Game of War

[Adron Malvern]

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Objective: Prepare to arrive on Unagin
Location: Hyperspace
Tags: [member="Shakti Sweet"] [member="Xobos Yakieer"]
Starship: Eternal Star

What is the Dark Side if not power?

Malphas often wondered where the line was drawn. When did the Dark Side no longer become power and instead became some vain quest for validation or glory. It did not matter, as it was quite clear the Sith Lord had yet to reach that point in his abilities. He was strong, yes, but there was still much left for him to explore. In time.

For now the Sith Lord had turned his eyes to conquests of the mortal realm. Power through the Force was immeasurable, however it was impossible for him to rebuild the world of Illyria with The Force alone. No, he would need credits and influence to rival an Empire.

Onboard the Eternal Star, Malphas had his eyes locked on a peculiar device. A small metallic pyramid with an eerie black smoke falling from it's crystalline walls. He'd been staring at it for what felt like hours, listening to the silent whispers of the Force as he drank in it's unseen knowledge. The Holocron was only one that the man had collected, and perhaps the most powerful one yet. It was the final creation of Kruel Zing, a Sith Lord of the last generation. It was with his power that he had created the Mark of Malphas and taken the planet of Illyria as his own. Even now, its soft whispers were instructing the Sith Lord, teaching him the darkest paths down the road that was the Dark Side.

His focus was broken when he heard the soft knock at his door. It caused his amethyst eyes to glance up in disdain. By the sound of metal on metal, he could tell it was a droid awaiting his leave.

"What is it?" He called out, leaning back in his chair.

"My lord, we are nearly at Unagin." The voice called out through the door.

Malphas exhaled, as he often did when disturbed from his own thoughts. Still, he took to his feet in short order. The door to his office opened abruptly, shocking the droid and nearly causing it to stumble and fall.

Passing by the droid without a thought, Malphas was sure to call back. "Inform my guard and my apprentices to meet me in the main hangar." The droid bowed it's head after correcting itself.

"Oh, um, yes my lord, at once." And with nothing more to be said Malphas would make his way to the hangar. He paused before looking back at the droid. "Droid. Be sure my apprentices wear their new gifts." The droid nodded, as Malphas turned back to the hangar, an amused expression on his face.

 

[Shakti Sweet]

[member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Xobos Yakieer"]​

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Their Master had seen fit, more often than not, to stock her modest collection of clothing with items that ranged from dark grey to black, apparently content to allow the mute to play the role of somewhat threatening shadow when she attended him... Today, however, it seemed that he wanted his apprentices in something a bit less demure. Shakti felt like she was ready to crawl out of her skin as the flowing red fabric pooled and slithered along her legs as she walked in it. With the length of the dress she'd also needed to put on a modest pair of heels - and the overall look, though striking, was not to her liking. She very much doubted that Darth Malphas gave a damn about what she thought of her new gift.

The only thing that heartened her at all was seeing her sister in a matching gown - and looking just as elegant in it... Which is to say, not at all. It was petty, certainly, but it was as though their Master had shoved a stab-happy murderer and a clumsy teen into dresses that were meant for women either significantly older or slightly less murderous. Regardless, she'd need to make the best of it. When they were summoned, she'd given herself one more once over in the mirror, grimacing at her reflection and collecting fistfuls of the front of the gown to ensure she didn't trip on it as she hurried to the hangar.

She paused only to ensure that she didn't leave Xobos behind in her hurry, wanting to arrive in a timely manner so as to not keep Adron waiting - but also having no desire to make her sister appear tardy. Just as there was no doubt in her mind that showing up without that dress was not an option, she knew also that showing up without the other apprentice would also not be to the Exarch's liking. He'd asked for them both, and she'd ensure that the pair were delivered as a package to his summons.

It didn't take the pair long to reach the hangar, but as the two entered the massive open area, Shakti found it difficult to muster anything that came close to a neutral visage. The heat that so often roiled under the surface of her eyes was burning brighter than ever, making the green seem luminous against the vivid red of the gown and burnished tones of her skin. Dragging her sister along with her, the mute presented herself to their Master, a gentle incline of her head the only greeting she offered.

 

[Xobos Yakieer]

Objective: Don’t die from the stuffy clothes
Location: Hyperspace; Aboard the Eternal Star
Tags: [member="Adron Malvern"] and [member="Shakti Sweet"]

Not many times had Xobos ever been dressed up for an event. Coming from a village of Miraluka that wasn’t exactly the most wealthy meant that fancy events weren’t exactly an everyday, or even year, occurrence. Yet, even in her short time with her new master, she could easily realize the lifestyle was much different than the one she had known for the longest time. A lifetstyle filled with fancy dresses, large events, and other things that Xobos never saw herself being anywhere near.

And she wasn’t sure she liked it at all.

