Junction Battle For The Kathol Outback [Part I] | SO & ME Junction of Demonsgate & Ando

[Darth Empyrean]

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The Sith Order moved like a wave in its new arena - the Outer Rim slowly fell, system by system. The information blackout had done them well to establish a strong foundation; but after their claiming of the hyperlanes near Pergitor, there was no denying they had returned. Stirring, the galaxy began to sweat what darkness lay behind the Black Wall - the colloquial name given to the boundaries of their space that few returned.

As their military might expanded, planets were stripped of their resources, and the new Empire formed behind the curtains - their external hegemony began to threaten the sovereignty of the local states. First was the Kal’Shebbol system - whose acceptance of defeat saved its people from a far worse fate beneath the boot heel of armored Sith Troopers. Their surrender, however, formed the foundation of the Sith Order’s encroachment into the Kathol Outback.

Galtea, Sebiris, Timbra Ott - each were slowly occupied by expanding Sith Military fleets. Only then did the threat of their plans become obvious. As the Galactic Empire did many centuries prior, the Sith Order intended to strike into the Kathol Outback to the Rift. This fear forced reaction - the remilitarization of the local governments, and their concurrent plead for support from the Galaxy at large.

It was here that the Mandalorian Enclave stepped in. Having a long history of fighting against the Sith, and a deep knowledge of their tactics - the Enclave sought to slow the Sith’s advance and make them pay the beskar price for every parsec of space they took. With the agreement of the local governments, the Mandalorians began to provide their expertise, armaments, and support.

The Pimbrellan League, Oektoth Confederation, and Kathol Republic set about securing themselves a forward defensive line in the Jangelle and Binaros systems with the Mandalorian’s guidance. As their politicians figured out the finality of a military alliance, they begin their assault on the Sapella system - easily pushing back the Sith to the Timbra Ott jump point. With victory fresh on their palette, the Kathol Alliance begins to push deeper - to retake Timbra Ott and break the siege on the Pimbrellan League.

Yet not is all as simple as it seems - as the Sith prepare to meet their assault far more prepared than they have given credit for. With the hyperlane sentries established, interdiction fields prepared - the Kathol Alliance prepares to jump into a slaughter of their own fault. The Sith wait patiently for their victims - to end this facade in a single fell swoop.

---

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Objective I: The Battle of Timbra Ott​

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As the Sith were forced to retreat from Sapella, the Kathol Alliance sent out confirmation of their victory - and ordered the assault of the Timbra Ott system to maintain their momentum, hoping to combine their forces with the Pimbrellan League. Despite the Mandalorian advice to cease and prepare, they ignored the Enclave’s experienced perspective. With their gaze already set on the freedom of the Kal’Shebbol - they have failed to see the door for the wall it was.​

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As they jump into the Timbra Ott system, their fleets conjoin only to be assaulted by several hundred ion mines. Systems go dark as the Sith fleet micro jumps into view, and the daunting strength they had hid becomes obvious. You must stop the Sith from destroying the fleet - save what you can, save who you can more so.​

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Boarding ships are on their way.​

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Objective II: Stay-Behind Operations​

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As a contingency, the preparations for a ‘Stay-Behind’ resistance force must be finished. The Sith can not be allowed to take these planets freely - so the best commandos in the galaxy train every man, woman, and child willing on Dolstan in the worst case scenario - that they lose the home they’ve known all their lives. Drilling with sticks, cheap firearms, and hunting rifles has made them less than a professional military - but it will have to do.​

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Only for the alarm to be raised amidst your efforts. As the Pimbrellan League launched its fleets to Timbra Ott, a Sith assault fleet launched into Dolstan’s system at the same time; and began to destroy its defenses in a blitzkrieg. In a matter of minutes, the first of the Sith Troopers will land - and you’ve got nothing but a few militiamen to defend it.​

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How long will you last?​

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Objective III: Head of the Snake​

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In the Kal’Shebbol system, numerous high ranking Sith Imperials and Force Users work tirelessly on peace deals long before bringing their targets to the table. Surrender of systems, trade rights, entire systems to both the Sith and Vichy Kal’Shebbol. Their death’s would be symbolic, fundamentally important to the destruction of this war effort. Perhaps it won’t stop it, but its success could put serious troubles in the lap of the Sith Triumvirs.​

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Your strike team has been deployed with a step above civilian gear to kill the gathering before they can finish their efforts. A bomb beneath the table, a sniper from the opposite building - the choice is yours, but everyone in that room is a collaborator, and must be killed.​

 

[Jos Krayt]

KATHOL OUTBACK | DOLSTAN
THE ENCLAVE | TRAINING TEAM
ALLIES: ENCLAVE | Valery Noble | Open
ENEMIES: SITH | Open
ENGAGING: Open
GEAR: In bio

MAHEGAGH​

The Enclave was well aware of the ongoing advances of the Sith, but what took the Shaman by surprise was the impressive speed they were managing it. After the mess of an operation on Rodia, the priority of halting the Sith’s relentless advance was greatly elevated. They had to do something that could knock them back a few parsecs.

But they couldn’t manage a fight like that alone, not with the momentum their enemy gained in the past few years. With the rising tensions against the Empire and the ongoing operations against the Maw, the Enclave’s forces were spread thin. Luckily Mandalorians weren’t strangers to an uneven fight. It gave the enemy a better chance at survival.

When word reached the Enclave that the Sith Order was entering the Kathol Outback, everyone moved to provide aid in hopes of knocking out several Mynocks with one bolt. Ships, weapons, vehicles, tools that would help the brave people of the Outback to not only help them survive the onslaught, but also drive the Sith back. The only problem was that none of those materials would be of any use if the people didn’t know how to use them. A problem that demanded the Alor of Clan Krayt’s attention on the front lines.

Other teams had arrived before him, helping the agricultural world of Dolstan in training up its population for the day the Sith arrived to conquer and exploit their beautiful world. Hopping out of his Basilisk, the Kel Dor looked around at the savannahs and open, dry plains around them. It was not only a stark contrast when compared to Kestri’s frozen surface, it reminded him of the calm fields of Lothal before the Bryn'adul took over.

The tall Kel Dor slid his helmet on and clipped his effects to his belt before marching over to the nearby group of soldiers. ”How is the training going?” His calm voice rose as he looked around.

”Going good, sir. It’s taken some time to get them used to it all, but they’re getting there. Hopefully we’ll have a few weeks left before the Sith reach the system.” One of the troopers spoke up. Jos gave a nod as he looked at the Marine. "Let us hope and pray that we have that much time." He commented before he walked off to catch up with the others, maybe meet the current town’s leadership. However, he halted when he felt a presence unlike the rest of the people around him. ”A rather unexpected surprise…” He spoke with a smile in his voice, turning to look at the stranger.

