Invasion [GA | DE] Operation Shadow Hand | GA Defense of Tython, Empress Teta, & Prakith

[Ashley Nevermore]

3rd Shocktroopers
Objective: Push them back
Engaging: Janus Cassel

W E ' R E N O T G O N N A T A K E I T
​

Moments later... all hell broke loose. Another bolt of plasma ripped through the air, taking out another Imperial soldier. It was followed by a grenade, prompting Janus to duck behind a pile of rubble.

"GRENADE!"

BOOM!

Dust and shrapnel flew through the air, filling the air with smoke and dust as Janus and his men began returning fire. Janus cursed under his breath as he put two shots into the chest of an enemy soldier. Their luck had continued to run out it seemed, yet Janus simply replayed his mantras in his head as they continued to fight for their lives.

In adversity, victory...

Yes... the only way out was through.

Two shots hit Boxer right in the chestplate, the Platoon Sergeant responding with a flurry of bolts in turn, rushing forward with Ashley, both guns blazing. Ashley knew it would come to close quarters combat. They had trained for this. Once she was in range, she fired off one more grenade, a glue grenade, right at the legs of Janus Cassel before ripping the pistol and handaxe off her belt, firing three shots off at the stormtrooper, before rushing forward with the Force, ducking shots, before going to tackle her opponent with a leaping shoulder check. This was her department. DJ had her covered, hitting the stormtrooper behind her opponent with a trio of aimed shots, before Boxer leapt over her and hit him with a flying sonic punch.

 

[Khamul Kryze]

OPERATION: SHADOW HAND

THE UNCHAINED

Loadout: Mandalore's Lament, Regret, beskar'gam

Engaging: Kaleleon

Allies: Caesar Kryze, Mevia Vizsla​

D E V O U R

The insolence spewing from the Jedi's mouth did little to trouble Khamul. He had encountered his share of cheeky lightsiders in the past, and had become quite accustomed to their naïve form of arrogance. If anything, the Unchained's words were simply a way to get a feel for the man. His methods, his mental state... one could learn many things from the smallest interaction, should they have the mind to look. In the end, any information was useful, and would certainly be utilized to the fullest extent.

As his enemy approached, Khamul took a couple of steps forward as well, his eyes carefully scanning for his opponent's next move. That move came only moments after as a sudden burst of plasma erupted from the blasters Kale had risen into the air. Khamul's beskar could take the hits, but too many would put him on the defense, which he could not allow.

Mandalore's Lament swung in a flurry of swift motions, deflecting several of the bolts. Some were sent back toward their sources, destroying the very weapons that had produced them. The rest went toward Kale himself. Though the Unchained knew that his opponent's shield would likely keep him quite intact, sending a few bolts Kale's way would at least keep him busy for a moment.

"Fair enough. I was never much of a philosopher either."

That was a role filled by his old master, a man who had lost sight of true power long ago...

Khamul broke into a sprint, his free hand reaching forth and unleashing a small volley of whistling arrows toward his enemy. Immediately behind them would be his own weapon, swinging in a vicious slash toward his opponent's left side. With any luck, one or the other would prove fruitful, though Khamul would remain vigilant regardless.

"Let's see what you're worth, Jedi."

 

[Taam Moghul]

Objective 3: Clash at Kaleth
Gear: Kta Dom Lya, Lightsaber, Robes of the Wayward, Armored Jacket
Allies: Jonyna Si
Opponent: Detritus Ren

The blast of Jonyna's fire passed over Taam as it crashed into the Ren Master. The heat penetrating armored coat and robes, but only to some discomfort. His nostrils were filled with the stench of the smoldering panthac coat, and his own singed mane. Immediately in its wake, he sensed Jonyna's movement, saw her intent. He remained planted, body coiled, feeling her boots plant on his broad, solid shoulders as she launched upward. the flames upon his were extinguished by the increasing rain.

The resistance of his foe's push faded as the imposing figure instead drew two Darksiders to his side as shields. The otherwise elite warriors were nothing more than shields in the hands of the more powerful Master. Taam juked to the side to removed himself from the direct line between Jonyna and the Ren enemy. His mate's attacks rose in a tempestuous crescendo, wind, rain, lightning all bent on buffeting the relentless opponent. But the Master of Ren no longer simply stood in defense against the Jedi pair, he charged.

