Private The Tesar Family Barbecue

[Trayze Tesar]

CURRENT OBJECTIVE - Host a Meeting...

BLUFOR - Darth Malum of House Marr Darth Strosius Revna

OPFOR - N/A

TARGETING ACTION(S) - Elise Ahana-Gwyneira , Darth Malum of House Marr , Dresden
LOCATION: West Entryway, 1347 Hoth Blvd, Jutrand Police High Commissionerate, Juthrand City
TIME: Local Sunset

---

It was a typically dismal evening, with the sun peaking over the stench of moistened ozone that festered the capital of the Sith Order. For many, it was the signalling of a long overdue ending of things. Salarymen grumble as they enter and exit their places of employ, their shifts a neon twilight hazed over in the buzzing cacophony of the daily grind. With night approaching, bars and places of recreation hum to life, with beckoning scents and sights to distract the beleaguered and beguile the curious. For members of the Department of Sith/Citizen Affairs, the dimming of the sunlight signaled either a sinking feeling of dread as a long night awaited them, or the tantalizing prospect of freedom mere seconds away.

For the one being sought out, it was mercifully the former, though he had been enduring the latter. It was a matter of necessity (or some would say self-imposed) that the rising star from Besberra had devoured an ongoing investigation that took years. Water-cooler gossip would whisper that this country yokel would perhaps make the Chief Inspectorate, or at the very least Captaincy by the year after next - but those in the know would rebuke that this Kiffar would have anything other than a frontline position. For he was Trayze Tesar, backwater sleuth, and Sith Acolyte. He had been neglecting the latter, at least in terms of his academic career, but bizarrely enough the department had granted him an innocuous shield. He was able to gain academic accreditation for "Public Service to the Order", and he was as far from the intrigues of the Silver Rain Palace as possible. Yet now, under the fog that occurred from staring at a screen for far too long, Trayze found himself realizing with some envy that he was lagging behind, and needed to refocus on his career as a Sith. There was no further excuse, being a Force sensitive detective, the Sith would either deem him a threat or a pawn, and he would prefer to choose his own master.

While he had informed his cousin, Malum, that he would be out ten minutes ago, he just needed to file one further report, or was it reviewing one? Better do both to be safe, it pays to be redundant. So engrossed was he in his work he wouldn't notice that the Lordly member of the Ancient and Illustrious House Marr sought the Kiffar out, with unusual company of his own...

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Trayze Tesar , was somehow both the laziest and most dedicated man in the galaxy, Malum had suddenly decided. Coming back to Jutrand always brought mixed feelings for the young Sith Lord, on one hand, he did love his home planet, he was born here amongst the smoke and industry, even if for most of his life he had only seen it from a distance, and speaking of the distance, the Manse still represented home for him, even after his faux exile nearly half a decade ago, even as he found a home in other places, his family were inextricably tied to the Manse, and though he had avoided many times, easy excuses to visit while there, he loved them still dearly.

However, that would not change the fact that he would be avoiding the Manse again.

The family he was soon to be surrounded by were far beyond the expectations of the family that he had known his entire life, ruffians and killers, not exactly the ones you would expect at high society balls and dinners, to say the least.

And of course, there was another key fact.

It was far too soon to introduce Elise Ahana-Gwyneira to his parents or his sisters.

Turning back towards the Mandalorian that had long ago made his heart commit summersaults by just her very presence. He could not help the flutter in his core, where even now, entirely out of place, dressed in clothing that could be far from called flattering, baggy, black, with a cap that dared hide those golden locks, even conceal her ruby orbs, he could not help but stare.

She was the reason that he worried about being here at all.

Offering her a gloved hand, and a smile to match, he squeezed gently, a show of affection, as could be best managed in the capital of the Sith Empire.

Jutrand, the Eternalist bastion, the home of the Emperor, Darth Maliphant, the Worm, coalescing into the darkened corpse that was Darth Empyrean. He had eyes everywhere upon this world, his influence could be felt everywhere, and though Malum and the Tsis'Kaar had been brought back into the fold, to believe he was trusted, was folly of the highest degree.

He was confident that none were following them, but his presence along with some woman must have been noted.

The sooner they were done with this, the better.

For three Marrs to be meeting in one place, for Dresden would be joining them, with another among them. It would be enough to elicit some interest by the powers that be.

Which brought him back to this initial thought, Trayze was perhaps the laziest and most dedicated man in the galaxy. Lazy in the fact that he had called for them to come to Jutrand, the heart of darkness, the capital of perhaps the greatest Sith Lord of the galaxy, and one which if he desired it, could kill him quite easily.

On the other hand, as he strolled into the station, flashed credentials, or otherwise spoke of his status as Sith to any doubters, making it further into the building, he had a good idea, why exactly Trayze had called him here.

"Trayze, for the love of Bogan, please tell me you have not been working on this singular case for the last near half-decade." He deadpanned, approaching the man's desk, with gloved hands still around Elise, as much comfort he could offer her in bringing them both to the last place they both would want to be.

 

[Trayze Tesar]

BLUFOR - Darth Malum of House Marr Elise Ahana-Gwyneira Dresden Darth Strosius Revna

OPFOR - N/A

TARGETING ACTION(S) - Darth Malum of House Marr Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

---

Within the sterile halls of the Police Building, there was a steady hustle and bustle of officers and protocol droids discussing cases. Before the tired, but unceasingly upbeat secretary could inquire what "Milord Malum" was doing here, and more pertinently, who he was bringing in, something zoomed into the foyer with a purposeful quickness. This strange...octahedral entity almost skidded to a halt, as much as a repulsor powered drone could.

