Junction The Sartinaynian Crisis [Empire of the Lost - The Diarchy - Dark Empire]

[Maldor Mecetti]

OBJECTIVE 2 - The Second Battle of Bastion

Spoiler

Resources in Play by Moff Mecetti of the Empire of the Lost
1 Obscurer Class Destroyer
'Quest' Obscurer Class Destroyer - Compromised
8 Tercio Class Cruisers
'Phalanx' 100% Hull || 95% Shields
'Relentless' 100% Hull || 93% Shields
'Vowkeeper' 100% Hull || 98% Shields
'Domina' 100% Hull || 100% Shields
'Judgment' 100% Hull || 100% Shields
'Aegis' 100% Hull || 100% Shields
'Ascendant' 100% Hull || 100% Shields
'Argent' 100% Hull || 100% Shields

1 Singularity Class Battle Carrier
'Legion' 100% Hull || 100% Shields

Starfighter Scale Craft
96 Tie Jester Attack Fighters
1 Tie Command Shuttle (From the Quest, Landed)
16 Gat-120 Skipray Blastboats
32 25 House Mecetti Tie Interceptors

The Mecetti fleet continued forward, and as it neared, the deadly reality of combat crept forward like a predatory animal. Explosions of ordinance could be seen. At first, far away. But it came closer with every passing moment. Orange-red glows from powerful detonations began to cast a warm but unwelcome glow upon the occupants of the bridge.

"The Phalanx and Relentless continue to take sporadic spillover fire, and now the Vowkeeper as well. So far, we haven't been the primary focus of enemy fire." The comms officer announced, getting reports from other vessels in the formation.

Maldor nodded, "That will change, or we are not doing or jobs."

The tactical officer announced, "The enemy is changing their massdriver warheads. Based on their impact, I'd say they are armor-piercing explosive."

Maldor looked at the man, "Is that better or worse?"

The Tactical officer allowed himself a bitter smile, "Like so many things in war, better in some ways, worse in others. Struck ships will not need to worry about widespread systems failures if they are penetrated.

On the other hand, actual damage to materiel and personnel will be multiplied. I'd say our forces' general warfighting capability will last longer under such a barrage. However, the actual losses sustained will be more severe...

...and this is interesting. I think the Lilaste are pulling punches with some of their weaponry. They seem to be targeting weapons. That's... interesting."

Maldor didn't find it nearly as interesting as his Tactical officer did. "I suspect they are just pulling the Rancor's claws before trying to cut his ankles." He noticed something on his tactical display. "Let's give Captain Dréze there some more support, if we can. Target incoming fire with the Legion's smaller starfighter-scale concussion missiles. They may not stop the enemy fire, but an explosion might knock the enemy fire off-course, either missing the ship entirely or missing targeted areas."

The comms officer interrupted. "Our Fighters are coming into missile range of the enemy fighters... and the enemy are using an interesting maneuver. Their fighters are able to invert their direction of fire without inverting their direction of travel. Flight leaders report this is enabling the enemy to shoot down incoming missiles and also to return fire against pursuing craft."

Well, if he had learned anything about the Lilaste during his limited exposure to their combat forces, it was that they were innovative warriors.

"Make sure they place double shields forward. It sounds like they're going to be charging right into the teeth of the enemy."

The comms officer relayed the order, and more explosions erupted in the distance. Maldor knew that some of those explosions belonged to his fighter squadrons. Brave men and women who were chasing a dragon, maw first.


TL;DR

Spoiler

- The Mecetti fleet continues to advance, while the Mecetti fighters make initial contact with the enemy fighters. The Mecetti fighters have been ordered to place full shields front to contend with the unexpected enemy fighter capability. The Legion is attempting to use its small concussion missiles to knock enemy fire off-course, hoping to protect Captain Dreze's ship.

Laphisto Augustus Von Strauss Kato Dréze Aemicia Vaiken Damos Vakaro GhostKey Lyssara Thrynn Sieliel Dimegor Tales of the Rule of Two Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik Kato Dréze and others who may be on Objective 2

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Bastion | Objective 1
Tags: Darth Nathrax Kanni Ugaiya Kilran

---

The chaos of battle was everywhere. The Diarch had joined the thick of it. Cutting down the Empire’s forces at the head of his elite Myrmidons.

He had been searching for the architect of this betrayal. His mind instantly went to the Empress but he knew that perhaps that was a mistake.

He searched the battleground for the young woman, if she was not his enemy, he would know when he looked in her eyes.

Then he spied her, and his heart sank briefly. The high marshal had her in his sights. Knowing the man’s bloodlust, Reign knew it was only a matter of time before any hope he had of a unified front against the Fifth Wing was dashed.

Cutting down any who got in his way, he attempted to reach the Empress before it was too late.

As the High Marshal brought his blade down, it was met with the Blood-Orange of the Diarch

“Nathrax, stand down! The Empress is not our enemy, she has been played. As well all have. Sate your bloodlust on the agents of these would be Sith Lords. Make them pay for stepping foot on Bastion”

His eyes were locked on the young Empress as he spoke. He could see the shock in her eyes. The disbelief in what was happening around them.

 

[Lord Dvasius]

​

As he watched Diarch Rellik 's shocked reaction at his and his Shadows' appearance the Sith assassin tried not to audibly make a sound, but underneath his mask he was smiling and lip twitching, trying not to laugh out loud. All that could be seen behind the mask was his piercing red Sith eyes, remaining emotionless and unmoving, almost looking down on the Diarch. The look of possible perceived disdain was just the look he always had on, towards all people.

"Your acceptance of the call is appreciated. As we push into the enemy ship any intelligence we recover on our end will be given to you. If not, when our torturers get their hands on the enemy, something you do not know will be brought to light. Either way, you will have your prize. I am a man of my word - This you will come to know."

They both acted as if Dvasius was the superior and not the other way around. It wasn't quite so, but Dvasius didn't answer to anyone as a servant or subordinate and was a Sith who liked his ego stroked so he played along. His eyes still were unmoved as he listened to the man's agreement to his terms and stated what he had to gain even if the plan didn't hold. The assassin smirked, unseen, at the bow and getting his intel by any means, even the Diarch torturing someone or someones to get it. He might even help with that or just join for the sadistic thrill. His dark eyes finally seemed satisfied.