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Objective III: Head of the Snake

Yet another interruption to the Holocron Quest. They were making good progress before yet another mission brief arrived for him. His Mistress was leading negotiations in the Kal'Shebbol system, and though it was clear that she could very much defend herself from whatever these non-force users could throw at her, it was customary for a guard to be assembled, for whatever may come, be it an attack from outside or even from within, or more likely, to add another layer of intimidation onto those of the weaker party opposite them.

He had deposited his companions at the various locations they had requested, and departed, he would have to rally them all together when the time came for their quest to continue. For now, though, he stared vigilantly off at the horizon, he had read a smattering regarding the planet on the way here, truly interesting history lay here, the planet was first populated by Twi'Lek slaves for example and now lived as a cosmopolitan world with a truly diverse and specious population. It was also noteworthy that the planet only had a single continent, dominated entirely by plains, it was no wonder it was a strong agricultural world then. Its takeover would no doubt be useful to the Sith Order, it was why he was not too annoyed by his presence here, he was glad that the system would peacefully be brought into the fold, he would hate to see these flat fields have bomb craters on them. Hate for the roaming Chollas to be extinct, along with all other life.

Still, suppressing a yawn, this was a thankless job, and one likely without any excitement, he idly wondered how the other Sith forces would be doing. He had heard down from the grapevine that small skirmishes had already erupted, and indeed, it seemed that while initially, it would be nothing more than a police action to bring the independent polities of the Kathol Outback to heel, it was evolving into something much more dangerous. Mandalorians of all people had been spotted leading the defense, which could prove... troublesome.

He was not high enough on the hierarchy yet to really consider matters of diplomacy, and intergalactic affairs, but even he could see that conflict already erupting between the Order and the Enclave could prove a worrying development. Still, he was sure his Mistress and the other two Triumvirs knew what they were doing... well he hoped anyway.

Straightening up his posture, he kept his eyes on the fields around them, their presence perhaps would make this simple diplomatic meeting far more interesting. His right hand reached down for his lightsaber, he did not ignite it yet, there was no reason to, but, he was not going to be caught without his weapon if something should occur.

Darth Ophidia

 

[Darth Empyrean]

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KATHOL OUTBACK | DOLSTAN​

Sith Order | Fleet Designation: Corypheus​

ALLIES: Sith Order​

ENEMIES: Mandalorians | Valery Noble | Jos Krayt | Open​

ENGAGING: Open​

GEAR: In bio​

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They had fallen for the trap.​

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While the fleets at Timbra Ott gave a convincing performance of their retreat, the Corypheus fleet entered the Dolstan System with a great and righteous energy. All that would appear was the great storm of the Tempestarii Generators before rounds fired from inside to the weapons platforms surrounding the planet. They were like hammers on egg shells, cracking the foremost defenses win only a few salvos - leaving little time for a coordinated response. With much of their fleet already engaged in Timbra Ott, there was little to hold back the Sith fleet from entering orbit.​

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Amidst the storm was the Dark Lord Empyrean, holding himself up with the assistance of Kala'anda. Looking up this doomed world gave him the smallest semblence of pride - to know that this was to be the Sith's future once again. Of conquest and fire - to spread ash in the mouth of his enemies and watch them choke. Despite that, his face was the perfect image of apathy, cold and calculating as the first reports came forth regarding their successful destruction of numerous orbital installations.​

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"Give the order."​

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And his will be done. Thousands of transports broke free from the confines of the storm clouds in space, a slow trickle of Sith and their soldiers landing in urban enviroments across the planet. Space ports were priority, to break their assumption they could leave - but Empyrean stood watching through the Force what would become of the world. He looked for Jedi and threats alike - and when he found one, he grimaced.​

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"Transfer my command to Harcrow.", he said with disdain.​

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He moved from the bridge and made his way towards his quarters.​

 

[Adeline Noctua]

Equipment | In Bio
Location | Kal'Shebbol, Objective three
Tag | Anyone on Objective three

Despite her looks and adept studies into the dark, Adeline wasn't a Sith.. Yet. But, their interests aligned with her own and their ideals had begun to receive the affection of the high blooded Sangnir. It only made sense to aid their efforts in conquest, not as a mercenary this time, but as an ally.

If a hunt was thrilling, then conquest was a rapturous drug. One she planned on taking of course, many had struck at the dark, today it would bite back. Adeline herself had no hatred of Mandalorians, seeing them as prime vessels for strong enthralled warriors, working with their kind before meant she knew how these men and women excelled at combat.. Yet their almost unbreakable pride meant she would find no willing thralls within them.. A sad reality that Adeline knew.

Considering that she herself fit the bill of a Sith, and was indeed working with them... If any combat were to happen while watching over this meeting then she needed to win, it would be thanks to Tae'l Vizsla that she knew of the purge that had happened. To Adeline it was a waste of prime targets for both turning and enthrallment as mentioned before, yet to them she would be a Sith, an enemy that would be given no mercy.

With this in mind she carefully keeps a keen eye on the surroundings, watching and waiting. It would be hard for any assassin or agent to get past her apex senses and newfound capability in the force.

Unlike anyone else that could be labeled as a Sith just by looks alone, the Sangnir stood out. Wielding guns and not a saber in sight, just a vibrosword within a decorated sheath, it swayed with each step the hunter took.

Any nearby allies had received no greetings from her, preferring to remain alert until the negotiations were over... Though she wouldn't admit that deep down she was rather bored, a book would be lovely right now.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
WEAPONS: x|X|x
ENGAGING: OPEN
TAG: Darth Empyrean | Open

The Acerbitas was much a home to Gerwald as other place had been over the past several months. His travels had kept him from his home on Stewjon, and the encampment which the other wolves kept on Islimore had been somewhat lacking. At least he had discovered his ancestral home, but the secrets he recovered as a result had banished him once more. He knew why the Lechners had abandoned their people, and the same fate had befallen him. Where the others believed in a mythos of gods and the divine, Gerwald knew the truth. They had been made by the Sith, for the Sith.

It was a discovery which had seen Gerwald pull away from his kind in an effort to protect them. The wolf was certain most did not miss him as he had been a polarizing figure among them from the start. His galactic experience had made him a vocal critic of the old ways which many Lupo still held to. They needed to adapt or die. He could help best by being absent and keeping the ear of Aelin Erevos . If he had been made for the Sith, then he would allow the Sith to use him. He returned to his Dread Queen, Srina Talon .

The decision had led to her husband and lover, Darth Empyrean . A recent conversation saw the wolf pledge his fealty to the Dead God himself. Gerwald could have second guessed himself knowing his first task was to fight against some who had once found safe harbor among the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

He did not.

