Dominion Bloodlines | CIS Dominion of Eiattu 6 Hex

[Vytal Noctura]

Location: Capital City - Grand Market
Appearance: Caramel Skin, Black Hair, Green Eyes
Proximity Tag: Startorn | Tess Valnora | Credius Nargath
Also Tag: Cameron Akaran | Luca Donskoi | Faye Malvern | Nasosûtoi

"Yes, let us--" Vytal's words trailed off after concurring with both Credius and Thea on the matter of making haste. Her feet moved, but her eyes had cast down toward the ground for the moment so as not to be distracted by minutia.

A moment later her head snapped up, eyes fixed toward the palace. "Make for the palace. Now." The robed figure broke into sustainable dash down the street. "Something sinister walks these streets and its hunger eyes the palace. All roads lead there, we must not be too late."

"Thea, is your talent with ranged combat? You may have little time to secure a roost," Vytal called out as they went. Truly, she knew little of the other woman's capabilities. However, she recalled the woman had nearly dropped a man from outside of a room surrounded by the enemy so she had to be skilled at precision marksmanship of some kind.

"Mandalorian, are you a close-combat or ranged specialist? Coordinate with the Viceroy's men or Thea. Flank the enemy if you can." While battlefield combat with modern weaponry and strategy was not her forte -- war with 'primitive' weaponry was another story -- she knew enough to be dangerous to the enemy. They wouldn't have time to talk about this once they got there. For all Vytal knew, the warning had come so late they might arrive at the same time as they. The group needed to be prepared.

This world may not be worth exposing yourself, Viceroy, but whatever skill you can bring to bear would aid us in this task, the Nightmother sent along the spiritual pathways to Credius' mind once more.

 

[Ciri Jade]

Location: Capitol City - Cantina
Appearance/ID: Khaylia Cors
Proximity: Holt
Tags: Kaden Farr | Luna Terrik | Nasosûtoi | Djonas Vile​

​

Heeding the warning of company, the woman shifted in her seat, glancing towards the entrance as fingers tapped the handle of her blaster lightly beneath the table. Just as he had said, the group entered the cantina, approaching the bar. One of them had interest only in the bartender as others seemed to look at the patrons of the establishment, including herself. As their eyes turned to her, she had turned away, mentally counting the seconds in her mind. She had found herself in similar scenarios on Nar Shaddaa, though most of those involved were pirates or criminals of the galaxy's syndicates. If these were indeed members of the Crucible, she'd expect a little more of them than the usual crook.​

​

Leaning back over her chair, she draped her head over the back rest, appearing to look at the ceiling as she watched the bar from the corner of her eye.​

​

<<Well, I was expecting company, but none so.. brutish. What'ya say we see what they're up to? Join me for a drink?>>​

​

Glancing back to the new guests, she would have given anything to slip a tracker on their persons and go about other business. However, losing them would prove unwise. Whatever they were up to, she believed they would either help the pair find where the womprats had dug into, or what plans those present in the system had for the Confederates. Believing that they would simply flee from the system without something else in mind was not something she could do. Though she was decidedly observing the band of four, should her partner decide another path to be better, she would render her aid.​

 

[Credius Nargath]

View attachment 243

Location: Capital city
Attire: Splendid as always, custom lightsaber within sleeves
Tag: Vytal Noctura | Startorn | Tess Valnora
​

Hearing how the witch in disguise suddenly barked out the order to move as fast as they possibly could, the viceroy seemed slightly shocked for a mere instant, not because of any possible danger, but simply BECAUSE he was being ordered to do something. However, in order to not betray the nightmother's façade, Credius complied with haste. Signaling his men to keep up in pairs on both sides of the party, their rifles at the ready. "Keep your weapons at the ready," For a moment, the man listened calmly to the interactions between Vytal and the other two, slightly humored by the fact they had yet to discover eachother's strengths. Despite the talks though, Credius turned his attention towards the Mando. "You best take point, your people are in their element in situations like this, I doubt you'd be disagreeing with me on that. My men will support you to the best of their ability."

Turning his attention to the agent, the viceroy smiled. "Ofcourse she's more of a close quarter specialist, aren't you?" The Viceroy pointed at the attire the woman was wearing and the weapons she visibly carried, which all seemed more suitable for an up and close encounter. "Best to keep her close by madame...for your sake and probably hers as well. I'll just remain at the rear, no need for me to trip you all up..."​

 

[Alkor Centaris]

No one anticipated the sudden onslaught that rose amid the already risen enemy tide. They came seemingly from nowhere and flanked in droves, pressing inward and crushing defense forces under their weight. Alkor felt the disturbance more than he saw it, and the shift in the battle rang like a clear bell in the back of his mind. The Force screamed to him that something had happened.

