Junction The Sundering Dawn | Act II: Galaxy in Crisis (Chapter 1 | Cross Roads)

[Darth Empyrean]

Objective 1 | Cross Roads
Karath Station, Neutral Mid‑Rim Orbit

The ancient trade‑hub shuddered as the last diplomatic shuttle eased into its cradle. Once the pride of Muunilinst’s banking fleets, Karath Station now floated half‑lit and half‑lawless in lonely orbit—refurbished just enough for a single, fragile purpose: bring the Galaxy’s rivals to the same table before the Sundering finished what entropy had begun.

Armored peacekeepers in split‑color livery ringed every airlock. Their neural pikes crackled warning arcs while a prerecorded announcement rolled across the concourse in Basic, Huttese, Mando’a, and High Sith: “Karath Station is sovereign neutral ground. Discharge of plasma or Force will trigger auto‑vent protocols. You have been advised.” The words echoed beneath the oxidized ribs of a vaulted promenade where merch‑stalls once hawked banking bonds; now holoprojectors hovered in their place, looping fragments of nightmare‑visions captured from Jedi temples, Sith oubliettes, Mandalorian spirit‑walks.

Delegations trickled in: crimson‑robed Sith archivists flanked by silent, tattooed enforcers; Jedi researchers cloaked against imagined Sinister auras; Mandalorian field‑marshals in storm‑scored beskar, helmet visors flickering tactical readouts. Corporate attaches in synth‑silk discreetly traded data‑chips for transit permits while GA officers logged every exchange with stoic efficiency. No one sat. The tension kept participants on their feet, pivoting always toward the nearest exit—or the nearest potential adversary.

At the chamber’s center, a circular holotable roared to life. Foliated glyphs—triangle‑and‑line of Blood, fractured mirror of Echo, compass‑rose of Axis—rotated above a star‑map speckled with red “X” markers where hyperlanes had imploded only hours before. A Jedi archivist cleared her throat, blue eyes sweeping the hall. “We are gathered,” she announced, voice carrying through comm‑magnifiers, “to assemble our shards of prophecy into a single, survivable truth.” A Sith loremaster replied with a dry laugh. “Survivable—for whom?”

The holotable cycled to live‑feed panes: Odacer‑Faustin’s polar storm fronts; the Silent Mirror pocket’s ghost‑fleet telemetry; the rusted spire’s gravity‑sheared cartography. Microphones unlocked. Slices of vacant airtime ticked away like countdowns. Somewhere behind the escorts’ mirrored visors, blasters loosened in holsters; beneath robe sleeves, thumbs brushed activator studs of hidden sabers.

Now the floor was open—every faction free to project its vision recordings, levy accusations, or bargain for missing coordinates. For a breathless moment no one moved, the Galaxy balanced on the edge of its own unraveling. Then, almost simultaneously, light and darkness flickered across the holoscreens as rivals stepped forward to speak—each wondering whether the next words traded here would stitch reality together… or slit it a little wider.

 

[Drazen Lutris]

Drazen arrived just as he had meant to - early. Others were trailing in behind him, but he was the first to find his marked seat among the massive congregational table. He smiled at his cross-table neighbors, who he would no doubt be staring at for the next few hours. To his left and right, nobody sat - not yet - but they would.

And, as much as he wanted to royally mess this up for everyone, it wouldn't do to lose the Galaxy just for the joy of an insult.

He cleared his throat and stood;

"I am Drazen Lutris. Many of you may not know me, but you no doubt know of my brother, Darth Empyrean. I am here on the Sith Empire's behalf to first break away these false notions that the Blackwall had anything to do with the current climate. The Sith are as... surprised about all this as anyone else.", he said, motioning to the others as though to reassure them it was true, or to seek vindication.

"This entire ordeal is widdershins. We will share what we can and will - firstly, that there was a vision of Odacer-Faustin given to us after some unknown breach allowed the future-gleamers to actually see whatever prophecy is at hand without dying. With that said, we have deployed teams to Odacer-Faustin in the hopes of retreiving whatever lies below the surface, and we will graciously keep the other parties informed of what is to come.", he said with a gleam of his pearly white teeth.

"We, of course, expect the Galaxy to recriprocate. We understand a joint venture has been deployed in other areas, and the Emperor has gone to Tython to assist in the retrieval of whatever lay there. They will report to us as needed.", he said.

"As I understand, we have all been given private rooms we are allowed to depart to at any time. Do as you need with your governmental diplomats, but understand this..."

He rested his hands on the table, serious.

"The Sith did not do this, and we are willing to - for once - work with you all to achieve some semblance of normality. Just this once."

 

[Ashin Cardé Varanin]

Ashin took off the mask of Anger and laid it on the table, revealing her original face: human, pale, sharp-featured, with dark straight hair. Otherwise she wore black armourweave robes and went unarmed except for a glossy black cane of knotted wood.