Gerwald had been designed to kill. From his early years as a child, the wolf had been trained in the ways of combat and the art of death. The battle field was his canvas and the blood of his enemies the paint with which he created each masterpiece. Those who stood against him would fall. They always fell. It was Empyrean’s wish that Gerwald strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, and yet only two others knew of his allegiance. Today the wolf would make his alliance known, he would be the weapon he was created to be.

Gerwald waited for his orders. His place for now was the shadows. When Empyrean needed him, the wolf would answer, unless he found suitable prey. He would hunt, and he would kill. Nothing would stand in his way. A new Sith Order would rise, and Empyrean would be its leader. This was the wolf’s new mission. It was his new cause. His word had been given, and it would not be broken.​

 

[Trayze Tesar]

OBJECTIVE III - HEAD OF THE SNAKE
Objective - Defend the Negotiations:

Kal'Shebbol, how he had missed the planet. While he hadn't been in this particular portion of the planet, he had been there. It had felt a lifetime ago, even though it was a short while ago, the inciting incident into his induction into the Sith Order proper. The case was a simple one, as he had been assigned and demoted upwards to being a "glorified traffic cop", the first one they sent to investigate any dealings on the nearby Rimma Trade Route-Kal'Shebbol formed the terminus of the Hyperlane, and it had been the scene of his "triumph". At the time, and in actuality, Trayze hadn't considered it anything else than another day on the job-but Malum and the rest of his peers needed to be impressed, since other than his coarse language and background as a beat detective, he wasn't exactly the atypical Sith.

The case proper had been revolving around Askaj, between an Akosian mission project and falsified tuomon silk-prized silk that the native Askajians wove wondrously enough to be used as the robes of Emperor Palpatine himself!

It was a good thing he regaled his exploits prior to arriving to the Outback, for now he was uncharacteristically quiet. In the air of his mind, there was a stench, a fume, a hiss, a sigh a continuous dripping of something that was dead and yet refused to die. He had thought it was the first newcomer, a Sangir that he had looked into ever since one kicked in the door of the Silver Rain Academy. But no, she was not the only gunslinger, and she was merely that-powerful, aye, exceedingly so in comparison to a pair of acolytes doing boring work of "standing there and looking pretty". But there was that thrice damned dead...something. A fester on the edge of his mind the more Trayze tried to rid himself of seeing it the more he feared that it saw him.

There was of course Lady Ophidia, Mistress of the Tsis'Kisar herself and Malum's own teacher-it still boggled his mind that he was apprenticed to a karking triumvir-that he knew, and that he was already overwhelmed by. She was a...speck dirt. Like a speck of dirt caught in the throat of his soul, transient, ephemeral, unnoticeable, and unseen until it was too late. Being an assassin par excellence, it did not surprise Trayze one bit that Ophidia would have such a presence, but he was surprised to see her as a mere...uncanny valleyed grandma to tut and sit through the baleful remains of formality.

He stood outside, nodding to the fellow gunslinger Sangir, and seemed to immerse himself in his personal copy of Farsight or Fallacy? now well and truly scrawled with post-it-pop ups, highlighted passages, and other means of his experimentation and thoughts on the matter. Even as introverted as his aura was, he couldn't help but think that his Sight in the presence of such powerful individuals would be a detriment, for the Mandalorians seldom used the Force, and could slip in under the sheer glow of the powerful Sith assembled. Malum had assured him that there were skirmishes, but a Triumvir is a Triumvir, and the Mandos wouldn't let an opportunity slip to stick it to any would be occupiers.

Rather than focusing on a singular task, Trazye exhaled and looked over his more well worn notes, reminding him the basic fundamentals of using Force Sense. He acquainted himself with the steady thrum, the rhythms of the planet and those who inhabited it, maintaining his vigilant observation of the myriad of pieces at play in this Outback-known and yet to be known.

Though there was an idle thought, Malum had taught him that audacity was rewarded, perhaps an opportunity would occur where he would meet the other tantalizingly terrible presence in the Force that he could swear was just out of his reach. Who else would it be other than a Triumvir? But the Triumvirs were politically opposed to one another, or at least, ideologically. He had little taste for politics-especially if it could sunder his newfound familial relationship with Malum.

All of this transpired with the gentle conclusion, a seemingly sleepy nod and a tip of his stenson that he was seldom seen without, and a brief checking out of her guns-both in terms of physical strength and what were holstered. There was a slight twinge of indignity, that his gimmick of being a gunslinging Sith was being usurped somehow. But he would have to suffer any wounds to his pride in silence, he had more experience than his cousin in that department, for certain.

Darth Malum of House Marr Darth Ophidia Adeline Noctua

 

[Omon Kaa / Darth Diem]

Objective I: The Battle of Timbra Ott

As the Sith vessels, who played the bait, sped away.. the new ones, bigger in class, started to materialize from hyper space. Creating the small wall of unfinished puzzle.
One of them, the Afflicter CSD "The Covetous" took the lead of the left flank.
Behind the clear glassy screen of his command tower, Omon Kaa gazed at the beautiful sight of his first space battlefield. His eyes changed their color in the fiery brazier of orange, the moment he saw Pimbrellan League floating through space like beached oceanic whales.
Beside him, stood his ship commander and Sith Naval Captain, Arrgata Sentro. Placing his arms crossed across his chest, Omon glanced at the few ships he could see around him, before softly saying

"2 kilometers forward, angle 45 degrees port side. It will give us clear trajectory for 8 quad batteries, and 8 single turbolasers. Open fire from only the quad's, leave single for possible counter attack. Choose one ship and fire, at this distance DF and FD numbers will be important, so to destroy one ship we'll need at least a dozen shots."
Once done, Arrgata relay the command via com to entire ship. As Omon turned and started to go toward the elevator. He paused, and gave one more instruction..
"Tell them to prepare my shuttle and 5 new Banshee fighters. I will board first enemy vessel on our flank." elevator door opened, and he left his commander with worrying expression on her face. Pressing the button for the top hangar of his flag ship.

Droids and men were scattering around the huge empty space of the hanger, as the fighters were being prepared and the crews ready for potential deployment. Omon noticed 8 men standing in attention few meters in front of him, 5 pilots, and 3 Sith troopers. He took his helmet from the side of his belt, and place it over his head, as the 8 moved to the side as one, and continue to walk behind him.
His shuttle was being prepped up with final touches, as the crew pushed and pull different parts of equipmant, making sure its ready.
Omon turned his head to side, and nodded toward the tie fighters that were being put on to the catapulting ramps, and the 5 pilots started running toward them.
Without any talk, troopers took their places beside the back door, while Omon took the pilot seat, and after several check ups and vent closings, he lifted the already warmed up vessel. Entering fast the coordinates, and pushing the throttle stick forward, they burst out of the great hanger, between the two walls of the Afflicters middle.
He could hear the sound of catapult, and buzz of the fighters behind him.