The dress felt stuffy, and it felt extremely odd to not be wearing the armor that she had come to find so comforting in the past months. It had become a second skin to her at this point, getting her through many a battle and training session. This dress felt as though it was on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. It was exposing, uncomfortable to move around in, and certainly didn’t feel like it would be offering her any sort of protection.

The only solace she had was that her sister was being forced to wear the same outfit. The pair had grown closer during their month training, surviving together. Even so, to see that her sister would be suffering through the same dressed up fate that she was made the smaller of the pair somewhat happier. It also made her happy to see that Shakti had waited for her as Xobos struggled to keep up, whether that be out of necessity or kindness. The Miraluka bet on the former rather than the later in that situation.

Their paired heels clicked against the durosteel as they entered the hanger, where they stopped a few feet short of their master. Xobos followed Shakti’s lead of giving a short, head based bow toward their master. She could practically feel the heat radiating off her fellow apprentice, obviously just as unhappy as she was to be dressed up in such a way. Though at a least, Xobos was interested to see what was to happen next.

​

 

[Adron Malvern]

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[member="Shakti Sweet"] | [member="Xobos Yakieer"]​

​

In the main hangar, Adron was dressed in a slate suit with a scarlet tie that matched the dresses his apprentices had been dressed in. As the two made their way into the hangar, he turned his amethyst eyes to them. The smile on his face was minimal, yet it held equal parts amusement and interest. The women were well dressed, more befitting their station as the Exarch's apprentices. "Most impressive." He said, placing a hand on his chin in concideration. Within the hangar a small entourage had been gathered. Along with a number of guardsmen clad in their shortly hemmed crimson cloaks were a number of protocol droids and a single Tactical Droid that stood by the Exarch's side.

"Droids." He muttered, waving his hand absently at the protocol droids. Their metal was a sea green, with bright blue stripes running down their back. They had feminine programming that suggested they were to play the role of Shakti and Xobos' attendents. "Unagin is a popular trade planet. It handles a number of trade partners from across the galaxy that deal in all manner of things. Ore, lumber, phrik, kyber crystals, spice, silks, the planet is essentially the one stop shop for trade, legitimate or otherwise. For years the Hutt's have had a vice grip on the planet's banking industry, that chapter is closing now." The two droids held their arms out to the apprentices, spraying a floral fragrence over the two before attending to their hair.

"Often, as Sith we must learn to blend into crowds that would normally find us offputting. By gaining access to these trade routes I can tripple the profit that my banking company generates." Once the protocol droids had finished attending the women, Adron gestured for the rest of the entourage to load themselves into the shuttle. "Now, there is a certain banking official I need dead. However, he is not only a banker, he's a Hutt Watch Captain so he is well protected. I will give the two of you an opening to kill him, once it is done we can easily take this planet's industry for our own. however, it is imperative that no one finds out he is dead, at least not yet."

"Succeed in your mission and I will reward the two of you and continue your training. Fail and die." The Exarch gestured to the shuttle, allowing his apprentices to load onto the ship before he would follow suit.

 

[Shakti Sweet]

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[member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Xobos Yakieer"]​

​

The young apprentice had seemed to sense her urgency, and the redhead was grateful for it. They had arrived in what would be considered amazing time when one took into account how often one might be forced to wait for a woman who'd been asked to get themselves ready for a formal event. Though in truth both of them were only half finished - only just freshly dressed.

Though she managed to keep much of it from her face, having schooled her expression to calm apathy many years before, the seething rage that flowed between herself and the Exarch as he sicked the pair of droids on the women was palpable. It was one thing to have them primped and made appropriately pompous in private, but they were standing before a collection of the Exarch's people - including members of his personal guard. It was unlikely that she was ever going to command any modicum of respect with these men going forward as she was sprayed down with thick floral scent and her hair was teased and sprayed into a pleasing collection of soft, flowing curls.

Shakti did her sister a service by keeping her eyes straight ahead, refusing to add yet another set of eyes to the basic debasement of their dignity. She was also very careful not to make eye contact with Darth Malphas, assuming that he would not be pleased with the naked hatred he'd find there... Then again, he'd likely find it amusing. She sighed.

As they wrapped up and the droids along with his entourage were loaded onto the carrier, the woman paused in the haze of floral scent and flowing curls to spare the Exarch a look, one that spoke much lower than any words how unhappy she was. The mute could slit anyone's throat easily enough... She didn't need to look like a precious doll to make that happen - though the chances anyone would suspect her of being a danger to anyone in this getup was low...

With a soft huff of breath she waited for her sister to make her way up the ramp before following suit, grimacing at the sharp around her heels made against the durasteel as she acceded.

 

[Xobos Yakieer]

Objective: Don’t die from the stuffy clothes
Location: Hyperspace; Aboard the Eternal Star
Tags: [member="Adron Malvern"] and [member="Shakti Sweet"]

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Ok, this was worse than the dresses. It was humiliating, being dolled up in front of the Exarch’s group of men and women. Though her force vision made it harder for her to completely see the expressions on their faces, she could still see as some of them bit their tongues and try to hold back their soft laughs. If she didn’t know it would have her in huge trouble, she would have brought pain to each and every single man or woman that dared laugh at this. Her anger was evitable, knowing that all of this could have been done in private instead of publicly.