"I sense..." his voice trailed off as at first, it seemed only like a small, strange twist of fate. It could have been something as small as someone fleeing the battlefield and a formation breaking after some fluke. But it blossomed in his thoughts into something tangible and familiar.

Wanton slaughter.

Alkor knew the sensation brought on by death. He had seen his allies fall, and watched enemies burn ahead of him. He had left victims in his wake, and even killed willing opponents on the blade of his lightsaber. This was massive, it was sudden, and it was violent.

The dark side of the Force moved swiftly, and with a vengeance. Someone was seeped in it, and allowed it to surge through them and use them. This was not controlled Chaos- it was a simple force of nature.

"Hold position," he held up a hand and stopped the small contingent short of joining the battlefield ahead. When they turned the corner, it became obvious. "All units, report." Alkor gave the order, but he knew the response.

The others had not sensed it, and they had run headlong to their deaths.

Alkor gave the command a second time, but nonverbally. Hold Position. He sensed the horror welling up inside those men as he strode forward, toward the killing field. They watched in slow motion as Alkor strode forward, framed by flying viscera and the mutilated corpses of Confederates who had been taken unawares.

"Who is responsible for this?" he asked quietly, raising his right arm slowly. Though his words were soft, they resonated in the Force. "Who commands this force?"

Alkor summoned the anger from the pit of his stomach and the withered, monstrous arm that had taken the place of his own glowed a furious crimson.

It was the one warning the enemy force would receive from him.

 

[Luna Terrik]

​

Location: Capital City – Warehouse near the Cantina

Time: 0833 Hours

Equipment: Personal Dauntless Armor, SC4 Blaster, Tactical Recon Handguns, XZ-77 “Buster” Comms Device

Tags: Kaden Farr | Ciri Jade | Djonas Vile | Holt

Post: #4

​

It was by the time they were about halfway through gathering the intel that the comm in Luna’s helmet started going off. Figuring it was just the men outside altering them that exfil was there early, she picked it up and was startled to hear the desperation in the men’s voices. “Ma’am! We’ve got enemies swarming the docks! We’ve opened fire on them but they aren’t going down! Something is keeping them alive!” That certainly wasn’t good, but Luna was quick on the uptake to give new orders to the men outside. “Get inside, seal the door as best you can. We’ll meet you in the loading area as soon as this is done.”

Hopefully they would be able to complete the task. She didn’t want to lose anyone else on this mission. But if their outside exfil area was compromised, then they needed to find a new way out of here, and fast. The general turned to the server’s computer, where Q’ara was working hard to get the data downloaded. “Finish this and join us in the main area.” A nod was all Luna got in response, though it was known that urgency in her voice stuck with the master sergeant to get this done quickly. While walking out of the room, she tapped a commando on the shoulder and nodded to the computer. “Help her with whatever she needs. Everyone else, we’re leaving.”

Faith put in Q’ara to complete the mission, Luna made it double time into the loading area just in time to see the two commandos putting the final box up in their makeshift barricade. It wasn’t much, but it would hold for the time being. In the meantime, they needed a new way out of here, and after scanning the room, the answer was obvious. A skylight, showing off the now darkened sky above, might offer a way out of this mess. Luna raised her blaster to the ceiling, blasting away the glass off of the four squares that made up the window. “Exfil alpha,” she spoke, once a comm connection was made to the shuttle, “change of plans. Airlifting out using the window on top of the target building. We have one dead, and will be bringing him aboard.”

The sound of banging against the boxes blocking up the metal doorway cut her train of thought off momentarily, only for her to grumble lightly as the boxes pushed slightly inward. “exfil..will be hot. We need to be out of here quick.”