Easily wielding the full-sized men in his hands like mere bucklers, the Darksider blocked the fierce lightning with one, charging on to deflect Jonyna's cryo blaster with the other. Both sacrificed Elite were cast aside as waste. The Ren charged in a palpable, audible rage-fueled assault, heading right for Jonyna.

With his own deep, echoing roar that lifted over the whipping wind and sounds of battle to mix with the Ren's battlecry in an unsettling dischordance that drew even the gaze of the combatants around them. Taam surged forward, the Blade of Light, Kta Dom Lya, gripped in his powerful hands, the heavy blade glowing, arcs of blue electricity dancing along its razor's edge as its crystal clung to the lightning it had hoarded from Jonyna's own weapon.

As the ferocious Cathar Knight charged, his focus in the Force sharpened again, the Force whispering every detail of the Ren's moves, a fraction of a breath before it was made, his mind ordered and framed by the martial mind of a thousand Jedi general's before him. still charging, Taam leveled the blade, releasing the pent up energy. Now, the light and lightning of judgement streaked from Kta Dom Lya at his opponent, even as the Dark-hating songsteel blade in Taam's hand was aimed to penetrate between orbalisks.

 

[Kaleleon]

Blood Upon the Snow​

Objective 3, Defend or Blow up bridges
Location: Bridge Defense
Gear: Shieldbreaker Greatsword, Aranrúth, Ward of Dawn, Narma's Talon, Sentinel Defender Class Jedi Armor
Opponent: Khamul Kryze

What is it with Sith always wanting to talk. However, it looks like now I was actually going to get a fight. The blasterbolts of course were redirected to destroy the blasters I had picked up, with a number of them being directed towards me. Of course, he knew the shield would work in defending myself. Otherwise, it wasn't really a worth while form of defense or protection. However, my eyesight looking over the rim of the shield, saw his form beginning to sprint and close the distance. An arm coming up with rockets closing the distance. I knew it as fast as I saw them come from the housing on his wrist.

Whistling birds.

I had fought against them before, and was barely able to defend against them last time. This time though, was a different matter. My HUD system lighting up the rockets as a threat. Tracking their trajectory in real time to show me where they would be. Aided with utilizing danger sense, All of a sudden my right arm exploded into a light-shield. Emitting from the gauntlet, I began to wield two shields in tandem. Letting the whistling birds slam and explode against the Ward of Dawn, while those that I defended against with the Light-Shield burned up into molten metal that flew past and on me. Letting my armor do it's job of preventing burns, and damage from the slag. The Speed and accuracy in which I defended myself showed very apparently, I was a Guardian, Defender, and knew enough in defensive tactics to block his ranged attempts of attack.

However, in that time, The Sith had closed the distance. His crimson blade coming for me. However, it was a slash to my left arm. Where my Ward of Dawn was. Even if I had not activated the Light-Shield, why would he go for the shield? A much easier portion of my body to block. The Light-Shield turned off as the crimson Dark Saber-sister came to slam into the shield. Being that it was much heavier than a Light-Shield, and much heavier than the near weightless blade of a saber. I pushed the shield into the blade. Using physical force to counteract the momentum of the plasma blade as much as I could. Jolting the shield with the impact, but otherwise, unharmed.

"Here I thought you were testing me."

Being nearly point-blank, I wanted to create a little bit more of distance between myself and the Mando. So a mustered up wide-sweeping force push was thrown at him. Being that my right hand didn't have a Light-Shield active anymore upon it. It could move more freely and thus was shoved under the shield. Still using it as protection should he attempt to counter, or my own attempts to push him back again be negated. Yet, that is also where my saber sat on its belt. The shield could be a physical obscuring object so my hand could quickly grab the hilt, not activating it, but just holding it for the moment. Waiting for him to strike at me again.

 

[Kali'ka]

Location: Tython
Objective 3: Clash at Kaleth
Gear: Phrik Alloy Lightsaber Pike, PharmaTech Oculus, Sith robes, Sith amulet
Opponents: Catronia Byrne , Anthony Gray Sun

Kali'ka quietly fumed, her easy target now under the protection of a Knight. He muddied the waters, and Kali could feel her tendrils of dark influence waning under his influence on the padawan. The little one was no longer the target, Kali'ka would have to deal with the more dangerous knight. She remained still, knowing the dark side concealment hid her from the sight of eyes. But the wretched man was now searching with the Force.

