Faction Actions & Consequences (TSO)

[Ansisa]

The skirmish on Bith had been short and on the whole, a failure. It was supposed to be a test of the apprentices chosen abilities, yet all it served to show was their knack for running. There were one or two who fought though most caught wind of the Jedi and, well, fled. Ansisa preferred the term tactical retreat, but she knew when she and her companions were rounded back up on Jutrand, shoved into a transport and told they were to report to Darth Darth Malum of House Marr , that their Lords and Masters did not agree.

Her knowledge of Malum was limited, at best. She knew he was not a Sith Lord, certainly not one she'd bothered to make a note of, but he did rule an entire planet. Alvaria, a dark side force nexus in its own right, but dated. The war that gave it its Force Nexus, had left it broken. the fact they were being sent here meant that their failures were not worth the might of Jutrand. Perhaps they would have more tests here, or perhaps their punishment was assignment to this planet to bring it back to its former glory while the rest of the Order extended its reach into the wider galaxy.

Ansisa could think of nothing worse.

She put her head back and closed her eyes as the transport broke the atmosphere, streaking towards the planets capital.

"Just so we're clear," she spoke for the first time to the others "I intend to use all of you as a stepping stone for my own progression, so I will not hesitate to throw any of you under the proverbial bus."

Friends were for the weak.

Annika Starfire EVE_0001 Marcus Dinn Firrerreo

 

[Firrerreo]

"Perhaps you shouldn't be so quick to make enemies of your peers."

Firrerreo sat in the back of the transport, idly looking over the single beast they could create. The Hex Devil. It was a powerful companion, but one he needed to keep control of less it went wild. And, well, he could only keep one under his command. They knew they were coming. So many forces already prepared to fight the Sith.

The moment they'd broken the flames of the Hex Devil, it was clear to the man that he was out classed.

"We all know the game. But be warry of putting a target on your own back, mm Ansisa?"

Ansisa

 

[EVE_0001]

For her part, Eve didn't reply to Ansisa declaring that she wouldn't hesitate to throw the others under the bus in order to further her own progression. But she found her eyes narrowing as she silently sized up her potential enemy.

Way to tip your hand. Eve thought to herself. I'm definitely not going to turn my back on you...

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Malum resisted the oncoming yawn as he awaited at the landing bay, various members of the Guard surrounding the area, standing at attention, resolute and ready for anything that might interrupt what was only meant to be a routine landing. A routine landing usually would not have their Imperator standing by waiting, the figure the locals of this once backwater, post-apocalyptic world called Emperor, the prophesied heir to their great unifier long ago, whose descendants had ruled this world and brought about its golden age, before falling to civil strife, assassination, and betrayal.

It was to that yawning figure which the Guard owed their allegiance, through the blood of Marr they owed their fealty, but for this world, for the Alvarians, it was toward that figure which they owed their subservience, of the figure which arose them from the spectre of infighting and collapse, the figure they owed their salvation.

As cities arose from their destroyed hulks.

As settlers arrived to bring Alvaria back to its golden age.

As they gazed to the stars, once in sombre disposition, knowing out there was greater than the chaos they lived, now they saw the great metal hulls that were the fleet that would protect them.

All brought by the man who they called Emperor.

For Malum himself, it was a danger. This world was his, his by apparent birthright, and he could not deny that it brought him some pride, some... pleasure, at seeing it brought up from the lows in which he had found it. Yet it was a danger all the same, it was not far from Jutrand, and no doubt the powers that be on Jutrand were never going to fully trust the man who had once been a traitor.

Yet the less thought of the lie that was the so-called Ouroboros Crisis the better, his hands still curled up into fists at the memory of the revealed truth of that matter.

Still, it was not only distance that made danger for him, but too that title that they had adorned on him, that crown they had laid atop his head. Certainly, many Sith governors parrotted themselves around like kings over their fiefs, considering their planet nothing more than that. There were even many who dispensed with perception entirely and crowned themselves king and queen, the memory of Darth Xyrah upon Eliad and Darth Caedes upon Korriban came to mind.

But Emperor?

Emperor was a step too far.

There could only be one Emperor in an Empire, or else the entire Imperium collapsed, either from those who would be all too willing to raise an army, deck themselves in purple, and march to enforce their claim, bringing civil war and ruin as a result.

Or otherwise, the far quieter, but just as concerning idea, that the sitting Emperor would eliminate each and every rival to maintain his power, to show his strength, and show all potential upstarts that he was not one to be trifled with.