"Hello there!" the floating droid cheerily greeted. "I am ECP-3253F0N3, but you can call me Persephone~." Persephone, gives a far-too close to the pairing. "Human-Cyborg relations, and dutiful servant of Master Tesar!" She, she sounds like a she, gives a deep bow to Malum. "A pleasure for you to arrive, Lord Malum! I... must apologize for the deception, and the alteration of the preconceived rendezvous - this isn't to discredit the culinary accreditations of the Commissionerate's cafeteria!" A nearby Officer grumbled, sipping a mud-black mug of caf as if to dispute the annoyingly extroverted repulsordroid. With a glare, the drone-Persephone- began Escorting the Sith Lord and his female compatriot into the elevator, chattering all the while as a tour guide to those she deemed "visitors" to the Commissionarate, namely the baggy clothed blond. Upon the elevator doors closing however, Persephone eliciting a metallic sigh as she continued to Malum with remorse. "In truth, I was the one who changed the rendezvous last minute," with a wiggle of her body, Malum's personal communicator receives another "ping" from his cousin. "He earnestly wished to meet you at Darbo's Cafe, due to the up and coming barbecue!" This information was more aside to the woman, the only one in Persephone's database that she didn't recognize, before resuming a fairly dramatic, but well meaning tirade against her owner. "But he's been so busy with his work - he's not been sitting idle, for better or worse." Once they had reached their floor, the orb floats ahead and gives another metallic "ping" on the door of the office denoting itself as [TESAR, TRAYZE Lt. Insp.].

With a bow to the duo, the doors open, and Trayze was about to snipe a remark to his mechanical assistant, before Malum had the first word.

"Trayze, for the love of Bogan, please tell me you have not been working on this singular case for the last near half-decade."

Trayze bolted upright, eyes widening for a moment. There was a display of emotions - initial disdain for his Protocol Droid, before narrowing his eyes at Malum. Those who had not seen him in person, there was a sight to behold - olive skinned with subtle red tattoos around his eyes, accentuating both the bags and the trademark red irises of the House of Marr. Cracking his neck, allowing his semi-kempt braids to slither like a lion, he rose, standing broader than Malum physically before approaching. "I am afraid," he began, his face stoic, and his tone a tired beast rousing from slumber. "That the enumeration and nature of my cases are on a need to know basis."

For an agonizingly long series of heartbeats, Malum knew what was about to happen. He knew, and he dreaded it, and despite all the preparations, despite all the training, despite all he had accomplished, the Heir of Marr was powerless to prevent it. Faster than the eye could note, the imposing figure of the Kiffar sprung to life, draping his arms around the arms and back of the Sith Lord and lifting him up and spinning him around, giving a jubilant laugh.

"Malzy m'boy!" the Kiffar declared, the rumble of formality melting away into his more "natural" and distinctly rural accent. "Were ya so eager ta' chaperone me ta' the spaceport-?"

"You were fifteen minutes late." Persephone stated bluntly. "And you would have been several hours had I not intervened."

This remark struck the Kiffar, blinking once, twice, before allowing Malum a chance to escape the dreaded noogie. "So I…have…" he admitted, a brief look of sheepishness before clapping Malum on the shoulder and beaming conspiratorially. "Hope ya weren't hopin' ta' impress yer lady friend o'er there." And with that, the Kiffar turned to address the mysterious blond. "Trayze Tesar, Lieutenant Inspector. They put m'name outside of this office, can ya believe it?" He concluded, offering a handshake.

 

[Elise Ahana-Gwyneira]

Elise despised cities. Elise despised Sith. Elise despised being with her weapons and armor. Elise despised darkened atmosphere. Elise despised law enforcement agencies. And Elise despised being here right now.

Walking through the cold, frigid streets of the Sith capital. The Sith propaganda and banners loomed like heavy chains, and the people scrapping by here appeared to be miserable under Sith tyranny. The Dark Side wafted even in the streets, and the world around her was dark and hostile. Unnatural city lights screamed at her, and impoverished streets of metal and stone confined her. Elise had always maintained a close intimacy with nature. She lived for the lively colors and fresh greenery of plants. She was at home with sunlight beaming down at her. She was comforted by the auras of animal life around her. But this cold world she was in, it lacked all of that. Was it possible that she had somehow wandered into Chaos itself? Was it possible for even the streets of Sith planets to be so depressing?

But she looked over, fear and sadness in her red eyes, to Malum. Elise never, would have ever, agreed to come here without any form of armor or weapons if anyone else had asked her too. She felt exposed, despite the heavy clothes she wore. She felt paranoia, she felt darkness.

But... she had come here for a purpose.

Her entire life, a larger fear than even a place like this loomed over her head. Her fear of Psychometry. Her fear of touch. Some of Elise's earliest memories were of the traumas of past generations, absorbed and crammed into her skull by mere touch. Growing up, she feared psychometry, and touch. She had seldom hugged her family. She grew up avoiding physical contact. She avoided everything from from hugging to handshakes. She even joined the Shaman Coven of Novania to learn to control her power. And indeed, she honed her Force Powers a great deal. She was incredible in the field of Force Sense. She could focus and harness psychometry very well, and yet... she could not stop when it struck. At random, memories would invade her mind, seeping in and drilling into the depths of her skull. It... still terrified her.