"I'm Captain Ashin Varanin." The name might be recognized as the Empress of the Sith Empire almost seventy years ago, and captain of a notorious academy ship for most of living memory. "The unknown breach that Drazen Lutris mentions, which unlocked the mass visions that drew us here, was my doing — a ritual that I designed and conducted at significant cost. Here is what I saw for my pains."

She set a deceptively small holo unit on the table. It projected a partial star map of no known region. She let the map speak for itself and did not comment on the limited extent to which she knew what it actually showed. Her contacts were still working on it. Others here might recognize it. It wasn't everything she'd learned in ritual, but she'd picked it as a good-faith offering that could unlock further information.

 

[Spencer Varanin]

//: Ashin Cardé Varanin //: Drazen Lutris //:
Karath Station, Neutral Mid‑Rim Orbit​

---

Spencer wasn't one to exist in the realm of people. She had become almost a recluse, wanting to just watch the galaxy pass by her. Life had been full, but she was no longer needed, nor did she want to be needed. The woman just wanted peace once paraded as the 'Chosen One' of her generation.

Peace was a lie.

She had learned this through her years, watching the galaxy ebb and flow with time. There was never a dull moment, never one grasp of time where everyone could agree on one thing. When those moments began to show, the Force and the Galaxy refused it. Spencer wondered if it was the people or the Force itself that chose to sow chaos. Spencer found herself once more in the middle of the galaxy's politics. As usual, the former Queen found her place beside her wife. She remained silent as Ashin presented what she wanted to show.

Spencer didn't care about the galaxy anymore. It was her children's turn to deal with its dangers. It was their turn to save it. She was done; she just wanted to relax and spend the rest of her days with Ashin.

But, the universe chose otherwise. Spencer sat and looked towards the figure that stood behind her cloaked. The child's face was hidden, and she remained silent. She watched the girl ( "Templar" ) , waiting to see how she would react to hearing the talks that were occurring. Like Spencer, the child was a relic—one forgotten by time but still a force to be reckoned with.

Especially when Spencer was done with her.

The woman reached to the child carefully, her presence caressing the folds of the girl's mind. <Pay attention to each voice, learn them, and commit them to memory—their words are the words of the galaxy's salvation or destruction.>

Looking back to those at the table, resting her hands in her lap, she admired the work of her wife - she wouldn't speak on it, not yet. The former Queen was curious to see what the children of the galaxy thought first.

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Karath Station - Neutral Mid Rim Orbit
Tags: Roxxann Tane Tertius C. Nargath Maldor Mecetti

---

Of the Diarchy's people, Reign himself had come to this "Diplomatic" conference. A gathering of the established powers in the galaxy. No doubt the clear themselves of any wrongdoing. To be fair, that was what he himself was there for as well, and perhaps to work with some of the more amenable powers to stave off whatever disaster had found it's way to the galaxy.

He had entered the large conference room to see it sparsely populated.
Good, let us see who the powers deign to send
He thought. He had no doubt that like the Diarchy, each group represented here had sent forces to the other worlds. This was confirmed when Drazen Lutris spoke.

The Diarch took his seat at the table, coincidentally enough, exactly across from the group he had just clashed with upon the surface of Serenno. Staring into the face of the Emperor's brother, Reign's tone was amiable as if the conflict were a piece of long forgotten history.

"I speak for the Diarchy when I say that the assurances of the Sith Order mean a great deal, I believe nearly everyone at this table had the thought of you being behind this. It is a comfort to understand that we are all in this together."

He eyed the other man before continuing

"I had the recent pleasure of making the acquaintance of your brother, and while it may not have been the most pleasant of meetings, for either of us I can say, it does alleviate some of the worry to know that a being of such power is taking an active interest. Diarchy forces have been dispatched to the aforementioned worlds as well. We will lend whatever aid we can to the galaxy, working with friend or foe for the survival of all"

It was then that the Diarch addressed the other two seated at the table. The one that spoke Ashin Cardé Varanin admitting to causing the breach that afflicted the galaxy with gave Reign pause. As he studied the star map.

"I can not say I'm familiar with the region of the galaxy shown, but it appears as though whatever you did, brought us together. For that, I don't know whether to thank you or condemn you"

As his verdant gaze drifted towards the other woman seated there. There was a depth of ages to her but the Diarch couldn't pierce into her mind. And at such a delicate juncture he decide outright conversation would be best.

"I will not shy away from my lack of knowledge, but please, I wish to hear from you as well. What are your thoughts on the gathering storm?"

 

[Ashin Cardé Varanin]

For that, I don't know whether to thank you or condemn you"

"I do," said Ashin drily. "But your support is welcome regardless. We face a shared and spectacular question. Whatever mechanism or being toys with the universe this way — everything that is mine and everything that is yours — will die. The question is how to kill it."

She kept it at that and ceded the floor to her wife.

 

[Darth Nefaron]

It made him sick.

To stand here. To talk. To throw out accusations.