Either way on Alvaria it had been a very careful balance the last few days, to maintain his power and respect here, while also not giving Darth Empyrean any... dark thoughts.

For, what else could this sending of acolytes to him mean? It was a test, it had to be, perhaps to see how he reacted, perhaps they were spies who would report back to Jutrand of the goings on of this Tsis'Kaar world, which remained out of the complete and loyal purview of the Emperor. Malum could not be sure, but as he saw the ship begin its descent down, he knew he needed to be careful and tread gently. Unfortunately, it was not as if he could refuse, that in itself might have been suspicious, and really, what possible reason could he have to refuse?

He certainly had not come up with any, which is why he was condemned to this.

Still, the reason he was not entirely downtrodden by this upcoming matter was simple, there was an opportunity to be had here. From what he had read from the report he was sent in advance, these were acolytes accused of cowardice, bordering desertion, for their conduct upon a skirmish on Bith. While the document had gone into... unnerving detail on the various punishments that he was allowed to undertake upon these failed acolytes, one thing had been made clear, they were still useful, they must live.

That much had piqued his interest. So even in their failure, they held potential, and with the Sith Order turning their backs upon them, it provided him a very interesting opportunity. He already had an apprentice, though one he had not visited in quite some time, the Tsis'Kaar had certainly taken heavy losses after both the Battle at Fiviune, and the splintering of their creed afterward, acolytes were the future after all.

Perhaps rather than doing what they all expected.

These acolytes could use discipline certainly, for he did not need incompetents, but perhaps they could use a friendly wing to rest underneath as well. To be trained and brought up with the ideals necessary...

... To restore the Tsis'Kaar.

To have some loyal subordinates, would not be something he was opposed to either.

Thus were his musings as the ship finally arrived, its engines powering down as its landing gear deployed to bring it to a definitive halt upon the planet's surface.

He was certainly curious about these acolytes now.

Ansisa Firrerreo EVE_0001 Marcus Dinn Annika Starfire

 

[Marcus Dinn]

"Just so we're clear, I intend to use all of you as a stepping stone for my own progression, so I will not hesitate to throw any of you under the proverbial bus."

At that, Marcus gave a hearty laugh. “You’re so subtle, I can never tell what you’re thinking.”

The current crop of Sith did not impress him. It probably wouldn’t impress the Darth they were about to meet with, either. Ah well. He could always put away his dreams of Sithhood and go home to rule. Or perhaps find other adventure elsewhere.

As the shuttle touched down and the Acolytes filed out, Marcus searched his visions, peering into the future…

Ansisa EVE_0001 Darth Malum of House Marr Firrerreo​

 

[Annika Starfire]

Location: Shuttle
Objective: Meet some Darth guy
Tags: Ansisa Firrerreo Darth Malum of House Marr EVE_0001 Marcus Dinn
Wearing: this

Annika laughed at the back and forth between the other acolytes, grinning at Firrerreo As he called Ansisa out. "Now now everyone, no need to pick on Ani with an S over here, she's offering a kindness. Don't forget, most buses have repulsors and soft underbellies to exploit, sounds like an easy shot." she stuck her tongue out between her teeth at Ansisa as she teased the other acolyte. They all knew the game, she was entirely correct in her assertion that everyone here was a stepping stone, it was the Sith way, the fun would be working out who did the stepping.

She leaned back and started fiddling with her datapad, scrolling through the channels. She didn't really know why they were going to meet this Lord, she had looked him up and found out a little bit about him but as far as she was aware he wasn't involved in her own command heirarchy. To be truthful she had almost just made her excuses and not bothered to head to Jutrand to the meeting point for the shuttle, but she was enjoying learning and could feel her power growing quickly, so she wasn't quite ready to just bail on the academy. It sounded like she wasn't the only person who was half done with this project. Without students, the academy was an empty building, without the academy they were still all powerful force users, it was clear who needed who more.

The shuttle clanked down and Annika along with the others moved to disembark, "Let's get this over with then."

 

[Ansisa]

Ansisa smiled to herself. "We'll have targets on our backs for the rest of our lives. At the very least, its nice to know where one of the will come from, no?" She retorted to Firrerro. "I'm merely being open, its a graciousness you probably won't find in the rest of your fellow acolytes."