Her decision to move on them came a breath too late as the knight's raised blaster suddenly trained on the sorceress and fired. It's cryo blast struck the arm holding her lightsaber pike, the freezing affect paralyzing the limb as the weapon fell to the ground. Fierce rage erupted in the Sith magician in a furious shriek and with a hissed spell, Kali expertly channeled that fury into a blast of dark side energy that burst forth from her towards the Jedi pair. Crouching to pick up the weapon in her other hand, she rolled and stood again, this time revealed to her enemies.

 

[Jonyna Si]

​

Tag: Taam Moghul Detritus Ren
Gear: In bio, normal loadout
<Catharese> "Basic"

The lightning absorbed Dark Side Elite was cast aside as a smoky ruin where the woman would hear. "RAAAAAGHHHH!!!" Came the furious roar of Detritus as he was running right towards her, looking to close the gap between the two so that Detritus could fully unleash his rage.

Holding the second fallen Dark Side Elite in his hand would he see another shot. Detritus wouldn't stop as he placed the Elite in front of him. The fallen Elite would absorb the next strike. This time of sizzling, or smoking would the form start to ice up dramatically. The ice would spread until the armored warrior would break into pieces. All the while Detritus continued his wild charge, discarding the crumbling warrior now that his purpose was served. He was so close to her now. His body and mind giving fully to rage, a snap hiss ignited his crackling, fiery blade once more. In mere moments he was ready to crash into the Cathar Jedi Woman with furious anger, the storm continuing to intensify all around them.

With his own deep, echoing roar that lifted over the whipping wind and sounds of battle to mix with the Ren's battlecry in an unsettling dischordance that drew even the gaze of the combatants around them. Taam surged forward, the Blade of Light, Kta Dom Lya, gripped in his powerful hands, the heavy blade glowing, arcs of blue electricity dancing along its razor's edge as its crystal clung to the lightning it had hoarded from Jonyna's own weapon.

As the ferocious Cathar Knight charged, his focus in the Force sharpened again, the Force whispering every detail of the Ren's moves, a fraction of a breath before it was made, his mind ordered and framed by the martial mind of a thousand Jedi general's before him. still charging, Taam leveled the blade, releasing the pent up energy. Now, the light and lightning of judgement streaked from Kta Dom Lya at his opponent, even as the Dark-hating songsteel blade in Taam's hand was aimed to penetrate between orbalisks.

She couldn't seem to get a farking hit in. Luckily, Taam had her back, and she still had Liz. With a quick motion, she holstered her cryo blaster, grabbing the songsteel katana with both hands, and bringing herself to her feet, planting herself to block the strike that came at her. As their blades locked up, she knew she needed to act fast. This one was a tricky one, he'd already used Trakkata once against them. In the blink of an eye, her tail grabbed Claire off her back, and ignited the blade of the ghostfire saber, swinging it right at the darksider's right foot. This close, she could see his limbs weren't covered in whatever insects the brute was wearing.

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: Tython, Forests around Kaleth
Objective: III
Opponent: Gnost Zym

It seemed as though the two Kel Dor were looking at things through completely different lenses. Ko knew that any time for discussion was over now. Not that he personally minded. The padawan never really was interested in the prospect of debating over his principles, especially with a Sith.

However, what did surprise the younger Kel Dor was the weapon being used by the Sith. It was like a lightsaber, but much longer. In exchange for its length it seemed to cost its rigidity. He’d never encountered a lightwhip before. Ko knew that if he didn’t adapt and shift gears then it could cost him dearly, or he’d fall victim to How’s rope of destruction.

Ko observed the vile Kel Dor unleashed the whip against him, trying to defend himself accordingly. He held his blade up to intercept the unconventional weapon as it made its way to him. Letting his weapon take the brunt of the attack. But apex of the weapon’s reach would still crack against Ko. Quickly licking across part of his shoulder. The weapon’s flexible nature subverted his static defense. The wound given was only superficially, but it still hurt like hell.

The padawan hissed sharply with an inhale behind his mask, recoiling his body back from the weapon. He had to change his approach here, being too static and defensive would surely get him killed eventually. Plus Ko had taken to specializing in Ataru which favored movement and a more evasive form of defense.