This was not a time of crisis. This was a time of opportunity.
​

Pushing through a throng of scholars and academics, Darth Nefaron took his place, forcing himself into the ongoing conversation. The Lord of the Diarchy had made his case, thinly veiled accusations laced his introduction, but the ever-mysterious Ashin Cardé Varanin brushed them aside. So far, no serious ideas had been presented, so Nefaron took the monumental task of uniting the various groups onto his own shoulders. Not for any altruistic reasons, simply because he desired the resources of the present groups, and he'd like nothing better than to see his influence triumph over his rivals.

"Lord Lutris and Captain Varanin have painted quite the picture for all of us. Before we dissolve into endless bickering, allow me to provide my own insights."

Nefaron gestured to the partial starmap, the system also unfamiliar to him, but the layout was something he had come across before.

"I spent many years wandering the darkness that lay at the fringes of our galaxy. I sought the darkest knowledge of the Sith, of those who created our order in days long forgotten. Amongst ruined scripture and dead worlds, I learned of places in our galaxy, bastions designed to stem a coming tide and ensure our galaxy remained whole."

The Corpse Lord did not reveal everything he learned, but it was enough for those gathered to work off of. Even though he did not know the origin of the great threat that haunted his mind, he certainly had ideas.

"The modern Sith did not cause this crisis, but I believe that the threat we face today was designed long ago, and its purpose is becoming ever clearer to me. The balance of the force has been tipped in favor of the Dark, and our actions today have awakened an ancient failsafe. Perhaps it was the Blackwall, perhaps it was something else entirely. I assure you, every Sith will work to combat the coming change, for this is but one more obstacle on our path to bathing the galaxy in darkness for an eternity. But I do not know how to stop this threat from continuing to wreak chaos, nor do I know what shape it takes. This partial starmap is a but a drop in a great sea of uncertainty, unless someone here would be so kind as to reveal its location."

Nefaron scanned the room, and most seemed just as baffled as he was about the current crisis. But he did not agree that whatever they were after should be destroyed. Instead, he sought control.

He sought a weapon to remake the galaxy.

This was his path to acquiring it, even if it meant cooperating with his ancient enemy.

TAGS: Drazen Lutris Diarch Reign Ashin Cardé Varanin Spencer Varanin ​

 

[GreyKnight]

​

Location: Karath Station - Neutral Mid Rim Orbit
Tags: Roxxann Tane Tertius C. Nargath Maldor Mecetti

---

Of the Diarchy's people, Reign himself had come to this "Diplomatic" conference. A gathering of the established powers in the galaxy. No doubt the clear themselves of any wrongdoing. To be fair, that was what he himself was there for as well, and perhaps to work with some of the more amenable powers to stave off whatever disaster had found it's way to the galaxy.

He had entered the large conference room to see it sparsely populated.
Good, let us see who the powers deign to send
He thought. He had no doubt that like the Diarchy, each group represented here had sent forces to the other worlds. This was confirmed when Drazen Lutris spoke.

The Diarch took his seat at the table, coincidentally enough, exactly across from the group he had just clashed with upon the surface of Serenno. Staring into the face of the Emperor's brother, Reign's tone was amiable as if the conflict were a piece of long forgotten history.

"I speak for the Diarchy when I say that the assurances of the Sith Order mean a great deal, I believe nearly everyone at this table had the thought of you being behind this. It is a comfort to understand that we are all in this together."

He eyed the other man before continuing

"I had the recent pleasure of making the acquaintance of your brother, and while it may not have been the most pleasant of meetings, for either of us I can say, it does alleviate some of the worry to know that a being of such power is taking an active interest. Diarchy forces have been dispatched to the aforementioned worlds as well. We will lend whatever aid we can to the galaxy, working with friend or foe for the survival of all"

It was then that the Diarch addressed the other two seated at the table. The one that spoke Ashin Cardé Varanin admitting to causing the breach that afflicted the galaxy with gave Reign pause. As he studied the star map.

"I can not say I'm familiar with the region of the galaxy shown, but it appears as though whatever you did, brought us together. For that, I don't know whether to thank you or condemn you"

As his verdant gaze drifted towards the other woman seated there. There was a depth of ages to her but the Diarch couldn't pierce into her mind. And at such a delicate juncture he decide outright conversation would be best.

"I will not shy away from my lack of knowledge, but please, I wish to hear from you as well. What are your thoughts on the gathering storm?"

I Walk in "I don't know much about about your space wizardry but If you need a merc with connections and a ship I be happy to help you out.

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Objective: Crossroads
Location: Karath Station - Neutral Mid Rim Orbit
Tags: Roxxann Tane Tertius C. Nargath Maldor Mecetti GreyKnight
________________________________________________________________________________
​

Maldor looked from one face to the other.

He never thought he'd be in another room full of Sith, listening to their lunatic declarations and prophecies. An ironic opinion, perhaps, considering his own intimate association with the order. But the Sith had a fatal flaw that corrupted all of their thinking. It was their insistence on unchecked passion. Every belief, every aim, every desire was multiplied into insensibility by that passion, which the Sith religion insisted should be pursued.

'Restraint' was not a word often heard among them.