She shot Annika a filthy look as she reduced her name. "My name is already reduced so you can wrap your pathetic mouth around it. Don't butcher it further." she snapped. Pushing herself off the seat as the landing ramp descended. Ansisa had no idea what this lord of Alvaria had in store for them, it wasn't hard to spot him, flanked by an impressive looking guard, clearly waiting for them.

Ansisa descended last, assessing her competiton as she went. Firrerreo a a beast master in the making, EVE_0001 quiet but deadly, the only one, to her knowledge that actually held her ground on Bith, even if she lost, Annika Starfire was loud, obnoxious and overall irritating but even Ansisa had to admit there was power in the girl, though it'd yet to show its full potential. And then there was the mystery, Marcus Dinn , Ansisa had yet to figure out his angle.

All of them had yet to find their foot hold, their place in the grandeur of the Sith Order. Perhaps they would find it here. She joined the end of the line as they presented themselves and gave a small bow of respect to their host. "Darth Malum, its an honour to meet you." she said softly. It wasn't, but there was no need to be impolite.

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[EVE_0001]

As Eve exited the transport, that odd feeling in her stomach that she had experienced on Bith, just prior to entering battle, manifested itself again. For lack of a better word, she simply labeled it apprehension, and strove to keep it from overpowering her.

Glancing around, Eve caught sight of Darth Malum of House Marr . She knew only a little bit about him. If memory served, he was the Lord whom her adoptive mother, Lady Venge, had first met on Eliad during the Sith's subjugation of that world. Oh, and there had been the gala when the Golden Covenant was established. House Marr and its associates had arrived dressed in black, a silent statement as to how they felt about the prospects of another upheaval within the Sith Order's established ranks. Perhaps it was for the best that the Covenant had failed to achieve fruitation. Venge certainly didn't seem too overly pleased, having poured enormous amounts of time and resources towards seeing House StormWolf eventually being re-established with her and Darth Amarok as its head, only for the Covenant to fade into nothingness before it even began. Perhaps there were other avenues to be pursued in making House StormWolf great again, but that was a undertaking for another time. There was a Sith Lord to be acknowledged.

"Darth Malum," Eve said, giving a slight bow. "I am honored to be in your presence."

Ansisa

Firrerreo

Marcus Dinn

Annika Starfire

 

[Firrerreo]

Ah, that's right. Core names.

The Firrerreo, who already had quite the obsession with names, filed that in the back of his mind. Her true name would be something to learn eventually. If only to hold some power over her. That was his way, his people's way.

He simply dipped his head towards Darth Malum and did not speak his name as the others had. Which was in it's own way his form of respect. Names had power. Using them was only saying he was, in fact, above those he spoke to. He would not risk that with a Sith Lord.

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

It was as crimson eyes met the motley band of acolytes, that he confirmed what the earlier report had said. It seemed by pure coincidence, or something more sinister, he seemed to have a personal connection with more than half of them.

He marched forward, silent as a spectre, acknowledging the greetings that were given, and noting the ones that were not. It was a rather diverse group before him, though, he supposed his own acolyte days had seen a rather diverse group, there had been him, a human, there had been Trayze too another, there had been Omon Ka, a pureblood Sith, Quintessa the Asa'nyx, Sicarius Hekate, a Dathomirian, and of course... Adeline Noctua, a Sangnir.

He suppressed that flutter in his stomach as he finally reached the assembled group.

A Firrerreo who called himself Firrerreo , as was a little quirk within their species, refusing to freely give out their names. He nodded back in greeting before moving to the next.

Karan'sis'atrob, shortened to Ansisa , a Chiss, and already he could feel the simmering tensions between her and the rest of the acolytes assembled. If that was one-sided or truly warranted, however, would need to take further investigation. Her greeting was a lie, but considering the circumstances, meeting the one that was meant to punish you within inches of your life.

Well, it took a very specific person for that to be a "pleasure".

Those were the two he knew the least and held no personal connection with, the rest he either recognised or knew them from another.

Annika Starfire was one such, Zeltron, or half one anyway, he never met the woman before, though he had seen her at various Sith gatherings. That was notable enough, but what was far more notable, was who her master was.

Darth Nwul.

He had grown inactive as late, even as Malum carried the golden lightsabre which signified his position within the Gilded Council, even he knew little of his absence from galactic affairs. If they had sent his apprentice to Malum, rather than to him, he was not sure if that warranted even more concern.

What he did know though was, that whether Nwul was a friend or not, he needed to tread carefully here.