After years of suffering this ailment, she had enough. When Malum told her that he knew someone who could help her, Elise took him up on the offer. She still could not believe that she trusted a Sith like this, or at all! But then again, she trusted this man more than even most of her vode. She did not know why, for her had hidden information and lied in the past. And yet, she trusted him... she loved him.

When he offered his hand, Elise took it with her own gloved hand. The glove prevented Elise's psychometry from activating when touching other, like an insulate. She squeezed Malum's hand, once more craving for physical contact. She looked to him, helplessness in her eyes as she walked deeper into Sith territory like a lamb to the slaughter.

"Y-you know I'm putting a lot of trust in you... right?"

Malum would protect her here. She had to believe it. Her very life was in his hands in this place. If anything were to try and kill her, or torment her... she had to believe that Malum would be there to save her. Very few times in her life had she been forced to trust someone completely like this. It made her uncomfortable every time.

She continued to cling to Malum's hand as they entered the police station.

Elise gulped as she walked into the building. Towering, totalitarian architecture made her feel like an insect. She gave Malum's hand a tight squeeze as they entered the building, and were approached by a little secretary droid that talked... almost as much as Elise usually did.

It was bizarre. Elise expected nothing but order and soul crushing police mandates here. But this chipper droid rambled on and on in the most gregarious of ways. It was most certainly a shock to Elise. But Elise was unable to even process most of what the droid was saying. She was just about hopping in anticipation. She wanted to go in, - fix her lifelong problem related to her inability to control her own Force powers, phobia of physical contact, and trauma issues related to all of it, - and get out. It was simple, right?

But entering the office and seeing the Kiffar for the first time, Elise once again gulped as a beat of sweat trickled down her forehead. He and Malum exchanged words, and the man appeared to be the pinochle of stoicism and bitterness. The man stood up, approached Malum, and Elise took a step back in heavy discomfort. Were they about to fight? Sith fought each other a lot, right? What was-

"Malzy m'boy!"

What the kark-

"Were ya so eager ta' chaperone me ta' the spaceport-?"

The big hug Trayze gave Malum was not reacted to at all; but only because she had no idea how to react. Malum grumpily responded, shouting, and desperately trying to break away. For a moment, she was taken back to a memory. Yuri Maji , Elise's cousin, was high on spice and hugging a very grumpy Mevia Vizsla . She grumbled, trying to push him away as he hugged her tighter, telling her that she didn't have to be so moody all the time. . As the protocol droid and the man exchanged banter similar to what would be found anywhere else in the galaxy, Elise just kind of stood there as if struck by lightning. This was a Sith?! This was a Sith meeting?!?

As Malum escaped the noogie Trayze gave him, the two spoke like Elise was in the room for the first time.

"Hope ya weren't hopin' ta' impress yer lady friend o'er there. Trayze Tesar, Lieutenant Inspector. They put m'name outside of this office, can ya believe it?"

Elise just stood there, dumb with shock. It was like a computer malfunctioning. Elise blinked for a couple long seconds, then looked down to his outstretched hand.

Elise stared at the hand, fear flooding her eyes again as she tentatively moved her shaking hand. It stopped just before clasping his, then she shook it. The glove, internally lined with Vong leather, blocked any chances for the detective to use psychometry on her... or for her own psychometry to continue its old tricks.

"I'm... Elise."

She finally seemed to regain a semblance of her former confidence. She gulped, then reestablished a firmer handgrip and shook his hand. The tiniest smile was managed as she spoke in a tone far more like herself. "I'm Elise. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

Trayze Tesar Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Trayze Tesar]

CURRENT MISSION - Exfiltration
Immediate Goals -
1: Ascertain how many are to be extracted
2: Acquire Odysseus, personal bike, and relocate to Tranham's Bar and Grill in the Glazier Garden Condominium

BLUFOR - Darth Malum of House Marr Elise Ahana-Gwyneira Dresden Darth Strosius Revna

OPFOR - N/A

TARGETING ACTION(S) - Darth Malum of House Marr Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

---

Trayze was the laziest and most hardworking detective he knew, and while the newcomer was befuddled at someone of Malum’s caliber being reduced to a temporary teddy bear, the detective kept his mind’s eye on her. He knew she was Force sensitive, and her red eyes denoted a possibility of another scion of House Marr. She, now know as Elise, would notice in kind Trayze’s aura in the Force, how it glided across the Vong-leather gloves like oil on water, and for the briefest moment, a sensation. Warmth. Reassurance. Perhaps not as serene as a Jedi’s, but still an endeavorment to soothe and ascertain why she was so nervous.

This feeling would not wholly abate, but merely ebb and flow as Trayze allowed himself to observe, and in kind, be observed.

“Nice ta’ meetcha too, Miss Elise.” Trayze answered, shaking her hand firmly. “Y'all got a ride? Contrary to what my little friend here says, there are times where I want ta’ get out of this office.”

“Your priorities are seemingly fieldwork, office work, and self care after sufficient quote "nagging".” Persephone retorted, before cheerfully whirling around the two newcomers. While Trayze did his usual “punching out”, Persephone giddily elaborated on the reason Trayze and Malum were meeting; “Oh it’s going to be good for both of you to get a vacation: the cousins reunited and swapping stories of glories!” she continued to cheer. “Oh - oh! You should actually begin to tell these two what you’ve been up to? Maybe I can bring the Conciliator-!”

“We’re not taking the Conciliator,” Trayze snapped back. “She’s not only days out, but it’s not fittin’ fer th’ occasion.”

