Faction The Heresiarch's Stand

[Darth Strosius]

In the wake of an assault on Seswenna by a Mandalorian force now identified as the Iron Covenant, reconstruction and restoration efforts had begun almost immediately after the attack had been fully repelled. But not by its civic authorities or even its governor, as the governor themselves and many of the civilian officials have been reported as deceased at present. The handful of such figures which made it offworld during the fighting have attempted to return only to face imprisonment under charges of desertion and cowardice, leaving the remaining officials stranded and now petitioning the Sith Order's Assembly to intervene.

The “authorities” carrying out these arrests and directing planetary efforts at present are the Order of Wonosa, with Darth Strosius Himself having declared their occupation of Seswenna as a necessity to ensure the security of Sith space and monitor the Wild Space border of the Blackwall by citing the attack itself as the prime evidence of such an apparent need. The battered local forces have by and large either been coerced into working with the Wonosans or are too disorganized and weakened from the Mandalorians to refute their occupiers to any meaningful degree.

Already scattered reports of the destruction and defacement of Sepulchral sites and monuments to the Sith Order have filtered from the planet, officially listed as being damaged during the attack in spite of them often being far away from any actual scenes of combat. Most pressingly however has been a leak by one of the planetary defense forces to the Assembly of the construction site of a Rainmaker Cannon and several confirmed sightings of new defensive stations in orbit around the planetary shipyards in spite of them still being in the midst of repair.

Darth Strosius and His forces are digging in and fortifying their occupation of Seswenna, their intent on securing its shipyards and industrial base for themselves all too apparent. Will they persevere or will the calls for aid from the planet’s real officials be heeded?

 

[Eira Dyn]

Location: Seswenna
Armour: Marwolaeth Ddu
Armour Mode: Assassin
Weapons: Lethal Pursuers, Blaster Pistol, Vibrosword
Tag: Darth Strosius

The Mandalorians had overstepped. Some were clearly not seeing the declared Manda'lor as the actual leader of their people and willing to war against those Aether had declared allies. It was either a cancer that needed to be excised or it was a demonstration that this leader of Mandalorians was not quite the conqueror he declared himself to be. Eira was curious to see more of what this conflict would develop into. She needed to understand how these Mandalorians thought, what made them different and what they placed higher than anything else. Understanding the enemy was a step to annihilating them, in Eira's mind. They crossed a line and there needed to be a punishment for it.

Seswenna was where she found herself, it was the location of a recent attack by these Mandalorians and probably the best place for her to either find one that was still alive and in need of some aggressive persuasion into talking. There could be markers, clues, that could lead her to finding where these Mandalorians hid. Where they fled after they attacked here. It was important to know where these Mandalorians called home since Eira hoped for the Manda'lor's sake, it was not connected to him. Eira just held lingering doubts that someone declaring themselves as a leader, an emperor, would be unaware of dissidents who proclaimed themselves to be of the same path as his empire is.

Her fingers traced over bolt scoring, sensing the Force surrounding the events. Nothing but destruction and anarchy. There was no voice that spoke, no home or desire to return. It was a bitter disappointment but Eira was not proficient with Psychometry. It was a power that she found interesting and useful but knew only a handful were naturally gifted with the ability and could envision whole chunks of memories. No matter how long ago the events occurred. Eira was limited to more recent events and seemed more surrounded on immediate thoughts and emotions.

Eira was wearing her assassin attire, meaning that her presence in the Force was minimum, her armour allowed for the most flexibility and allowed her to move silently. While the Sith were here, it was only a singular branch of the Sith from what Eira could tell. Another matter that had Eira curious, she was interested in seeing what Strosius and his forces had in terms of their intentions for Seswenna. So, a little observation and keeping track of things seemed to be a solid secondary objective for Eira. She figured it would be good information for her Master as well.

 

[R'ayne Asara]

[]

Comfortable Liar - by Chevelle
​

Tag: Darth Strosius - Eira Dyn


The storm above Seswenna boiled like a wounded god as my shuttle descended through curtains of fading rain and dimming bruised lightning, the hull trembling beneath the chant of its engines. I stood unmoving within the crimson-lit troop bay, surrounded by the grim silence of Sith Legionnaires clad in polished armor, their rifles resting against their chests like instruments awaiting a funeral hymn.

Through the viewport I watched the neighborhoods and business establishments within Seswenna infested with the wounds of chaos; destruction scattered like constellations across the landscape, rebellious districts smoldering where dissidents had dared convince themselves that defiance could survive the gaze of the Empire.

Darth Strosius' Order of Wonosa held the line well enough, continuously reinforcing his position but the unrest had spread like rot beneath old skin, and so I had come not merely as reinforcement, but as an opportunist. The moment our shuttle pierced the clouds and descended toward the front lines below, I could already feel the fear and anger of the planet rising to greet me through the Force like incense from a sacrificial altar.

When the boarding ramp crashed open, cold wind swept through the chamber carrying the scent of wet stone, ionized smoke, and the iron smell of fresh blood. I descended slowly into the floodlights of the landing platform, behind me marched the Legionnaires in perfect cadence like starving wraiths waiting to be unchained upon the lower districts, eager to drag traitors from whatever gutters or sanctuaries they clung to.

Seswenna was not merely a world to defend; it was a vital artery within the sector, a world whose manufacturers, trade routes, and well-placed loyal governors would strengthen the Sith Empire's grip across neighboring systems if properly secured. I gazed out across the sprawling lights of the capital and felt the planet itself trembling beneath the weight of inevitable submission.

I moved beside Darth Strosius beneath the towering ferrocrete archway overlooking the lower districts of Seswenna, my cloak whispering across the rain-slick platform like the dragging wings of some nocturnal predator. Together we stood above the city while sirens wailed far below through the endless maze of factories, warehouses, habitation spires, and crumbling avenues stained by riot fires.

From orbit the world had appeared merely wounded, but here upon the surface I could see the true infection spreading through its bones. In deliberately annoyed tones I remarked, "The city looks worse for wear from the descent, ground level speaks different volumes."

My eyes drifted across the distant lines of marching Legionnaires below, tiny insects crawling through the storm's residue as I folded my hands behind my back before turning my gaze slightly toward Strosius, the corner of my mouth twitching with faint irritation as thunder rolled across the skyline.

"This is your theatre, Lord Strosius," I continued, my voice smooth and dark despite the sharpened edge beneath it, "what role do you require of me?"

I did not ask out of obedience, nor humility, but because every war possessed its own rhythm, its own choreography of terror and sacrifice, and I wished to know whether he desired a conqueror, an executioner, or the patient shadow that extinguished rebellion slowly enough for the survivors to remember why they should fear the Sith Empire.

 

[Christoph Kudmol Voytger]

Christoph didn't know what a Mandalorian was until he ran simulated battles against them in Legionnaire Training. He didn't understand them. The idea of fighting for pleasure or honor. It was a foreign concept to him. Fighting, war, violence, all of this existed for him to serve the interests and advance the Galaxy in the correct and righteous direction. One where the Sith the Rightful Rulers of the Galaxy were in charge under the leadership of the Eternal Mother the divine Srina Talon beloved by all. To seek war and to bring destruction to this world was an insult. To profane it with their heretical and debauchery was something that made Christoph sick to his stomach. The idea that these "people" could see a world thriving under Sith rule and attack and desecrate it's holy sites filled him with a rage.

Standing outside the command structures of the forces digging in to the world to repair and salvage. Christoph stood in his red Legionnaire Armor in a standard line. The bark of an order came down and Christoph responded.

"Raise— ARMS!" The voice rang out and without thought he raised his rifle and leveled it in front of him presenting it in a standard drill movement.

Christoph didn't understand the Mandalorians. He didn't understand their culture. He didn't understand their ways. What he did comprehend was cowardice and the price for it. Arrayed before him and his brothers and sisters were the stripped and beaten forms of both disgraced Planetary Defence Forces and failed servants of the Sepulchral Priesthood. People like his family and friends back home. His former life of trying to serve the Priesthood. These people who were given the position that he so craved, that he desired and dreamed of more than anything. They had abandoned it. Allowed these holy sites to be destroyed and defaced. It sickened him.

"Devotion is my shield, for it guards me against the heretic, the apostate, the unlean." A priest of the Red Gate stood by Christoph's firing line giving prayers to the executioners. To Christoph and his brethren to do what must be done.

"Prime —- SHOTS!" Forcing the butt of the rifle into his nook of his shoulder. Christoph primed his weapon as he stared at the men and women pressed against the wall of a ruined building. Christoph's heart raced as he thought of his life back home. How he only felt disgust and anger for his people would never have failed as these begotten sinners had.

"Our faith is the blade of Eternity, for it cleaves through the chains and enemies that bind us!" The prayer began to grow louder as it was reaching its end.