The next was EVE_0001 , a human though far from a normal one, connected to another ally, which made his role here even more difficult to accomplish as it had been directed to him. Which made him almost wonder if this was simply a very a scheme to drive division between the Tsis'Kaar and any allies that he had left, he had not been particularly close to Lady Venge, but considering when they had mutually desired a relic, they had been able to civilly discuss the matter, rather than coming to blows...

Well, frankly he felt if he punished the woman's daughter, she would feel far less kindly towards him.

And then the last, but not the least. The truly giant of a man, who brought up mixed memories as he gazed into familiar green eyes.

"I knew your parents," Malum simply intoned, the first time he had spoken since the acolytes had landed, as his head was tilted upwards, in consideration of the young man before him, who seemed caught up in a daydream of some kind. All the acolytes today were not likely far from him in age, though he thought Marcus Dinn and Firrerreo were the closest, which only made this assignment stranger still. He might far overshadow the acolytes in rank, but in age, he was only a few short years away from them, which would garner questions of authority, whether they liked it or not.

However, it was the presence of Marcus here specifically that had him all but convinced this was a ruse.

"I did not know your father particularly well, though he was a kind man, he even made me this," Malum raised his hand, motioning towards the band around his wrist. Marcus Dinn, son of Arcturus Dinn, son of Darth Empyrean, the Emperor's grandson was on his world, and it was a directive from Jutrand that he come here. What was the Emperor playing at now, the man rarely played games, but he could not call this anything but toying with his prey.

Was the young man a spy? Was this some test he was not privy to the answers? What was this?

"I knew your mother slightly better, though well... let us just say it had its ups and downs." It was certainly one way to describe the series of events that had begun with them kissing, to then fighting to the death, to then reconciling enough to negotiate the transfer of relics.

He did wonder where Rhiannon and Arcturus were these days, he had not seen them in some time.

Before the acolyte was able to answer, his back was toward him as he walked off, turning to face all five acolytes before he coughed into his throat, "Greetings to you all Acolytes and Apprentices of the Sith Order, as you all likely know, I am Darth Malum, of House Marr, you have all been sent to my world due to your failure upon Bith, your cowardice, your weakness. Fortunately for you, I am not your executioner, though it seems very likely I will be your torturer," Malum offered a grin with all the malice and cockiness afforded to him, "But it shall be up to you if that is the case, so tell me acolytes, whose fault was it what befall upon Bith?"

Would they stand united, or would they fracture at the seams?

 

[Annika Starfire]

Location: Shuttle
Objective: Meet some Darth guy
Tags: Ansisa Firrerreo Darth Malum of House Marr EVE_0001 Marcus Dinn

Wearing: this

The guy they were confronted with wasn't much older than them, but had all this wealth and power. It wasn't that shocking, in her own circles she knew of content creators just like that. "I bought a moon at fifteen through hard work, this is how you can be just like me"... insert photos of them draped over an expensive speeder in front of a mansion. Just don't mention the billionaire mummy and daddy. it was the way it worked, it wasn't always fair, but it always was. It did however make her wonder what his actual personal power might be once you removed the inheritance. She wouldn't push the thought though, power was power, regardless of source.

He asked them who's fault their failure was on Bith, and she raised an eyebrow, were they meant to now throw each other under the bus. If she were honest, it was the fault of whatever lord misjudged the defense they would face.

A strange look crossed her face as she considered her actions and she pulled out her personal device, looking up the meta-data from the video she took on Bith. The burner account was banned and the holonet was trying to stamp out the gruesome video, but it was proving impossible. "So, overall, I would say someone underestimated the defences on the world, but did we fail? Firrerreo and I were sent to sow terror. You got somewhere I can..... ah got it i'm on your local network." a video would ping as an incoming holo message on Marr's personal device. "That video, as of a few hours ago has been seen by three point eight million Bith residents and is still spreading, the authorities are trying to ban it for its graphic content, but yeah..." She shrugged, in her mind their escape rather than death or capture in this situation would only serve to leave the authorities and the people wondering where they might strike next. If the Jedi had some prisoners, they could call it a victory, but the unknown was a powerful motivator of fear.

She wondered what else to say, but she felt the implication was clear that she, personally at least, had not failed her mission. She wasn't going to whine about it or beg for understanding Marr could watch it himself. She considered making a crack about it all being the fault of Ansisa , not through any malice or intent, but just to amuse herself, but, reading the room, it probably wasn't the time.