The floating protocol droid drooped her head in disappointment, while Trayze looked back at the duo. “What I do have is a swoop bike with a sidecar.” he began, “And a neat cafe near the Arboretum.” He turned to Malum. “Tranam's, remember?”

Malum would recall that the restaurant being at the ground floor of the condominium where Trayze resided on Jutrand. While not as secluded or "high end" as Darbo's, it offered open air dining and a place much warmer than the frigid and damp streets. Artificial weather permitting.

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Malum squeezed the hand he held in silent affirmation and answer to the question which Elise had uttered. He did not need the Psychometry that his cousin and his... partner? Girlfriend? Significant other? Whatever the label that was, which would best describe them, it still made his heart aflutter at what bond that he held closely to his heart that they both shared.

He hated that she was brought to this place, he hated that he brought her to this place, he hated how she hated this place. Yet, he could not blame her for any of that, city worlds could not be called beautiful in most instances, lively, certainly, bustling, definitely, but beautiful in a way which would make a nature lover, any beauty lover, impressed? Not particularly. There were glimmers for sure, the moments that made life worth living.

Yet, he doubted that Elise cared much for such moments, so wracked with nerves, for after all, what place did a Mandalorian fear more than being at the centre of the Sith Empire?

Well, being within the Malsheem would likely rank perhaps a smidgen higher, but that was all semantics.

She hated this place, this place he was born, for reasons entirely of merit, entirely of good reason, she surveyed the place, and her face twisted with discomfort, disgust, and fear.

He found himself cursing Trayze again for deciding that Jutrand would be the place they would meet before this "barbecue" of his.

Speaking of Trayze, he was taken aback by this droid of his. A name far too long for him to remember, and a nickname that was sweet to his ears, Persephone, well it? She? Was certainly friendly, Motus would probably dislike such conduct, while Sibby... he was not sure if it would appreciate the annoyance that she would bring Motus, or if it would be annoyed itself from such cheer. Sibby was always rather hypocritical in its antics.

Likely why he enjoyed its company so much.

Still, giving the droid a quick up and down, as it spoke rather freely... it certainly was a droid to his cousin's taste, though Malum could already imagine that the nagging mother position that it had seemingly taken would be far from appreciated by his not quite there yet Sith lord cousin. After all, even if Malum might have been considered a rather odd Sith, Trayze was odder still.

Still, it was good to know that Trayze had some caretaker these days, or else Malum would be fully willing to believe he would waste himself away in favour of attempting to solve some unsolvable case.

Such was the oddness that was Trayze Tesar .

Unfortunately, Malum had little opportunity to escape the next part. He should have seen it coming, should have expected it as the man stood solemnly, seeming to not rise to the bait Malum had thrown out, such was really unlike his cousin after all.

It was as he blinked, and Trayze moved with a speed beyond him, that the rogue thought finally entered his mind, by then it was far too late.

"LET GO OF ME YOU COUNTRY BUMPKIN ACOLYTE!" Malum shouted in pure shock with the teeniest twinge of anger, as he felt his body rise above the ground, and be swung about as if he was some toy, "STOP WE HAVE WITNESSES, WHY ARE YOU SO STRONG! WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING?!" He felt the arms grip tightly about him, there was little chance of escape, but Malum himself was far more concerned with the face that witnessed this all, Elise was seemingly more shocked than he was, having long lost grip on his hands, as she simply watched him being paraded about like a souvenir.

This was entirely too embarrassing.

"I MEAN IT TRAYZE, RELEASE ME IMMEDIATELY!"

Thankfully, mercifully, the droid intervened, and for that, Malum could have given her sentience for all that was worth, as he was dropped back upon his feet, with Trayze distracted enough for both his skull and hair to be saved from one of his infamous noogies.

Catching his breath, red eyes were eager to witness the meeting between family and enraptured, while he even noted, how similar they looked... or well, their eyes, did, it was one thing to know that the Marr eyes seemed so similar to her Chiss eyes, it was another to actually see such similarities up close. Indeed it was another moment which Malum thought if it was not for her hair, Elise would not look too dissimilar to a Marr herself.

And it was not like there were no blondes in his family.

He quickly dispatched that disconcerting thought.

"Trayze of House Marr, actually, though he insists you call his birth last name, Trayze, I am telling you, use your name, it will get you much further than simply Lieutenant Inspector," If that was even what Trayze really wanted, Malum could not believe it so, his cousin was worth so much more.

And really, was it nepotism if he knew his cousin could run circles around anyone here? Simply meritocracy through knowing one's candidates better, he would say.

He noted with some trepidation their handshake, yet with some relief, it seemed that Elise's psychometry, nor Trayze's had activated, good, he still sometimes could not rid himself of the sights which Elise had accidentally given him... and while he doubted what Trayze had seen could traumatise her any more than she already was, having such experiences be brought to the fore, could hardly be called enjoyable.

As Persephone and Trayze conversed further, he could not help but smile, linking his hands with Elise, they seemed every bit an old married couple, indeed, he was doubly glad that his cousin had such a droid. Malum could certainly speak to the many, many benefits of being in a relationship, and until Trayze found his own las- lady, oh Bogan it was beginning, the bumpkin ways of speaking were infecting him, well... until Trayze found his own lady, this droid would do.

"While curious at what this Conciliator is, your... swoop bike... will suffice," It most certainly would not, and Malum was tempted to simply call a taxi for Elise and him both while allowing Trayze to arrive at his own time... would certainly give them privacy as well...

No, bad Malum.