 

[Holt]

Spoiler: Gear

Roc-class Mk I Stealth Armor
BCR-X10 Sniper Rifle
BAW-56 Blaster Pistol

Ciri Jade Luna Terrik Alkor Centaris
​

"I think I might take you up on that drink," Holt said aside into his audio amplifier as he simultaneously shifted his blaster pistol into a position to quickly draw -- for insurance -- and keyed the door of the Cantina open in one fluid motion. As the light from the outside city filtered into the darkened room, Holt became ever too aware of how cumbersome the sniper rifle felt strapped to his back, even when it was broken down and compartmentalized as he'd done. Nodding to the bartender, he quietly made his way over to the bar as the bartender moved to greet him, swinging a white towel over his shoulder as the tender straightened his stained work smock. "What'll it be?" the bartender asked without any real interest besides a potential profit.

"Something light. I'm not looking to get drunk," Holt said, pushing a couple of Confederate credits over the bartenders counter. Looking at the chips, the man sniffed but didn't make any move to grab them.

"I'll only take Eiattu Crowns. Confederacy credits are worth chit here," he said roughly, looking at the electronic chips without any attempt to conceal his disdain.

Holt spread his hands. "I only have credits," he said, adding a few more to the pile as he pushed them ever closer to the bartender in a suggestive manner. After giving Holt and the credits another glance, he slid them off into an open palm and tucked them away in his apron. Grabbing a bottle from the shelf behind, he poured a mildly-pungent ocher liquid into a glass and shoved it back to Holt.

"This time only," the bartender grunted before turning to serve his other patrons. Holt nodded his head in polite thanks before taking a sip, scanning the bar around him. He noticed the four gangsters that he'd identified from before, sitting only a few meters away and apparently absorbed in their drinks and conversation. He caught site of his mission partner, but pretended not to notice her as not to blow their cover. So far, the mission was proceeding along with what they had planned, but only in the sense that no one had gotten themselves killed yet.

Holt had only finished that thought when a series of explosions echoed in the distance. In almost unison, the four men looked up from their drinks, one seemed to sniff the air, and then the Twi'lek barked several orders in Huttese. At once, the four stood up, hands going to their sides to draw their blasters -- but Holt was faster. Four bursts of bright-red laser fire and three of the four were lying dead on the ground, the Twi'lek clutching his incapacitated arm that now sported a dark hole and smell of charred meat, his pistol lying on the floor beside him. Holt kept his blaster pistol trained on the Twi'lek, and briefly looked around the Cantina to see if anyone else wanted to fight. From the looks of it, everyone else were either too absorbed in their drinks to care about a firefight happening only meters away from them, or noticed but had better things to do than die. Tossing a fistful of credits towards the bartender for the mess, and hopefully a closed mouth, Holt nodded for Ciri to come over. "Bind this one. We'll take him in for questioning."

 

[Faye Malvern]

Wearing: [xxx]
Luca Donskoi ​

‘Well, I hope for both our sakes that he’s much more pleasant about this whole business than Adron was. I think we need it.’ As they walked the palace grounds, Faye couldn’t help but feel a little jealous. Jealousy was an ugly emotion when applied incorrectly, but in this instance, it was a fit of touching jealousy. She was envious of Eiattu IV, envious that Alden got to return home, envious that he was able to show her where he truly belonged. Faye would likely never see Serenno again, and she would never be provided with the chance to show Alden where she truly belonged, but she pushed those emotions to the side for the meanwhile. For today, she would cast her own distresses aside. Alden was the most important thing to her today, or any day, and if there were any day to prove it to him it would be here and now.

As they crossed over the cobblestones, Faye didn’t seem to be too phased by them. For years now heels had been her only choice of footwear and she had grown used to traversing all kinds of terrain in them. In fact, in recent years, the harder the terrain the more she saw it as a challenge. How well could she swing her hips with each carefully placed step, how confident could she be when the heel clicked against the solid ground, but Faye wasn’t really concentrating on that. Instead, her raven eyes were heavily invested in the beautiful flora that covered the palace gardens from head to toe. It was almost forest-like in its lushness and as vibrant as a painter’s palette. Even the smells were incredible, a mixture of dizzying scented flowers that reminded Faye of a perfume shop back on Geonisis. It was hard to imagine why anyone would want to leave.

‘It so often does when we remember things with a child’s eye… I can remember what Serenno was like, but I doubt it would be the same if I ever get the chance to return.’ Faye paused to glance up at her lover with a gentle smile on her face. ‘When we’re children we’re shielded from all the hardships of life, so everything we remember is perfect and unspoiled. Coming back to them as adults… well, you know of the hardships of life now. Things fall into place that you were willfully ignorant too when you were a child, but it is still beautiful.’ She gave his hand a ginger squeeze. ‘And I know you see it too.’ Buried under all the confusing swirling storms of emotion that Alden felt, Faye could feel that he was happy to be here. He may not have realised it himself yet as it was masked and disguised as anxiety, but he was.