​

 

[Marcus Dinn]

At last, the Sith they had been brought here to meet arrived. Deep in dreams, Marcus came out of his trance only when Malum addressed him directly. He frowned. As entertaining as his family's history with Darth Malum was, he'd rather not be singled out in front of the other Acolytes.

His gaze honed in on the band around Malum's wrist. He would have recognized his father's handiwork anywhere, and may have even enjoyed spending some time examining the nifty little piece of jewelry and talking shop about alchemy. But that wasn't what they were here for.

Yet Malum couldn't resist making one last remark.

"I knew your mother slightly better, though well... let us just say it had its ups and downs."

"You fell for her tricks," Marcus said, smirking faintly. "I assume you've learned your lesson." Or else he wouldn't be in a position of power, one hoped. Unless he was living proof that it was possible to fail upward.

Finally, Malum addressed them all, removing the spotlight from Marcus. The boy relaxed slightly, but not completely. They were being asked to cast blame on each other for Bith.

"She speaks the truth," Marcus said after Annika Starfire spoke. "The Jedi weren't supposed to be there, and yet we encountered a Jedi Master, followed by other Jedi Knights. It would have been foolish to continue the assault with the odds stacked so heavily against us."

Darth Malum of House Marr Ansisa EVE_0001 Annika Starfire Firrerreo​

 

[Ansisa]

Malum was interesting, Ansisa would give him that. He held himself with the grace and Power of a SIth Lord, perhaps because his actions had earned the respect of one. Now head of the Tsis'Kaar after betraying and killing his Mistress. The way he singled out Marcus brought frown to her face, of course nepotism would be rife here. Nobles rubbing shoulders making it harder for those of a less fortunate background to make headway.

Whatever curiosity peaked at the short conversation was drowned out by anger at Annika's response.

"Idiots." she hissed. "You really think for one second the defences were underestimated? That our Lords and Masters didn't know what they were throwing us into?"

Anger rolled off her at the sheer stupidity of the statement. "It. Was. A. Test. You didn't have to fight to win, but just survive long enough so others could get their job done. The only people here that tried to do just that are myself and Eve. Your failure to hold your ground and draw the enemy with terror sown, meant that other objectives failed. Eve lost her fight and I had no choice but to retreat, but I was the last to do so."

She hated that she was here, that she was being marked with the same brush as cowards and turn tails. "Idiots." she muttered again, shaking her head.

EVE_0001 Firrerreo Annika Starfire Marcus Dinn Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Firrerreo]

"Indeed, you were the last to run, Ansisa. You've proven yourself quite the willing tool."

There were tools, then there were Sith. Firrerreo had no obligation to put his life on the line for a mission that had, in fact, succeeded as Annika said. He were not there to throw themselves into a meat grinder.

"The mission was completed, and there were no casualties of ours. I do not see how it was a failure."

Ansisa | EVE_0001 | Annika Starfire | Marcus Dinn | Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[EVE_0001]

Eve wasn't sure what to think after hearing Ansisa state that they were the only ones to stand their ground and fight while the others attempted to complete their objectives. Was this the same person who, only minutes before, said that she wouldn't hesitate to throw everyone else under the proverbial bus? Ansisa was an interesting one for sure, Eve thought.

"Ansisa is correct. I held my ground for as long as I was able against a NightSister and her ally. After nearly having my legs taken off at the knees, it was becoming increasingly clear that I was outmatched, but I felt it would be better for me to die a warrior's death on the battlefield than to be shamed by retreating. The cowards shot me in the head with a blaster and left me for dead, in the hopes that the Bith would finish their dirty work for them."

Darth Malum of House Marr

Ansisa

Firrerreo

Marcus Dinn

Annika Starfire

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Malum relaxedly shrugged his shoulders, eyes closing at the remembrance specific memory, at the taunting by the grandson of the Emperor, the man who might eventually rule this Empire if the natural laws of primogeniture were followed, the malicious nature of his smile seemed to drain out of him, "She certainly is a tricksy woman, your father is a lucky man," his eyes glimmered with mischief, "Yes indeed... to stay away from married women," He deadpanned, "Along those with wings." He added, almost as if an afterthought.

Though considering his taste in women, wings were the least of his concerns.

They were an amusing bunch at the least. A good quality to have in a jester, likely a good quality to have in a person in general, and a quality he sorely wished more Sith had. His smile could not help but become more genial, jovial even, as they all played their separate parts in a play which they certainly did not know they were in, but certainly acted as themselves rather well.