Even disregarding... that. The point was for both Trayze and Elise to get to know each other, such would not happen without maximising the time they spent together, he was no expert in Psychometry, and he did not know what exactly it required, but still... part of him wanted to get out of it, turning towards Elise, red met red, and in his eyes were an emotion that seemed almost like desperation, he would let her decide, "Unless you wish for something else?" Please, please, they would look so foolish in a sidecar... even if they would be so... close.

Perhaps, it was not the worst idea in the world after all.

No, bad Malum.

As for the rest of what he said, "Tranam's..." He tasted the word on his tongue as if trying to figure out the flavours of the place from memory alone, nothing too high-end, though, he doubted Trayze would be caught in such a fine establishment, so that was no surprise. A nice, casual, plebian eatery, a perfect establishment to show Elise the joys of Jutrand, and a place she would not find too stuffy, "Not too far from where you live, and had... acceptable cuisine, if memory serves, perfect, hopefully, Dresden will meet us there." Despite what Persephone might have said for Trayze's lateness, he was not the only cousin that was late it seemed, something more minor than dealing with Psychometry, but he did wish to introduce his cousins. The small time effort from nearly half a decade to slowly integrate his newly found family, with his readily established family.

Between all the chaos of the last few years, it had taken a backseat, but he still remembered, and it would be done.

It was at the last of Persephone's words, that caused him to hiss out, the hand that held Elise's abandoning the touch, as his knees bent, and the hand placed itself upon his warming skull, as a migraine began to spill forth. No, no, no, why now? Why in front of Trayze and Elise both?

It was because of them, was it not, snake?

She was painfully silent, yet it was entirely too clear, as the parasite swirled through his bubbling brain.

There was little he could do, but grasp the amulet around his neck, as he tended to the pain in his mind, one eye upon Elise, as the other rested upon Trayze, "Indeed Trayze... there is much we need to talk of, you might have heard what happened upon Fiviune... I am afraid much more than that occurred there."

His other hand avoided Elise's, he could not allow this to harm her.

Bogan knew he had already harmed her too much.

Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

 

[Elise Ahana-Gwyneira]

The talk about calling for a cab or riding the bike was immediately sidelined in Elise's mind when a headache gripped Malum's head. As he grabbed his knees and bent over, Elise felt waves of unnatural pain exploding from Malum's mind. This was not the first time something like this happened... but every time, Elise despised it. She hated seeing him in pain.

"Malum!"

She yanked one of her gloves off. Her fear of triggering her Psychometry was overriden by love as she lifted her hand just a hair away from his forehead. Applying a pain soothing method of Force Healing, she gazed at him with a soft worry.

"I have pain killers in my pack. Migraines are made worse by light and noise, so..."

She gulped, looking over to Trayze, "I know nothing about this city. I think a blindfold and ear plugs could help him, so maybe it's best that we travel with you and you navigate."

The subtle Force transmission of warmth from Trayze Tesar was working, giving her a trace of her usual, action oriented self. She was a person of initiative. She always was the one calling for action, and frustrated when others were content to just let things go. Furthermore, her compassionate nature was on the forefront. A kind individual, despite everything she grew up being taught. Of warrior ways, preservation, and distrust. Especially towards Sith. But just like Darth Malum of House Marr , Trayze was a different image than the monsters she grew up hearing about; such as Darth Carnifex or Darth Maliphant. And Malum was Trayze's cousin. Elise could not believe it, but she trusted him already.

Let's watch it come back to bite me...

Malum groaned in pain, and Elise looked back to him, "Do you need to sit down?"

It was like the beginning, when Elise nursed Malum back to health after he crashed in the Archais savannah. It was a wistful, nostalgic feeling that increased the warm emotions Trayze gave her.

 

[Trayze Tesar]

CURRENT MISSION - Remove Infection
Immediate Goals -
1: Rescue Malum [UPDATED: PRIORITY 1]
2: Acquire Odysseus, personal bike, and move to Tranam’s in the Glazier Gardens

BLUFOR - Darth Malum of House Marr Elise Ahana-Gwyneira Dresden Darth Strosius Revna

OPFOR - Enemy Unknown

TARGETING ACTION(S) - Darth Malum of House Marr Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

---

"Trayze of House Marr, actually, though he insists you call his birth last name, Trayze, I am telling you, use your name, it will get you much further than simply Lieutenant Inspector,"

"It would be a status unearned," Trayze growled a rebuke. "How many times do Oi hafta tell ya? Oi'm not some hanger-of yers. Oi'se a man fully grown-"

Once more Persephone interjected with a chuckle "And still reliant upon your protocol droid to nanny you. I'm a maid, not a nanny-" "Fully. Grown." He hissed back at his octahedral aide. "If Oi can't succeed with yer name, Oi can't succeed without it, savvy?"

And therein lay the crux of the sharpest divide between the two, Trayze's distance from his (albeit distant) familial tie. Even now, when hosting a barbecue, or what was supposed to be a night of plebian pre-partying between himself , Malum and Dresden, plans had shifted awkwardly. He knew of a "friend who required mentoring in the ways of postcognition", but he didn't know that she would be arriving so soon, especially in an environment for the family to reconcile. With a smile returning to his face, he relished in the secret knowledge that if they were blushing messes now? Mama Dolly would render the Heir of Marr catatonic!