"Sounds good to me, Diarch." the Sith extended his hand for a shake, like a classic deal with the devil, "And if it does come to that and your torturers need any help you can let me know and we'll make them into men of their word."

Dvasius wasn't expecting another ally Sith to show up (or at least he looked like a Sith), but then Kallous showed up after him and greeted the "boss". He certainly didn't talk like a Sith with ambition, though suppose Sith can feign loyalty. He was doing it, but more feigning friendliness for the sake of a necessary alliance. Hm. They'd see what this other Sith was like soon enough.

The Sith gave side eyes back and forth, at one of his invisible agents and at nothing beside the two men as he watched the friendly display between master and apprentice. That was very unusual for a Sith's master to do, but he guessed he wasn't a Sith, but was confusing that the apprentice was. How that work would probably be discovered later. He focused his eyes upward as their ride arrived to take them to the ship in orbit. To rescue the other apprentice of Diarch Rellik . Dust and dirt kicked up, the Sith Lord was glad he was wearing a mask, but covered his eyes still to keep it out.

"Everyone who is coming, it is time. No matter who or what we come across. For this mission - it is war. Kill everything that moves and once our High Councilor is saved I will come over the comms and we will exfil. Be quick, be lethal. - Now board."

All he heard was "it is war", "Kill everything that moves" and, "Be quick, be lethal.", then to board. That was a lot of his favorite words. He really liked these people. Dvasius motioned with a gracious hand for Rellik and the other Sith to board first, while his Shadows went ahead of all them, hidden and making sure to avoid anyone bumping into them that couldn't see they were there on accident, then he, himself followed onboard the ship last.

"Let's go make mother-sûdas beg for a mercy they'll never see.", he said to Rellik and the other Sith. They could imagine he was definitely smiling wickedly under his white, blank-faced mask. "... Then kill them anyway. Ha-ha!"


Nyva Shei

​

 

[VR-4 “Four”]

Objective: Serve the Empress
Location: Pelleon Gardens, Bastion
Outfit: White Uniform
Equipment: Lightsaber
Tags: Kaanni Ugaiya Kilran | Darth Nathrax

My quiet confidence and steady protection of the Empress was put to the test as a creepy voice echoed through the now unrecognizable gardens. Where had all the other Imperials gone? What was happening here? Did someone thrust the Empress into a trap? If so she needed to get out. And I could help her do just that.

I grit my teeth and tightened my grip on the hilt of my weapon as I took a step forward to answer the challenge. "You are in presence of royalty. But Empress not taking audience now," I called out not understanding the sarcasm in the statement. "You want talk to Empress. Do later. You mean her harm…you need go through me." I said it slowly and with as much confidence as I could muster, despite the fact that I knew the grammar was not right. My thoughts don't properly translate to action. Especially in dialogue. I hoped most thought I was just learning Basic, but I sound like a child.

Assuming a standard beginners defensive position I waited for the man to make his move. "Empire needs you. Find way home. I take this one…"

 

[Kaanni Ugaiya Kilran]

OBJECTIVE I: THE MASSACRE IN THE PELLAEON GARDENS!
Current Outfit
Moogle

As Kanni's handmaiden VR-4 “Four” stood in front of her, her eyes darted towards the Darth Nathrax . Kanni cocked her large Shuriken back ready to hurl it towards the enemy's waist. However, a voice cried out from a distance ordering this Dark Lord to stand down. Kanni's eyebrows crinkled into a frown. That voice..... it sounded familar....... @

" Diarch Reign ?!" Kanni gasped seeing the Lord who tried hard to make her submit to his will. The man who started this conflict, was the one who was warning the Dark Lord to back off. Why?

"What are you talking about?" Kanni yelled. "All I see my Lord is your handiwork! Bastion was the perfect bait so you can lure my people into a trap and kill all of the high officials!"

It would be the perfect plan, but Kanni sensed it wasn't Reign's intention. "Tell me my Lord," Kanni said. "What game are you trying to play here? Because I've grown beyond weary of being played."

 

[Sieliel Dimegor]

---

---

Bastion, Outer Rim Territories, Braxant sector, Sartinaynian system;
The Diarchy;
Pellaeon Gardens.
Tags: Kaanni Ugaiya Kilran | Diarch Reign | VR-4 “Four” | Darth Nathrax

---

Objective I: Massacre in the Pellaeon Gardens!
​

Equipment:

• Lenoi I
• Shield Weave
• SRP-100 'Silent Sail' Repulsorlift Pack
• Disruptor Pistol
• Pseudonic Beam Rifle (NEW!)

The sky is on fire.

Explosions filled the ears, and smoke threatened to overwhelm the senses. The former would have served as a great cover for the noise would have been useful in covering up Sieliel's approach, but the Silent Sail didn't require it. Bastion could have been the serene, quiet place as it had been just mere hours ago following the end of The Diarchy's Grand Ceremony and still nobody would have heard her coming. Today was meant to be a great day for the Diarchs as they announced themselves on the galactic stage. But it would live long in the memory for different reasons now.

The remnants of the Elysium Empire had contributed much to the arsenal of the Empire of the Lost when they were recruited into the fold by Aculia Voland at the turn of the ninth century. Among the equipment made readied to the then new faction which had succeeded the Elysium were the Pseudonic Beam Rifle: a weapon manufactured by Angelus Arms and which new served the double-agent floating along the skyline overlooking the Pellaeon Gardens. Another gift left behind by the late Tion343 who had been quickly dispatched as The Diarchy's security forces dealt with the sharpshooter who had opened fire upon Kaanni Ugaiya Kilran and the other members of the Imperial Delegation in order to frame Diarch Reign and the other Diarchy representatives into an act of war upon the Empire of the Lost.

As the Diarch attempted to save the Phantom Empress' from the wrath of Darth Nathrax , Sieliel made her move. With the setting of the beam rifle set to it's non-lethal setting she opened fire on Reign in order to complete her mission: to capture the Diarch and bring him to the satellite located in the Nespis system as per the orders given to her by the mysterious LAETOR.