"take—- AIM!!" even with his heart racing, Christoph didn't hesitate to purge the weak from this perfect society. They had failed and thus had no place here.

He looked down the barrel of his blaster rifle. A coldness spreading at his fingertips as he leveled it down onto a man and woman stripped of their vestments and put into rags and chains. A fitting end for cowards. Christoph thought to himself.

A Colonel within the Sith Legionnaires approached their supreme commander for this section. His wickedness Darth Strosius. With him was another Sith. It was short and quick how the older legionnaire dropped to one knee and spoke before his lord.

"My, Liege. The first batch deserters and cowards have been gathered and are ready for purging. By your word my lord." the Colonel said with his eyes and head pointed down, never daring to look upon those who ruled upon high.

“The glow of the Dark Side radiates within the faithful and through that our passion shall lead to triumph.”

Christoph waited, he waited as the prayer ended and life and death was cradled in his hands once more.

Darth Strosius R'ayne Asara Eira Dyn

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Darth Strosius R'ayne Asara Christoph Kudmol Voytger Eira Dyn
​

For any of the Wonosans that had taken control or were monitoring the system, the only warning they would have would be a rapidly approaching magnetic signature and... large organic bioforms before the fleet would begin emerging from hyperspace. The force that had begun to arrive had been dispatched to root out the Mandalorian raid on the planet, to investigate how they had breached the Blackwall in this sector, and seal it. What they had continued to discover from panicked reports and officials fleeing the planet for their lives was another story...

One that had resulted in the Dark Councilor, who was now arriving to clean up the mess, standing on the bridge of the Eschaton-class Star Destroyer Idirsholas, face resting in the palm of one hand while she read the latest report on the datapad in her other. Stabilize the system? Sure, commendable. Root out lingering Mandalorians that weren't able to evacuate? She'd be happy to load the rifles for the execution squads. What did she not expect to read, what had been reported to her by the senior officials from Seswenna that had escaped the chaos, was a full military occupation of their planet by the Wonosans. That they had been stripping down symbols and monuments not just to the Sepulchral, something that she could probably forgive, but to the Sith Order and its Empire.

"Lady Arcanix, scans show several orbital defense stations arrayed around the shipyards along with the Wonosan fleet that arrived during the battle," Admiral Gorlois remarked. "Your orders?"

A soft sigh would escape from her as she lifted her face from her palm. "Assume combat formation and launch half of our fighters to cover the fleet, the other to be on call for combat operations, but we do not engage yet. We're going to chat first."

A salute, and the Admiral walked off to issue her orders to the fleet, even as she engaged the holocommunicator to broadcast on all frequencies within the system. For Strosius, and anyone near him, her image would appear, and very clearly not amused. "I know the Force can grant us visions of the future, and this can induce a state of deja vu at times, but by the Celestials and the Whills, Alisteri, this song and dance again? I have six different reports of the Wonosa tearing down approve iconography, and don't dare tell me it was the Mandalorians who did the damage. Their attack was limited to the industrial zones. I have another three reports that you are holding the legitimate ministers overseeing the world as prisoners, including from eyewitnesses, and have been executing LOYAL Sith forces. Did you learn absolutely nothing from Tund? Comm jammers, if you're going to try to take over a planet, but this time, it's even worse! You're actively doing it in Sith territory!"

She would toss the datapad aside, not bothering to watch as an aide quickly caught it.

"What exactly do you have to say for yourself this time, and it had better be good. And don't even try to say it's to secure the system from further attack. That would not require everything you are doing."

Force Composition

Spoiler

• Four Eschaton-class Star Destroyers
  • Idirsholas - Flagship
    • 5x Squadrons of Disciple-class "Banshee" Fighters
    • 4x Squadrons of Caldoth-class Bombers
    • 5x Squadrons of Merregon-class Transports
  • Sigan
    
    • 5x Squadrons of Disciple-class "Banshee" Fighters
    • 4x Squadrons of Caldoth-class Bombers
    • 5x Squadrons of Merregon-class Transports
  • Balorian
    
    • 5x Squadrons of Disciple-class "Banshee" Fighters
    • 4x Squadrons of Caldoth-class Bombers
    • 5x Squadrons of Merregon-class Transports
  • Dorocha
    
    • 5x Squadrons of Disciple-class "Banshee" Fighters
    • 4x Squadrons of Caldoth-class Bombers
    • 5x Squadrons of Merregon-class Transports
• Four Lussk-class Assault Cruisers
  • Barovia
    
    • 1x Squadron of GS-60 "Valkyrie" Heavy TIE Fighters
  • Darkon
    
    • 1x Squadron of GS-60 "Valkyrie" Heavy TIE Fighters
  • Falkovnia
    
    • 1x Squadron of GS-60 "Valkyrie" Heavy TIE Fighters
  • Hazlan
    
    • 1x Squadron of GS-60 "Valkyrie" Heavy TIE Fighters
• Four Delita-class Heavy Frigates
  • Dilisnya
    
    • 1x Squadron of IS-12 "Pyrolisk" Starfighters
  • Drakov
    
    • 1x Squadron of IS-12 "Pyrolisk" Starfighters
  • Ramya
    
    • 1x Squadron of IS-12 "Pyrolisk" Starfighters
  • Lukas
    
    • 1x Squadron of IS-12 "Pyrolisk" Starfighters
• Six Elwin-class Rapid Assault Frigates
  • Renier
    
    • 2x Squadrons of IXI-1 "Aevis" Interceptors
  • Morden
    
    • 2x Squadrons of IXI-1 "Aevis" Interceptors
  • Larissa
    
    • 2x Squadrons of IXI-1 "Aevis" Interceptors
  • Jander
    
    • 2x Squadrons of IXI-1 "Aevis" Interceptors
  • Alanik
    
    • 2x Squadrons of IXI-1 "Aevis" Interceptors
  • Avenir
    
    • 2x Squadrons of IXI-1 "Aevis" Interceptors
• Four W'ana Shursia

 

[Revna Marr]

Tags: Darth Strosius // Eira Dyn // R'ayne Asara // Christoph Kudmol Voytger // Taeli Raaf
Other Tag: Varin Mortifer ​

In the wake of war, opportunists often rose from the shadows to claim that which the fighting did not utterly consume or destroy. Thus, it came as no surprise to Revna that her former Master had set His sights on Seswenna. Long had He sought a stronghold to dig in and entrench Himself, since the untimely demise of Formos and His former seat of power, Faldos.

Fallen from grace, but determined to claw His way back into a position of strength. Strength for Himself, and the Wonosans, more so than the Sith Empire itself.

Once upon a time, Revna - being Darth Strosius’s Apprentice - would have thrown herself fully into such movements. Her name, her identity, was bound to His own. But then He had died, and she had learned to step out of His shadow and become her own person, something she still did even after His resurrection and return to the living world.

She learned just what kind of Sith she wanted to be - and that took her on a different path than what she had imagined for herself. Now, she was training to become the Sith Queen of Korriban - a crowning that would come when the Sith King felt she was ready for it. For being a singular planet, deep in the heart of the Holy Worlds, Korriban had incredible influence in the wider Sith Order. Revna’s position put her face to face with the most powerful Sith Lords within the Order itself - Dark Councilors, the Empress, and others.

No longer was Revna just herself. Her name now carried weight…the weight of an authority that was watched by the highest powers within the Order. She acted and ruled on King Caedes’ behalf, alongside his First Lord of Korriban, while he dealt with the burdens of being a Dark Councilor.

It was this weight, this scrutiny, that Revna kept in mind whenever she chose to engage herself with the Order of Wonosa. Once upon a time, her actions were her own. Now - they could involve Korriban, and that could lead to unforeseen consequences. It was risky - throwing her lot in with a so-called ‘heretic’ of the Sith Order. One whose opinions of the powers that be was so loudly voiced by the Sith Lord Himself, every chance He had, everywhere He went.

But that didn’t stop the young Darth from lending her aid to her Father, especially as He made a bid to secure such a key planet for Himself, for their people, His followers.

Even in this, there was opportunity for the Queen-to-be. And, whether He wanted to see it or not, opportunities for Him too.

But first, Seswenna needed to be secured, and Darth Strosius’s authority seen and accepted. That, of course, was the greatest challenge they faced. But such was their way - if one wanted a place of power and influence, they either manipulated their way into it, or took it by sheer force of will.

Sith would come to test Darth Strosius, that much was certain. Was He strong enough to keep this world under His control? Revna was curious to find out, and she was happy to lend her aid, where possible.

After making it to the surface, it wasn’t hard for the Vahla woman to find her Father. He was with another Sith, a woman, that Revna did not know. Others were near to the Sith Lord Himself, awaiting orders.

Revna’s approach was whisper quiet, black Zeyd-cloth robes overtop of armor that moved with her every step. Tucked out of sight was her lightsaber, and hidden further was her special shikkar blade, filled with Devaronian blood-poison.