This caused such things as prophecies to be leaped upon with the greatest enthusiasm, and any such prophecy or vision to be twisted to feed the desires and passions of the interpreter. Dreams of power. Dreams of avarice. Each, a carpenter's chisel used to hammer away at a prophecy, peeling away strips of substance until the truth resembled whatever lay within the inflamed minds of the observer.

"I can lay claim to no great exploration of the wild places," Maldor said, speaking for the first time.

"But I have enjoyed the study of several ancient relics and histories. There is knowledge there, locked into holocrons and forgotten tomes and tablets. Things learned at great price, then carelessly abandoned to the winds of time.

I think it is a premature assumption that the current crisis must be Force related, must be related to Dark or Light powers, must have some special significance to the Jedi, or Sith, must be represented in ancient prophecy or vision. Force adherents are certainly experiencing visions and tumult, but as the force literally flows through the galaxy, we should expect some level of disruption to Force users even if the cause of the current matter is not Force related."

He glanced to one side, seeming to lock eyes with empty space for a moment before continuing on.

" I can say with confidence that the re-allocation of galactic spheres has occurred before. This is typically conceived as a matter of convenience for those doing the moving. We are all familiar with the studies that suggest that the worlds of the Correllian system are so improbably positioned, that it is likely they were specifically seeded into their current arrangement. Geological studies suggest the worlds were not even originally from the same system.

The implication of technology that can seize worlds and move them is clear. Moving stars is merely a matter of scale. This has happened before. I think we're better off finding a pattern in events through the sharing of our data, rather than looking for some explanation in prophecy...

His attention seemed to be drawn away a second time.

He cleared his throat, then resumed.

...However... in the interests of cooperation with the Sith approach to this problem, I have looked into historical mysticism and did find seventeen references to a tumultuous galaxy-spanning event expected to interrupt commerce and bring woe."

He made a flinging gesture with his hand, a gesture commanding his datapad to convey information to the others' data devices.

"Different Dark Side cultists, different ages, spanning 10,000 light-years. I don't think it is particularly significant, but these things were recorded as prophecies in artifacts once found in the House Mecetti vault. You may know the Tapani sector was occupied by Sith long ago. Today's Saber Rakes are an echo of that time. Old artifacts linger, and they tell these tales. I am not convinced they deserve much weight."

A figure appeared suddenly, offering Mercenary services. "I am sure the whole galaxy will need mercenaries before long, but I'm not sure this is the place to discuss it."

​

 

[Lossa Aureus]

Karath Station - Neutral Mid Rim Orbit​

A strange gathering of different powers that be descended upon the neutral system.

Giving her own time now to make sure that Naboo had a voice present in this meeting from those that wielded the Force rather than just only making the Queen participate in such a gathering. Trading a little bit more of the peace that had only been obtained a short while ago. And a peace that was enjoyed for even less time than what was required of her presence currently.

The Zeltron had arrived quietly. Studying each being in the room and committing each face to memory when names where shared. Along with the titles they carried with them. Certainly a once in a lifetime event to have such a gathering of beings who wielded such powers come together to speak of alleviating some great trouble within the galaxy. But every once in a while, both suns shine on a womp rat's tail it seemed. For her own part, Lossa had arrived in rather plain attire.

Robes that were fitting of someone for noble blood without being gaudily adorned. Hair kept loose given the expected lack of combat to be taking place.

Discussions and some form of political maneuvering were no doubt to be the most dangerous things taken away from this meeting. Joining the gathering in time to listen to each speak on the matter and feeling far more out of her depth than usual given the plethora of information that was being shared in one shape or another. Fingers brushing her lip as she leaned back in the assigned chair and listened to each that spoke.

It wasn't for lack of trying that the Royal Naboo Republic could provide little to the conversation at hand. They had already been coordinating in some ways with one group, as one of the Diarch's had made contact with them recently on Bestine. Whether by choice or chance about the matter when the hyperlane issue had become far more clear and present with their arrival.

But with all that had been ongoing in their little sector of space, the republic was still in the midst of clean up and securing one of their own Netherworld breaches. Stretching their limited resources to investigate issues that did not immediately threaten them in such a way that the Mandalorians had. Or the Sith group that had assaulted one of their moons most recently.

The assurance that the current Sith order had no hand in creating the trouble that plagued the galaxy now was a great relief, and no doubt most had at the very least wondered about their involvement.

Perhaps even a touch of shame behind the mask of neutrality she kept on her face about her own wonderings on the matter. The matter of cooperation however was something that could be easily addressed. Even if the rest of it was slightly out of her depth in some way.

"I will not shy away from my lack of knowledge, but please, I wish to hear from you as well. What are your thoughts on the gathering storm?"

"I mirror this sentiment, at least in my own regard with which you all have shared. Some of ours have experienced visions, while others have conducted exploration of their own volition." Her hand never truly left it's place in front of her face. Simply shifting to her chin as she continued to remain leaning.

"Much is still being gathered and deciphered from what we have been able to find, though. One thing that has stood out, however, is a name that was provided by one of our members." Her hand finally departing from it's protective gesture to draw the datapad from the table and access it. "Found when they were searching the Five Veils for a citizen of Naboo."