---

 

[Her]

---

---

Bastion, Outer Rim Territories, Braxant sector, Sartinaynian system;
The Diarchy;
Tags: Diarch Rellik | Lord Dvasius | Nyva Shei | Kallous | Lyssara Thrynn | GhostKey | Glade | The Lord of Hunger | Onrai

---

Objective III: The Rescue of Lyssara Thrynn

CONSIPRACY GRIPS THE LOST DIARCHY.
​

Equipment:

• The Cone of Silence.
• The Domestic Surveillance of Direct Threats.
• Lightsaber Hilt.
• Slicing Unit.
• Shield Weave
• Cortosis-weave armor.
• The Imperial Immortals. (ALL DEAD)

​

It is impossible the words, to describe . . . What is necessary . . . To those who do not know what horror means.

Klaxons continued to screech around the Dark Lord and Lyssara Thrynn as they fled away from the entity Onrai when suddenly they stopped, and in tow a series of events followed. All of the vents in the cell block closed, and so the wisps of the entity's form could not materialize through the slits imbedded into the surrounding walls. The lights went out, and monitors all flickered offline. Not even emergency back-up power came online as the redundant systems of the Quest were torn apart by the three pronged battle between GHOST PROTOCOL, and it's AI versus ONRAI, and her powers versus The Lord of Hunger , and the artificial intelligence known as KRONOS.

Blast doors sealing the hallways that had led to the prisoner block were sealed closed, and the other side Her held Thrynn up by the arm as they stood at the entrance to the prison. Somewhere in the dark nether a turbolift waited for the pair for the former had just used it to enter the cell block to take Diarch Rellik 's apprentice away from the clutches of the corrupted IMPERIAL IMMORTALS. Now it was just a question of how to activate it.

Mercilessly Her dropped Lyssara and stepped away from the prisoner as she contemplated on her next move. As she did the Dark Lord reactivated the Lightsaber, and lifted the crimson beam above her to provide some illumination to the cell block. Moving around the control centre towards the turbolift Her pressed her hand on the door, and through the Force she could feel no power running through it. A moment of realisation came next as she realised that they were trapped, on board a Star Destroyer whose Captain had just given the order to self-destruct.

You may yet get what you hoped for, Mecetti.

With her free hand Her took out a communicator, and turned to Lyssara as she held it out to her. "Take this, and use it to send a message to your master. You are trapped in the cell block, and the power has gone out. You need a way out."

As Her handed Lyssara her communicator she averted her gaze from the Nightsister to the ceiling above her. A malevolent entity wearing the face of a ghost was somehow, someway on board the Quest and it was consequentially haunting her. It is said that a true master has the ability to adapt, and flow with the ever-changing currents of the moment. That in this transient realm, of which we all inhabit, the changes were constant, and so plans relied on the ability of their creator to adapt, or change them to fit the moment. But how does one adapt to something as ethereal as Onrai ?

---

 

[Zara Saga]

Tags: Iellax Pellis​

Zara felt a thrill, a dangerous spark ignite within her as Iellax, or "Lax," as she preferred, readily accepted the energy cuffs. It was too easy. Either Lax was incredibly confident, criminally stupid, or playing a game several levels beyond what Zara initially anticipated. The Archon found herself enjoying the dance.

"Lax it is," Zara murmured, the name rolling off her tongue with a deliberate silkiness. She tugged gently on the energy cuffs, testing the weight, the security.

Her eyes, however, remained sharp, dissecting the other woman's every word, every subtle shift in expression. Lax claimed to be a lone wolf, a handler of handlers. A delicious lie, likely. "Information, you say? And here I thought you were simply drawn to my undeniable charm." Zara purred, the playful tone a thin veneer over the steel beneath.

Zara stepped back, her smile widening, a silent invitation for Lax to follow. "Come, darling. Standing is such a bore. Let's get comfortable." She gestured towards a heavy, ornate chair positioned near a large window overlooking the chaos unfolding outside. The window was now covered with armor plating. The light in the room was now dim, and with only a little light overhead, the shadows danced over Zara's face as she turned her head.

With a deliberate step, Zara began to walk towards it. As she walked, she spoke. "Tell me, Lax, what sort of information were you expecting to find here? Were you hoping to uncover the secrets of the Diarchy's defense network, perhaps? Or were you more interested in the juicy gossip about our students?" She chuckled softly.

Reaching the chair, Zara leaned against the back, crossing her arms. Her violet eyes, bright in the dim light, locked on Lax's. "Let's play a little game, shall we? For every piece of information you give me, I'll give you one in return. A fair exchange, wouldn't you agree?" Zara paused, letting the words hang in the air.

Zara tilted her head, her smile becoming more predatory. "Tell me, Lax, what do you know about the attack? How does your presence here fit into the grand scheme of things? And most importantly...what have you already discovered?"

 

[Nyva Shei]

The situation is really pressing. I am stationed at the hangar, waiting for my passengers to board. Once everyone is settled, I take off with the required authorizations, and we ascend into Bastion's atmosphere.

The Master is with us, along with some eccentric individuals who have also come aboard. Just my luck… I already hate sharing the Solar Spectrum, and now it's being used as an extraction point for my own mistress.

Forced to comply with orders, I now reach space, in stealth mode, of course, to avoid being targeted. The idea is that by the time we reach The Quest and the members of the Diarchy, we won't be shot down like sitting ducks. That would be particularly inconvenient.

Something interrupts my piloting as a communication comes through.

"Nyva, where are you? I need to speak to the Master..."

My eyes widen as I see the sender: Lyssara. I turn toward the Diarch standing nearby.

"Mistress !? He's with me! Are you okay!? What did they do to you?"

Her voice is particularly weak, interrupted by frequent coughing. Not a good sign. She must be in critical condition. I will have to take care of her as soon as we find her.

This makes me furious, and Ada takes the opportunity to add to my frustration.

"Would you like me to play some relaxing music?"
"No, Ada, shut up!"

This is not the time to piss me off. I turn to Rellik and hand him the ship's communicator.

"It's your apprentice on the line, Master Rellik."