"Still," Persephone continued, now to Malum. "Your Lordship shouldn't concern yourself - his haggard appearance is due to many prominent plates being spun. Especially since he's not merely Lieutenant Inspector-" "Please, for the love of Bogan, ain't you say I'm s'pposed ta' be off the clock?" He looked to Elise with a smile. "She's programmed ta' nag, an' can't e'en do that right."

"I am not a nanny!" the protocol droid huffed. "I am a maid, and a fully functional protocol droid-!"

"While curious at what this Conciliator is, your... swoop bike... will suffice. Unless you wish for something else?"

"...Didn't you arrive with your own chauffeur?" The Protocol Droid cocked her head in curiosity. "Public transit is far beneath one such as yourself-!"
"She raises a good point." Trayze concurred, agreeing with the protocol for seemingly the first time today. "While Oi asked and inferred that we'd be incognito - Oi don't quite know how PTO works in the Tsis'kaar..." He rubbed his chin, before cocking his head at Elise. "Lest Miss Elise is part fey, and ya poofed from th' ether."

"Tranam's..." He tasted the word on his tongue as if trying to figure out the flavours of the place from memory alone, nothing too high-end, though, he doubted Trayze would be caught in such a fine establishment, so that was no surprise. A nice, casual, plebian eatery, a perfect establishment to show Elise the joys of Jutrand, and a place she would not find too stuffy, "Not too far from where you live, and had... acceptable cuisine, if memory serves, perfect, hopefully, Dresden will meet us there."

"Yeah, s'ppose the nexu's outta th' net." Trayze conceded. "Oi don't quite know fully why Malum brought you, here, Miss." the Kiffar addressed the strange woman. "But me an' the guys were gonna stay at my place fer a bit, before takin' the first ship ta' Besberra."

"It's utterly plebian!" Persephone exuded disdain. "Not for one of such distinguish as the Scions of House Marr." "Well when th' "Ancient and Illustrious House of Marr" hosts a git-ta'getha'-they can spend their budget how they wish!"
"And I know you are both generous to your friends and capable of stashing away a nest egg."
"Well pardon me fer bein' humble!" the Kiffar barked, but turned to Elise. "Tranam's a good buddy of mine. Nice place under th' Glazier Gardens. It's near where Oi hang my hat on Jutrand at least."
"Tranam has a wide variety of cuisines," the Protocol droid continued "They are most prized for their handcrafted beverages, from soft drinks and milkshakes to those of a more adult variety, at least now that the sun is setting." Persephone addressed the group. "A fine place for family members of all ages!"

And that was when everything went wrong.

There is a stereotype on the Sith, that they are mercurial and often shift from one extreme mood to the other. Trayze never wanted to live up to the standards of a stereotypical Sith, but when Malum’s head pulsed, the Kiffar’s face fell into a visage of genuine, focused grit. His aura blazed, before focusing on the assailing presence like a welder’s torch. While not keen on elaborate, flashy displays of power, Trayze’s presence in the Force was focused and covetous, lingering around himself and never going beyond a handful of a few arm-lengths. Now it cut like a saber’s edge, focusing along Malum’s presence like a scalpel, seeking out and ascertaining the foreign presence. While he was about to command Elise to not touch him, she was already on him, the ever eager angel to save Malum in distress.

“Oh my! So serious?!” the floating octahedron warbled before zooming off, its worries muted by the increasing distance. In the meanwhile, the Detective turned to the blond, his face deadly serious “Miss Elise, sit him down." his voice devoid of the vocality of exuberance, now replaced with the cold mandate familiar to those in the Law. "Oi know ya wanna make Malum feel real good right now,” he allowed some semblance of humor in an otherwise grim tone. “But this ain't cit-shock. Malum's lived 'ere his whole life-" He turned to Malum now, his face grim and his eyes blazing. Both in disappointment that Malum could be so reckless, and to the thing worming around inside his head. "He needs to spit out what’s making him feel bad, now.” he spoke in a tone of authority that oughtn’t be used on the Lord of the Tsis’Kaar, but in Trayze’s mind, the medic outranks the officer in times of crisis. "Fivune. That was where the late Lady Ophidia bit it, they say you're the one who did 'er in." his voice was clipped, and he knelt down, near enough to Malum. "Elise, step off, this is proper witchery-the amulet." he once more returned his eyes to Malum. "If Oi touch it, will it help excise this? Cuz Oi will not let you put this girl, this station, my family, in danger." He took a deep breath. "So after you do some breathing with me, start from the top...what...is that?"

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

It was a mix of a hiss and a groan that fell out of his lungs as he finally fell, thankfully both figures in the room were able to guide him into a seat. He hated these attacks on his mind at the best of times, but for it to do this now, expose him so publicly, towards those he cherished most, humiliating him, placing them in danger.

It was more than attempted revenge against him.

It was more than simply growing disaligned.

It was sending a message, none of them were truly safe, even if he was still in control of his body, so it was best to play ball.

The best thing would be to separate himself from them. But he knew very well, that was exactly what the fragment desired, to isolate him, leave him with but no one else to turn to, to make their alignment complete.

Yet if any of them did come to harm, he knew he would never be able to forgive himself. Exile from them would be the least of the punishments that he would level towards himself... level towards the one in his mind, who had been fast becoming an unwelcome house cat, rather than the parasite that would certainly kill him to take over if such a thing was possible.

Yet, thus far apart from those brain-splitting headaches, in those moments of their disunity, in her moments of anger and rage, visions, the memories, the power he was able to draw was hard to ignore.

Was not a little pain worth that?