Dropping the wooden scabbard for his sword in his off hand, he instead summoned the small hilt of his shoto to his awaiting palm. Quickly activating its green plasma blade. He had to try and close the distance between himself and Howl. After sensing through the earth around him with the Force, Ko pulled sizable stones from the ground around him before launching them at Howl one after another. Trying to split their attention between himself and the off rhythm projectiles while also jumping up into the air towards Howl to perform the Ataru technique “Falling Leaf”. ​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

EMPRESS TETA

Makai rolled his eyes. While he and his father may not be seeing eye-to-eye at the moment, Casteel wasn’t entirely wrong. The half-Galan couldn’t deny his father had an excellent work ethic and it was an impressive feat that he had built Salacia Consolidated up so far from when he started after the military. He just wasn’t in the mood to sing his praises.

“To be fair, Castie, my father, comes from a hardworking farming background.I think it may be in his genetic makeup to constantly work. Or forced upon him by his own father, who knows.”

Alarm silently vibrated on his arm and he quickly stopped it.Time for his half-hour check in. Pulling the comm out of his pocket, he snapped a holo of Casteel at work at his desk, turning back to the screens in front of him.

He quickly added it to the message thread with Ellie, entitling the holo ‘every minute he grows more disappointed with me’ and hit send. Only to get an error. Send again. Error again. Brows furrowed together.

Dark Net was out. As in out, out.

This was not good. At the very least, his betrothed would know he was safe and sound inside a bunker. It was better than most people were getting on Empress Teta in this moment, huddling for shelter as the battle raged on.

“Dark Net is out. Probably got hit by one of those damned shells.No doubt it has dissolved into carpet bombing up there. Can’t say I’m surprised at this point.”

He sighed, a little worried about Ellie.

“Guess we actually have to talk to each other Castie. Looks like we will be in each others lives for the foreseeable future. Yet I know so little about the man who is Casteel Mer’taal. You have the study guide version of your life?”

Casteel Mer'taal

 

[Zethran Cott]

Amelia von Sorenn | Cessair Ideon | Reiner Ghadi | Phineas Kand | Arla Rodarch | Marlon Sularen | Darth Solipsis |
Ordo | Vaux Gred | Ari Naldax



Things were happening faster than Cott would have normally liked. It was true that situations often lurched into unforeseen circumstances at the flick of a switch but the sudden and immediate arrival of the Despot meant that their situational awareness was now obliterated. In short, the element of surprise was gone and Cott was, frankly, enraged at the foolhardiness of the tactician.

He couldn’t help but stalk across the bridge of his capital ship and roared, damned if he could care that the crew would hear his words, tantamount to treason as they might be.

“What on Hoth is he thinking?! Has he taken leave of his senses?!” He looked at the digital display, showing the new Imperial Fleet formation, the Alliance ships beginning to register and redistribute their forces accordingly.

“Stay put! Maintain our current path! We will not burst out of this tactical position and ruin the element of surprise!”

He looked behind him, the console of his executive officer empty. The son of the Despot was not on bridge duty at the moment; perhaps it was for the best. Zethran would have felt at best irritated and at worst incensed at his father’s stupidity.

“Maintain this holding pattern! If a single ship moves from their post I will personally blow it out of the atmosphere!”

He wasn’t impressed and he wasn’t joking.

“We’re being hailed, Admiral.” called the Comms officer.

Cott looked at the screen. It was the Despot’s flagship.

“Ignore them, Captain. We are maintaining our heading and our mission. I will not break that for any man.”

TASK FORCE ‘TAPANI’-Assault Line
1 New Imperial-class Star Destroyer-INV Edifice
1 Donnager-class Cruiser-INV Manifest
1 Donnager-class Cruiser-INV Imperator
1 Escolta-class Escort Frigate-INV Might
1 Escolta-class Escort Frigate-INV Fortress
1 Escolta-class Escort Frigate-INV Defiance
1 Escolta-class Escort Frigate-INV Charm
1 Inceptus-class Corvette-INV Defiler
1 Inceptus-class Corvette -INV Shatter

 

[Aziraphale]

LOCATION: Tython
TAGS: Denn Verdan

As Azirapahle stands amidst the chaos of the battle on Tython, his formidable presence commands attention. Despite the fierce conflict surrounding them, Denn Verdun's unexpected gratitude seemed to resonate with him. With a solemn nod, Azirapahle acknowledges Denn's words, his expression softened momentarily by the unexpected sweetness of the sentiment.