She parted her lips to speak again, but when her gaze trailed up to Alden’s face, she recognized the look in his eye. He was worlds away. Faye never knew when she loved him the most, but she knew she loved him the best when he was in his own little world. It gave her the chance to admire him properly, to truly gaze at him the way you could only gaze at someone when they weren’t watching. A rush of emotion coursed through her veins. Love, passion, admiration, devotion… everything she had ever felt and continued to feel for Alden in one giant tidal wave. Instead of looping her arm through his, Faye moved her hand to lace their fingers together tightly. It did not draw him from his reverie, but she didn’t mind.

When he finally came round again, and the spark of life had returned to his eyes, Faye gave his hand another squeeze. ‘Are you alright, my love?’ By the time the question had fallen from her lips, they’d arrived at the embezzled wooden doors that would lead them inside to Alden’s past, and potentially his future. ‘I’m right behind you.’ With those words, she offered him the sweetest smile she could muster, one filled with the tidal wave of emotions she had felt not moments ago. Hopefully, if nothing else, it would give him confidence and provide him with strength for what was to come.

 

[Tess Valnora]

Location: Capitol City - Grand Market
Weapons: Oathkeeper (B2) | SPG-12 | Phrik Knife | Shotosaber | SMG
Gear: Shadow's Sting | Norris Trench Coat | PD-00 | Utility Belt
(UB Contents: SOAR | Suppressor | Extra mags (5) | Smoke Grenades (2) | Medi-kit)
Tag: Startorn | Vytal Noctura | Credius Nargath | Luca Donskoi | Faye Malvern | Cameron Akaran

They were both right to a degree, Tess had extensive training in close quarters combat but had been taught the finer art of the ranged attack, “I am well versed in both areas, to be honest. But I will take the bird's eye view.” She replied to all inquiries. While keeping her stride going, she reached her right arm into the air and fired her grappling hook at an overpass about 15 feet above them. She watched as it embedded itself into a durasteel panel before the reel pulled her off the ground. Tess braced her right arm with her left until she reached her target, where she grabbed ahold of the railing and freed the grapple spike from the metal. Seconds later she hurtled the railing and continued along the same trajectory as the rest of the group, just in a quicker free-run across shop rooftops. The Crow kept a close eye on the group below her as well as the rooftops she was running for any signs of danger.

She stopped herself atop a rather large sign and crouched giving herself a small break as she had gotten a little ahead of the group. Unslinging Oathkeeper she quickly attached the 4x scope from one of the pouches on her belt and looked at the view she had before her. On any other day, had she decided to visit here for some reason, the capital city was quite pretty. The occasional skyscraper here and there, the palace standing proudly declaring its once undeniable power, “Now it’s just a shadow of its former self. But if we succeed here today. It might become the power this planet needs to stabilize itself.” She said to herself. Tess looked back at the group as they made their way through the street, six robed figures rapidly made their way behind them, and it looked like five more were trying to cut them off. She reached for her commlink to warn them about what she saw but as she was about the press the transmitter button, she realized they hadn’t synced their devices.

“One issue after the next. How do these guys even know we are here or where we are going?” Tess asked herself in frustration raising her rifle. With the street being moderately full but maneuverable made the shots a little difficult to pull off in quick succession. She fired once, twice, dropping two of the four Crucible agents quickly, but before she could squeeze the third round out a crimson bolt flashed by her head, the heat of the round singed some hairs. Reacting before looking for her attacker, she quickly leaped back onto the rooftop behind the sign. Once out of harms’ way she looked around the sign across the street for any sign of her would-be killer. Two more red bolts planted themselves into the sign causing her to lurch back into cover, “Chit! That was too close. Someone doesn’t want us getting to the palace.”

She couldn’t stay behind the sign, her enemy knowing her location made her vulnerable and her being compromised set her team up for failure. “Time to disappear.” She whispered to herself pulling out a smoke grenade. Tess pulled the pin and let the canister do its work, once the cloud was big enough, she sprinted through it. The edge of the building came up a little sooner than she expected but she still managed the jump, ending in a roll to keep herself out of sight from the sniper.