Using the com link in his helmet, Omon talked to the pilots "3 in to diamond formation around me, 2 straight behind me. I will dock on the doors of that first smaller carrier frigate, brake formation once I give you the signal, and start patrolling around me in the 3 and 2 column." on his order, 5 "Longing 1/2/3/4/5, Copy" were heard.

Omon reached with Force, to try and sense the resolve inside the ship. There was some, but mostly there was confusion. Perfect he thought, while pulling the handle and rotating the shuttle so its bottom would be stuck on to the enemy's ship doors. Once the pressure indicator turned green, one of the troopers right away lift the shuttles floor latch and revealed a pathway to the ship. Turning his gravity pull on his boots, Omon jumped from his seat, giving the fighters signal for their formation, he light his crimson blade, and with one rotation of both hands, cut a perfect circle in to the ships doors.
Air from it rushed to his body, and his body greeted it joyfully, jumping through it, and landing on to the ships floor.
His 3 Sith Commandos followed, each with blaster carbin in front of him. They drew the first blood, on few stragglers who were running through the hallway. Omon didn't even lift his blade, just started going forward.
"Do not shoot the high ranking ones. Any officer you see, you leave them to me" ..he did not need their confirmation, they understood him.

On a T crossing, 2 commandos took the left side, Omon and 1 trooper right side "Do not go deep, just cover my back and wait for me. I wont be long" he did not want his men dead, and no matter how good they are, the shire numbers of soldiers on this ship would overpower them. But not him, not a Sith.

Laser bolt sprang from the dark corridor, and straight in to Omon, he raised his armor covered hand, and used force deflection to shift the lasers trajectory. The trooper fired back killing the man instantly. Silently, Omon turned his masked face toward his companion.. "That was an Officer.. trooper." ..on his words, the soldier moved step backwards, involuntarily no doubt.
With a sigh, the Sith continued forward faster. Laser bold again, and again, and again.. as his crimson blade now danced, repelling the fire and returning one in to his attacker, killing him. He force sprint between the 3 hunkered down soldiers, crouching down and spin-swinging his lightsaber over his head, cutting them all down.
The trooper tried his best to keep up, but Omon went down deeper and deeper in to the interior of the ship. He could hear shouts around the corner, they were notified of his presence, and of what they are dealing with. Word 'bomb' was used.
Brave, but I cant let you do that. He through, while force pulling a nearby wide and heavy steel table, carrying him through the ships brake-rooms beside him, then stopping just on the edge of the corner. His closed fist that was 'carrying' the table through air, now moved to the left, then hard back to the right.. as the hunk of metal start flying in to the corridor around the corner.
Sound of screams and bodies being lunged echoed around him.
A gas bomb appeared in his hand, rolling down from one of the sleeve pockets, then disappeared same way where that table went.
Small bang was the prelude of the eruption of green gas, filling the hallways in the 10 meter radius. On that, Omom turned the corner and found several soldiers injured from the metal projectile he threw, one dead. They were all coughing from the gas, while one did manage to put the helmet on.. not being able too see clearly he pointed the rifle in to the general direction of the Sith.
Not wanting to risk him hitting one of the potential prisoners, Omon threw his lightsaber forward, guiding him through the soldiers abdomen, and then back in to his hand. The trooper finally caught up to him.

"Check their ranks" on his command, while holding his BlasTech rifle, he checked the survivors. Replying happily "An Officer! Officer Lord Omon".
He gave him the nod to pick him up and move, while contacting the 2 troopers on the T crossroad in front of them, to let them know they are coming back.
After which, his fingers closed in to a small clinch, slowly walking away as the injured soldiers started dying from asphyxiation.

When he arrived at the T fork, troopers were taking heavy fire, but returning the same. Omon pushed the Trooper with the hostage first, then pushed other 2 to follow him, as he lazily swong his blade to deflect few accurate shots.
"The fear gripped them, we can leave without killing them.. In this way." first trooper and the enemy soldier passed through the hole, then the second and finally the third. Omon glimpsed one more time at the wrecked hallway of his first enemy ship. Then with boyish glee, jumped in to his shuttle.

Once the latch was closed the decompression started. Sith looked at the men, before pointing to the prisoner.. "Secure him on to the seat, then secure yourselves. Their ship will twist and turn like a can once we open that hole. Make sure you are strapped in."
Creating a Force Field around the shuttle's bottom, he pushed the throttle forward. Enemy vessel imploded milliseconds after, and if not for the Force Shield, it would definitely pull them in to that thresher.

"Fighters, to me. 2 in front, 3 behind. If anyone pursue, give us cover." he did not expect any reinforcement, but better safe then sorry.
Shuttle was flying forward, under the beautiful green barrage of turbo blasters, ravaging the stranded enemy ships.
"Longing - 0 to Covetous, we are arriving".

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"These places are soo boring."

Alina splayed out across the table, much to the annoyance of everyone there. Dressed in the finest black silks she could find, her frozen youthful appearance, she looked very much the spoiled noble her family might have wanted her to be one day. She closed her golden eyes, listening as the others continued the discussion and treaties. Alliances to keep the Sith appeased.

To their heartbeats.

Annoyance. Apathy. Nervousness. Nothing out of the ordinary for what the meeting was. No plot to betray the Sith. She'd already had her Inqusitors sniffing around to make sure of that. But all that meant was this was going to be a very, very boring evening.

Inwardly she groaned. Couldn't something happen to at least make this fun?

Trayze Tesar | Darth Ophidia | Adeline Noctua | Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Darth Ophidia]

Trayze Tesar Darth Malum of House Marr Adeline Noctua Alina Tremiru​

«Well, honoured delegates.»

The Dark Lady placed her hands on the desk and turned her palms up. The delegates seemed deep in thought as they considered the give and take of the negotiations. Documents were shuffled and datapads traded hands as the delegates whispered to each other, then came to stillness as the triumvir present spoke. Some leaned back in their chairs and sighed in displeasure, while others leaned forward with hunger in their eyes.

The negotiations were hard, but there was much more in store. The Sith had baited their negotiation partners into a trap, and soon would come the time for it to be sprung. But there were still hands to be played.

«As it appears you require time to consider, we will give you a thirty minute recess.»

She rose before they could answer, and turned to one of her bookkeepers to exchange a few words. He whispered a few comments of apparent concern, but she waved it off and reassured him with a comment and sent him ahead of her. He scrambled off after another of the delegates, while the Triumvir lagged behind for long enough to catch Alina’s eye for a moment.

The white-haired woman looked the part of the sith delegate, but Alina reeked of boredom and subdued frustration. It made sense. Such meetings would have bored and frustrated Ophidia as well when she was young. Even now, she left much of the negotiations to her subordinates while she distracted and intimidated their counterparts with her presence and status.

Sometimes, a sharp accountant was as dangerous as a shikkar.