The audience at least was entertained.

He had wondered if he had been this disrespectful when he had been an acolyte... he had been a menace when he had been interned at the Palace of Silver Rain, feeling betrayed by his family for something that he realised now was certainly that had been utterly foolhardy and stupid. He had gotten involved in a duel with two Sith Knights, led a band of acolytes to Korriban when it was still ruled by the members of the Ashlan Crusade, and of course had decided to lead the entire school's acolyte population into a battle against an actual army, despite the fact he had zero command experience, and most of them had no battle experience...

...Oh Bogan, how was he still alive?

Another point on the scoreboard of reasons why it was better to be apprenticed to a master or knight, rather than seek instruction through the academies he supposed.

His Mistre-

His eyes closed for a second, a strong breath leaving his lungs, as an equally hardy breath entered them.

The sharp pains in his mind did not get any easier.

His Mistress had beaten those tendencies out of him rather forcefully, their first-ever meeting upon Fiviune was more than enough evidence to ascertain that. Was that what they needed then? Discipline? Perhaps. Still, discipline had only been a part of what she had taught him, everything else had been equally if not more important.

Especially for his purpose here, it would do no good to be the drillmaster who was hated, after all, everyone knew the charismatic captain was far more popular. His Mis- his Mistress had after all held his loyalty right up until the end.

"As if that will clean the blood off your hands."

As if, indeed.

He was reminiscing again, it was so easy to fall back into his mind these days, he brought up his datapad, tilting his head as if curious as he witnessed a scene of utter carnage and destruction. He had seen this video, or at least similar ones like it, the Bith attack had been seen far and wide it seemed, affecting far more than just Bith itself.

Terror was a tool of the Sith just like any other, and that tool paid high dividends.

He had looked over their objectives, and such terror had certainly been part of the plan, along with a general attempt to weaken the fixed positions that the Bith held, along with seizing whatever technological advancements they had made. Strangely enough, the mission had seemed almost tailor-made for the tactics the Tsis'Kaar employed, the fact they had not been deployed however was very easy to answer, distrust. And so failure, not an entire failure not by his reckoning, but by the powers that be who had always looked at their methods with equal part distrust... and of course fear.

Which only made him question again why they were sent to him. The mission had been... somewhat successful by his measure, so if Jutrand thought differently, why not punish them themselves, rather than hand them over to one of the few in the Empire that would have considered a swift and stealthy strike, a speedy exit, and self-preservation as virtues rather than sins? It was a test of some kind, certainly, but the answer eluded him.

Did they wish to set expectations for him? That the Tsis'Kaar brought back into the fold would not be able to operate how they desired?

That would be a troubling development indeed.

If not that then, the only charge that he could think merited any serious consideration, cowardice, and desertion.

"You'll find in your experience as Sith, that the Jedi will pop up everywhere and anywhere, expect their presence wherever you will be deployed, and you will never be surprised by their presence." Bogan that was likely the best advice any Sith could give the next generation, play whack-a-mole was enjoyable in the circumstances under which one desired it, but it seemed almost the Jedi's will to run without thought headfirst into any Dark side enterprise, leading usually to headaches and missing limbs.

They had indeed fractured after all, but rather than turning on each other equally, two distinct formations seemed to have formed, though even within those formations there held no united discipline with their ranks. Firrerreo , Marcus Dinn , and Annika Starfire , the first of the five to flee abrogated any notion this was a failure. All the while Ansisa and EVE_0001 , the last of the five to flee, took hold of a responsibility that was not entirely theirs, to drag all five down, yet stated they were the most virtuous still.

How troubling indeed, still, there was some hope left for them.

"As I see it, it would seem some of you are quite right," Crimson eyes surveyed over the assembled, "One-third of the objectives were completed to a satisfactory level, while at least one of the objectives while not entirely successful, was not a complete waste of time," He heard that Bith's anti-aircraft batteries required some maintenance after the attack, though he was unsure regarding what happened to the technological heist, with the sneaking suspicion that if anything had been gotten off-world, it was being hidden from him and his Tsis'Kaar ilk.