I continue navigating, dodging incoming fire. But then, something catches my attention: we are not just facing one faction… A third has joined the battle. Who are they, and what has driven them to take up arms? The overall scene sends a chill down my spine as I head towards The Quest with the rescue team

Lord Dvasius Diarch Rellik

 

[Lyssara Thrynn]

Moving through the station is a real pain, especially with someone I absolutely don't trust. I can't afford any mistakes. If I want to get out of this mess alive, I need to find a communicator as soon as possible.

Suddenly, a device lands in my hands. I frown and turn my gaze toward Her . I wasn't expecting that from her.

"Thanks, I guess."

This probably wasn't part of her plan, but I doubt she wants to blow up with this ship any more than I do. She must have another objective in mind… I need to figure out what it is.

As I tune the communicator to Nyva Shei's frequency, I press the button to establish a connection. I don't really have a choice. The person with me wants me to contact my Master, and given the circumstances, that might not be such a bad idea. Once the comlink is active, I speak.

"Nyva, where are you? I need to speak to the Master..."

I do need an extraction point. My urge to leave this ship is growing stronger by the second. Good news: she confirms he's right there with her. That saves me some time. I address him directly.

"Master, can you come get me? The ship is set to explode, we don't have much time left..."

I think I've made myself clear. We're running out of time, out of energy… Out of everything, really. And that's not even mentioning my own condition. I could collapse at any moment, completely drained by everything that's happened. The only thing keeping me going is adrenaline.

But once that fades, Nyva will have to take over. She'd better be there.

Diarch Rellik Nyva Shei Lord Dvasius

 

[Iellax Pellis]

Location: The Crucible of Order - Bastion
Objective: Escape Bastion
Cover ID: Amina Syko
Outfit: Initiate Robes
Tags: Zara Saga

Iellax sensed the interest that she had elicited in Zara. She wasn't sure if it was just the fact that Iellax would be a challenge or something more personal and it really didn't matter to the young Nagai. This interaction was now about survival. Engaging in Zara's entertainment would increase the likelihood that there would be an opportunity to escape. So that was what Iellax would do.

Accepting the cuffs was no ruse, and her captor would be able to tell that as she checked them. The way that Zara spoke to her made electricity pulse down the assassin's spine. Iellax hated being vulnerable to carnal impulses, and had hoped that finding Lissa would temper them, but that part of her had been molded from an early age. It would not go away easy.

"Had I known someone like you was here I would have altered my cover to make sure that we worked closely together," Iellax responded to Zara with a wink. She then followed towards the chair.

"You must be confident in the defenses of this compound and the city not to rush out there. Or perhaps you think I am a bigger threat than what is out there. If it is the latter I am very flattered," Iellax stated curious if the Archon would let anything about where they were slip.

When Zara took a standing position near the chair, looking fantastically regal in the process, Iellax took a seat. A back and forth game sounded as though it could be fun, even if it wasn't the sort of game Iellax was used to playing. "So many questions with so many answers. What happens in this game of yours if you don't believe what I am saying?" Iellax gave a slight giggle and then shrugged.

"I was here primarily to gain access to a roster of your Order's members. Perhaps to learn a bit of how your defenses work. And what was present in your archives of knowledge. I confess to being impressed by a secret collection of erotica…The organization I work for is tied to the Kilran Empire. But we are not convinced you should be an enemy. We sought to take advantage of Imperial presence to do some due diligence." Iellax admitted freely. That statement she guessed would be received as truth the rest of what she would say she wasn't as sure.

"My Master revealed nothing of an attack. Whether they didn't know themselves or didn't deem it important to tell me I don't know. And it doesn't matter. My presence at this time is merely as a spy. Though I have talents as a saboteur and an assassin if my Master wishes to pivot to something more destructive. At current I would say my usefulness is more at your whim than theirs though." the use of Master was because that seemed to be what these Force religions used. Iellax had no Master so to speak. The Tanes were her bosses and the Nagai bet the Archon would see that as a Master.

"As for what I have discovered…You don't do a very thorough check on the background of your initiates. Perhaps that is because most are younger and don't pose much of a threat. And I got caught pocketing a file of Masters and Students. Not sure how currently relevant it is."

Iellax purred thoughtfully and looked up at Zara. "There is a bit of information for you to dissect. I don't suppose you would be allowed to give up defense secrets or a list of your members. So I will leave my prize up to you." The real prize would be getting an opening to get Iellax' weapons and test the fighting prowess of the blonde beauty.

Spoiler: Loadout

• Brotherhood Initiate Robes
  
  • Arms
    
    • Concealed Verum Gauntlet Lightsaber - R
    • Concealed Verum Gauntlet Lightsaber - L
  • Accouterments
    
    • Cloak
  • Utility
    
    • Concealed FAE/C-05 Infiltration Suite - Belt
    • Concealed Miniaturized Comlink - Belt
      
      • Loaded with FAE/S-11 Universal Communication Matrix

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Tags: Lyssara Thrynn Nyva Shei Lord Dvasius Her Kallous

The crew was aboard the Solar Spectrum and to Relliks surprise they had put a rag tag team of warriors to come in a surprise time of need. For that he would always be grateful. It was nice to know he had friends and family to support him when necessary.

As Nyva made way to the Quest's hanger Rellik stood next to her. To anxious to sit in the back and wait. He had his eyes on the ship since he was standing in the hanger. Visualizing his assault and subsequent rescue of his pupil.

A scratching comm noise broke the silence of Relliks meditation. The static filling the room before a familiar voice could be heard.

"Nyva, where are you? I need to speak to the Master..."

His ears perking up at the voice of his apprentice. Almost stunned as Nyva replied. He had been fearing the worst for a little while now and to hear his apprentice hit him directly in the chest.

"Master, can you come get me? The ship is set to explode, we don't have much time left..."

Booming his voice and speaking directly into the communicator he replied.

"Are you safe? Hold tight we are on our way right now. We will bring you home."

Before another reply could be sent out Rellik closed his eyes and focused. Standing within the cockpit of the Solar Spectrum he meditated on his apprentices whereabouts.

