected. "I've no doubt this has made plenty of noise," she remarked, her awareness clear in her actions. "Those who stand in my way will simply be shot down." It was amusing that he lacked insight into the overheard plan. The Blackened Valkyries eyes narrowed as a smirk crept across her face. While she continued to listen, Teresa finally learnt vaguely what the young Sith Lord desired. Who would have thought a Jedi temple stood on her estranged homeworld, the Valkyrie pondered silently.

Truly, the woman had no clue who these Tiss Carr people were, and her target was far too valuable to let slip away. "It's true, a less frontal approach would be better if I were just after one person, but I am not." Walking closer then to the man's side, her eyes peered out into the moving people now advancing into the town. How long would it be before the first shout would ring out?

"This whole town is my target, Malum Marr, and I will see it razed before the sun touches the horizon. I follow through with my punishments." The holo image that still illuminated the near-empty cargo hold was easy to understand. The forces had been split into five groups: Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, then a group symbolized by an insignia. The colored teams were to move into the town, sweeping in to clear each building. An operation that took time and manpower.

"The person I seek in this place however is for me to confront, it's... personal you see. There's no escape for her, I simply won't allow it, yes nothing will get in the way you see?" A glance at the plan also made that easy to understand why. Vorpal Valkyries, Teresa's most specialised warriors only had one single objective. Lock down a specific location. Looking over the map amongst the forces she had there was some she could spare easily.

"Now I do wonder what it is about a jedi temple that catches your eye. I'm most curious. Make sure no civilian that is smart enough to run by foot lives long enough to talk about this. Ensure that and not only will I accompany you on this little excepade I'll bring enough to squash any little resistance you can't handle alone or with your people hum." Teresa said patronizing the little lord without worry.

Darth Malum of House Marr

Teresa's Sith Outfit

Iroai Amulet

Old Owners Lightsaber

Ancient Lightsaber

Trandoshan Jedi's Lightsaber

Fathers Lightsaber

Svikin hjörtu

Darth Malum of House Marr · Apr 10, 2024

Urgh, he had seemingly miscalculated to some degree, fortunately, it seemed that it was not a fatal blow to his plans. Even if she was not so interested in just the capture of a certain individual, and indeed held ambition over the entire town, something his Tsis'Kaar while capable of pulling off... were not exactly the forte of assassins and rogues.

However, it seemed that his own ambitions had attracted her curiosity.

Such could both be good... and bad.

It very much depended on how much she would want whatever dwelt below its depths.

How much she was interested in the World Between Worlds.

And indeed... if he at all wished to inform her of the place. It seemed she truly had no great knowledge nor care for the Temple itself, which unless that was an act, seemed to imply she did not know of its importance.

How he played with that information... was very important.

"You are very confident in the abilities of yourself and your men then," Malum simply noted, not being able to tell if that was truly confidence, or if that had strayed into arrogance. However, it could be both for all he was concerned, as far as he knew, Imperial defences here... were not the best.

As she advanced onto him, the instinctive desire to withdraw was fought with great effort, as she stood perpendicular to him, gazing out to her advancing forces, Malum biting his lip, as he spun to watch as well. He knew he should be opposing this... this... personal reason to sack a town.

He did.

However, he was in no position to stop her, the towering giant that she was, with force both qualitative and quantitative at her side.

Neither, had he any intention to cross so openly blade with one of Kaine's consorts. It would not take much time for such news to reach him, especially if she lived.

And without knowing much about her, he could not say if putting her down into the dirt would be easy.

It annoyed him like nothing else that the Jedi Nautolan was right...

...But this was the price of war, enacted by those on who could not fight,

Elise Ahana-Gwyneira , might not understand, but this was the way of the galaxy.

What he was trying to fix.

For her, for the entire galaxy.

He grimaced at the task offered to him, no survivors...

Well, he supposed it was best for assassins to undertake that task, rather than the torturers and butchers. And indeed... if it was his task... he could make sure death did not necessarily have to occur... Alvaria could use new blood.

Yet he grimaced too at the insult, at the patronising.

"Do not think it an inability to do so, I simply did not desire to broadcast our presence, spies that are found do not make good spies, I hope you would agree," He responded, wondering how to answer the rest of what she said, "...I will take upon that task then, my agents will make sure no eyes alive will witness these next events... as for why I am interested in the temple..." Indeed, what could he say? "I believe there are hidden caches of lightsabres and holocrons inside, such would be rather useful in both the outfitting of forces, and for the knowledge that the Jedi have long since hidden from us."

He said the lie as easily as he said the truth.

Once they found the portal, she would either be dealt with.

Or he would feign surprise just as easily.

Teresa Pelles | Darth Pellax

Teresa Pelles | Darth Pellax · Apr 16, 2024

She could feel the constant churning from the young sith lord. Still Teresa smirked at Malum's statement. "I have confidence in my own abilities and those of my kind, that is more than enough." It wasn't that she didn't have confidence in the troops left in her charge. Rather it was the first time putting this gift to action. So far the silence held beyond the sounds of hundreds of sloshing boots. Some could argue overkill, where Teresa called it efficient.

"I don't use spies, nor do I have uses for such. So I am of no opinion. Think of this as training for your people. Besides if you are worried about some showing weaknesses in that chain of yours, then would it not be better to lose them doing something meaningless than fail when most needed?" The woman chuckled offering her point of view.

Though her gaze turned and eyes narrowed some as his next statement. "Still, clean up after me and I shall clean out for you. A fair trade... almost." Her hand reached behind tugging on a cloak hung up on the corner of a metal box. As the hood sat on her head, both hands tugged at the edges so they sat between shoulder and wing. Leather string threaded through eyelets with graceful control, waving from one to the next. Stopping a few centimeters from the base to the valkyries wings the two ends came together letting the excess hand in a long droopy bow.

"An extra part to add. Do not think me a fool Malum Marr," She said warning the man. Teresa's head turned so those Golden orange eyes glared down on the small sith lord. "Old lightsabers, scraps of knowledge. I know all to well that you Sith Lords do not go diving for scraps of the enemy." The woman remarked insightfully. did not know what it was he was after still but, lies and deceptions are things she did for fun.

"Wait here, we'll take my ship, it'll be quicker." Stepping down the ramp finally, the sound of the rain pelting into the robe was like a roaring applause that had no end. Bringing thumb and finger to her lips, Teresa let out a loud whistle that cut through other sounds. That very sound got attention from the soldiers who heard it but mostly the one she directed to it. The woman spoke with one of the leaders that was part of the debrief. It took no more than a few moments before an affirming nod. Twelve soldiers and a Valkyrie began to approach the shadow.

Coming back into the ship she'd gesture to follow up the steps of magnetized boxes made into steep steps. Of course the path of least resistance would be the ladder off to the side. "Komi, you're staying here with the shade. Get you and it detached." She said walking towards the cockpit.

"Wait what's happening?" Spoke the young voice coming from the cockpit. The teenage redhead with deep red markings peeked around the door looking at the Blackened Valkyrie and the guest. As the woman's stride did not stop, Komi quickly stood to the side avoiding the incoming wing.

"You are staying here with the shade. Watch stuff here, I will be needing your eyes later," She said with a purr knowing that later the girl would be choosing amongst the stock. It was also an assurance that her retainer was safe.

After the man with dark hair passed, the girl rushed off to the shuttle not offering any further words. Teresa however got comfortable into the chair with a groove for the wings. Flicking switched the dash panels began to light up, the next switch however powered the engines up. Along the right wall displayed the internal cameras. Using this the woman waited for the unit to get in plus the shuttle to shift. "You can fly right?" Teresa asked

Darth Malum of House Marr .