In time, the coming generation of Sith would learn the power of proper governance as well. But for now, Darth Ophidia had use of the young Sangnir’s impatience and penchant for violence. The Force had whispered to her for some time, and warned of a coming danger.

 

[Valery Noble]

Dolstan

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Outfit: Factory Link
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber
Tag: Jos Krayt

While it often seemed like Valery was hyper-focused on leading the Jedi in the war against the Maw and now the Empire, she wasn't blind to other significant events in the Galaxy. She had heard about what was happening in the Outer Rim, and she had plenty of good contacts within the Enclave to know what moves both the Sith and Mandalorians were making. So now, with their breach of the Kathol Outback, she finally made the decision to assist her allies.

"Alright R-6, I'm taking us down in the open fields there. It seems they've been training there, and hopefully, we can find someone from the Enclave," Valery said through the comms of her X-wing after she had jumped out of hyperspace and begun the approach through the planet's atmosphere. She had chosen to make her jump to Dolstan to help prepare its people and offer them some additional support to fight against the Sith who were undoubtedly going to make a move.

Anything she could do to save more lives out here would be helpful.

After making her landing soon after, she hopped out of the cockpit, ditched her helmet, and shook out her hair before she walked around. Some people gave her odd looks, probably because they weren't expecting a Jedi all the way out here, but she simply greeted them with a smile and headed for someone who really stood out in this crowd. She hadn't met Jos Krayt before or knew who he was just by looking at him from afar, but he towered over the people here, and he was definitely a Mandalorian.

That's all she needed.

"Good day," Valery said after she caught his attention, "I'm Master Noble, of the New Jedi Order. I heard about what was happening here, so I came to assist."

 

[Adeline Noctua]

Equipment | In Bio
Location | Kal'Shebbol, Objective three
Tag | Trayze Tesar Alina Tremiru Darth Ophidia Darth Malum of House Marr

Still she kept herself on guard, it could be considered a bit much for sure, yet every time she was tempted to lower her guard she remembers past failures. And so she continued to sit, watching and waiting patiently like an owl.

Out of corner of those scarlet eyes did she catch a glimpse of the most curious thing indeed, a Sith that brandished firearms... Interesting. She gives but a simple nod back to the man as he seemed to have the same mentality as many others here... That of boredom. He looked to be a simple man, more brawn than anything else, but the type that got the task done... Even if it wasn't exactly what his master had in mind of course.

Paying no mind to his curiosities, she gave the book a single quick glance... Was this some sort of joke on behalf of the universe? Practically begging she could be locked away in study right now... And right here, right now.. Was a book. ​

"These places are soo boring."

Her ears would pick up the general discontent of her fellow Sangnir, as far as Adeline could tell... Alina was not one for extended patience, it was more preferable to her to be placed within battle. Adeline herself could sympathize with the general lack of excitement this spot had, after all, it was silent enough for a man to just pull out a book with no worries at all.

"Say, what is that book you are reading?"

She had finally given in to her curiosity, asking Trayze Tesar about the book he was rather absorbed in. It had taken a lot to try and avoid chit chat.. But Adeline was still youthful, and her patience needed refinement.

 

[Romul Saxon]

W A R M A S T E R
T H E M E​

Objective: Fight Back
Allies: OPEN
Enemies: OPEN

Romul Saxon stood aboard the bridge of the Lady Forlorn, the old third-generation cruiser that stood as the flagship of the Kathol Alliance fleet that had been sent to retake Timbra Ott, watching solemnly as the entire Outer Rim fleet drifted, disabled, in the dark vacuum of space. Against the advisement of their Mandalorian allies, the Alliance had chosen to push forward with their momentum despite their resources being heavily depleted. Their victory over the Sith at Sapella had done nothing to equalize the advantage of the vast numbers that the resurgent Sith Empire enjoyed over the forces of the Outback.

Yet whether it was courageousness or foolishness that had propelled them forward, their Mandalorian allies stood steadfast with them. And now that meant having been drawn into the middle of a trap in the orbit of Timbra Ott. Ion mines, concealed from detection, had wholly disabled the fleet and it would take a long time before systems would be online again, time that they did not have. The Sith had been waiting for them, anticipating the Kathol forces walking into their trap. Scan pings already showed boarding pods on a path straight for the Forlorn, no doubt full of Sith troopers and their dark masters.

But what they would not expect was the Mandalorian steel waiting to greet them.

"PREPARE FOR BOARDING," Romul ordered, turning away from the viewport of the bridge to don his helmet and heft his battle axe. "Squads Solus, T'ad, with me. Squads Ehn and Cuir, you have the starboard. Squads Rayshe'a and Resol you have the port. Do not cede any ground. Victory, or death."

 

[Tae'l Vizsla]

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// TAYL VIZSLA // WARRIOR //
// LOCATION //: TIMBRA OTT ORBIT
// OBJECTIVE //: SURVIVE
// ALLIES | ENCLAVE //
// ENEMIES | SITH ORDER |
// ENGAGED: Omon Kaa / Darth Diem |

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EQUIPMENT: (In bio)​

Strained leather, the sense of fingers tightly curled. Light, golden-red coming and going. Shouting. Booted feet running about. Smoke, and burnt wire. Chaos was errupting all around the young Mandalorian as the KAS "Liberator" continued to drift through space. Powerless. Vulnerable.

The Kathol Alliance Ship had been near to the very front of it all. Their captain, a rich man who fancied himself a privateer and freedom fighter, was busy shouting desperately at his ship. His crew. His enemies. Anyone who would listen, just short of gods.


The Mandalorian paid him no mind. It was as if a beskar-clad statue stood before them.


He had already demonstrated his uselessness to her. Eager, inexperienced, but worst of all; Arrogant. and that ego had just been checked. The first two, she could understand. the third would get him killed. Her only question was; How many would die with him?

She didn't intend to be one of them.


"Anyone else see that...?" She spoke in a pensive tone, jutting her chin toward the view ports. Most couldn't see it, but thanks to her optics, the Mandalorian could see a number of Sith-Starfighters leaving what was once a friendly ship.

"Some kind of boarding team, maybe? Be ready"

"Vizsla...?!"

Tayl Vizsla turned on her heel, Pulling her Golden Gun from it's holster just as the captain shouted from behind her.

"Do you mean to surrender, Captain?" She glared


"Not in your lifetime, Mando"
The captain, despite burning with rage, relented and went about ordering his men, preparing for boarding.

"Push to the hanger, gather survivors. wait for EVAC, let's move"


The young Twi'lek ordered, Lekku bouncing over her shoulders and boots marching down the bridge towards the lift. Men and women fell in behind her and the captain, all descending until they had reached the lower decks, where she took several of the lower officers, armed with little more than holdout pistols, and took point. It would be a short, but intense march for sure...