“Lord Strosius.” Revna said softly, her voice carrying towards her Father. She would always address Him with respect when around others, keeping their more familial bond hidden away so others were not tempted to use that against them. “I see You are making a bid to take Seswenna for Yourself.”

She came to a halt on the other side of Him, her fiery eyes shifting towards Him as she gave her Father a small half smirk. “How fares Your operations thus far…and where shall I lend my assistance?”

Darth Strosius would not have an opportunity to respond to her, however, before the holoprojectors before them flickered to life and revealed a face…

Of none other than perhaps her Father’s most despised foe - Taeli Raaf.

Flashbacks from Tund rippled through Revna’s memories. That had been so long ago now, and she was no longer just a fresh acolyte these days. She had a bit more experience, and this time - she had a somewhat decent relationship with the woman on the other end of the holoprojector. A relationship that Darth Strosius had been kept in the dark about, for good reason.

The young Vahla stood and listened to Lady Raaf, taking account her tone of voice, her irritation, the scolding she was giving another Sith Lord whom she clearly felt was beneath her. A Sith Lord whose power bases she had attacked and obliterated in past confrontations.

Revna was still bitter about what had happened to Formos.

The Vahla’s black and silver eyebrows drew down into a slight frown as Taeli’s words continued to flow, and her ember eyes sharpened slightly.

This…was a major complication to anything Darth Strosius wished to accomplish here. And, knowing her Father, He would fall back on His hatred and vitriol and dig Himself into another hole He couldn’t crawl out of.

This was a Dark Councilor, and she had allies in high places. Grimly, Revna wondered if Kainate forces would show up here, if Carnifex or especially Prazutis, caught wind of what was going on here. They always enjoyed a show of force, whenever and wherever possible.

-Fine mess You’ve gotten Yourself into again, Father.- Revna sent the thought into her Father’s mind through their bond, her tone light but tinged with sadness. -If You have any love or respect for me, please listen to this: declare Your intentions to take control of this planet, instead of spouting banthashit. I know you hate her, but there might still be a way to salvage this that will make a way for You to occupy Seswenna. I want to help you achieve that, even if it means we have a chat with Taeli. I didn’t get You back just to watch You get Yourself killed again. Give this some consideration…please.-

Revna let the last of her thoughts drift into His mind before He could utter a single word, and she hoped and prayed He would consider it. She didn’t have much hope, but it was worth a shot.

Best case scenario - He actually entertained a discussion with Taeli about His desire to take Seswenna for Himself - one that bore fruit.

Worst case…Revna felt she might be forced to choose a side, and thus make an enemy out of someone she had no desire to make. ​

 

[Killian Rath]

So far, many faces came forward to speak directly with Darth Strosius . Great and mighty names among the Sith. Those who bore the title Darth.

A shadow detached itself from the darkness of a corner and loomed nearby. His utterly hairless, pale features marked him as an Umbaran and he wore a Sakiyan shadowsuit. His only armament looked to be shikkar daggers, but looks could be ever so deceiving.

The Umbaran, who called himself Safir, knelt upon one knee near the great assassin Darth Strosius, the last of the Ophidian students so far as Safir knew.

He said nothing, only waiting to be acknowledged so that he might carry out whatever orders the Sith Lord gave him.

Revna Marr | Taeli Raaf | R'ayne Asara

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

​

Seswenna
Tags: Darth Strosius | Eira Dyn | R'ayne Asara |
Taeli Raaf | Revna Marr | Christoph Kudmol Voytger | Killian Rath​

Having arrived on planet alongside Wonosan forces, given her proximity and care for their Prophet, A'Mia was lending various Sithspawn to the cause and directing their assistance as a skilled puppet master.

It didn't take clairvoyance to know that things planetside were going to get messier before they became more orderly again. However, given Alisteri's status amongst his fellow Sith, A'Mia wagered that it was unlikely for his claim on the planet to go unquestioned or even perhaps challenged. Her care for the man, the way he'd shown up as a stalwart defender on her own planet, and frankly her own enjoyment of stirring up a bit of excitement here and there all contributed to her eagerness to support him.

She was deep in trance, coordinating the efforts of a group of her shambling vines from afar, when a very familiar presence registered near orbit. A'Mia's senses had grown in their time communing with Psilofyr and she'd found it immeasurably useful. Certainty about where Taeli Raaf would direct her focus upon taking in the scene of the planet before her struck and A'Mia was moving with preternatural grace. Stepping from her place of meditation on a patio that had seen better days and was surrounded by a few trees, she strode right into the largest plant and out from a different tree much nearer to where Darth Strosius was operating from.

Her uncanny, ethereal gait brought her side by side with Alisteri and Revna just as Taeli hit her chiding stride. A'Mia waited until the woman was finished before giving her a curtsy and mild smile, as if they'd run into eachother at a market rather than during a pivotal moment of ensuring planetary dominion.

Sparing a moment to meet eyes with Revna, her bearing familiar and friendly, A'Mia then glanced around the room and took stock of the work already in motion, hazarding a brief response for all those gathered to hear.

"Lady Arcanix, restoration efforts can be messy even in the best of circumstances," the neti erred on the side of formality and respect — it would be impudent to try to curry favor simply because the woman had acted as a mentor to her In the past.

"Now that you're here, surely we could benefit from your perspective on proceedings. I ask that you don’t discount our work so readily."

She'd stepped more into frame for the holoprojection and in so doing, closer to Alisteri. A'Mia used the moment to bring a hand to rest on the small of his back. She could practically feel his fangs clenching and hackles raising as Taeli spoke and hoped he could see that there was still a path forward which did not include drawing more ire from the Lady of Secrets. Despite all the tension, A’Mia looked calm and warm as a summer breeze.

 

[Darth Strosius]

Seswenna was one big mess.

Really that was an understatement, it was a colossal heap of issues that someone had to do the difficult and rarely desirable job of sorting through. As ever, Darth Strosius had thrown Himself into it wholeheartedly. Beating back the Mandalorian assault from the world itself was just the first step but one that He had thankfully had assistance with, albeit of course unintentionally on their part He was sure, from the wider Sith Order. Yet as the retreat of the attackers was traced in order to determine the true scale and origin of their incursion by those that had come to Seswenna's aid, He remained.

The shipyard world had been stuck not just physically and literally by the attack but in a much more subtle yet devastating sense. The Blackwall had been breached, skirted around, or otherwise ignored, by a hitherto unknown enemy that was able to slip into Sith space and launch almost a full scale military operation on its surface and orbital theaters. The confidence of Seswenna's people in the Sith Order hadn't just been shaken, it had been outright shattered. And how could it not?

The Sith weren't kind to the worlds trapped behind the Blackwall of course, the most unlucky of them were little more than rocks to be exploited for all the minerals and population that they could provide and the vast majority were simple foundries and factories churning out products to fuel the Order's ever hungering war machine. In such an environment the only comfort that the common folk could be offered was that of security, of safety and stability from the predations of whomever laid beyond the Blackwall.

But when that security was revealed to be another lie, what did the people have left to lose in revolting and dissent? Darth Strosius knew this well enough of course, it was a tactic that He'd used more than enough times before for His own means and advantages. Albeit with Him being on the side of the dissenters rather than the incumbent powers-that-be. Yet He still knew how to soothe Seswenna back into compliance, how to secure the shipyards kept producing for the Sith Order and more importantly how to ensure they did so with His oversight.

The first step was to let the public have someone to blame, and give them the blood that they demanded in recompense. Hence the arrest of officials and influential figures within the planet's defensive forces. Very visible and overt arrests that showed the people that their targets of vice were about to get exactly what they thought they deserved. So long as the Order of Wonosa was enacting the general will of the people then Seswenna would allow them to operate unhindered, by and large anyway.

It was a position that required constant and consistent reinforcement, a few arrests and executions were all well and good for establishing themselves in the minds of the public but they were fleeting compared to the more overarching sentiments of betrayal that could be aimed at the Sith Order at large. Sentiments that not only had to be quashed at the root but thoroughly debunked before they could ever manifest beyond hushed whispers and stray thoughts.

The Order of Wonosa had to be cemented in the hearts and minds of Seswenna as the new and true face of the Sith Order, one which kept to the promises that the last failed to deliver on. A far more long term goal of course yet one that had to begin as it was now. With the blood of the guilty, both real and imagined, alongside any who could challenge the image that they were attempting to instill. This wouldn't be some wide revolt against the Sith, it would be a changing of the guard. All they had to do was get the people to accept that.

A task that was far easier said than done but one that He wouldn't back down from, even if He had to stomach the presence of the wider Sith Order temporarily to do it. One such example being the Sepulchral priest directing a firing line rather than being in the lineup to be gunned down, where they belonged. Darth Strosius watched from His perch overlooking one of the more impacted districts of Seswenna City, eyes narrowing behind His mask as He sensed another presence approaching and then at His side.