Her cousin having provided what he could from his time in that section of space as she scrolled until she found the transcript she needed.

"I admit I know nothing about the being who possesses the name, but it was clear that it, it is tied to current events." Eyes leaving the datapad as the word finally appeared. Shifting enough to completely address and examine everyone.

"Calladene." Eyes scanning the faces around her to measure the reactions the name might bring up. "That was the name that was provided to me, if that means anything."

Drazen Lutris | Ashin Cardé Varanin | Spencer Varanin | Darth Nefaron | Diarch Reign | GreyKnight | Maldor Mecetti | Kalantha​

 

["Templar"]

//: Spencer Varanin //:
//: Karath Station, Neutral Mid‑Rim Orbit//:
//: Objective 1 | Cross Roads//:

​

Being here in a room with representatives of different factions and parties. Templar didn’t know what to make of it. One moment she was awoken from carbonite, trying to regain her memories. Next she’s here. With a “Master”, that Templar didn’t have a choice in that matter. Wondering why she would be dragged to a place like this. This relic of the past knew better to ask questions despite them racing in her mind.

The only thing that was somewhat interesting to the Templar was the planets shifting. It seemed as if this wasn’t the first time this had happened. A lot has changed.

Letting out a low grumble that was barely audible. ‘Politics…’, mentally scowling. Templar couldn’t bring herself to care about what was going on with the galaxy and its contents. Being sealed thousands of years and the galaxy is still at war with each other. Only willing to put a cease fire because their way of life was in danger. Sighing quietly, positioning herself behind her “Master” who was sitting at the holotable. With a sharp motion Templar’s head lifted slightly, instinctively searching for the source of the voice in her mind.

The woman reached to the child carefully, her presence caressing the folds of the girl's mind. <Pay attention to each voice, learn them, and commit them to memory—their words are the words of the galaxy's salvation or destruction.>

Pausing for a moment before subtly nodding. <Yes...Master> begrudgingly obeying. The Sith weren’t the same as she remembered them, nor did the Diarchy existed. Even the Royal Naboo Republic was new. Observing the Lords and listening to what was being said. Templar took it all in. Remembering their faces, voices, and words. Wondering what could she possibly even learn from this. It was only amusing to see how this would end. Salvation or destruction. It made no difference to her. Templar mentally scoffed.

With a slight hesitation, she tried to connect with the mind of the woman in front of her. Lightly tugging, not holding back her opinions this time. Maybe making it known to “Master”, she will disapprove of Templar and let her go. <...Clearly this isn’t the first time this has happened.> Equilibrium always reclaims its due, it was only a matter of time. <Like a fever to the body, let it purge the sickness out of the galaxy. If this is the Force’s way to bring balance, let it take and destroy anything it sees fit.> She had no ties to this world. There was nothing here for Templar anymore. Why should she care about what goes on in this galaxy or current timeline. A relic like herself should’ve stayed buried. Let her be purged with the rest.

Attention snapped to the entry, her body tensed. Without thought, Templar moved instinctively. Taking a side step towards the entrance of the room. Putting herself as a shield between “Master” and the figure who appeared suddenly at the doorway. Underneath the cloak, hands were ready to draw bladed weapons. Gripping the handles tightly. Waiting. The random guest who entered was spouting about mercenary work. Watching Chancellor Mecetti addressing the mercenary and services, her grip loosened. Hands falling back to her sides, stepping back in place. Blinking inside her helmet, processing what transpired. Templar couldn’t understand why she had done that. It wasn't like the blonde-haired woman needed protection—she was the danger. 'Muscle reflexes' , trying to convince herself. Her body’s memories from the past, but not her mind was what moved her.

Focusing her attention back at the table and those around. Despite not caring about the problems of the galaxy, even she knew better than to interrupt. Obeying orders, she stood quietly. Attentively taking in what was being discussed from the figures in the room. Curious of what her “Master” has to say.

 

[GreyKnight]

Objective: Crossroads
Location: Karath Station - Neutral Mid Rim Orbit
Tags: Roxxann Tane Tertius C. Nargath Maldor Mecetti GreyKnight
________________________________________________________________________________
​

Maldor looked from one face to the other.

He never thought he'd be in another room full of Sith, listening to their lunatic declarations and prophecies. An ironic opinion, perhaps, considering his own intimate association with the order. But the Sith had a fatal flaw that corrupted all of their thinking. It was their insistence on unchecked passion. Every belief, every aim, every desire was multiplied into insensibility by that passion, which the Sith religion insisted should be pursued.

'Restraint' was not a word often heard among them.

This caused such things as prophecies to be leaped upon with the greatest enthusiasm, and any such prophecy or vision to be twisted to feed the desires and passions of the interpreter. Dreams of power. Dreams of avarice. Each, a carpenter's chisel used to hammer away at a prophecy, peeling away strips of substance until the truth resembled whatever lay within the inflamed minds of the observer.