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[Zlova Rue]

The Outer Rim was being invaded? The Sith Order was advancing? Kal'Shebbol had surrendered in order to spare its poor, defenseless masses from being mercilessly butchered? Zlova Rue could not care one iota less. Not that any vod had the mistaken impression she did. The Lethan Twi'lek was not shy about her personal stances, nor about her background. It didn't instantly curry any friends among the Enclave, of course, but even that wasn't of concern.

No, the Sith did what Sith do, and the weak fell before the strong. It was the natural order of things no matter what the Jedi wanted to believe -- and wanted everyone else to believe. Zlova, however, was not a zealot. There was a time for butchery, and a time for staying one's hand. It was pleasant to hear the Sith Order seemed to know the difference. It was either that or they were playing the so-called 'leaders' of Kal'Shebbol for fools. Both strategies had their own strengths.

It was knowing such Sith were there that drew the red woman out to the edge of enemy-held territory. Whether any wearing beskar stood along aside her was their choice. Zlova could make use of a few locals and set to work on her own, if need be. Perhaps she'd learn something more of this Sith Order, provided they didn't die that easily. Even without her lightsabers, she was confident in her ability to intrude upon 'negotiations' and deliver what half of them yearned for and the other dreaded.

Which was which, only time would tell.

With the Force Cloak held tightly about her to hide her presence, Zlova glanced off to the side at those with her. It was nearly time to begin. While large battles raged elsewhere, this dance would be of a more personal nature. The best kind.

Darth Malum of House Marr | Adeline Noctua | Trayze Tesar | Alina Tremiru | Darth Ophidia | Darth Empyrean

 

[Thonn Rokkal]

Allies: Enclave
Enemy: Sith
Tag: Valery Noble , also belated tag: Jos Krayt

---

"…Like right here. That hill will provide good cover, they won't even see you in position. Once you got them in your arc, you let 'em have it with a sustained burst. What other repeaters do you guys have?"

"Just whatever you're providing us" One responded.

"How long of a burst?" Asked another, and it was a question that stumped Thonn a little. He knew the answer, there were situations that justified long bursts, and sometimes several short bursts was more suitable. He just didn't know how to articulate the distinction into words.

"Uh, I just keep shooting until they drop." Thonn replied, rapidly reviewing the wisdom his experience had granted him and realizing just how far out of his element he was. He was a trained heavy gunner, but there were absolutely no heavy guns among the defenders' arsenal, until now. These would have to be provided to a militia force that had scarcely used them.

"I'd start with short bursts. More accurate. And watch for the impact splash, instead of just relying on sights. Concern yourself with where the shots actually land. It doesn't matter where they're supposed to be." He added. Thonn never bothered to use the sights much, for that reason. Nor was he an accurate shooter, for that very same reason. Accuracy only counted for so much in his mind, given his reliance on his rotary cannon to see him through combat. Single shots could be missed, but shooting something fifty times pretty much guaranteed a blaster bolt was hitting someone in the face.

They didn't have nearly enough ammo to be so wildly spent, through, and long bursts was bound to be wasteful. Better to ration it, but even then there were limits.

"Unless you're in danger of being overrun. Then fire everything you got, naturally."

"And what're we supposed to do once we run out of ammo?"

"Turn the weapon the other way and beat 'em to death with the butt-end." Answered Thonn, without skipping a beat.

Off in the distance, he heard a familiar voice in the air, and when he turned to look in the direction of it he saw a familiar and comforting sight. Valery was here, and Thonn knew firsthand the benefit that her presence carried. He was still on the fence about the Jedi, though he held no reservations that they were far more preferable to the Sith. And of the Jedi, Valery was the most preferable to have in attendance.

"I'm Master Noble, of the New Jedi Order. I heard about what was happening here, so I came to assist."

"Always where danger and destruction rear their ugly heads." Thonn remarked as he approached to both introduce himself and express appreciation for the offered support.

"It will be good to fight beside you again." He added.

 

[Trayze Tesar]

OBJECTIVE III - THE HEAD OF THE SNAKE
Current Mission: Defend the Delegates

---

Trayze was spoiled for new sights and sensations, and now having mastered some of his abilities in the Force, was no longer unaware nor unprepared to face even these gargantuan power players. Of one Sangir, he had already known of, due to Alina Tremiru kicking the door down of the Academy he went to. Any amazement at the awe of seeing a "Sangir Highblood" inaction and in person was now muted along with the other novelties that came with the Sith Order. This new one...she seemed polite, and yet...off. Like the Force had been grafted onto her, rather than endemic.


He gave her a look once over, no doubt she was used to the somewhat patronizing leers from someone of her otherworldly beauty, but even behind what could be seen as a chauvinistic smirk an unseen sparring was seen in the Force. He knew he couldn't openly contest her, it would be rude to do so, yet there were things about her that caught his attention. Another anomaly in the Force-if there were so many in one place something big was going down-was a pale pistol of arcane and inscrutable design that pissed him off royally. It's smug, sleek, and "quirky" personality held nothing but contempt for him, and he it, so the less he looked at it the better, for his initial rough and tumble charm would quickly turn into a grimace worthy of a nauseated Hutt. Moving along, he checked the rest of her goods-her figure was nice too, but from the rocket boots alone he knew she was a merc, and so his eyes briefly clambered their way up the striking Sangir from weapon to weapon. And she would not be found wanting in either department.

A self made blaster pistol? Very respectable. A kicker six-two, as well? That was standard issue Kainite kit, and only Kainite kit, so what's this Merc doing with this? She wasn't a wanderer, the Sith no doubt sought her out, brought her under their wing...perhaps even grafted the Force onto her? He'd have to ask Hekate about the limits of SIth Alchemy-in practicality, rather than the puffed posturing. Last but not least was a scoped rifle, something reminiscent of his own personal Homesteader 30-30 back at the ranch. Beautiful guns all, in their own ways.

But enough eye dancing, the lady asked a question didn't she? He shrugged his arms in a way, to allow the briefest look at his own heat, while not pale nevertheless silver colored. A gift for his "retirement" from the detective services.

With this, he answered. "Oh this? A friend recommended it to me." Trayze began almost innocently, closing the well worn holobook with the equivalent of bookmarks and post-it-popups tantalizingly hidden within its covers. "Jus' somethin' fer my line of work. It's an old text, written by some old guy in the days of Vitate..." He cocked his head, allowing a smile that he knew Malum would give him another earful on the importance of that lofty Era not only in Sith history, but due to the life and times of their alleged shared ancestor. "Ah, sorry, can't let ya borrow it. Grown rather fond of it, if ya can believe it." he continued, sensing her desire for academic pursuit. A gunslinger and a woman of letters? At least her shooting won't come from a place of foolishness. He wondered if he was blessed or if he was cursed that a potentially academic Sith spoke to him rather than is distant cousin, considering the cutthroat web of intrigue that permeated the Sith Order-Rule of One be damned.