"On the other hand, what concerns me the most is some of your willingness to abandon your comrades," At the end of the day, it would be the only thing he could find fault in for them, others would certainly disagree, would think it mad that he mentioned this at all, but... he was after all quite mad, "I will not fault a good sense of self-preservation, it will serve you better than dying on a skirmish on a world that most the galaxy does not even know exists, such is not how legacies are made, and such is a waste of the talents that you have," To further the point Malum seemed to disappear, before suddenly reappearing right in front of them, "Still, I will fault the abandoning of your comrades at such a critical juncture, some of you have claimed a mission success as there were no casualties among you, but tell me, do you believe your individualistic willingness to flee, to be the cause of that? Would you count it a successful if Acolytes Karan'sis'atrob and Eve, had fallen in battle?" His eyes focused upon the trio, hoping he had pronounced the Chiss' name correctly, he had been practising with Motus, "Some might call it desertion to retreat before the order comes, no matter the opposition you face, it will be those who continued to follow orders who you will sacrifice by leaving your posts."

His eyes then turned toward the two who had fled last, "This is not to say your idiocy is being recognised as bravery. You gain the Empire nothing but standing your last and dying stupidly, if you are outmatched, you do not kill yourselves for tests, bravado, or what else you think is a good reason to do so. You are Sith, you are more intelligent than that, or you should be..." Considering the differences in teaching methods by different Sith, it was hard to say.

Taking a few steps back, to address all the acolytes, "That is to say, this is an Order that is cutthroat, where you will advance by lying, cheating, and betrayal," It was a sad truth, one which he fought against, but part of him doubted would ever change, "You will have Knights who will treat you like pawns to be sacrificed for their ends, you will have Masters with their own personal agendas and beliefs, those far from what could be considered orthodox, chaos, many would consider me one of them," He offered a side smirk at that, "Which is why the only ones you will be able to rely on, are those here, you might consider yourself rivals, enemies, stepping stones, but you will be all you have until you have the protection of a master or promotion to knighthood." If any claimed that Malum's eyes softened, they were clearly seeing things, "Fight together, retreat together, or you will find yourselves alone, and no amount of running will save you then."

"You bleeding-heart moralist."

There was no morality within the Sith Order, only the sense they could craft out of it. He questioned himself if he should say anything more to lighten the mood, but resolved that might undercut what he had said... and no doubt the acolytes either would be considering what he said or would be very quick to loudly and colourfully disagree.

Considering his younger self, the latter was much more likely.

 

[Annika Starfire]

Location: Shuttle
Objective: Meet some Darth guy
Tags: Ansisa Firrerreo Darth Malum of House Marr EVE_0001 Marcus Dinn

Wearing: this

The Sith in front of them talked long to then, but his judgement was fairly circular and inconsistencies, they were deserters for falling back, but the others were unintelligent for not taking the same decision it didn't make a great deal of sense, and she wondered how much of this was actually going to be useful. Ansisa's insistence that everything went as planned spoke of a blindness that their masters were infallible and would not make mistakes, that was a little worrying, but the Zeltron simply shrugged it off and did not have a chance to respond before Malum spoke.

Would you count it a successful if Acolytes Karan'sis'atrob and Eve, had fallen in battle?

"Yeah, probably." she grinned at Ansisa as she said it. It was true, she had no reason to care about the fate of the other acolyte and her mission had not been dependent on her success either. She also had absolutely no doubt in her mind that, asked the same question, Asisa would consider Annika's death equally irrelevant to her mission. "I didn't come her to die on some rock having achieved nothing with my life, if people like EVE_0001 desire a warriors death, they are welcome to it." From Eve's phrasing she could place her among the warrior cultures around the galaxy that preferred death over dishonour, this was not necessarily without merit as a culture, but not one that Annika would subscribe to.

"About a year ago I hooked up with this GADF infantryman and his favourite phrase was that you dont win by dying for your cause, you win my making the enemy die for theirs. It was his status on his socials and everything." she let out a little laugh. "I thought it was a little corny at the time, but I get what he means now."

She shrugged and glanced around at the others, if these were the only people she could rely, then she was glad she was used to relying on herself.

​

 

[Ansisa]

Would you count it a successful if Acolytes Karan'sis'atrob and Eve, had fallen in battle?

"Yeah, probably." she grinned at Ansisa Ansisa as she said it.

Ansisa didn't know which of them she wanted to tear apart first, the Sith Knight parading like a Lord that dares to use her full name in front of these fools. She gave a sideways glance to Firrerreo knowing full well that was going to be a problem for her later. Or the irritation that was Annika Starfire "One day, Annika," the chiss said in a low voice "I'm going to take great pleasure in killing you slowly."