 

[Startorn]

Startorn didn't say anything as they quickly made there way through crowds, he'd been asked to take point so that's what he was doing, it didn't take long for a few shots to ring out, dropping some unwanted guest's that were behind them but when he glanced back he noticed there was still four, the guards can take em.

Startorn was on hyper alert now because based on all of there other attacks they have some sense of strategy and never come from just one direction, always more, he turned on his heat vision and while it would be hard to find someone using this in a crowd you just had to look for something that's out of place, like the half of a face that was peeking out from behind a stall, he switched off his vision and kept going, then the thug jumped out from behind the stand but Startorn was expecting it and already had his knife in his vambrace out, he quickly stabbed the thug dropping him then punched the one behind the first knocking him out, he drew his blaster and shot behind him dropping another thug.

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Location: Capital City - Grand Market
Appearance: Caramel Skin, Black Hair, Green Eyes
Proximity Tag: Startorn | Tess Valnora | Credius Nargath
Also Tag: Cameron Akaran | Luca Donskoi | Faye Malvern | Nasosûtoi

Vytal made haste toward the palace. That Thea had them covered from above was helpful, though the Dathomiri woman hoped she would have the same overlook of the field in the courtyard before the palace itself. Startorn, likewise, helped ensure the path ahead was cleared. A swift approach was necessary.

"The enemy has begun to move on the palace," Vytal called out for those escorting her. "Use whatever means is necessary to keep their minions at bay. We must reach the palace when they do, or before if possible."

If the thugs would stop disrupting their momentum, perhaps she could conjure a spirit to seek out the enemy's position or which route they would take. For now they would simply have to run into danger blind. Whether they were all equally blind, Vytal knew not. Perhaps another knew a better route to forge ahead; but in that moment she was forced to operate on instinct. The sense of danger had been so sudden and overwhelming there hadn't been time to discuss it at a stand still.

 

[Credius Nargath]

Location: Capital city-grand market
Attire: Splendid as always, custom lightsaber hidden within sleeves
Tag: Vytal Noctura | Startorn | Tess Valnora
​

As soon as they started moving after having decided upon each own's function and position within the ragtag team, the proverbial dung hit the fan. Crucible operatives had seemingly started flocking and apparently in an attempt to try and lure away at least a few of them, the young woman Tess Valnora , whom the Viceroy knew despite her not having the slightest idea of who he was without his full-body Sith Attire, had drawn their attention and split off from the group.

In the meantime, it seemed that even that diversion wasn't enough to fully root out the opposition, as naught but a moment later, the mandalorian warrior up front was forced to hastily dispatch a few other Crucible operatives. The entire run to the palace seemed to be thwarted from every possible angle, except for one, as neither the Nightmother nor Credius himself had taken it upon themselves to reveal their actual selves, thus keeping the ace in a hole, the real trump card hidden for now.

Annoyed by this whole ordeal, the viceroy ordered his guards to use the testudo maneuvre, in which they'd keep themselves closerto the nightmother and the Marquis of House Nargath, using their powerful VAARS blaster rifles and expert training to act as both a shield and a spear to the group. Alas, it looked like more Crucible operatives were flocking the scenes, making the situation a lot more intensive and slimming the chances of succesfully reaching the palace. "Where do all these bloody thugs suddenly come from?!" Credius' voice almost croaked as he nearly stumbled over a loose stone in the pavement. "I knew they'd have a bit of their attention on me and my entourage, but this is far beyond what my presence alone should account for..."

Before he could say more, one of the guards got grabbed by one of the hooded operatives jumping from out of the stands, though easily dispatched, it did slow down the guard and as if on cue, two more operatives managed to snag another of the guards, leaving one side completely open, as the guards hurried to catch up. "There's too many of them, my guards are good, but we're being overwhelmed here..." Credius looked straight at Vytal Noctura for a moment, a sly grin upon his visage. "I'll have the other two continue safeguarding you, Nightmother... I'll catch up, just whatever happens, do not judge me for what I am about to do."

With that being said in silence, the viceroy motioned the two remaining guards to follow and safeguard the mandalorian and the Nightmother in disguise, while he turned around and managed to halt a hooded operative by pressing his hand against the hooded figure's face, slamming him with immense force with the back of his head upon the pavement, black sparks of lightning already crackling around the white gloves he was wearing. With the two guards who had been slowed down by the surprise attacks, it seemed they'd be attempting to at the very least slow down the advance of the enemy.