A glance was cast towards the Sith now standing next to Him, then her remark warranted a slight nod in response. "The Mandalorians were here to destroy, not invade, and that purpose is rather apparent in the aftermath." The question of what role the stranger could play in the task at hand made His sideways glance narrow once again in suspicion. No Sith ever offered their assistance without some sort of catch, and certainly not to Him least of all. Best to keep her away from His forces and in with the others that He was already keeping an eye on.

"I'm sure that the troopers down there wouldn't mind an extra hand in wrangling the dissenters into line." Those outspoken against the Sith Order's presence were high priority for execution at present for rather obvious reasons. The last thing that they needed was public opinion turning against them even more than it already had. The Order of Wonosa was far from capable of pacifying a whole planet after all, especially one that was as developed and as populated as Seswenna, and He already had more assistance from outsiders than He'd have preferred as it was.

But at least the Sith Legionnaires were just as eager to make firing lines out of the rabble rousers as His own forces were, if nothing else. Their commander surprised Him somewhat by asking for permission to proceed but He hadn't hesitated in putting them to use yet and He certainly wouldn't now. "Begin the executions. My own soldiers will handle the disposal of the deceased, just keep purging until the last of the dissenters are put down."

Darth Strosius turned away from the firing line not out of distaste for the sight but rather to properly see His daughter as she approached, greeting her with a nod. Before He could welcome her to Seswenna and the tasks at hand however He sensed something that made Him pause. Or rather, someone. A presence only briefly warned by a series of frantic alerts on His commlink before the channels were flooded by a new signal and accompanying holoprojection that confirmed His suspicions.

A noise somewhere between a snarl and a frustrated sigh escaped Him the moment that the Dark Councilor's form flickered into holographic life, His gloved fingers instantly tightening into fists and His whole being bristling with a barely restrained anger. She had the gall, the sheer audacity, to chastise Him as though she had any sort of authority over Him at all. As though He was her lesser. She was lucky that the Rainmaker was still in progress, otherwise He'd have already ordered for a round to be put right through the bridge of whatever ship she was transmitting from.

And to top it off she expected an explanation? As though she even wanted one at all, she was simply here to block His progress just as she always seemed keen on doing. Right as He opened His mouth to rebuke Raaf's outrageous statements and tell her as unkindly as possible to leave the system though, Revna's thoughts reached His own and His hidden gaze flickered to her. With perhaps the strangest request that she'd ever asked of Him. She couldn't be serious.

Revna, my dear, this is Taeli Raaf. She is literally only here to force us off of Seswenna, there's nothing to salvage! The only reason to keep her talking is to distract her and give our people time to prepare for her forces' arrival. Which He would most certainly attempt to do, buying as much time as possible for the Wonosan defenders to get to their positions and ready themselves to make Raaf's arrival more costly than it was worth. Thankfully He didn't need to send any orders for them to start doing so, they knew well enough what a Dark Councilor's presence near them meant already.

From the corner of His visored gaze and at the edge of His senses He just barely noticed the approach and kneeling of some other Sith that was unknown to Him, albeit seemingly not as keen on meeting Him as an equal like the first arrival had done. But of course another familiar presence that was soon at His side with a hand on His back stole His attention away before He could make much note of the Umbaran. Between A'Mia and Revna He at least had some support to count on in throwing Raaf off of His world when it came down to it this time.

Even if the Neti's words of consolation made His eye twitch and His head briefly tilt in her direction in incredulity. She couldn't be serious. He was starting to become seriously concerned with her and His daughter's state of mind if they actually thought that talking with Raaf of all people would do anything worthwhile. Stalling for time was all that they could achieve from any conversation, but such was the unfortunate necessity at the moment so His gaze slowly settled back onto the projected Dark Councilor with a click of His tongue in disdain.

"Whether you want to believe it or not, yes securing this system from further incursion is exactly what we're doing. From threats within and without. A task that would be all the easier if I still had the Inquisition's resources at hand, however as you have so...elegantly noted I have had to substitute some official channels in favor of means of coercion to get Seswenna's authorities to comply." He idly hoped that she could feel His glare even through the mask and the projection, any amount of frustration that He could inflict her with in kind was ideal.

"A world such as this is in dire need of a steady hand and a strong guide, ideally from a Sith that can make the best usage of Seswenna's valuable assets and safeguard its apparently vulnerable position along the border of the Blackwall. This world should never have been left to mere civil authorities and officials, I'm here to correct that oversight posthaste. I will have Seswenna back in full operation and its people pacified within but a day, provided that I am not interrupted unnecessarily."

Eira Dyn / R'ayne Asara / Christoph Kudmol Voytger / Taeli Raaf / Revna Marr / Killian Rath / Madrona A’Mia

 

[Christoph Kudmol Voytger]

The Colonel had stuck around briefly for the conversations of the Sith once his liege lord had given the order. Briefly the older man stood, about faced, and strode out of the room with a sense of haste. Without breaking his stride, the colonel exited the command center and gave a fluid hand motion to a lesser officer. With a simple salute the order was signed and death would be had this day. Walking into a small operations tent, the colonel disappeared behind a layer of fabric and sandbags.

"FIRE!" A line sergeant barked their order and it was time.

Christoph had killed before. He had killed corporate security and mercenaries in the mud and mire and trenches of lesser operations against drug peddlers and heretics. A righteous purging of degenerates and heathens that stood in the way of the glorious march of the Sith Empire. He had never killed someone who had been so utterly humiliated and ruined. Someone who had failed the Sith so greatly. Who had failed to stop these Mandalorian vagabond filth. Someone who was given what he craved and threw away to cower.

The coldness within his finger tips faded, replaced by a burning fury of jealousy, anger, and cut within a deep sense of shame. It was a simple pull of a trigger and in a chorus of barks and light followed by the short lived shrieks of its victims. It was over. The smell of plastoid armor usually masked the scent of burned flesh, but not now. Not these people stripped of their armor and their vestments. They didn't tell you what it smelled like in training. They didn't tell you that it wasn't just some neat little burning beam of plasma that entered one side and exited the other cleanly leaving a ring of light that slowly faded. They didn't tell you how the plasma caused the blood to flash boil and turn to steam expanding pockets of steaming burnt air within arteries and organs. It smelled of copper and bile.

With a surgical movement, small teams of the Sith Lord dragged the dead off to Empress knows where. The next line of dissidents and desserters were lined up and Christoph's rage, his jealousy turned to glee. A sense of euphoria almost as he ended the lives of those lesser. Those who had failed the Sith. This power felt good, it was intoxicating how strong and how superior he felt to these begotten and forsaken souls marched in front of him. There was no regret, no sadness, the sense of shame and inadequacy drowned in a sea of power from being the big man with a uniform and a gun.

The next line came, and the next line went with another barking command and a prayer. Another rush, another intoxicating hit, a high that kept going. As the bodies were cleared, the Colonel appeared from his tent. Walking over to the Platoon Commanders he had a softly spoken conversation that Christoph was not privy to.

Moments passed and a new order came down the pipe.

"Lord Strosius' forces shall continue the purge of these dissidents and traitors! We are to take up defensive positions immediately. Man flak cannons, heavy blasters cannons, and artillery. Line Troopers! Grab your entrenchment tools and rejoin Kilo Company in immediately finishing the earth works! Double time troopers double time! We aren't getting paid by the hour!" Christoph saw his platoon leader give out an order and he followed faithfully.

Internally the waves of euphoria and shame moved to confusion. Were the Mandalorians back? Did they return to kill his liege now that he made planetfall? Christoph didn't understand but it wasn't his job to understand. It was his job to act. Picking up a shovel he joined his brethren on the line and began to dig deeper into the earth. The camp began to buzz as Troopers moved to defensive positions. Manning heavy guns, priming shuttles and ships on the ground, making sure that everything was fortified for an attack. The Colonel giving orders dare not return to inform his liege about the preparations. A long career in the Legionnaires had told him that he did not want his men and this position to be caught unguarded from the whims of Sith infighting. They were more likely to kill each other than for the Mandalorians to strike once more.

So Christoph stood there and dug his hole.


tags
Darth Strosius Madrona A’Mia Killian Rath Revna Marr Taeli Raaf R'ayne Asara Eira Dyn

 

[Killian Rath]

His attention away before He could make much note of the Umbaran. Between A'Mia and Revna He at least had some support to count on in throwing Raaf off of His world when it came down to it this time.

Safir felt the gaze of the Great Scion pass over him, but then it departed like the briefest of breezes.

The umbaran’s hairless brows drew together in frustration and he inclined his head further still where he knelt. He would show the Great Scion of Ophidia that his patience was deep as the oceans and cold as a waiting adder.