She was at least, impressed by Malums ability to move in the blink of an eye. A skill sh would very much like to learn, if she could allow herself to stoop so low.

"Fight together, retreat together, or you will find yourselves alone, and no amount of running will save you then."

Ansisa raised an eyebrow, opening her mouth to comment on how it was nice he'd finally stopped talking. When Annika started talking. "Stars, you stupid whore, do you ever stop? And you," she said snapping at Darth Malum of House Marr "Why are we here, because I'm certain its not to listen to a fool lecture us on the importance of standing by your fellow acolytes, you sound like a Jedi."

Marcus Dinn EVE_0001

 

[Marcus Dinn]

"Still, I will fault the abandoning of your comrades at such a critical juncture, some of you have claimed a mission success as there were no casualties among you, but tell me, do you believe your individualistic willingness to flee, to be the cause of that? Would you count it a successful if Acolytes Karan'sis'atrob and Eve, had fallen in battle?"

“Duly noted. I will stand my ground next time.” Marcus had followed Firrerreo’s retreat on Bith. That was not a mistake he would make again.

The boy understood Malum’s point to mean that they ought to try and make allies. The Sith Order was cutthroat, true, but if it was truly every man for himself, a lone Sith would survive the competition only by sheer luck after all the others were dead. That struck him as incredibly foolish—and if it was common practice, then it was no wonder the Sith were always dying out. It made them weak. Besides, they wanted their future leaders to ascend through merit, not by pure happenstance.

He smirked as the annoyingly belligerent Chiss girl tried to pick a fight with the equally obnoxious Annika Starfire, then his eyebrows rose when she turned her ire on Malum. Did she have a death wish? If the Sith were as cold-blooded as she seemed to think they ought to be, she was certainly tempting fate.

Still, she had asked a good question, though it had been worded as an insult. Crossing his arms over his chest, Marcus awaited Malum’s answer.

Annika Starfire Ansisa Firrerreo Darth Malum of House Marr EVE_0001​

 

[Quintessa]

Location: Alvaria
Attire: X
Equipment: Passion and Prejudice │ Jin'Wodasir (2) │ Amulet of Many │ Spirit Anchor │ G1 OmniLink
Dialogue Legend: <<Ghoul-Speak>> │ “Galactic Basic” │ <”ur-Kittât”>
Tag: Darth Malum of House Marr Annika Starfire Ansisa EVE_0001 Marcus Dinn Firrerreo

Quintessa was standing to the side of the group, almost, but not quite invisible. In that regard, her low profile had been intentional. She was not here to judge or discipline any of the acolytes and apprentices, nor was she here to be judged or disciplined herself. Rather, the speedster was simply standing in, watching and learning as Darth Malum made his pronouncements. With her still-recent promotion to Knighthood, Quintessa had been tasked with the raising of a new school within the Kainate Sith Kabal and possibly, the greater Sith Order. She would be teaching acolytes and apprentices soon, passing on the skills she had cultivated which had seen to her victory and survival through the many, many tests she had endured to reach this point. As such, she needed to learn how to teach, so as to better develop the next generation of Sith.

And yet, Quintessa could only frown as she listened to the group bicker and make unnecessary enemies out of each other. To her judgement, it was almost as if they were asking for their peers to stab them in the back. Or perhaps, were such provocations a front, intended to ward off challenge? Regardless, Quintessa sensed that it was a risky strategy, one which inevitably drew attention to the acolyte (or apprentice) in question. On the fairer side, sometimes attention could be a good thing. There was a limited supply of Masters and Knights willing to teach after all, so many students would either fall through the cracks or be forced to learn through an academy, as Quintessa herself had done.

Nevertheless, Quintessa found Ansisa especially, very perplexing. As far as she knew, the Chiss was one of the more capable acolytes and had been scouted for an apprenticeship by a number of potential teachers. What then, did she have to gain from attention, other than a knife in the back? Unfortunately, Quintessa could only speculate as to the driving force behind the blue-hued Sithling’s behavior. There were politics, relationships, and other elements at work here which eluded and entranced her all at once, in spite of the fact that she herself had been through a similar crucible. It was no wonder that The Apprentice made so much money!

However, the next words that left the Ansisa’s lips were of particular interest to Quintessa, drawing the raise of a precisely arched eyebrow. The Chiss had challenged Malum directly, questioning his judgement and insulting him in unsubtle terms.

How would the scion respond?