Although the vision was murky at best - as if other forces were at play that were beyond just imperials - he tried to envision the environment Lyssara was in. He could see his apprentice fairly clearly, disheveled and in pain. Leaning against a wall in a small corridor. Another female, presumably taking Lyssara somewhere was with her as well. This person held power, enough that even being near what Rellik was trying to focus on, she could be felt.

It seemed they were trapped at a turbo lift aboard the ship. If that was the case the ship was either about to go into flames or this other person was trying to break Lyss free. Either way for now they were trapped and it would be up to him to get them out.

They were almost there.
---------------------------------------------------------------

With the Solar spectrum screaming into the hanger of the Quest the ship was immediately fired upon by remaining guards. The general turrets and automatic defenses of the ship were disabled.

The ramp lowered, with the Diarch at its peak. Gold hue of his blade illuminating him among the red backdrop of the emergency power. Determining that the ship was being scuttled and that time was off the essence, Rellik dropped his outer robe - lowered his blade to his side and dashed through the ensuing combat.

Leaving Nyva, Dvasius and Kallous to handle the guards who were not in his way.

Bashing through the hangers shut down doors with a push strong enough to shake all the armament containers within the hanger, the Diarch left. He was heading to the main console of the command center to bring the turbo lift up.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Once there he reached out in the force to talk to Lyssara.

"Be ready, I am here. Get into the lift and I will see you soon."

With that he activated a manual override button on the command console and the turbolift doors sprung open. Revealing the path to both his apprentice and this other mystery woman.

 

[Her]

---

---

Bastion, Outer Rim Territories, Braxant sector, Sartinaynian system;
The Diarchy;
Tags: Diarch Rellik | Lord Dvasius | Nyva Shei | Kallous | Lyssara Thrynn | GhostKey | Glade | The Lord of Hunger | Onrai

---

"The weak will always be victims. That is the way of the universe. The strong take what they want, and the weak suffer at their hands. That is their fate; it is inevitable. Only the strong survive, because only the strong deserve to."
-- Darth Bane.

---

Objective III: The Rescue of Lyssara Thrynn

CONSIPRACY GRIPS THE LOST DIARCHY.​

Equipment:

• The Cone of Silence.
• The Domestic Surveillance of Direct Threats.
• Lightsaber Hilt.
• Slicing Unit.
• Shield Weave
• Cortosis-weave armor.
• The Imperial Immortals. (ALL DEAD)

THEN:​

Death created time to grow the things that it would kill.

The spinning blades of an overhanging fan are the only things to break the mutiny of the silence, and the only source of illumination inside the room are the eerie white lights of a Cone of Silence. It is a distinctly cold room; enough that your breath rises from the slits of your mouth, or nose as you take the time to breathe, and exhale. There is a wide berth separated only by a large adorned table with esoteric designs containing messages of a prophet who disappeared long ago. They called him Kakus, they say. The sons shall inherit the sins of the father, she feared.

Sitting at one head of the table is Her, and at the other end is someone else. She is leaned back in the chair, and both arms are resting on the table. One of the sleeves are creased ever so slightly, and betrays the scarred tissue beneath the fabric of her dark garments.

It has been a long life.

"They tried to erase you," She says down the table to the other. "Now you can have the means of retaliation. It can be yours but only in exchange for the Diarch. So we will bring him to Childhood, and expose your former associates to them all the while destroying their work in the Tion Hegemony in exchange for your co-operation."

"They will never see you coming."

NOW:
​

Darkness gave way to light as the back-up generators were manually activated by Rellik. Thumbing the button of her Lightsaber blade Her deactivated the weapon but did not sheathe it. Turning her gaze away from the turbolift as it's doors sprung open she turned back to Lyssara and said: "Your side delivered. Time to go."

With her free hand Her helped Lyssara back to her feet, and with some effort the pair found their way into the cylinder chute. They were met with something out of a horror flick. Bodies of the Quest's crew littered the walls, and floor of the lift with their faces contorted in various states of pain, and death. Some mouths were gapped open as if to scream but nobody would hear them now, and their murders would never be solved for the boat was about to explode. Victims of a well laid plan.

With a flick of her wrist Her activated the turbolift to bring them away from the prison deck. As the doors closed she turned back to Lyssara and lowered herself down to her height. Her Lightsaber hilt glinted in the red ambient lighting around them indicating that the lift was only running on emergency power, and above was a screen which indicated the passing levels in Aurebesh. It would not take long for master and apprentice to be reunited.

"Time is a flat circle," Her said cryptically to Lyssara as they edged closure to Rellik, and his rescue team. "Civilization is crumbling. Stars are quaking at our feet. The Eggman sought an Empire of the Lost, and found himself elevated as their God-King. But everyone has their time." Averting her eyes away from Thrynn to the surrounding lift walls sprayed with death she was reminded that the ghost of Pandeima was with them. She was still trying to come to terms with that, and her eyes searched for the entity. Is it really you?

"A daughter made the claim of a Phantom Empress, and inherited the sins of her father," Her continued to say as she looked back to Lyssara. "They said it would be an age of Imperialism. A reconstitution of the Galactic Empire. Their march across the stars-- from Carlac, Lianna-- took the Jedi by surprise. But in the end it is the same outcome. The weak shall inherit this Earth, and the strong will prevail onwards. Do you think any of them know what is about to happen? Trigonus, I suspect. . ." Her cupped Lyssara's cheek and left the imprint of her hand upon as it was drenched in the remnants of the fallen foes who were lured into a conspiracy propagated, supported and subsequently brought about by the Tsis'Kaar.

They had died spreading the reach of their Master, and so the Fifth Wing spread themselves across Sartinaynian. They had cast a mighty shadow today for it was meant to be a day of celebration for The Diarchy. Now the skies of Ravelin are on fire, and the people are dying beneath the turrets.

Some wings were made to be broken.

"Don't cry my love. The worse is over now, and you are homebound. We are almost at the end."

Thrrrrm. Thrrrm. Thrrmm. Ambient noises of the lift filled the cacophony as Her and Lyssara sat in what was left of the N.I.S.B special-task force. A pair of empty eyes stared up at Thrynn to her left. No life left in there now. It was a day of days. One she couldn't ever forget. There would be a reckoning for this.