Safir fixed his eyes upon the ground and listened.

Darth Strosius

 

[R'ayne Asara]

The Heresiarch's Stand

[]

Savage Queen of Hearts - by Neon Dreams

​

Tags: Darth Strosius - Christoph Kudmol Voytger - Madrona A’Mia - Revna Marr - Taeli Raaf


With eyes glazing brightly with delight, I folded my hands behind my back back with funeral grace, the black silks of my robes whispering sideways against the durasteel balcony as I gazed across the endless corpse-light of the city below. From this height, the screams of the undercity became nothing more than a distant hymn carried upon the wind, and I listened to it as a predator listens for the trembling heartbeat beneath floorboards.

My red infernal eyes wandered slowly across the districts, weighing lives against usefulness, weakness against ambition, until at last they settled upon certain flickers moving through the abyss below.

Ah....there you are!

Every city possesses prey that believes itself hidden beneath shadows, corruption, or wealth, yet all creatures eventually reveal the rhythm of their fear. I could already feel them, souls swollen with greed, desperately bargaining against oblivion; and behind my lips curled the faintest smile, for tonight I would choose which of them would ascend and which would be devoured.

A low, amused purr escaped my lips as I tilted my head slightly, the sound carrying the cruel delight of a nexu cornering wounded prey. "Oh, it would be my deepest pleasure to ferret out every dissident festering within this city's heart, my lord; delivering justice in your name one scream at a time," I proclaimed, before turning upon my heel and gliding into the shadows without so much as a final glance toward Darth Strosius.

Now, I stood before my beautiful little pawns, a double dose of Sith Legionnaire ranks filling the landing zone. Their armor reflecting the torrential chaos behind me, flickering of fires dancing off polished metal greeting me with begging eyes; while not a single soldier dared break formation, not a single helmet turned, not a single breath seemed drawn without permission.

Ah…such exquisite obedience.

These were not men and women any longer, but sharpened instruments forged by fear, indoctrination, and endless warfare into something almost admirable. I could feel their readiness through the Force, their willingness to die upon command without hesitation, and though they were nothing more than war machine puppets dangling from invisible strings, I found within myself the faintest ounce of respect for such perfected submission.

There is beauty in creatures who surrender their individuality so completely to destruction.

Slowly I paced before them with my hands folded behind my back, black robes trailing across the durasteel floor like funeral curtains as thousands of faceless eyes remained fixed upon me. "Today," I declared in smooth, rising tones meant to ignite the fire buried within their hollow chests, "glory belongs to you! To me! To the Sith Empire itself!"

My lips curled into a predatory smile as the distant thunder of weapons clapping, the yells and screams of anarchy, and a singular explosion followed by applause and cheers carried to our collective ears like a whispering prayer.

"Let the weak drown beneath your boots and let the stars remember the fury of your advance. Nuo Tave Aureole iv Tave Aeuso!"

The legions answered with deafening devotion, and though they mistook my words for reverence toward their sacrifice, I cared nothing for whether they returned breathing or burned to ash upon the battlefield; all that mattered was that they serve their purpose.

 

[Eira Dyn]

Location: Seswenna
Armour: Marwolaeth Ddu
Armour Mode: Assassin
Weapons: Lethal Pursuers, Blaster Pistol, Vibrosword
Tag: Darth Strosius | Revna Marr | Taeli Raaf | R'ayne Asara | Christoph Kudmol Voytger | Madrona A’Mia | Killian Rath

As Eira continued to focus her attention on the work of investigating the Mandalorians and where these criminals came from, she could feel things change in the air. Energy shifting from the senseless mass murdering that had been occurring, there was tension being pulled and tightened. Preparations for battle, for war was being made. It was energy that Eira had become familiar and it caused the Sith apprentice to distract from her intended work. Clearly there was something going on, Eira wondered if the Mandalorians were returning to continue the destruction that they caused. It was not out of the realm of possibilities since some might claim work was half completed here.

"I suppose I should have a look around..." Eira whispered to herself as she tapped the stealth generator and felt the change shift over her, a bubble that encased Eira. Why bring attention to herself when she could learn what was going on without being seen or sensed? Eira took careful and deliberate steps forward as she followed the tension in the Force that she could sense. Curious to see where that would lead her.

Soon enough Eira found herself looking at the tense meeting, there were faces and names that Eira recognised. Some were more recognisable than others. Eira tapped her fingers as she silently mouthed the names and studied the faces to ensure she was seeing everything correctly. This was important for her report to Quinn. She did not know if her Master would find the meeting important or of interest but failing to report it when she was here and it ends up being massively important. That would be too much of a failure for her Master to overlook. Eira noted a couple of faces that she did not recognise as well, studying them a little more to remember their descriptions and how they appeared. Just because Eira did not know them, they could be members that Quinn knows.

Temptation was to step closer and merely remain invisible to listen in on the conversation and keep the notes. However, forces were being gathered and Eira had not figured out what they were preparing for. Eira stepped away from the meeting, locking the path back in her mind so she can return once her investigations had concluded. Eira stepped towards the soldiers. There was going to be one of them that she believed could provide some insight on what was going on. And as long as she played her cards correctly, they would not find her questions or presences strange. Once she was closer to the soldiers, the generator was turned off and she stormed her way through the many soldiers, none of whom Eira considered of great importance. Foot soldiers were always the first to die and they died so much that learning names was useless in Eira's mind.

There were Sith that she saw in a similar light. Fodder.

Walking up to Christoph, Eira could sense a certain level of fanaticism within him that she found cute but also useful tool for her. "Tell me soldier, what attack are you preparing for? Mandalorians on the return?" Her voice was genderless, robotic and cold. She stood there and held the confidence and stature of someone far superior than the soldier before her.

 

[R'ayne Asara]

The Heresiarch's Stand

[]

Savage Queen of Hearts - by Neon Dreams

​

Tags: Darth Strosius - Christoph Kudmol Voytger - Madrona A’Mia - Revna Marr - Taeli Raaf

I led my Sith Legionnaires through the corpse-strewn arteries of the city, my black cloak whispering against the wind as it swept litter, ash, and scraps of forgotten lives through the ruined streets. The towering structures on either side loomed like gravestones beneath a bruised sky, their shattered windows staring down upon us as hollow eyes.

My warriors advanced in disciplined silence, ebony lenses glowing from the firey gloom around them, while the distant thunder of marching boots echoed through the urban necropolis. At intervals, I would raise a hand, and small squads of Sith troopers would peel away from the column and disappear into abandoned buildings, derelict businesses, and shadow-choked apartments.

Their orders were simple; sweep every floor, every corridor, every forgotten corner for dissidents foolish enough to linger beneath the banner of rebellion. Occasionally the stillness would be broken by the crack of blaster fire or the muffled screams of those who believed they could hide from the gaze of the Sith.

Yet I never slowed my pace. Such matters were beneath my attention.

A disturbance among my advancing column drew my attention. From the maw of a crumbling habitation block emerged a squad of Sith troopers, their armor stained by dust and ash. Between them walked three captives; a human man, a human woman, and a young girl no older than eight standard years. They were guided into the center of the street and lowered to their knees, hands secured behind their backs.

Around us, the ruined city groaned beneath the weight of neglect, broken durasteel signs swaying overhead like gallows creaking in the wind. I approached them slowly, my shadow falling across the family as though cast by some ancient predator emerging from the darkness.

"Why were you hiding within that structure?" I demanded, my voice cold and edged like a vibroblade. "The others fled long before our arrival." The man raised his head despite the fear evident in his eyes. "We did not flee, my Lady," he answered. "My family is loyal to the Sith. We remained because we had nothing to fear from the Empire."

"Is that so?" I replied.

My gaze settled upon the young girl. Beneath her frightened expression, I felt it; the faint but unmistakable tremor of the Force, flickering within her spirit like a solitary candle burning against an endless night.

Kneeling before her, I studied her carefully while the currents of the dark side whispered through the shattered streets. The potential within the child was raw and unshaped, yet impossible to ignore. Rising once more, I turned my attention to her parents.

"Your daughter is very special," I said, and for the first time a note of pride entered my voice. "The Force flows through her. With proper guidance and discipline, she could achieve greatness beyond anything this world could offer."

The man and woman exchanged a long glance before looking toward their daughter, then back to me. Though sorrow touched their features, there was also resolve. Together they gave a single nod of understanding. I inclined my head in return. "Then her future shall be considered carefully."

Turning toward four nearby legionnaires, I gestured toward the family. "Remove their restraints and escort them safely to the Forward Operating Base. Ensure they are treated with respect and that their needs are met." The soldiers acknowledged the order immediately. As the family was led away beneath the shadow of my banner, I watched them disappear into the gloom, contemplating the path that destiny, and the Force, might yet carve before the young girl.