​

 

[Cameron Akaran]

Luca Donskoi | Faye Malvern
​

The day had been an impossible one. Cameron worked hard to clear the palace of any Official Representatives whose loyalty could not be assured. As The Confederacy's agents swept over the planet to clear her of it's disease, he did the same from inside the palace.

The man ran a hand through his hair, staring down at the datapad that one of the Officials placed in his hand. "My Prince, the Governor of the West is still unsure about how to handle the uprisings in his quadrant. He needs reinforcements to police his people." Cameron exhaled, "I know, but I can't authorize a military force..." The government was all but dismantled, and with that there was no one with power to authorize such actions. "Send some of the palace security forces." He said, with a deep exhale. The Official blinked, his eyes turning to the datapad and then back to the Prince. "But....sir?" While Cameron could not authorize a military force, he did have the authority to use the palace guard as he saw fit. "Do it!"

There was a moment of pause before the man bowed his head and turned away from him.

What came next was the most welcomed distraction in Cameron's life. He stepped away from the group of officials, just as the main door's to the hall opened up. His hand fell to his blaster, still slightly on alert from the Crucible agent they had found. But what came next was not a member of the Crucible. It was a face that Cameron recognized all too well. He paused, leaning against the wall beside him while he dropped his head.

He started to laugh. It was low and barely heard, but when his eyes rested on his brother, he knew that this day would have a light. When he looked back up, his eyes were welled with tears, but still there was an unmistakable smile on his face. He looked at Alden and said only one thing, after so many years. "You always did like to be fashionably late."

 

[Luca Donskoi]

Location: Capital City (Royal Palace)
Attire: Service Dress Uniform
Equipment/Weapons: Asheran Armorweave || VT-Kinetic Impact Gel || KC-95 "Ace of Spades" Blaster Pistol || Lightsaber || Prosthetic Arm
With: Faye Malvern || Cameron Akaran
Tag(s): Startorn || Vytal Noctura || Tess Valnora || Credius Nargath
​

Alden took a deep breath in as he stood before the massive, Faye at his side, her fingers interlaced with his own. This was a momentous step for him to take. Not having been on Eiattu’s surface since his childhood, the place of his birth felt all but alien to him. His only memories coming and going in brief flashbacks that danced around in his subconscious, however, it was the memories made with his brother that often shown brightest. After all, the two were inseparable in their younger years.

His eyes glanced to Faye again as she asked of his well-being. Perhaps she’d be concerned but his emotionally distant appearance for that brief moment as the flashback swept over him of a time he and Cam had spent playing hide-n-sneak in the parts of the garden and how Cam, in particular, used to love the fountain found within. Not the greatest of places to hide, but it didn’t stop the young boy from trying. That, and pushing Alden into its waters and getting him soaked. They were definitely times back then and so much had changed since. The volatile galactic powers that had swept over them with thoughts of supreme rule and power to the rampaging band of marauders that clawed at them now.

He smiled. “I’m great,” Alden exclaimed. “Just a memory from a life long ago.” He gave off a small, yet hardy, chuckle. Even though he’d told her of his true origins, there was still so much that had not been touched yet. Only brought to the surface. If everything had been told told, the two would still be back on Geonosis at Faye’s home. “You see that fountain over there?” He motioned to the old, carved stone, fountain to their left with an arm. “That used to be Cam’s favorite place to hide when we’d play games as children.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “I’m not sure whether he actually thought it was a good place to hide or he just enjoyed getting us both soaked and watching as palace staff quickly moved to dry up the puddles the two of us would spread about the entryway and main hall.” He laughed a bit thinking back on it. “Kids will be kids, won’t they?”

After a moment, he gave Faye’s hand a light squeeze in return to the one she’d given him and stared up at the massive doors that had yet to open. It was a big step and he knew. And so too did Faye, it seemed. There was a lot that sat upon his shoulders now. A lot he was terrified to accept, much less embrace. This was his mother’s home. She had been the Queen so long ago. But now . . . now she was no longer with them. The galaxy had claimed her in its cruelty and thus, what title and responsibilities she had once held, now fell upon her heir.

Finally, the door creaked open, the air from outside tugging at his clothes as it rushed in. It would reveal a great hall whose care and upkeep had seemingly been maintained, even through the dire years of the more recent past. But beyond that, it held a great many memories. Both good and bad, but memories, and his history, nonetheless. But it wasn’t the nostalgia the forced the air to evacuate Alden’s chest, but the man that stood before him. A man of striking resemblance. And a man who shared his very own blood.