"Buuut." He offered instead. "Either now or perhaps later, Ah think that Ah can getcha a copy of it back at m' ship." It was technically Malum's, but he wouldn't spill any more details than was absolutely needed. Though he allowed himself some light ribbing, if nothing else than to pass the time. Really, the other Sangir should have been careful what she wished for. "Maybe Ah could grab m' holocam while Ah'm at it." Trayze spoke, louder than the quiet tone shared between fellow gunslingers, and directed to the sprawling statue-esque beauty who lounged on the negotiation table. What a diva. "Considerin' tha' a cover-run of Jogue's apparently a clause of this vaunted treaty?"

---

Darth Malum of House Marr Darth Ophidia Adeline Noctua Alina Tremiru

 

[Volo Dragr]

HEAD OF THE SNAKE
BOSS MUSIC
ALLIES : None.
HOSTILES : Darth Ophidia | Darth Malum of House Marr | Adeline Noctua | Trayze Tesar | Alina Tremiru | SITH WARLORDS & ASSOSCIATED DIGNITARIES
ENGAGING : Everything that moves.
LOCATION : Kal'Shebbol, Diplomatic Chamber
- - - - -

An assassin.

By definition, he was an assassin. Today atleast. It didn't bother him though, it wasn't as though he hadn't done far, far worse in the eyes of the Manda. The future of his people, of his culture, was incomprehensibly more important than his finding peace and glory in the afterlife. Perhaps he might all even out in the end.

Standing stiller than a statue, as he had positioned himself in the delegation's meeting chamber, the Guildmaster found that thoughts of his spirituality struggled to stick quite as well as they would have any other day. It was often the reason he took field operations, to get away from the anarchy that birthed itself from his thoughts.

The reason he was stood so perfectly still was his disguise; a protocol droid, made possible by the disguise matrix he'd added to his belt recently. Not a common choice of disguise, he had to admit, but that was what made it so beautiful. What assassin could hold themselves perfectly still, could move robotically? None. Unless they had an exoskeleton to do it for them. Not many could also hide themselves from the Force, not like his amulet did. For all intents and purposes, he may as well have been a droid.

Nobody questioned when a protocol droid set of metal detectors, either.

In his typical, always-prepared fashion, Volo had brought his entire arsenal. Truth be told, he was spoilt for choice; so many weapons, so many options, so many ways to slaughter the Sith delegation... Because that is what this would be.

A slaughter.

He'd spent the better part of an hour in the chamber. Waiting. Alone. He'd taken advantage of it, taking the time to remotely wire the door controls to his vambrace. No survivors, that was what he'd been told. Every casualty was acceptable. In an oddly psychopathic way, it was reassuring, if not fully heartwarming, to the grizzled taskmaster that he didn't have to hold back. Didn't have to watch for friendlies.

Hell, he could set up a few bombs and make sure whoever survives the blast, who escapes being claimed by the flames, doesn't cheat death thrice. Of course, it'd take him with it... but what a thought it was.

It damn-near brought a smile to the grim warrior's face.

As the meeting dragged on, and Volo held his composure, he found that a rather appealing strategy had come to him. Waiting for the opportune moment to strike, his extreme patience was rewarded as the Dark Lady Ophidia dismissed the foreign diplomats to their recess.

Suffice to say, hesitation was not a word often found in Volo's vocabulary. Turning himself at the hip as he swiftly raised his arms ever so slightly from where he'd had them hanging in his protocol droid disguise, he clenched his fists as the disguise shattered around him, twin gouts of plasma bursting forth from the flamethrowers on his vambraces, aimed at Darth Ophidia from a near point-blank range.

Of course, any force sensitive would have sensed such a bold danger well in advance- should have, too, if not for the Taozin Hide of his amulet, which kept him well and truly hidden in the Force.

Spreading his palms, he quickly made distance. Raising his vambraces, he aimed at Adeline Noctua and Trayze Tesar , two bola's firing from his wristgrappler, aiming to take the two force users out at the legs. The bolas had barely fired before he'd hit a button on the very same vambrace, the doors to the delegation room slamming shut with a hiss, presumably drowned out by the noise of the ensuing scuffle.

Backing himself against a wall, he pulled his Orar'kad from it's holster, holding it ready in his right hand as he raised his left, ready to unleash whatever other gadget he might have in store for the Sith on his vambrace.

This is where the fun begins.​

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[Yuan Ji]

Objective II: Stay-Behind Operations

Tag: Objective two folks, I think?

The people here were nervous, and that made Ji nervous. Yet the credits to be made here were good as the political turmoil of these planets was something that was known to anyone with an enterprising spirit. Credits were not plentiful among the people that called these worlds home, but the smuggling run did pay well and the territory didn't require going through complex hyperspace routes.

Yuan Ji, enterprising individual that he was, found himself on Dolstan selling weapons and supplies to farmers and settlers who might have never seen a kaminoan in their life. Wherever this was, this was no Tipoca City or Taris. People were comfortable enough to do business for what they needed though, even if they'd rather speak to Sixty Six's human visage rather than the lanky and lithe form of Yuan Ji.

For someone who knew how to get his hands on medicine, weapons, supplies, there were people will to pay good money. Money that could be used for the research that Ji knew would some day make him a name none would ever forget. That wasn't what mattered now however, as Yuan Ji and Sixty Six unloaded more and more cargo off their freighter they looked over the cache they had brought.

Blaster rifles were always something people needed, that and the Tibana gass needed to power said equipment. Models and numbers might change, but the basic weapon weapon philology that had guided design for thousands of years had not. Ji had "acquired" these from a mutural trade that had lacked credits. Thankfully Ji was able to confirm that the value of the weapons was equal to the promsied credits.

They would be worth even more to the farmers, soldiers, and defenders of this world. Scarcity and demand, buy low and sell high, tat was the key to a good bussiness model and that was the key to making the credits that would help him make his mark.

As various customers came to snatch up medpacs and blaster rifles Yuan Ji looked nervously at the skies above. They seemed clear for now, but word had been that trouble might start in these places any day soon. Though sometimes deals went bad and blasters flared up, Ji had never been witness to something anyone would call a war. War was something for the simulations or for the Holonet news broadcasts. It ever finding him would be something incredibly unfortunate and unprepared for.

As soon as these deals went through Ji had it in mind to fire up the engines and make for calmer space. He didn't feel like going back to Kamino anytime soon, but he'd grown somewhat fond of Nar Shadda over the years. Right, after this job he could use a break, work hard, play hard, try and crack genetic sequences hard. Easy, right?