 

[Christoph Kudmol Voytger]

It took Christoph a few moments to fully understand what had just happened. One moment he was helping to finish the earthworks and trench line of their perimeter, and the next one of the chosen had approached him. A cold superior voice rang out and Christoph raised his entrenchment tool to shovel dirt away from the Sith. As he stood up there was a deeply confused look on his face. Looking to his sides he saw no captain nor lieutenant, a quick turning and twist of his torso his sight and investigation yielded no Sergeant or NCO that was even remotely close to him. They were talking to him? No, that couldn't be possible, Christoph thought to himself. For a very brief moment he had considered that he had gotten heat stroke and this was the fleeting paradise that his brain had conjured up as it cooked within his skull.

Yet he could feel the aches in his muscles, he could read his heads up display on his vitals, he wasn't dead nor dying. He was very much alive and this moment was very much happening. As Christoph fully surmised the situation at hand over the brief three to four seconds it took him to look around and understand he in fact was not dead or hallucinating. Like an anchor to the bottom of the deepest sea, the soldier immediately dropped to a single knee in front of the woman. With his eyes cast down into the dirt he dare not meet her gaze. He was only worthy of looking at the dirt she occupied.

She was one of the chosen rightful rulers and masters of the Galaxy and he was but some worm. A lesser beast of burden made to serve, fight, and die. There was no confusion, subtlety, animosity, nor ambiguity as to what his role in this relationship was. As soon as that knee hit the dirt he immediately spoke.

"My Liege! Our commanding officer has ordered us to prepare defenses for an incoming strike. I would not dare to assume what is beyond my station." Christoph said in an almost panicked voice that was on the verge of breaking. As if he was a teenaged boy about to ask someone stunningly gorgeous to dance.

With a focused breath he knew he couldn't disappoint her. He had to give her something and there was chatter and rumors going up and down the line. That this wasnt Mandalorians returning. This was perhaps a Dark Council member here to assert some kind of dominance over the commanding lord here. A veritable dick measuring contest if you will.

"However… My Liege. The camp rumor is that there may be an assault from allied forces. I don't know why. I know that strength is all and only the strongest and most pure survive." another brief moment had passed.

"Is this a test or drill my liege?" Christoph did not want to shed allied blood. He did not want to fight his fellow soldier nor even remotely think about having to shoot at one of the chosen. The idea sickened him.

"Empress preserve us." he muttered under his breath.
Tags R'ayne Asara Eira Dyn Killian Rath Darth Strosius Taeli Raaf Revna Marr

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Darth Strosius Revna Marr Madrona A’Mia R'ayne Asara Eira Dyn Christoph Kudmol Voytger
​

Amethyst eyes would regard A'mia as she entered into the projector's radius, would note Revna's close proximity to her Master, and the others that she did not know and hadn't yet drawn her full attention. The Neti had a hand upon Strosius' back, but greeted Taeli cordially enough and stated that restoration efforts could be messy, certainly, but that her presence and perspective were welcome. Of that, looking at the bristling masked man, she highly doubted. A'mia understood the situation, and no doubt Revna did as well, considering she had once been in a similar situation with her Master and the Dark Councilor. She had urged restraint then, and was no doubt doing so now in some way to Strosius.

The vitriol was pouring off Strosius even through the holo, but she gave his explanation to her the respect of not interrupting as he spoke. She almost wanted to place her face into her palm again though. A steady hand and strong guide, in her opinion, he had never proven to be. Twice, he had spat in the face of the wider Sith Order. Once, with the Ouroboros Crisis sparked by the Tsis'Karr, and second with his actions against her family and then the Emperor himself. His claim that the Order of Wonosa would have the planet fully pacified in a day, as long as they weren't interrupted, was amusing. It demonstrated to her they were likely stretched thin and needed additional time to ready their defenses to keep enemies of the Wonosa at bay. She was under no illusions on who were classified as those enemies, considering his standing with the wider Sith Order. A position he only had himself to blame for, and this time, he didn't have his battle brother to protect him from deeper consequences.

"Then the resources I have brought will speed that process up to mere hours," she replied softly. "Here is how this will play out. An Auditor will be deployed with their Thought Hunters to root out any of these... enemies within you speak of among anyone on the planet's surface. All executions and detentions will cease until verified by either myself or the Auditor, and those detained will be allowed to resume their positions until such a time that verification happens. The forces I have brought will be used to resecure one of their supply hubs, as this section of the Blackwall is the purview of the Second Legion and Councilor Lechner, were he not otherwise occupied with the Coreward campaign, will continue securing the planet and shipyards."

Her gaze would harden ever so slightly.

"If this world requires, as you suggest, a strong and steady guide and a Sith that knows how best to utilize the assets here, then I would require two things from you as proof that you're the man for the job, two things you don't currently possess: trust in your abilities and the Wonosa's abilities to operate a planetary operation of this magnitude and importance... and trust that you won't try and utilize the planet as the staging ground for a third attempt at revolution. Trust that was already severely damaged, and then further damaged by your actions against this Empire's economy. So, Lord Strosius, how do you propose we establish such trust when your actions have demonstrated to me, the rest of the Dark Council, and the Empress that you should not be trusted with such responsibilities?

And to add that little extra twist... her gaze would shift to A'mia.

"Lady Madrona has that trust with her stewardship of Brosi," Her gaze would shift to Revna, and there would be just the slightest brush of their minds, one designed to lift one thing. "Lady Etizira has that trust between her relationship with Councilor Caedes and her work on Korriban. So, again I will iterate, how do you propose you gain that trust from me?"

Force Composition

Spoiler

• Four Eschaton-class Star Destroyers
  • Idirsholas- Flagship
    • 5x Squadrons of Disciple-class "Banshee" Fighters
    • 4x Squadrons of Caldoth-class Bombers
    • 5x Squadrons of Merregon-class Transports
  • Sigan
    
    • 5x Squadrons of Disciple-class "Banshee" Fighters
    • 4x Squadrons of Caldoth-class Bombers
    • 5x Squadrons of Merregon-class Transports
  • Balorian
    
    • 5x Squadrons of Disciple-class "Banshee" Fighters
    • 4x Squadrons of Caldoth-class Bombers
    • 5x Squadrons of Merregon-class Transports
  • Dorocha
    
    • 5x Squadrons of Disciple-class "Banshee" Fighters
    • 4x Squadrons of Caldoth-class Bombers
    • 5x Squadrons of Merregon-class Transports
• Four Lussk-class Assault Cruisers
  • Barovia
    
    • 1x Squadron of GS-60 "Valkyrie" Heavy TIE Fighters
  • Darkon
    
    • 1x Squadron of GS-60 "Valkyrie" Heavy TIE Fighters
  • Falkovnia
    
    • 1x Squadron of GS-60 "Valkyrie" Heavy TIE Fighters
  • Hazlan
    
    • 1x Squadron of GS-60 "Valkyrie" Heavy TIE Fighters
• Four Delita-class Heavy Frigates
  • Dilisnya
    
    • 1x Squadron of IS-12 "Pyrolisk" Starfighters
  • Drakov
    
    • 1x Squadron of IS-12 "Pyrolisk" Starfighters
  • Ramya
    
    • 1x Squadron of IS-12 "Pyrolisk" Starfighters
  • Lukas
    
    • 1x Squadron of IS-12 "Pyrolisk" Starfighters
• Six Elwin-class Rapid Assault Frigates
  • Renier
    
    • 2x Squadrons of IXI-1 "Aevis" Interceptors
  • Morden
    
    • 2x Squadrons of IXI-1 "Aevis" Interceptors
  • Larissa
    
    • 2x Squadrons of IXI-1 "Aevis" Interceptors
  • Jander
    
    • 2x Squadrons of IXI-1 "Aevis" Interceptors
  • Alanik
    
    • 2x Squadrons of IXI-1 "Aevis" Interceptors
  • Avenir
    
    • 2x Squadrons of IXI-1 "Aevis" Interceptors
• Four W'ana Shursia

 

[Revna Marr]

Direct Tags: Darth Strosius // Taeli Raaf // Madrona A’Mia
Others: Christoph Kudmol Voytger // R'ayne Asara // Eira Dyn
​

-Revna, my dear, this is Taeli Raaf. She is literally only here to force us off of Seswenna, there's nothing to salvage! The only reason to keep her talking is to distract her and give our people time to prepare for her forces' arrival.-

Her Father’s response slipping into her mind was one that she saw coming, despite her hopes. Tension coiled through her further, tightening her back and aggravating her still damaged nerves, causing tingles to spread down her left leg. She fought off the urge to roll her eyes at Him, at His stubbornness to see no other way. She knew better than to argue with Him about it though - nothing would come of it, that much she already knew.

Revna felt a little of her tension slip away at the more than welcome and pleasant sight of A’Mia arriving on the scene a moment later. Revna caught her gaze briefly, and much would be conveyed in that simple look: We need to prevent Him from doing or saying something foolish…again. For His own sake.