His breathing was growing heavier, as his grip tightened around the amulet, its heat nearly melting off his skin, as the battle waged in his mind, his eyes closed as he simply focused, as the mist of ease took over, as she rammed his head blind and lost, trying to inflict as much damage as it could. Opening his eyes, he could barely see, red eyes were burned embers, as he did his utmost to keep their visage away from Elise, but he could not entirely be sure of his success in that.

She of all people could not see him like this, as her words soothed him, as her presence, both physical and through the Force fueled him, warmed him.

His eyes were set directly on their cousin, as his hand dropped away from the amulet.

" Trayze Tesar ... it has been some time," His voice hissed out, a voice familiar to all those who knew him, but there was an undertone, an echo, of something foreign, something ethereal, and ghostly, "The amulet is what keeps us at bay, touch it yourself, and we suspect you will see the same vision of Darth Marr that he once saw," The hissing grew more snakelike, more serpentine, the voice was shifting to something entirely unknown, as if two voices were warping into one, as their eyes blazed orange, a colour that was certainly not his, "Your family shall be safe, Tesar, along with Malum's lover over here," It was the first time that Malum looked towards Elise Ahana-Gwyneira at all, neck-snapping in force, as she stared into the face of madness, "I am no foe, I am his best ally, the one who will always make sure he will live, survive, whether he believes it or not, whether he needs to be convinced of it," The voice trailed off, until it was little more than a whisper, "And then, the evolution will be complete."

It was a continental shift, within a second, Malum's hand was back upon the amulet, he was breathing deeply, as the orange fire in his eyes disappeared back into their crimson pools. It was as if his body deflated, as it fell back further into his seat.

Sweat trailed his brow, almost seeming that his brain itself was boiling.

Yet for Malum, there was only one thought in his mind, as his voice returned back to complete normalacy.

"Elise..."

 

[Dresden]

Location: Nearby
Tag(s): Darth Malum of House Marr | Trayze Tesar | Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

He could feel them - him specifically. Following his cousin, along with a woman accompanying him, Dresden wondered briefly about his own choices leading him further into the clutches of Sith society and culture. He'd been far removed from their scope, their methods and ideals; his life had been entirely in his own hands, unaffected by the influence of outside whispers or those that would think of him as a pawn in their game.

He couldn't necessarily put it past Malum, nor his associates. There was no full decision on whether or not he trusted anyone, he had no true reason to just yet. Things remained unknown, strange. As a mercenary wandering the galaxy, an amateur knight with nothing to champion, life was once very simple. It was kill or be killed, make money or don't eat.

Dresden's armored silhouette stood still outside of the Police Headquarters, his awkward presence catching the eyes of a few passerby. He knew Malum was somewhere behind these walls, yet he failed to act upon entering for fear that he was an unknown element, not wishing to draw unnecessary attention or embarrass himself in front of family.

He would simply suggest his arrival to those who could pick up on his telepathic attempt, hopefully allowing him access so he wouldn't have to stand around. This wasn't the sort of thing Dresden was used to, having to adhere to a scheduled get-together. Had this been a typical day, it would be at a hole-in-the-wall cantina with a few stiff drinks along with the haggling of credits. Killing was an easy job, but some would rather simply buy a couple drinks and call that an even deal.

That's not how Dresden operated.

His helmeted gaze casually observed the architecture around him, trailing off into the distance as he watched air traffic and the random workers of the precinct. Quite a boring, nothing-filled evening for him. He cleared his throat, nodding softly to himself.

 

[Elise Ahana-Gwyneira]

Every word Trayze spoke, Elise listened to. Every order given, she followed. In horror, in fear, she watched as the events before her played out. Malum was not... Malum. His very posture and body language changed, as he spoke in a voice that was not his own. He spoke in a threat, disguised as a motherly promise. But the last part shook her more than anything else... an evolution was to be complete.

What sort of evolution?

Was Elise going to... lose the Malum she loved?

She reached out with her Force Sense, and she finally saw it. The X-ray of a foreign object in a body, but as with a soul. How had she not seen it before, the virus? Another soul, embedded within Malum like a slug round, was present. Far darker, far more vile. Who... was this woman possessing him?

As Malum regained control, he looked up to Elise. Ill, sweating, and drained, he looked up to Elise with a look akin to shame, or fear. Elise was unable to tell. Sweat glazed his pale skin as he panted, and spoke her name.

Elise realized, as the salty droplets settled at the edges of her lips, that she was crying.

She reached out, fearing for his very mind. His sanity. His identity. She paused, recoiling at the thought of all the voices in her own head meddling with his. All she wanted to do was hug him, kiss him, and show him how much he meant to her. To beg him, to fight whatever monster was in his head. Evolution... she could not allow this evolution to take him from her!

Unable to even comfort him in his exhaustion, Elise stepped forward and started to rejuvenate him. She shuddered, as she looked him in the eyes.

"How long has she been there? Will she... erase you?" A sob wrecked her back as her eyes widened, "Don't let her take you from me! Please!"

She had already lost her family. She could not lose him.