In a hauntingly graceful motion, Azirapahle reached a hand out to brush against Den''s shoulder as he spreads his obsidian wings. With a lingering gaze, he offers silent, knowing smirk, a promise of future encounters before taking flight, leaving behind a sense of foreboding amidst the invasion of Tython.

​

 

[Casteel Mer'taal]

The Shopping District
Empress Teta - Cinnagar
Underground bunker
Interacting with: Makai Dashiell

Naturally, the connection faltered mere moments later, prompting an inward oath from Casteel as he released a heavy sigh. Despite the setback, he found solace in the safety of his employees and the diligent execution of security measures around the vaults and safety deposit boxes. Encased within a fortified chamber crafted from Hijama stone and turadium, their sanctuary boasted resilience capable of withstanding even the most formidable of threats, including orbital bombardments.

In response to Makai's inquiry about obtaining a concise overview of his life, Casteel raised a quizzical eyebrow. Fixing him with a piercing gaze emanating from his glacial blue eyes, the Anaxai retorted with refined wry humor, "Do you genuinely possess an interest in such matters?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

EMPRESS TETA

“Castie, I know we’ve spent a limited amount of time together so you’re not completely familiar with me, but I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t want to know. I worked alone for over a year before coming back, I can spend weeks without talking to another sentient. If I didn’t want to know we could have just stared at one another.”

Arms crossed underneath his throw blanket, intently staring at Casteel. He truly wanted to know more about the man. It was still a mystery to him that the blonde never made a move on Ellie.

Maybe she wasn’t his type, but still, odd in his mind. What made him tick?

“Ellie has only told me you are one of three children, other than that, I have no idea.”

Which had sparked an entire conversation at dinner with Danger about the prospects of a third Arceneau-Dashiell child and what it would look like in terms of power and family dynamics. From what he learned, it seemed a bit cut throat in the Mer’taal household.

 

[Casteel Mer'taal]

The Shopping District
Empress Teta - Cinnagar
Underground bunker
Interacting with: Makai Dashiell

All the while Makai spoke, the banking executive took a slow, long sip of cognac, leveling a flat stare from over the brim of his glass before setting it down. With a sigh and then the carding of his fingers through his platinum locks, Casteel stood up from his chair. Long legs drew him near the acceleration couches nestled perpendicular to each other.

"Ah, indeed, the illustrious Mer'taal lineage," he began, his tone tinged with a hint of dry amusement as he recounted his familial lineage as he sat down on the acceleration chair in a comfortable but stately position. "An esteemed legacy, marked by the esteemed progeny of my esteemed parents—an elder brother, Alistair, and a sister, Beatrice, both embodiments of Anaxai tradition and propriety," he added with a nonchalant nod, though his underlying sentiment hinted at a deeper ambivalence."Both were weened from the poison of my mother's teet, whose personality was just as full of vitriol, so, jolly good upstanding Anaxai citizens," he added with a curt nod as if in approval -- it was not.

"But ah, my father," Casteel continued, a sardonic edge creeping into his voice, "a staunch advocate for the return of Imperial rule, as befits his station." His lips curved into a wry smile, though the warmth did not reach his eyes, which held a glint of skepticism beneath their polished veneer.

"As for my own upbringing," he remarked, his tone tinged with understated pride, "it followed the expected trajectory -- governesses, boarding schools, military academy, and the requisite academic laurels." Arching an elegant brow, he concluded with a poised invitation. " Any questions so far?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

EMPRESS TETA

Listening, Casteel’s childhood was just as cutthroat as Ellie had outlined briefly at dinner. Makai had made a wry comment about third sons and the potential pitfalls if they had a big family, apparently Casteel was pushed out of the inheritance by his siblings.

Being an only child, he couldn’t fathom why this would happen.Was there not enough inheritance or positions of power to go around? His own family as an example, there was plenty of work and credits to be had under the Salacia umbrella. Not to mention the potential of unexplored business avenues begging to be worked on. His father could have had five children and there still would be something for them to do, to take part in the legacy of.

Not quite so warm and fuzzy on the Mer’taal side of things it seemed.Makai was beginning to feel sorry for the blonde bastard.

“Just one so far.” A slight pause. “You need a hug, Castie?”