Perhaps it was too much to ask - but the depth in which Revna cared and loved her Father propelled her to attempt the impossible anyway.

Revna was respectfully quiet as A’Mia addressed Lady Raaf cordially. There was a thread of collaboration between the Dark Councilor and the Lord Seer of Korriban, much like how there was a thread of cooperation between Revna and Taeli. A’Mia was doing her best to shift the situation that Alisteri had gotten Himself into, towards something that would be far more productive for Him rather than harmful. Of course, Revna knew that their work was cut out for them and while she and A’Mia were more than happy to entertain whatever suggestions or ideas that Taeli had - Darth Strosius was likely to not and would fight Lady Raaf every step of the way.

Revna didn’t want to supersede her Father’s authority here, but she grimly realized that it might have to come down to it, if anything was to be forthcoming of His efforts here on Seswenna.

A’Mia stepped closer to her Father and rested a hand against His lower back, no doubt a gesture meant to pull His focus towards her and ground Him a little bit. And it appeared that A’Mia’s response towards Taeli most certainly did not please Alisteri, for out of the corner of her eye, she could see Him almost stare the Neti down, the angle of the tilt of His head telling her that He was perhaps momentarily made speechless by her words - and not in a good way.

Then He turned His focus back on Taeli and Revna steeled herself for what was to come. With a click of disdain, Darth Strosius began to dive into His response, showing unusual restraint - at least for the moment, anyway. Revna continued to watch Him from the corner of her vision, listening to His every word. He made His gripes clear before Taeli, mentioning how things would have been easier had He still had possession of the Inquisition’s forces. He listed off some other things that He seemed to believe anyway, and stated that a world like Sesweena was in need of a strong and steady hand - seeming to strongly suggest that He was the only one capable of doing that. That He would have the world back up and operating by the end of the day, so long as He wasn’t interrupted.

That made Revna arch a silvery eyebrow. It wasn’t that she disagreed with her Father, but the plain and brutal truth was…He’d lost His hold on two of His prior worlds already…what made Him think that He could hold this one too? She kept that thought to herself, however - at least for the time being. She knew that Taeli would have no problem calling that into question, and when Alisteri had finished speaking, Revna waited for the proverbial hammer to fall from Taeli. Her gaze turned towards the Dark Councilor and, should Taeli catch it, would give her subtle annoyed expression. Not at the Dark Councilor per say, but at the whole situation at hand.

Taeli started by stating how the resources she had brought would speed up His efforts to hours, not a full day - an offer that Revna would have taken had she been in charge of this operation. Because it would have been far more cost efficient, time efficient, a better use of the available manpower, and would have allowed her and others to go to other more important matters more quickly.

Then Taeli decided to flex her authority as Dark Councilor before Darth Strosius - an order that Revna recognized to be exactly what it was: non-negotiable, even for someone like her. Any resistance or rebellion or hostility would only dig Alisteri a deeper hole, and this was the moment that Revna had been dreading. She knew her Father too well.

He did not take orders from others very well, at all. Especially orders from someone He considered a bitter foe.

There was one thread that Taeli mentioned that might cause Darth Strosius to withhold His tongue, His temper, and maybe consider her terms: Revna knew that He had at least some respect for Gerwald Lechner. Perhaps that was a thread that Revna could play on to ease tensions over with her Father and Taeli, if only a tiny bit.

Revna let her thoughts slip into her Father’s mind once more in the brief pause that came from Taeli, calm and collected in hopes to impart some of that on Him as well.

-I know You respect Gerwald Lechner , at least a little bit. He is a competent Sith Lord, and this area of Sith space is under his direct authority. I know too that he is occupied with other matters, otherwise he would be here instead of You, dealing with this. I would really hate to see that respect between the two of you sour, just because You stepped into his space without his authorization and took control of something on his behalf without his awareness. I certainly wouldn’t appreciate it, and I know for a fact that had another Sith done this to You - You would’t appreciate it either. I think, even if you disagree with everything Taeli is saying here, that it is a reasonable consideration to respect Gerwald’s authority over this sector-
Taeli continued, this time calling out Alisteri’s capability to do exactly what He said He was trying to do - just as Revna figured she might. It was blunt and harsh honesty about His capabilities, the capabilities of the Wonosans - calling into question if He was indeed adequate enough to do so. What she wanted from Him however was not something He currently possessed with hardly anyone:

Trust.

Even though Revna was on His side in most things - she had to agree upon that one thing. He had burned His bridges. What He needed in order to accomplish anything within the Sith Order itself, was something He had lost long ago. And with how much He hated the powers that be, including the woman speaking to Him in the moment, Revna doubted He would ever work to regain that trust.

She despised that she doubted Him like this. But He had done this to Himself, even if He so vehemently disagreed with that statement Himself.

Taeli’s gaze shifted to A’Mia, and then to Revna - pointing out how they had gained that trust through their own means - the Neti through her governorship of Brosi, and Revna through her connection with Caedes and her work that was still ongoing on and within Korriban itself.

She then asked Alisteri the question of the hour, so to speak - one that Revna thought was more than reasonable and warranted in the situation, a question she echoed herself if she was being honest.

It was at this point in time that she chose to break her silence - timing her words just right, before her Father could fire off any vitriol that would make this situation more difficult than what was necessary.

“I too, would like to hear Your answer to that, Lord Strosius.” Revna said as she turned her focus away from Taeli completely and settled it upon the masked form of her Father. “I would like to invest in Your efforts here, and I would hazard a guess that the Lord Seer would like to as well - but You have lost possession of two other worlds prior to this. What can You offer to assure myself, and perhaps even Lady A’Mia, that this will not repeat a third time?”

If her Father was paying attention to her, He might note that Revna not once mentioned appeasing Taeli in this situation. That was done purposefully, and she hoped He would catch onto it. She was asking Him these questions not as His daughter, but as a potential investor in His efforts, His work. Her questions were blunt and harsh but needed to be in the moment. Answering her question just might answer Taeli’s too, in a round about way.

Without shifting her focus, Revna let her mind drift to Taeli’s, seeking connection. If allowed, a message would pass between them, unnoticed by the aggravated Sith Lord beside her.

-Forgive me for interjecting the way I have, Councilor. I felt that Alisteri hearing such questions from me, might sit better with Him than hearing it from only you, considering your history with one another. A’Mia and I will do our best to…dissuade Him from doing or saying something that would result in open hostilities, and see that there is a better way forward in this that would prove beneficial for all parties involved. It may all be in vain…but I am going to at least try.-
​

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

​

As the others weighed in, as Alisteri predictably pushed back, A'Mia remained calm and watchful as ever. His tirade wasn't nearly as bad as the neti knew he was capable of and, all things considered, the situation remained salvageable. She wasn't certain how long that would remain if their current course continued.

The arboreal woman was a creature of compromise naturally. She was like the willow whose roots were raged against by the coursing river, the tree which bent without breaking in gale-force winds. A'Mia was steadfast but adaptable. Strosius was a different kind of creature altogether, stubborn with a streak of pride kilometers wide, and A'Mia was still learning his intricacies.

To pile on, when he was already grinding his teeth and digging in his heels, it wouldn't do. But she also wouldn't back his play of attempting to merely ride roughshod over the situation. A'Mia found herself in the role of temperance one more. Trust, she feared, was likely a bridge too far between these forces but she endeavored for growth regardless.

"Given those resources at the Dark Councilor's disposal, collaboration is the best option available — allow me to ensure it plays out favorably for you, my Lord?"

She addressed Alisteri aloud, amongst company so capable of secret psychic communication, as a gesture of good faith. Just as her next words were a calculated risk undertaken in the hope for payout in the long run. Though she was certain Alisteri was never going to make it easy, apparently she enjoyed a challenge.

"Lady Arcanix, I too would hear Darth Strosius' answer to these questions from yourself and Revna. I preempt them however, by saying I pledge my support to his claim here and will commit resources from Brosi to further aid in Seswenna's stabilization. So too, I offer myself as a go-between for yourself and Darth Strosius. I think I'm uniquely capable of… diffusing previous hostilities so we can all focus on Sith prosperity, rather than infighting and back biting."

She inclined her head in a bow then straightened up and stilled, statuesque at Alisteri's side while she awaited the outcome of her gamble.

 

[Darth Strosius]

The soft reply drew an immediate scoff from the masked man, one that was admittedly rather quiet but plenty visible even if it wasn't heard, yet surprisingly He didn't offer any actual interruption in spite of the condescending tone. Of course she wanted to preserve the wretched institutions and officials that had already proved ineffective in governing and defending Seswenna, they were a bunch of sniveling and groveling bureaucrats after all. Her favorite sort of underling no doubt. He wasn't certain if the mention of the Second Legion was meant to be a thinly veiled threat at Him and His work but He wouldn't doubt that she would indeed try and bring Lechner to bear down on Him if she couldn't do the job of dislodging Him and His Wonosa from the world herself.