It was unforgettable . . . No . . . Unforgivable.

Thrrrmm. Thrrrmm. Thrrrm. Thrrrm-...

---

 

[Lyssara Thrynn]

I let out a weak, broken laugh, a grating murmur in the air saturated with death. Not much is left standing here. Not the bodies, not the ideals, and certainly not me. But that doesn't stop me from savoring the irony of it all. Corpses and death those aren't the worst. I'm used to them; they don't faze me. This horror unsettles only her. Of course, all these lost lives, all this spilled blood will leave a mark. What a waste. All those lives could have made for perfect test subjects in my experiments.

The voice of my master crackles through the communicator, grounding me. A rare smile tugs at my lips when I hear it. It reassures me. It reminds me that I am not alone.

"We're heading to the extraction point, Master. But I wouldn't say I'm exactly safe I'm exhausted."

And now she wants to deliver some villainous monologue in the middle of the turbolift? Seriously? Now? I tilt my head toward her as she wipes her bloodstained hand across my face. What does she think she's doing? Trying to get a reaction out of me? I've seen worse. She believes she's etching some grand truth into the universe with her words, as if this massacre, this dust of broken ambitions and consumed horizons, proves anything beyond one cold certainty: nothing lasts. Not empires, not gods.

I lift my eyes to hers, my smile as sharp as my breath is weak. My gaze burns with an intensity that even pain cannot extinguish.

"Trigonus? Is that who's here? Never heard of them. Sorry. You speak of legacy, of destiny, of forces no one can stop… but tell me, where are you going, exactly? Me? I'll always be here to see it. Time has no impact on me."

I tilt my head slightly, half-closing my eyes, almost bored. My unwavering arrogance makes it clear I have found a way to defy time itself. My head falls back against the lift's wall. My strength is fading, but I refuse to give her the satisfaction of a submissive silence.

"The worst is always yet to come. I'm not called Death, the Destroyer of Worlds, for nothing. It's not just an honorary title you're lucky that Ragnarok doesn't fall upon you. Tonight."

She likes metaphors? Fine. Let her choke on them. I trust my weapon absolutely. I created it. I know what it's worth. She have reason, all of this is
unforgivable and ruthless, there will be consequences later. I dont cry, i am angry, you don't like me when i am angry. I am a dark lord too now. I just threatened Her with Ragnarok, she doesn't realize what this ship is capable of, it's capable of annihilating a capital in no time. Will she understand? I don't know, but it's going to be fun, that's for sure. I close my eyes for a moment, listening to the monotonous hum of the turbolift. It's only a matter of time before the balance shifts again. And when that day comes, I fully intend to be there to watch it all burn. My revenge will be terrible.

As for the blood she smeared on my cheek? What does she think that accomplishes? It leaves an unpleasant streak, sure, but I'll have to shower anyway. I'm filthy, exhausted. No matter how much I've tried to wash with cold water, it's not so different from cleaning myself in the jungle river back home. Blood is disgusting, yes but all it earns from me is a slight frown.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

OBJECTIVE 2 - The Second Battle of Bastion

Spoiler

Resources in Play by Moff Mecetti of the Empire of the Lost
1 Obscurer Class Destroyer
'Quest' Obscurer Class Destroyer - Compromised
8 Tercio Class Cruisers
'Phalanx' 100% Hull || 60% Shields
'Relentless' 100% Hull || 73% Shields
'Vowkeeper' 100% Hull || 88% Shields
'Domina' 100% Hull || 92% Shields
'Judgment' 100% Hull || 96% Shields
'Aegis' 100% Hull || 92% Shields
'Ascendant' 100% Hull || 90% Shields
'Argent' 100% Hull || 93% Shields

1 Singularity Class Battle Carrier
'Legion' 100% Hull || 90% Shields

Starfighter Scale Craft
96 88 Tie Jester Attack Fighters
1 Tie Command Shuttle (From the Quest, Landed)
16 12 Gat-120 Skipray Blastboats
32 18 House Mecetti Tie Interceptors

​

The Legion shook, and Maldor reached out to grab a hand-hold that wasn't there.

Why did the designers of these ships never include enough railings?

Fortunately, he managed to steady himself rather than tumbling into the pit, which would be a most undignified position to command the ship.

There was not a single ship in his flotilla which was pristine, now. There could not be so much ordinance in play without some of it touching his ships. The constant explosions visible through the viewport cast a reddish glow upon the whole bridge, an ominous overtone for the progress of the battle.

"We're in a good position now," he declared, as though centering his ships around the core of danger was something to be desired. "Tercio cruisers are to turn their flanks, bring turbolasers to bear. Volley fire."

The damage would get worse, now, with the cruisers turning their broad sides to the enemy. Soon, ships would begin to take hull damage. Shortly thereafter, they'd start to blow apart, spilling thousands of lives into the vacuum.

"Progress of the Blastboats?" He asked.

"Twelve of the eighteen have made atmospheric insertion. They should be in the vicinity of the Empress' last known position in minutes." Then the comms officer volunteered, "we're beginning to take significant starfighter losses."

That would get worse, too.

Everything would be getting worse, now.

"Tercios in position. Volley Fire initiated."

Maybe things would be getting worse for the Diarchy, as well.



Laphisto Augustus Von Strauss Kato Dréze Aemicia Vaiken Damos Vakaro GhostKey Lyssara Thrynn Sieliel Dimegor Tales of the Rule of Two Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik Kato Dréze and others who may be on Objective 2

 

[Countess Anétresya]

Objective 3: Find Lyssara.

The 214 year old sangnir had more than a hundred thralls across the galaxy to satiate her hunger, some of her thralls were closer to her than others. And over a short period of time relative to her long lifespan, one individual in particular had grown on her, so much so that she had became one of her favourites. So imagine her frustration when she had heard that her dear Lyssara had been captured.

War was looming on Bastion. This would be the rarer times she would not sit out from battle knowing that the perpertrators were the Empire of the Lost - the people who had taken something of hers. No one would get to meddle with what was hers without wrathful repercussions.