Darth Malum of House Marr Trayze Tesar Dresden

 

[Trayze Tesar]

CURRENT MISSION - Secure. Contain. Protect.
Immediate Goals -
1: Assess Situation regarding Malum
1.1: Contain Possession entity, and ascertain Exorcist Route
1.2: Quarantine and Interrogate Elise re. Possession Entity.
1.3: File out report pertaining to Possession Entity
2: Regroup with Droid assistants
2.1: Regain personal bike.
3: Rendezvous with others at Tranham's Bar & Grille, Glazier Gardens

---

BLUFOR - Darth Malum of House Marr Elise Ahana-Gwyneira Dresden Revna Darth Strosius

OPFOR - Enemy Unknown

TARGETING ACTION(S) - Darth Malum of House Marr Elise Ahana-Gwyneira Dresden

---

Trayze looked up at Elise, his aura determined, but did not dare to reassure her. This was beyond his paygrade, but Malum was his cousin, and had overthrown his former mistress fair and square, under the fratricidal customs of the Order. He did not give whatever ghost or mental programming that the late Triumvir any mind, already working to consign someone who had harmed his flesh and blood to oblivion. "Ma'am, we're gonna get our best folks on 'im." Almost immediately after, he glared daggers at Malum. "No buts, it's already too late. Perseph's already triggered th' silent alarm, any second now Tudreya-"

"Who breaks the door?!" came a different voice, male with a sound of several armed members behind him. They were armed and ready, of various different species, with a male Pantoran and female Gormak taking point. "Tis I, the legendary fartmaster." Trayze answered with a straight face, motioning to Malum. "Spasm's over, the lady's a civvie. Keep 'er safe."

"You. Half-Human." The Gormak woman grunted, near wall, hands up. "Civvie." Trayze reiterated with a growl. "Not suspect. Get Lord Malum to the exor-cell. The usual."

"Well," The male Pantoran sauntered up, and Malum could tell that there were some Force User countermeasures on this particularly armed and dangerous member of Jutrand's Finest. "They say you're Lord Malum. One of the Marr family, same as Cap over here?" the Pantoran nodded at the scowling Kiffar, who seemed torn from telling of the Gormak for lacking bedside manners or staying with Malum until he was cleared to leave.

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Malum found himself standing, eyes closed, allowing Elsie's essence to wash over him, numb the pain that he felt deeply in his brain. Yet not even that was strictly necessary, feeling the intense warmth around his hands, the amulet set the mist upon his mind to keep her contained, but all the more important.

It seemed her assault had ended.

For whatever reason, perhaps her purpose completed, her objective accomplished, she had returned to swim amiably in the back of his mind.

And now, he was confident she would remain there.

If she did not, he would be ready to face her.

Yet in this moment, she was not his enemy, it seemed indeed that it would be those of the Sith Empire, that were his inferiors. A cold gaze slid over to them all, to the male Pantoran, the female Gormak, and the male Kiffar, whom he called family. He ignored Elsie's voice behind him, as he stood guarded, placing his body before theirs, as he readied himself for battle if it would come.

It was only the renewed warmth in his amulet that stilled him.

He sighed, "Trayze, do not do this," He completely ignored the presence of the Pantoran, his eyes only glimmering with a twinge of sadness towards his cousin, "It would seem our other cousin has arrived, and he is far less interested in talking than I, let us not make any rash decisions," He turned towards both the Pantoran and the Gormak, "I will not fault you for following the orders of your superior, but if you believe you can simply seize a Sith Lord, the one who slayed Darth Ophidia, the once triumvir of the Sith Order than you will face a reckoning that you will not survive." He said it with a coolness, a simplicity, as if his words were the only fate, only destiny, which he could possibly see in their futures.

His eyes turned back to Trayze, "Look into my eyes, do you see a glimmer of madness, do you see a twinge of deceit? I am in control now, but... as unfortunate as it is to say, I cannot guarantee that, if I were to come under threat, whatever her... odd means, she will not let harm come to this form."

He still refused to turn back, turn back, towards the red eyes of his Elsie, he could not bear to look at her, could not bear to see how she would look at him.

This was the last thing he wanted when he invited her to Sith space.

"Let us simply and calmly discuss this, we are all Imperials here, all united as Sith, there need not be bloodshed, your lieutenant inspector, my date, and myself simply have another engagement we cannot miss, you would not wish to displease me, would you?" He spoke, turning back to the stranger of the room.

Trayze Tesar Elise Ahana-Gwyneira Dresden

 

[Elise Ahana-Gwyneira]

There was no reassurance. No comfort. No peace. In foreign Sith land, her protector, her beloved, was vulnerable and under threat. Tears cascaded as she feared their separation. She only wanted to be with him. She only wanted to comfort him. She only wanted to help him. She was genuinely terrified, as quaking rattled her body. She didn't know what to do, or how to respond. She had been doing her best to follow Malum's lead, but now? She wanted to leap in and support him... but she also questioned his judgement.

Then again, she also questioned her own judgement. And the detective's judgement. And Elise was in the dark, clueless, afraid.

Elise refused to leave Malum's side, even if he did not look at her. Elise slid her glove on and stepped close to him, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving Trayze a pleading expression. I don't want to fight! I just want my Malum safe!

She gripped his shoulder, standing as close as she felt like she could without disturbing his tired body and wounded psyche. Loyal, concerned, she croaked.

"I don't want to fight anyone! Malum, please..." She begged him, "I don't want trouble. Not here."

It was a tiny, pathetic whimper.

She looked over her shoulder, speaking louder towards the detective, "Don't do this, please! Let us go! Or let me stay with him! I don't need whatever Sith nons-protocol this is, I just need to make sure he's okay!"

Her fear of losing Malum to the dark force in his mind terrified her more than anything. But she did not want to be left alone in Sith Space either. Raw fear, utter terror, consumed her. And what made it all the worse, was that Malum did not even look at her. When he needed to communicate with her more than ever.


Darth Malum of House Marr Trayze Tesar Dresden