"I can lay claim to no great exploration of the wild places," Maldor said, speaking for the first time.

"But I have enjoyed the study of several ancient relics and histories. There is knowledge there, locked into holocrons and forgotten tomes and tablets. Things learned at great price, then carelessly abandoned to the winds of time.

I think it is a premature assumption that the current crisis must be Force related, must be related to Dark or Light powers, must have some special significance to the Jedi, or Sith, must be represented in ancient prophecy or vision. Force adherents are certainly experiencing visions and tumult, but as the force literally flows through the galaxy, we should expect some level of disruption to Force users even if the cause of the current matter is not Force related."

He glanced to one side, seeming to lock eyes with empty space for a moment before continuing on.

" I can say with confidence that the re-allocation of galactic spheres has occurred before. This is typically conceived as a matter of convenience for those doing the moving. We are all familiar with the studies that suggest that the worlds of the Correllian system are so improbably positioned, that it is likely they were specifically seeded into their current arrangement. Geological studies suggest the worlds were not even originally from the same system.

The implication of technology that can seize worlds and move them is clear. Moving stars is merely a matter of scale. This has happened before. I think we're better off finding a pattern in events through the sharing of our data, rather than looking for some explanation in prophecy...

His attention seemed to be drawn away a second time.

He cleared his throat, then resumed.

...However... in the interests of cooperation with the Sith approach to this problem, I have looked into historical mysticism and did find seventeen references to a tumultuous galaxy-spanning event expected to interrupt commerce and bring woe."

He made a flinging gesture with his hand, a gesture commanding his datapad to convey information to the others' data devices.

"Different Dark Side cultists, different ages, spanning 10,000 light-years. I don't think it is particularly significant, but these things were recorded as prophecies in artifacts once found in the House Mecetti vault. You may know the Tapani sector was occupied by Sith long ago. Today's Saber Rakes are an echo of that time. Old artifacts linger, and they tell these tales. I am not convinced they deserve much weight."

A figure appeared suddenly, offering Mercenary services. "I am sure the whole galaxy will need mercenaries before long, but I'm not sure this is the place to discuss it."

​

What If I said I'm not here as a merc but a Helper looking to expedite things along to help the Galaxy as a whole.

 

[Kalantha]

Crossroads
… a Sundering Dawn Story

A large holomap floated above the table, displaying the spiraling effect of the galactic disturbance that had come to be known as Calladene. Kalantha studied the arcs that fractured out from the edges of the galaxy. This Calladene—whatever it was—had surely been the source of the Planeshift that saw entire planets shifted from their natural orbits. Whether that was an intentional result or a catastrophic byproduct remained to be seen.

What mattered now was the galaxy’s response.

After hearing from the Sith dignitaries, one of the Diarchs, and Lossa Aureus of the Council of Light, the Queen of Naboo spoke calm and direct.

"Perhaps the Force itself recoils at what stirs beyond the veil. If the Sith—who have always claimed mastery over its darker currents—sense this threat, then I take it seriously, too. Naboo knows very well that diplomacy is built not on comfort, but necessity. And right now, necessity has brought us to the same table.”

Kalantha paused, glancing at Lossa before returning her gaze to the ambassadors. She was no expert on the Force, but the throne’s proximity to the Order of Shiraya had afforded Kalantha a working knowledge sound enough for her to engage in discussion. The Queen's voice softened slightly, thoughtfully, as she pressed on.

"This unknown force that we face does not distinguish between Republic and Empire. I have seen the data. I've read the patterns. This… is beyond what any one of us can handle alone."

Kalantha took note of Drazen’s denial that the Blackwall was responsible for the Planeshift. She could have said the same for Naboo’s role in ending the Second Cataclysm in the Netherworld, but in reality, they had no idea who was or wasn’t responsible.

“Whether it was your Blackwall that drew the attention of this cosmic force or not, I cannot say. It could just as easily have been the Royal Republic’s skirmish with the Archon in the Netherworld, or the Jedi’s careless destruction of Exegol. It could have been the destruction of Csilla before that. It could be all of these things in conjunction, or it could be none of them at all.”

The Queen took a moment of respite, finishing her remarks with a heightened inflection to indicate there was more to follow. She only needed a brief pause to gather her thoughts. It was clear that cooperation, albeit uncomfortable, was the wisest path forward for all in attendance. After all, what good were wars and borders if Calladene erases them all from existence?

Despite a nagging voice reminding her of the Royal Assembly’s inevitable rejection of the proposal, Kalantha offered it anyway. “We are agreed that survival demands cooperation. But let me be clear: trust is not given freely, not after Naboo's history, and not after mine. You will not find us meek in alliance.”