The witch had casted a tracking spell from a sample of Lyssara's blood and with an incantation and skillful movement of her hand, had opened up a portal. The dark purple ichor swirled like a blackhole, ghostly tendrils reaching out which enveloped around her as she stepped through.

Emerging from the other side, she had enterred an ongoing battle on board a spacecraft. Lyssara was somewhere in this ship. With the golden broach of a ten-pointed-star on her outfit, it was clear which side she was on. The armed personell would fire at her but the witch would cast her spells. <<Cirohect-ildhes>> she muttered the incantation, the magick forming a dark purple orb around herself forming a shield. The blasts ricocheting off it and back at the soldiers, incapacitating a few of them.

<<Oxislonpes-wopena>> Without hesitation, she cast another spell. Orbs of ichor flew from her open palms to meld into the blasters, held or on the ground by the corpses. In a split second, the weapons exploded, splintering violently and throwing the rest of the men from where they stood. Anetresya walked on.

From her side she took the vial of her thrall's blood, then pouring a small drop on her palm. The crimson began to change colour to an emerald green as the spell worked, the droplet thining and sharpening till it was needle-like. Then it spun, the tip pointing in a direction like a compass', which Anetresya walked on, tracking her darling Lyssara.

Diarch Rellik Lyssara Thrynn

 

[The Lord of Hunger]

LOCATION: Bastion, Aboard the Gluttoneria
OBJECTIVE: Gain info, steer the war
IMPORTANT LINKS: Sword | Armor | Jewel | Ring | Necklace | The Gluttoneria | The guards | The Enforcer
TAG: Her | Maldor Mecetti | Sieliel Dimegor | Darth Imperius | GhostKey | Onrai

Never try to tempt a monster with a challenge, for if this challenge is unsatisfactory... lives must be taken and people will be lost.
​

//:External threat neutralised...
//:Running diagnostics...
//:External threat found...
//:External threat neutralised...
//:Running Diagnostics...

"KRONOS, focus on threat detection via subroutine, have the ATHENA submit its excess memory to your systems," He was getting annoyed, even when taking direct control and aiding the KRONOS AI with his own strength and mental capacity, it seemed to be quite a hassle to gain any more access to the mountains of information held within the ship's database. While it seemed the Scylla AI had been neutralised, there seemed to be scattered remnants of code that just continued to replicate themselves. While it would be pretty damn near impossible to burry such a remnant into KRONOS' core system, there was the off§chance that any subsystem could be infected by this tenacious and hounding AI. quarantaining it and identifying it would be the most prudent course of action.

//:External threat compartimentalised
//:Quarantaine protocol activated

"Identify the secondary threat, attempt a breakthrough by targeting the ship's life support systems and internal artificial gravity generators," If the Lord of Hunger could not be allowed to take full control of the vessel, he would sure as hell make sure that any of the direct threats would be taken care of. With not just that persiustant AI, but also that unidentified threat annoying him and hobbling his access to the ship's systems, unleashing KRONOS' full power was a must. A dangerous precedent though, as KRONOS was a hassle to deal with if it did not keep itself within the normal parameters and allowed its imprinted personality to run amok. "Activate the 'KREDIUS' protocol, break all resistance."

The sound of clicking and buzzing could be heard in the Lord of Hunger's vicinity, as the core of the KRONOS AI opened up and started spinning a few times before closing itself, the entire ship's systems momentarily blinking and glitching in response to KRONOS' exchange with the ATHENA AI running the Gluttoneria.

Yet, when the Overclocking AI attempted to focus on its task again, both it and the monstrous force entity controlling it could feel the waves of unrelenting code dropping upon them, a storm of binary code blocking all possible entry points, drowning everything withg useless code and protocols. While this was extremely annoying, the Lord of Hunger had invested too much to just back down now. "Erase it, erase everything...every inch of code, every spec of zeros and ones, tear that ship apart and everyone in or around it. Activate all weapons' systems, deactivate life support and artificial gravity, overclock the engines... Wreak havoc, KRONOS!!"

 

[Lord Dvasius]

Some time earlier:

A Shadow sat across from Her at the table. Faceless, wearing a blank, white mask. All that could be seen beyond it was the red glow of the Dark Lord's eyes, like fire in the icy cold of the room. Breath came out like smoke from the bottom corners of the mask. He leaned against the table with on forearm ending in a fist supporting his head while the other hand tapped a finger on the table as he waited to find out why he was invited out here to this white blanketed wasteland.

"They tried to erase you,"

Fiery eyes locked on when the assassin heard those words and he straightened himself up, mirroring her posture and the position of his arms on the table. All he was hearing had him smiling under his mask. As she said a chance to get revenge on those that ostracized and tried to kill him. Once he bore those scars, now they were gone and he was a different person. Literally. To learn what the Fifth Wing he'd barely heard of was and who they belonged to, to remove it as a resource for them all made coming here pay off in spades. All he had to do was sell out a stranger. Easy.

The man didn't say anything anything and just stood. He took a black piece of cloth out from somewhere in his robes and tossed it on the table. The Force made it flat and a red snake devouring its own tail could be seen on it. Dvasius put his right hand up like a surrender and flicked his wrist. As shikkar blade came out of it and he jammed it down into the middle of the circle in the cloth and broke it off at the hilt.

The Sith also produced a strange coin with the same snake on one side and the Black Star of the Sith on the other. A token given to him before he completed his first mission to prove worthy of training as a Sith. A Sith assassin. It was still cold as before. The metal somehow felt almost even colder than the room. He dropped it on the table where the rag of his old uniform was. It flattened itself as soon as it touched the table like it didn't want to bounce, like it was alive and had a will.

With a thought and the flick of a pointing finger the black cloth caught fire and burned away. Flames put themselves out, leaving the blade and the coin on a charred section of the table with a message. The deal was made, but which one of them was the devil.

Lord Dvasius turned his back to leave the room when he sensed something and saw a flash of warming light in the cold. As he turned around, thinking somehow his fire spread to catch the whole room on fire, he saw a flag with the symbol of the Tsis-kaar on the wall behind Her. Or where she used to be, she was gone and the flag caught fire and burned away to ashes. He swore the circular snake caught fire before the bottom did and lit up the rest of Tsis-kaar banner. Again a smile on his face under the blank one that covered it as the Sith Lord walked backward and turned on his heel. In the absence of Her he heard his own laugh echo through the room, but it didn't come from his mouth.