The shock would only be temporary, however, as Cam’s words would soon enough, break him from the spell.

“If I weren’t, you wouldn’t miss me so much.” He gave off a slight chuckle. “It’s been far too long, Cam.”

He stepped forward, allowing his hand to slip from Faye’s for the moment and wrapped his arms around the man, embracing him in the biggest hug he could manage. Tears would roll down his cheeks as he did.

 

[Tess Valnora]

Location: Capital City - Grand Market
Weapons: Oathkeeper (B2) | SPG-12 | Phrik Knife | Shotosaber | SMG
Gear: Shadow's Sting | Norris Trench Coat | PD-00 | Utility Belt
(UB Contents: SOAR | SMG suppressor | Extra SMG mags (5) | Smoke Grenades (2) | Medi-kit)
Tag: Startorn | Vytal Noctura | Credius Nargath
Proximity Tags: Luca Donskoi | Faye Malvern | Cameron Akaran

A series streaks of red flew into the cloud of smoke she had made meaning her attacker had no idea where she was, “Perfect.” She said as she popped her head over the edge of her cover and quickly lined up her shot. She slowly exhaled before pulling the trigger. Twin bolts left the end of her rifle and flew across the street into the waiting head of her target. Tess stood up quickly and surveyed the group. The man they had run into before their charge for the palace had broken off with two of his guards while Lady Noctura and Startorn continued their run. The Crow started free running the rooftops again in an attempt to get ahead of them and clear any more of the Crucible thugs before they could waylay them.

The palace walls were not too far away as she ran and stopped every once in a while, to dispatch a thug here and there. She stopped short of a much taller building than the others around, the idea of a better vantage point into the courtyard spurred her next actions. Tess looked up to gauge the height of the building and calculated it to be just under what her grappling line could reach. Raising her right arm and having the advantage of standing still she was able to make the correct angle adjustment before firing her grapple spike. The shot took a few seconds as it sped toward its target, but soon the slack tightened as the reel began retracting the line. As she ascended though a couple of Crucible agents took that as a chance to take some potshots at her.

She could have attempted to fire back, but they were too far out of range of her SMG and firing her B-2 rifle single-handedly was a chore in of itself. So instead she gritted her teeth and hoped they were terrible shots as she continued upward. As misfortune would have it one of the many blaster bolts being fired found its mark on her shoulder. The Norris root dye dispersed most of the energy from the shot but the round still burned through her coat and caused minor damage to her person. Shortly after Tess had made it to the top of the building and looked back down with a bird’s eye view of her party. Reloading the power cell in her rifle she took aim at a sniper on a lower building taking aim at her group.

Short breath, trigger squeeze, twin bolts flew and ended their target who proceeded to fall from his perch into the road ahead of Startorn and Noctura. Tess stayed at her vantage point continuing to pick off Crucible agents that threatened them until she saw the group of four make their way to their target location.

 

[Startorn]

Startorn left the thugs for Credius Nargath to deal with and followed Vytal Noctura through the streets,
Thugs seemed to pop out of nowhere but each time they we're met with a blaster bolt from his pistol.

He wasn't surprised when a body fell down not far in front of them, he glanced to side and saw thugs running on the building tops, but they we're almost there.

 

[Malok]

Location: Capital City - Royal Palace
Tag: Faye Malvern | Cameron Akaran | Luca Donskoi

Eiattu 6.

There was one language that the planet understood. One constant that steered them forward throughout generations. It was upon this foundation that the world once flourished; yet now all had turned to ash. T'was the steady hand of a monarchy which held the reins of the world. For good or ill, the society of Eiattu looked to a sole figure for guidance. Without it, they were well and truly lost. The reports which had made their way across the Sith's desk had said as much - and frankly, their predicament had reminded him of...Home.

It was told to him often that if he could not let the past die that he should kill it.

Yet forgetting the roots where one was grown was a fool's errand. Yes, he could certainly refuse to let the past rule him. But to turn a blind eye to it - it would never be so. He was born upon the desolate sands of Mandalore. And as such, he knew all too well what occurred when a monarchy was left without a steady hand. Those of ambition often leapt at each other's throats. Chaos would inevitably ensure. And, ultimately, there would be a great scattering until only a shadow of former glory remained.