 

[Darth Solipsis]

DARK LORD OF THE SITH | GALACTIC EMPEROR
RUINS OF AKAR KESH - TYTHON
Valery Noble | Kahlil Noble

​

Solipsis stood amidst the crumbling ruins of Akar Kesh, his towering presence casting a shadow over the desolate ruins. The Dark Lord chuckled aloud as he sensed the taunt in the aftermath of Valery's words, though it failed to elicit any response from the Dark Lord such as vanity or pride. The Sith'ari regarded Valery with a mixture of disdain and amusement. She was indeed a formidable opponent, a force to be reckoned with, but one whom Solipsis had yet to truly test the mettle of. He had faced the galaxy's greatest defenders and found them wanting, only bested in the end with climatic showdown on this very world. Still, he welcomed the challenge she presented, his eyes gleaming with a sulfurous glee that bespoke his delight in the coming trade of blows.

This was what it felt like to be alive... again.

"Ah.. Zambrano."

However, as his gaze shifted to Valery's companion, Kahlil, Solipsis's expression darkened. The Zambrano turncoat's sorcery was a mockery, no, an insult to the Sith dogma he held dear. With a scoff, he dismissed Kahlil's runic weaving as nothing more than petty spells, unworthy of his attention. "Your tricks mean nothing," Solipsis declared, his voice dripping with contempt as he reached out with the power of the Dark Side. Shadows coalesced around him, swirling in a tempest of darkness before hurtling towards Kahlil with deadly intent.

"Always in your father's shadow," he sneered, his voice laced with malice. "How suffocating."

The Dark Lord watched with grim satisfaction, reaching forth to seize and activate his own crimson lightsaber. Both hands resting along the hilt of the blade as he entered the stance of Soresu.

"Come to me."

​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Objective 3: Clash at Kaleth
Equipment: Crossguard Lightsaber, Echani Energy Shields, Hydrangea Mooblade (strapped to her thigh under her tasset)
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Tag: Mic Gallagher

Breathing slowly as Lily watched her opponent. This enemy was not a Sith but she was clearly not here to help the Jedi fight their old enemy. It was insane, there were people here who needed help to escape before the temple's damage was too much and traps them here. She was fearing bombardments from space that would do devastating damage to the Jedi temple. Holding her defensive stance, she watched and listened, there was an excuse that a choice was given but in Lily's mind when the choice is betraying those she is closest with or death, that isn't a choice.

It's a threat.

"I chose not to betray those who are in need. You are working with the Sith to harm innocent lives, that is a choice you have made." Lily pointed out firmly, watching the muscles of Amena, they shifted and moved to conduct one strike but the body language didn't read as a full commitment to the strike, so when the sharp change in the body moved to another target, Lily was prepared.

Her blade met Amena's and Lily could feel the power behind the blow. This was not an enemy to underestimate and Lily needed to be careful if she wanted to survive this fight. Moving her body, Lily pushed the Lightsaber away from her and her left hand splayed out and she sent a firm Force Push to Amena's core to create some more space between them. Twirling her Lightsaber in her hand, Lily maintained a defensive stance with intense steel look in her eyes. She would be a barrier that this woman would not pass.

 

[Aerarii Tithe]

LINE OF SUCCESSION // ALLIANCE ONE
Auteme

Aerarii Tithe was getting too old for this poodoo.

The aged Aargauun groaned as he used a handrail to pull himself back to his feet. In his rush to activate the crane arm, Tithe hadn't had time to fully examine the setting of the machine. The same device that had saved him from Auteme had almost crushed him to death. He tried to catch his breath while breathing shallowly to avoid hurting his cracked ribs.

But there wasn't time to waste. Sparing a moment only to dust off his fine drapery, Tithe began to hobble along the elevated catwalk. While he’d escaped Auteme once, he was unlikely to get the drop on her again. His mission was only half complete - Alliance One’s comms had been disabled, though its sublight drives were still active. That would have to do. To live another day was another opportunity to make credits - all the money in the galaxy was no good to him if he was dead.

Tithe only paused his escape when the sound of metal crashing on metal stopped. His heart sank as he looked down at the catwalk to the sublight fuel regulator. The crane arms he had taken control of and set against Auteme had fallen silent at the hand of the Jedi. While he doubted the attack would stop her, he’d hoped to at least stall her long enough to escape. But through the power of the Force she had fended off the mechanical menace.

The Force is her ally.

But greed was his.