Present moment:

It app the ship they were on had an eccentric AI and it seems she decided it was time to annoy more than just Nyva Shei .

"Let me turn the light up to see all of you" and she did so, seeing there was new people to annoy.

Lord Dvasius looked up and blocked his eyes from the blinding light, "Turn it off!" he ordered, souding dangerously annoyed.

"Yes sir!" The lights went off again.

"Shut up!" the Sith demanded, even angrier.

"Yes sir." The AI said, sounding defeated.

"What is wrong with that AI?" he thought and shrugged at the pilot whom she didn't seem to listen to.

The only sounds heard the rest of the trip were Lyssara Thrynn over the radio and her master responding. . . and the occasional blaster fire mixed with some explosions.

The ship finally entered The Quest's hanger and it seemed the leader of this little rescue operation was in the biggest rush, leaping out first with his golden lightsaber. Of course it was gold. It seemed that was one of the main colors The Diarchy used to represent themselves. "Hmph." the Sith muttered then went out after him. He wasn't alone. His agents that snuck on the ship with him spread out and began silently taking out Imperial targets with solid blades and the Force. Except on of them. He ( Lord Tirmaka ) was fighting with a red lightsaber, like Lord Dvasius. He was even strangely using the same mix of lightsaber forms as Dvasius. The Shadow assassin even wore a mask, though dissimilar to Dvasius', but still mostly the same white color.

The "real" Dvasius had no trouble with any of the enemy targets in the hangar, until one with a lightsaber came at him. He blocked their incoming drop slash in time and stepped back a second then closed back in with his lightsaber swinging down and rising up from behind his back. It was blocked and again as it came down at an angle from what would have been the enemy's left. The assassin acted frustrated and came in from the other way. Blocked again.

He smiled under the mask. It was a trap set of moves. Even though they had blocked him a third time he was stronger than they were. The superior Sith adjusted his blade, rotating about 45 degrees, then pushed through, cutting their throat open and knocking their lightsaber to the ground. The plasma blade made a hissing whine as it cut through flesh. When the Imperial Sith's lightsaber extinguished its red blade on the floor they responded with a hollow voiced gag, to which Dvasius spun around in a circle with his lightsaber in hand and cut their head off. Both in response and to silence their annoying, disgusting last "words". "Inferior beings. Weak!" he thought of these "Sith".

At the other end of the hangar the other assassin that was so similar to him was dealing with about the same situation. Three imperial troops fired their blasters at him to which he generously returned just two of their blaster bolts. Into their skulls. He threw his lightsaber in a spinning arc from behind his back at the last soldier, hitting him at a downward angle beneath the collar and digging itself all the way through him and back out.

An opportunistic Sith from the other side took what he thought was a great chance to ambush him from the left. Only for Lord Tirmaka to produce a second saber in that hand. He blocked horizontally as their weapon came down, his arm staying firm at a right angle... as the other lightsaber came back from inside the now dead trooper, cutting him in half diagonally. Oops.

Red lightsaber screeched and whined as it cut through the blest of the Imperial Sith's abdomen from hip to hip. The victor moves his arm to the side so his blade pushed theirs our of the way so it could extinguish and fall on the floor without damaging anything. As it started to lean over on him the Sith pushed the body's upper half back while the bottom half fell forward and the assassin walked away. A wide eyed expression and a short, sharp gasp were the last were the last things permanently displayed on his face.

The two Sith "brothers", as some thought they were, moved the the doorway Diarch Rellik had completely bushed through. At least one of them was surprised by that. On his way Dvasius got caught up with more Imperials that shot at him. All of the bolts where shot back to lethal places and one of their heads got cut off. Now both of the Sith went down the hallway after Rellik.

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Tags: Lyssara Thrynn Her

Rellik was near the point of smashing everything left upon the command bridge. His patience for the turbo lift was feigning and his anger was rising. He kept Lyssaras energy in his mind as he awaited. Feeling her pain and tired presence. "Damn this entire ship and damn the Empire of the Lost."

To temper himself he would pace back and forth several meters from the turbo lift door. Seething on his anger and hatred. Ensuring that his more compassionate nature did not over rule his wanting to avenge his apprentice's pain, yet not losing the boon to his power that would come from the dark side of the force.

My home, my planet, my people, my love. They have taken these and hurt them. I will find the one responsible and show them a fate worse than death. I will melt their mind and keep them alive in a deep dark pit.

Awaiting with baited breath the Lord of the Diarchy held his blade in his hands. Slowly walking back and forth as the eventual ding of the turbo lifts arrival on his platform came.

As the doors opened he saw Lyssara, weak yet defiant. Blood streaking across her face as she laid against the wall inside the lift.

Rellik began to move forward with his non-armed hand stretched out.

That was when he noticed Her next to Lyss. As the dawning of his vengeance was made evident on his face he turned all the rage and anger for the damage done to his people against this new person. Not caring if she freed Lyssara or not, he would not give her the chance to harm her any further.

With the force amplifying him he began a decisive move towards the woman in the turbo lift.

 

[VR-4 “Four”]

Objective: Serve the Empress
Location: Pelleon Gardens, Bastion
Outfit: White Uniform
Equipment: Lightsaber
Tags: Kaanni Ugaiya Kilran | Darth Nathrax | Diarch Reign | Sieliel Dimegor

"Wait. We not fight no more?" I questioned in confusion. In my rush to confront the creepy masked guy, I had not heard the command to stand down from the Diarch.

I refused to lower my guard, but my muscles relaxed just a bit as I turned my head towards the Empress. The Diarch looked wise and seemed even tempered in the meeting. But something bad has happened. Roxxie was nowhere to be found and there was fighting all around.

"Still battle around. And I don't like the look of this one…" I took a step forward towards Nathrax. At the same time I heard blaster shots behind me. I could tell they were stun shots, but they didn't seem to be aimed at the Empress anyways. I stood my ground nose to nose with the creepy one. Well not REALLY nose to nose.