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Objective III: Head of the Snake

Was it really a surprise that boredom eventually won out? He was by the doorway, and thus isolated from almost everyone, in a position that he considered the worst position to defend the Summit. Neither within the room, to be part of the delegation, nor at the exterior to be properly looking out for the enemy. That was because he was not actually here to be part of the guard, he was actually here as an observer, he was close enough to the delegation to be able to hear the negotiations going on, and that was to be his purpose, to learn and to watch, to see how the Sith conducted diplomacy.

By laying on the negotiating table, it turned out.

Malum would consider it a strategy... of sorts, if it seemed like the opposition negotiators seemed at all interested in the white-haired vampire. Yet it seemed they were far more annoyed by her presence than anything else. He would have to give them credit where credit was due, though Alina was not exactly his type when it came to personality, she was undoubtedly attractive, so keeping their professionalism was a true accomplishment in his opinion, he was not entirely sure if he could have done the same.

He idly wondered where Trayze was, he had decided to accompany him on this little side mission when his Mistress had called, and Malum was thankful for that, the travels to Dromund Kaas had been much easier with a true ally and friend at his side. Amon Kaa was friendly enough, and they had discussed much of the old Sith history, he was still a stranger, while both Lady Hekate and her master, Darth Angonous while allies... well, it was clear they had their own agendas, and it was not clear if those would run counter to his.

Trayze was likely at the perimeter, and when Malum heard the reverent voice of Darth Ophidia announcing a recess for the proceedings, and then moving to consider Alina, Malum knew he was dismissed, at least for the very moment. Opportunity to stretch his legs and cure the boredom, the amulet that held the ashes of Darth Marr swung around his neck, as he descended the steps. His hand still held the lightsaber, but with every passing moment, he felt its presence was more and more silly. It would take some true boldness for an attempt to be made here, and that was granting they even knew where it was.

Still, he felt something in his bones, through the wind passing through his hair, was it paranoia? Possibly, but what harm could come from preparedness? He stilled for a moment. He was leaving his post, perhaps there was something he could do to make up for it. An idea dawned upon him, a moment to show off... he was sure that one of those motivations was greater than the others. He breathed in softly, and breathed out even softer, reaching into himself, he drew forth a mere fragment of the Dark side. A special ability he had learned from reading ancient Rakatan texts, Force Shadow, he looked on and saw a shadowy figure, one which looked like a spectre of him. He closed his eyes, and now he could see out of two pairs of eyes. Disorientating, no matter how much practice he had done. It was not perfect yet, the Shadow in actuality was meant to be invisible, but Malum had not reached that kind of proficiency yet, but he would, at some point, the Shadow would become very important by the time they reached Dromund Kaas. But for now? To potentially detect the enemy? It would be more than enough. Through a mental link formed between them, he commanded the Shadow outwards, to the vast plains around them, if there were any forces coming or even around them, he would see them.

Breathing out, and allowing the sensation of having two sights become normal, he reached the bottom, his human eyes glanced around, spotting various Sith some acolytes, others knights, and even a rare master about, he also saw those with blasters, pistoled and rifled, however unlikely an attack would be, it seemed they were prepared for anyone. Even if it was obvious that even the most dutiful of them had become glassy-eyed with boredom. What was it that his father had once told him? Something about guards not being needed 99% of the time, and it was only in the 1% of the time that you wished for more of them? Well, Malum hoped that was not the case.

His eyes found the black dreadlocks of his cousin rather quickly, distinct enough in an order that seemed to cover its face more and more... or at the very least not wear such a... barbaric, hairstyle. It seemed he was speaking with someone, another recruit to the Holocron Quest mayhaps? Likely not, perhaps just someone to cure the boredom with, Malum would have told him off for such a thing, but that would be rather hypocritical, wouldn't it?

Then, Malum choked on air.

His left fist came up to press hard on his chest, as his eyes widened, along with his jaw.

"Beautiful" Were the only words to cross his mind, as he fought off the self-asphyxiation.

Hungry, red piercing eyes, where his could have been described as bloody, hers only like the purest rubies, contrasted entirely by long hair that draped down her figure, snow as he could only see at the highest of mountains, untouched by any life, but whose sight was worth all life. She was pale too, inhumanly pale, so much that from this distance he could not truly distinctly consider where the hair began, and when the head ended.

"A Sangir" His mind helpfully provided him. A beautiful Sangir, he shot back. As his breathing finally came back under control.

Alina had thus far been his only reception to their kind, but Alina had never made him have such a visceral reaction. Kicking open a door and then immediately picking a fight seemed to have killed any feeling in the cradle. His throat was dry. He idly noted the number of arms she held, none of them a lightsaber interestingly enough, instead numerous blasters, that did explain why Trayze was speaking to her.

"You should talk to her." His mind unhelpfully chimed him, he suddenly found a strong urge to throttle his brain for such idiotic ideas. They were meant to be on the same side here. His!

His steps finally reached the two talking, he caught the latter end of the discussion, and the feeling in his chest grew worse, a discussion about a book? It would have been so simple if she had been like Alina, wasn't there some door around that she could kick down and make a hullabaloo? No such luck apparently.

Instead, he felt his empty hand, move to touch the back of his hand, as he awkwardly stood there.

"Hey, Tray-"

And that was all he was able to get out, as his eyes were drawn to the centre of the negotiations, the sound of screams and shock, as pillars of flames shot out from the nondescript protocol droid he had gazed at time and time again, smoke rose, barely blinding his sight, as he made out a Mandalorian reveal himself, his targets no doubt having been Ophidia and Alina. He could barely register that the attack had been made before two bolas were shot toward him and the two near. He dodged out of the way, likely as he had never been the target, though he did not know that, his mind idly hoped that both Trayze and the beautiful stranger had done the same. His lightsaber ignited in a sheen of pure red, as his legs moved before his mind gave them permission. Pure instinct ruled now, as he charged up the stairs, a threat had been identified, which meant a threat had to be removed.

However, as his focus turned to his shadow's eyes, in part to end the spell and focus back onto his real eyes, he stilled. A ring of Mandalorians, so distinct in their armour, outfitted heavily in arms, all moving to converge upon them. This was not just an assassination as he had first feared, it was to be annihilation.

His mouth opened as he ran forward, dispelling the Shadow, for now he had seen everything, focusing the force back through his hands, before hissing and cursing, as the doors to the negotiation room slammed shut before him.

Instincts took over, as he shouted over the raised platform he now stood.

"Hear me now, the Apprentice of Darth Ophidia! Man the guns! The Mandalorians are about to strike at the perimeter defenses!" Let no confusion occur on how he had that information, let the proclamation of his position bear weight. His eyes trailed back at the closed doors, he would have to trust in his Mistress now to survive, while he made sure that the Mandalorians did not break through to her.

Darth Ophidia Trayze Tesar Adeline Noctua Volo Dragr Zlova Rue