It seemed as though Eiattu was well on its way to the very same desolation owned by the Clans of today. Yet, with the Confederacy's arrival, there was hope on the horizon. Whispers of an heir - rumors of a chance at the stability the planet so craved. The Confederate force had long been dispatched before their Vicelord. But, to aide in these efforts, he personally descended upon the world. His mission was singular: the backing of the heir once found. Not only would Eiattu rise again in its old ways - but it would do so with the full support of the Southern Systems.

It did not take long for the Sith's vessel to cut through the heavens and to make a prompt landing upon the surface. His advance bore him forward, through the palace and towards a gathering of familiar faces. Namely, Minister Faye Malvern and the highly decorated Luca Donskoi . Darth Metus did not recognize the man with whom he shared a tearful embrace; but he tarried until their reunion had finished before announcing his presence. "Minister. High Marshal." he began, regarding both in turn.

"I do believe it's time to crown an heir."​

 

[Luca Donskoi]

Tags: Faye Malvern || Cameron Akaran || Malok
​

There was a time long ago this place had been Alden's home, and the more he resided here, even as brief as it was, the more it began to feel that way once more. The more that longing for a true place of belonging began to tug at him. His eyes casting over the visage of his twin, only strengthened that resolve. Even through a lack of eagerness to to take upon the titles and responsibilities accepting this step would force upon him. How such ties and allegiances might drive a wedge between where his loyalties may truly reside. With the world of his birth or with the Southern Systems he served in a high reaching capacity. Could one truly come to terms or balance the responsibilities that would seemingly split a man and pull them in two very different directions? For one thing, it was something Alden, himself, was not sure of. Not sure whether such things could be done. At least not by him.

But time would tell.

A long moment would pass before Alden would release his tear filled embrace with his brother whom he'd not seem in some time. In fact, before this very day, had ample reason to believe him parted from this galaxy and on to whatever life awaited him beyond the mortal flesh and blood of this one. However, here he stood, and that very fact spurred a new light within a man that had fought so long and hard to rediscover such a thing. It spark fanned into a flame by the bond he and Faye had grown to share in the more recent past. And now this flame had been fanned further with a new dosage of tender cast in to fuel it.

Alden snapped around in a rigid about face. His body straightened and standing tall, his hand flashed upward to his brow, rendering the salute appropriated of one recognizing their superior. In this case, the Vicelord himself - the very first time Alden had managed the honor of meeting or interacting with the man face-to-face. It would fall once he was acknowledged by the leader of the Confederacy and become folded in place with his other hand in the small of his back, as his feet, too, would fall to a shoulder width stance, finding himself in a position of what a service member might call 'parade rest' - a relaxed, yet strictly formal stance when addressing one's superior.

"Sir!" The word was the only thing to come from the High Marshall's lips for a moment, as he would allow the Vicelord the time to choose to acknowledge him before speaking further. "There's something you should know," he said, fully expecting to draw the ire of a man that could manipulate and decide the entirety of his career if he wanted to. However, it was time the real truth of who he was, was brought to light. In the past, when he his history with the Galactic Alliance had been sprung upon one of the Exarchs, it had been quickly swept aside, playing not consequential role in where he was now, nor his standing within the Confederacy. However, his next words may paint the man in a different picture. And perhaps a less than favorable one, as he'd long denied a certain aspect of his life. Of his heritage. And blatantly lived a lie for the safety of himself, his family and those he loved. But now, all that was set to change. Now, all that was would be set in motion without to possibility to return to what once was.

"I am not a son of Rendili, nor was my family common politicians in a government that has since fallen. I never was and that history that was known abroad was a fabrication set in place since my early youth." He paused, in part to gather his next words, but also to gauge the reaction of the Vicelord. His eyes shifted slightly to hi brother on his flank and then back to the Vicelord. "My brother and I are not as we have appeared as for so long in galactic history. Only mother was Queen here before our family was forced into exile, and those that deems us to be her heirs." He swallowed, readying the next words he would say. "With her passing, that title and all that goes with it passes on to me and it's a responsibility I must now accept. I have portrayed a false face and a fabricated identity from the start, and forced a lie upon you and the others that trusted in me because that is what I was made to believe in order to protect my life, the lives of my family, and those I care about. But now that lie is over."

"If you came here to discover the heir as the bloodlines deem, you've done so. I am Alden Carth Akaran, son of Margrete Arhla Akaran, the late Queen of Eiattu VI, and the heir to its throne. By blood right, the crown has passed on to me, whether I will it or not."