Before He could think of some other words to stall His wretched foe however, Revna's unspoken words slipped into His mind and His hidden gaze trailed to her in silent recognition of her concern. She raised a fair point about making an enemy of the Second Legion's Imperator, perhaps the only Dark Council member that He had any sort of decent rapport with. Not that it had ever mattered in the end of course but one less enemy was still one less enemy and Darth Strosius already had more than enough of those to deal with as it was.

Still He'd much rather be dealing with Lechner than Raaf any day, at least the former had actually earned their spot on the Dark Council. Yet He couldn't deny the warning was quite accurate and apt, even if He could stand His ground now there was a very real threat that the Second Legion could be brought down on His head in return. It didn't matter how much time they would have to dig in and consolidate their control and security of Seswenna, no one planet could withstand a Legion.

If only He had time to contemplate that issue instead of having to listen to Raaf trying to give Him orders.

What really got under His skin however was the jabs at His own character and capabilities. As though she had any right, as though she had any standing to do so. As though Raaf herself hadn't proven time and time again that she acted in her own best interest before that of the Sith's every single time. The sheer gall of it was what infuriated Him to no end even moreso than the probing at Himself. She didn't trust Him? She was a coward, a traitor who had not only abandoned Sith in the past but had repeatedly and consistently aided and abetted those opposing their dominion both intentionally and unintentionally. And she even had the audacity to blame Him for an economic downfall of all things.

As though the Trade Federation hadn't attacked them first, as though He wasn't the one that had acted where Raaf and the rest of the Dark Council failed to and purged a traitorous element that had embedded themselves so deeply into the Sith Order to become intertwined with the already unstable and unsustainable economy that lay behind the Blackwall. And she wanted Him to prove something to her? She was the inadequate fool here, not Him. She was the failure here, not Him. She was the one whose head would soon roll for their insolence, not Him.

Then she continued and used A'Mia and someone else as examples for her deliberately unfaithful request, as though His malul hadn't earned Brosi through blood and dedication like any real Sith would do. As for this "Etizira" He quite frankly had no idea who she was referring to but given that they apparently had some apparent relationship with Korriban and Darth Caedes in particular He could always simply ask either His daughter or A'Mia who that was later and why Raaf thought they were relevant at all.

Revna speaking was something that did somewhat catch Him off-guard, and what she actually said made Him literally do a double take, but after a moment He did slowly piece together what she really meant. She still thought that the Councilor could be reasoned with, she really had spent far too long on Korriban and not nearly enough time around Sith politics. If nothing else He admired the wasted effort even if her words stung His pride a bit at the reminder of His previous shortcomings, but He knew that it was just an act to appease Raaf.

A'Mia at least adopted a more placative tone but she too was making the same mistake as His daughter. She seemed to be under the delusion that they were dealing with someone reasonable, Raaf was anything but. Which was unfortunately why He would have to flat out deny her generous offer of taking the burden of having to speak to the Councilor on His behalf, although He did certainly admire her bravery for suggesting it. His visored gaze flickered between her, the projection, and Revna before settling back on the Neti for a moment.

In a gesture that He hoped was somewhat concealed from the call's vision, not that He truly cared if it were or not, He idly reached out to silently take her hand in one of His. Rubbing a gloved thumb over the back of her hand before reluctantly pulling away with a deep sigh. This situation was untenable. Raaf's "Auditors" would never leave even if He did allow them to do their work and played by her rules. He'd already seen what happened to those that appeased the Dark Council once before, Alvaria was all the evidence He needed. Let alone Formos itself.

There was only one option then, but it was quite the gamble that He didn't believe would pay off. Still, it was the only chance to salvage control over Seswenna so it had to be tried. "I'm afraid that I have nothing to offer you in consolation, Lady Marr, Lady Madrona. For I and my followers are indeed a disadvantaged and evidently despised lot." Finally Darth Strosius fixed His gaze back onto the Councilor, any warmth vanishing in an instant into a cold hatred.

"As you have so eloquently stated your intentions and position and considerable resources that you've brought to bear here, I don't believe that my people's services can live up to your standards." There was no small amount of venom in His words, not the sting of concession or defeat but rather the unmistakable last bite of a cornered beast. "I would not wish to burden a Councilor such as yourself in this matter, so I and my Wonosa will take our leave post haste." And then the knife in His words began to twist.

"A shame, we're still recovering arms and armor left behind on Mandalorian bodies from local insurgents and with our hasty exit our own munitions won't be able to be properly accounted for and recovered. But well the people of Seswenna are no threat to you and your mighty forces are they Councilor Raaf?" The title and name were spat as curses more than honorifics. "I'm sure that they won't mind at all that the forces they've just barely grown accustomed to and accepting of are being replaced by total strangers seeking to reinstate the very same officials that failed them before. And the extra weapons that we'll be forced to leave behind will undoubtedly go to waste, I'm certain that they won't be used by any more insurgents or rioters."

He clicked His tongue as a wicked grin spread across His hidden features. "Ah but with such a commitment to Seswenna you'll have much fewer forces available to investigate the Mandalorian breach in the Blackwall! I would think that safeguarding our borders would be a priority for one in your station but then again I suppose you've never cared much for the sanctity of Sith space have you?" He hummed and shook His head. "What a shame that the Blackwall could go without proper treatment then. I mean, who knows what else might get in?"

A sickeningly sweet chuckle soon morphed into a displeased groan as His unseen gaze was leveled at her projected one. "You know, I remember the last world that was in your purview in Sith space. I recall fighting in several large scale defenses of Ziost. A lot of good soldiers died for that world. For your world." His tone grew dim and chilled, lacking any of the heat that it had before. "Better men and women than you could ever hope to be, died for Ziost. But you didn't care did you? You were all too eager to jump ship with the accursed Worm the moment it became convenient for you. And you left Ziost behind to be ransacked and conquered by the foes that we had bled to keep it away from."

He inclined His head, for a moment a twin flash of golden light visible in the darkened visor. "You want 'trust' Taeli Raaf? That's where you'll find mine. In the Sith Empire's shallow grave. Don't pretend as though you have any concerns here aside from maligning me simply because I won't bend the knee to you and your ilk. You want Seswenna out of my grasp? Take it. I can't stop you and I won't waste the lives of my people trying to. But I can damn sure make it not worth the effort you'll have to put into it."

Eira Dyn / R'ayne Asara / Christoph Kudmol Voytger / Taeli Raaf / Revna Marr / Madrona A’Mia

 

[Helix]

A small, alien-looking craft snapped into reality a safe distance away from most of the naval action. Given the night-black residue that still clung to the vessel's hull, and the unnatural precision of its placement, one could only guess at what it used for FTL propulsion.

"Get me a sensory sweep." Came the rumbling imperative from the thing in the vessel's command chair.

It didn't take long. He'd designed these instruments himself, and as a consequence, they were leaps and bounds above the military-grade garbage found elsewhere. It looked like his former comrade had truly stirred the proverbial hornet's nest this time.

Troop numbers, emplacements, and a myriad of other datapoints came flooding through his compound consciousness. A standard Alisteri-pattern land grab, then. He'd wondered what all the hubbub had been about.

As before, Raaf had come to stop him, and this time, Helix wasn't there to offer any help. He was there to watch and see who killed who, what response and deployment times were like, and who (if anyone) made it out intact.

Several salient points suggested themselves right away. "Oh Strosius." Murmured the colony out loud to nobody in particular. "You never learn, never change. Stasis must be such a relaxing bed to rest on. I can't say I relate." Helix had grown and evolved a great deal since Tund, all that time ago. Evolved in body, evolved in mind, evolved in method.

The colony relaxed in his chair and got comfortable. This process promised to be an instructive and entertaining one in equal parts. Would he stand and fight in the face of certain death? Would he flee? Whatever the response, it showed how the state would react to any perceived threats to its cohesion. That was valuable information.

Helix had no idea what the talks between the two might look like, but based on precedent, they were likely underway already. Oh, to be a fly on the wall in that room. Perhaps one day the Order's arch-nuisance would learn that discretion was the better part of valor, but Helix calculated that this was unlikely, if not impossible.

"Kindly keep the drives primed, captain." This said to the blue-striped combat droid on the bridge. "We might need to make a quick exit should either side notice us." Helix doubted very much that this would happen. Noticing his actions wasn't in the Sith playbook, a fact that had contributed in no small part to his success.

He wasn't interested in antagonizing either of them at this juncture. That could come later. The Sith's laws had no prohibition against simple observation, and for the moment, that meant he wasn't engaged in anything that wasn't well within his supposedly-limited rights or capabilities.