Tithe resumed his limping escape, pulling up the blueprints of Alliance One on his data goggles as he went. Greed had driven the tender and construction process for the executive cruiser, with Tithe as the then-Vice Chancellor ensuring that Trade Federation affiliates won the construction contract. Long dormant override codes, deep wires master controls, and escape passages known only to the Trade Federation engineers would be his saviour. He clambered up a ladder and jammed a data probe into a socket next to an unmarked door. The portal dilated, revealing an unused tunnel designed for droids to quickly transit the cruiser without congesting the main corridors. This particular tunnel angeled steeply down, eventually coming out near the escape pods.

Auteme’s voice rang out through the engineering bay, calling for Tithe to stop. Pausing to offer a quick prayer to the Aargauun God of Dividends, Tithe launched himself into the droid service tunnel and gave a cry in surprise as he slid headfirst down to narrow passage.

 

[Tigris]

Location: Coruscant
Objective: BYOO - Preventing sabotage of comm tower monitoring Tython and Empress Teta systems

Gear: Enclave Guardian Mantle, lightsaber, vibroknife, NJO Utility belt, Echo Stone
Opponent: Hex

The board-mounted intruders didn't even flinch, though it was clear the boarder saw the figure blocking the gantry. The woman in the lead agilely swooped off of the gantry and past the Jedi. Tigirs watched as a number of glowing lights lifted from the figure as she streaked by, a swarm of small drones that lingered behind, moving towards the padawan.

"Grrr..." Tigris growled in frustration. Her eyes darted to her wrist, security was still on their way. Turning back towards the building, the ex-Seyugi ran, built up speed and leaped, using the Force to boost her back up to the roof. She looked over her shoulder, watching as the drone swarm followed. They didn't attack, but their presence posed a constant danger and most likely gave the intruders eyes and ears on her.

With a sudden spin, Tigris' lightsaber was in her hand and ignited, the blade whipping in a tight figure eight, aimed to sweep through the swarm and destroy as many as she could. Her off hand raised as she tried to grasp others with the Force, intending to dash them to the ground.

 

[Casteel Mer'taal]

The Shopping District
Empress Teta - Cinnagar
Underground bunker
Interacting with: Makai Dashiell



In a display of nonchalance, Casteel emitted a dismissive scoff, his blond locks swaying subtly as he lifted his lowball glass for another sip of cognac. His gaze, tinged with a hint of amusement, flickered in Makai's direction, his tone laced with a rare blend of sardonic humor and sophistication. "No, thank you. I've long outgrown the need for affirmation regarding my upbringing."

For once, the typically composed Casteel reclined against the back of the couch, exuding an air of relaxed elegance.

"It served its purpose," he remarked with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulder, his demeanor betraying an underlying sense of ambivalence. "I owe everything that enabled my sponsorship to the Guild and the founding of Corseca Bank to it."

Casteel's icy blue eyes momentarily dropped to his glass, his wrist swaying languidly. A subtle twitch played across his jaw as he continued, his tone devoid of humor.

"It also allowed me to cater to Myra's needs upon her entrance into society. With her condition, she wouldn't have endured in those dens of sand vipers and wretched Vornskyrs.” he explained solemnly. In Casteel's view, the high society galas and functions were nothing short of elaborate battlegrounds, where pretense and hidden motives reigned supreme.

 

[Lord Kalrath]

Kaleth
Tags: Braze Kai'el , Zaiya Ceti , Aris Noble

Kalrath turned, light shining directly into his eyes. He let out a groan of irritation, shutting his eyes as he transitioned to using his senses. Movement... Incoming strike at his legs. The Sith Lord moved his blade down to intercept the strike, moving with a surprising level of grace.

But it wasn’t the boy. He was leaping for his head. Kalrath let out a scream, a bellow to throw them back towards whence they came from.

He couldn't help but revel in the feeling in the air. The onset dispair was cathartic, a sensation that he had not felt in so long. Hopelessness gave him such a high, caught up in the suffering of the moment. Each wince of pain and shiver down one's spine made him stronger. Kalrath would feed on this pain. His attention shifted to the lightsaber in his hands, seemingly unconcerned with the young padawan trying to slice through his lower half.

BURN...

The ancient Sith spoke with a heavy cadence, sending out a wave of dark energy that would ripple throughout the room. Darkness that would turn stomachs and make the skin crawl. He focused this energy into the crystal within the lightsaber, tearing apart the stone's spirit.

BLEED...

He had the battle in the palm of his hands, but this? Perhaps it wasn't necessary, but Kalrath had to send a message. The ancient Twi'lek let go of the weapon, letting it clatter against the floor.