Tags: Darth Empyrean | Drazen Lutris | Ashin Cardé Varanin | Diarch Reign | Darth Nefaron | Maldor Mecetti | Lossa Aureus | GreyKnight​

 

[Drazen Lutris]

"Calladene.", Lossa Aureus said.​

​

Drazen listened quietly, for once, remembering his prior engagement with House Lutris's own seers. They had attempted to carve the memories the seers had seen away from them, put them into the secure memory vaults the Lutris relied on for their generational knowledge, but it had seen entire memory-servitors to be killed upon receiving the visions. It was enough to convince Drazen that he shouldn't try to do the same, as there would no doubt be the same consequence he would have faced.​

​

"An Alliance may be... premature.", Drazen admitted.​

​

"I am loathe to think the great and powerful Emperor would allow me or Ashin Cardé Varanin to sign away our diplomatic entente."​

​

"More aptly, however, I am authorized to share information. Calladene is a word that has some relevance to Celestial archeology. It is not well known, but the Emperor takes a certain interest in the Celestials, and has shared as much with the Dark Council. The Dark Council, in turn, has allowed me to share this information with you - Calladene is some manner of station. Planet, in some texts, but I don't doubt it is at all disimilar to Centerpoint Station. While the Emperor has access to these things, to a point, he is however not entirely sure what the station does."​

​

Drazen passed some all too redacted notes out to everyone with a simple flick of his wrist, sending the data (blackouts and all) to the relevant data pads. He glanced at it himself for a moment, motioning through the text.​

​

"Judging by the reports given to the Sith in regards to what visions people have seen, it would appear the Galaxy is perhaps pointing us towards a way to fix it. Visions of tools. Breaking the Axle. Taking control. Perhaps it is... presumptive to claim, but I think whatever the station is meant to do, its not doing what its supposed to. Something, Calladene perhaps, is asking for help.", he said with a shrug, setting his own datapad down and leaning back.​

​

"To me, in my educated Sithy opinion, there's something out there hunting a Celestial artifact - and its begging for help. Depending on what could possibly hunt a Celestial artifact, we may not need an alliance at all.", he mused for a moment.​

​

"But we likely will. I don't think the Sith apt enough to strike down a Celestial-Hunter on a whim. Not without cost, at least. Lastly, I'm going to send you all copies of our current hyperlanes under threat by starweird incursion. Don't worry, these lanes are changing within the Blackwall even as we speak - so don't get yourselves in a tizzy over leaked Sith star charts. There are at least eight major incursions near Terminus and Jutrand - enough to force the Blackwall's Fleet into high alert. Whatever it is that's hunting Calladene, I don't think its circumstance that its causing the starweirds to form packs and hunt. I think it is about to get much worse."​

​

Ashin Cardé Varanin // Diarch Reign // Darth Nefaron // Maldor Mecetti // Lossa Aureus // GreyKnight // Kalantha​

 

[Roxxann Tane]

Objective: Crossroads
Location: Karath Station, Neutral Mid‑Rim Orbit
Outfit: Simple Gray Robes
Equipment: Lightsaber, Medpac
Tags: Spencer Varanin | GreyKnight | "Templar" | Lossa Aureus | Kalantha

From the moment she entered the conference room with Diarch Reign and Maldor Mecetti Roxxann knew that her formal diplomatic training while a Jedi would be virtually useless. In order to have an impact on this meeting she would need to lean on more manipulation than negotiation or the threat of force.

Though her complete loyalty laid with the galaxy as a whole and the order her cousin, Teckla Tane planned to bring to bear, Roxxann had been treated well by the Diarchy since coming under the attack of the Fifth Wing and her role as liaison was one that she had come to cherish. It would be a difficult thing to separate her own wishes from the Diarch's so she would let him lead the way in the meeting.

The room was sparsely populated when they arrived. Roxxann suspected that would fluctuate throughout the meeting. The Sith Empire's representative Drazen Lutris claimed to be the brother of the Emperor, a fact the Diarch seemed to accept, and put forth a less than inspiring desire for collaboration. Perhaps that was just his personality. Or maybe he was being asked to do something he did not truly believe in. Either way it didn't seem like a troublesome development to Roxxann.

Ashin Cardé Varanin was an odd presence who seemed willing to take claim for the current situation. Roxxann was not convinced even with the map produced. Darth Nefaron made a statement that also placed doubt on Captain Varanin's claim. Roxxann was weary of putting too much credence in Sith ability to be transparent, but there likely was some truth in what was being claimed.

High Chancellor Mecetti urged that the gathering look beyond the Force for the cause of the galaxy's current condition. Roxxann was taught to be pragmatic about things by her father, even if her Jedi training said that all things were driven by the Force. She was willing to look beyond the mystical even though she felt strongly that the Force was involved somehow. Light and Dark however, Roxxann was very willing to cast aside. It was interesting the High Chancellor seemed to have a large Sith knowledge base.

The Naboo representatives then spoke. After taking a second to focus herself after being briefly affected by shifting her attention to the Zeltron woman, Roxxann heard what the two women had to say. The name mentioned was completely new to Roxxann. Her eyes shifted to the Diarch and Chancellor before returning to the Naboo women. They seemed to align pretty well with what the Diarchy was ready to do. Being the first to utter the word alliance in regards to this meeting was bold. Roxxann would smile before Lord Lutris quickly dampened that possibility. Roxxann looked over the notes provided and sighed.

"Information sharing should not be the end goal of this meeting. Something is changing this galaxy. Whether it be rooted in the Force exclusively. Come from ancient Celestials, or something messing with what the Celestials have put in place to govern the galaxy, if the source of this event is found it could unleash further harm to the galaxy. While I think that an alliance to collectively deal with this threat is most wise. At the very least the powers of the galaxy need to come to an agreement to set things back to the natural order. Not figure out some way to bend this power for other uses."

 

[Mesh'la Skirata]

Mesh'la was irritated. The Mandalorian in her wanted to confront and crush her enemies. Here they were before her. Pretending faith and proposing alliances. Only a fool trusted the Sith. Yet the Nubian part of her acknowledged that these opening stages were crucial to her eventual goals. Justice and Revenge yes just like her armor presented to the world, but not at the expense of Protection and Security. The fact that she was here at all presented a powerful statement.

That despite the pretty words and overtures the Sith were not to be trusted. Nor were the Naboo weak. Having a Mandalorian bodyguard for the Queen who openly wore her colours was a powerful statement. One of indirect declaration, just as her Queen said. They would not be meek.

The time would come for open warfare with the Sith. Mesh'la was sure of that. Only a fool could not see it, but first diplomacy must be exhausted. It was the way of the Naboo. Mesh'la was struggling to honour the traditions of one of her heritage while itching to honour the traditions of the other. Diplomacy from Naboo, Honour from Mandalore. Those were her choices.

Yet even the Mandalorian side believed in honouring her oaths, and she had sworn an oath of service to the Queen of Naboo, or to put it even more succinctly in Mandalorian terms. She had a contract. Right now she believed her contract was the best way to fulfill her oaths. Both of them. Justice and Revenge for her Clan. Service and Security for Naboo.

Mesh'la was no fool. Naboo was not an aggressive nation. In order to have their full backing the Sith would have to as they inevitably would make the first move of an act of aggression. If Naboo moved first they would lose the support of the people, which meant support for the war. That would mean they would lose as surely as on the battlefield. Mesh'la had to be patient.

In the meantime she was a presence by the Queens side. Besides a protection detail of Mandalorians and Handmaidens caused her existence. Mesh'la always got a kick out of the fact that that one contract lead to events that meant Naboo had a permanent Mandalorian on which to call on in herself.

In times past it was said that Jedi had personally protected the Queen of Naboo during times of crisis. It seemed fitting that now it was a Mandalorian who watched out for her well being. Personally Mesh'la believed a Mandalorian the more likely to cut down threats before they endangered her charge. At least she believed herself to be the one to do it.

As for the presented threat. Mesh'la doubted the Sith would be the stalwart allies against it they were claiming to be. More likely they would use Naboo in whatever ways they could while positioning themselves for even greater power. Treachery was the way of the Sith.

So despite her reservations about the present company Mesh'la remained a stoic presence by her Queen's side. A statement of protection and of force to threats both here and on the battlefield.

TAG: Darth Empyrean | Drazen Lutris | Ashin Cardé Varanin | Diarch Reign | Darth Nefaron | Maldor Mecetti | Lossa Aureus | GreyKnight | Kalantha

 

[Kalantha]

Crossroads
… a Sundering Dawn Story

Queen Kalantha regarded Drazen's words in contemplative silence, her expression poised, but the tension in her gaze betrayed a mind already calculating beneath the calm. Her fingers rested gently against the edge of her datapad, now displaying the heavily redacted information passed along by the Sith emissary.

She turned her gaze toward the others in the chamber, her posture impeccably regal but sharpened by urgency. "Naboo has had its share of visions as well. Jedi pilgrims come whispering of dreams they cannot name. We may not yet understand the purpose of Calladene, but if it is failing, it would not be the first time a structure left by ancient architects unraveled into catastrophe. You say partnership is premature—perhaps. But I say the storm is already upon us, and it cares little for our diplomatic pacing."

Her voice lowered, edged with quiet conviction. "If your Emperor permits you to share your findings and sees value in warning the rest of us, then that tells me even the Sith feel the breath of something greater on their necks. Perhaps ‘alliance’ is too strong a word for us to use here, but the necessity for formal cooperation is undeniable.”

Perhaps the Sith were partial to operating on promises made in the dark, but the Naboo preferred clear expectations and transparency where cooperation was required of them—especially when that cooperation occurred between them and a universally feared superpower.

She felt that the Diarchy and Imperials would agree, even if only to save their own skins from double-cross or diplomatic allegations.

“If it’s agreeable, the Republic can define a compact for this… time of cooperation,” Kalantha offered. “A document that facilitates a unified front until the Calladene dilemma is resolved, stipulating a non-aggression pact between all parties and ensuring fair and transparent exchange of intelligence regarding these cosmic events.”

Tags: Darth Empyrean | Drazen Lutris | Ashin Cardé Varanin | Diarch Reign | Darth Nefaron | Maldor Mecetti | Lossa Aureus | GreyKnight | Mesh'la Skirata | Roxxann Tane​