It was surprising to hear, feel the presence of Lagos in such a calming way. It wasn’t the usual way his voice came into her mind, but for now, in this situation, she welcomed it. “Calm down, little master. It’s just makeup. And those…those people should fear you. You know that. For them to not do so…is their own demise.” The words made her smile slightly, and she could feel her anger beginning to melt away as she responded to Lagos in her mind. “Thank you….it’s not often that you say something so helpful.” To her surprise, there was a laugh. He laughed at her response, adding on to the end, “Even I can have responses every so often, little master..”

With this, he receded in her mind, just as the droids pulled away from the pair of apprentices. She could feel the anger radiating off her sister, giving her a slight shiver. Hearing their mission, however, made xobos feel like Shakti might lose a bit of her anger. This type of mission was right up her alley, even if the dress didn’t match it.

When she realized that she would be the one to lead the group up the shuttle, she nodded lightly and proceeded up the ramp, assuming the others would follow her. She took a seat near the pilot cockpit of the shuttle, strapping herself in. Her eyes glanced toward the entrance to follow the rest of the people as they walked in, making sure to make eye contact with one particular member of Adron’s party, one who had laughed at her and Shakti’s plight earlier. They would learn to fear her. They all would.

 

[Adron Malvern]

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[member="Shakti Sweet"] [member="Xobos Yakieer"]​

​

The party gathered in the shuttle and quickly made their descent to Unagin. The Sith Lord said nothing, in fact he merely sat silently with his walking cane in his hands. He did, however, have and all too pleased grin on his face. It was an expression he held for the entire trip down to the planet's surface. There was not one person that found the expression unsettling, still no one said a thing.

When finally they breached the planet's atmosphere and came to land, it was rather surprising what they saw. The planet seemed to be composed of hundreds of settlements, each of them dealing in a number of independent traders. From his seat, Adron gazed out at the settlements with an uninterested expression. "You see, these settlements all have one thing in common. Loans." He explained, turning his expression back to the two apprentices traveling with him. "There is not a single settlement down there that is not currently paying or trying to pay on a loan that allowed them to set up their little trade sites. Individually the loans aren't much. A few hundred thousand credits here and there...But all together the planet brings in billions a year."

"Billions that Chomga the Hutt pockets." He muttered, before looking to the two women with that same grin. "Chomga used to be a big banking boss that funded a piece of the Outer Rim since before I was born. Well since the Hutt's scattered, everything the Hutt's obtained illegally is up for grabs. Now I could come here with a Confederate fleet and annihilate every sad pathetic Hutt soldier on this planet. It wouldn't take longer than a few hours. However if I did that, it would destroy the planet's industry. The smugglers, gangsters, and pirates would take their business somewhere else. I'd rather bleed them dry and destroy these Hutt's from the inside out."

"The Hutt Captain in charge of this planet is a Muun, named Sor'arek. He's an indulgent little slug who thinks he's a god among men. So much so that he doesn't even see guests anymore, he throws lavish banquets for his most honored guests, but still does all business through a middleman. Now I could easily destroy him, but you both need a lesson in working under the radar, if you blow it I can easily salvage it, but I'll know you are both useless to me."

As the shuttle finally touched down, Adron smirked a bit as his eyes turned to his apprentices. "Kill Sor'arek and do not alert anyone when you do it, once it is done you will notify me immediately." The ramp to the shuttle opened and Adron stood, making his way to the metallic walkway with that same expression.

When Adron and his party descended, a large Twi'lek stood at the end of the ramp, his head bowed in respect. "Your lordship. It is an honor to have the Lord of House Malvern in our presence. His grace, Sor'arek is honored to receive you."

Adron, smiled down at the Twi'lek. He was flanked by a number of Hutt soldiers, men who had been contracted to do the slugs killing. There were somewhere near forty men assembled in the middle of the settlement, ragged and poorly arranged, but formidable if nothing else.

The Sith Lord raised his eyes to see Sor'arek's "palace," It was a sore excuse for a palace....maybe even a sore excuse for a home. It was humongous and ill-shaped. The walls seemed as if they could have used a fresh coat of pain years ago and the only thing about it of worth was the golden arch that led into it's inner workings. It was a disgusting example of grandeur and nearly made Adron sick.

"I am sorry to be so forward, Your lordship. But do you have your offering?" Adron watched as his own entourage made their way down the ramp, and his eyes befell Xobos and Shakti. "Of course! If it pleases his grace. I would present two concubines for his harem. Elise and Yalara, beauties of rare form to please his grace whenever he wishes." Adron extneded a hand to the two women, that same smile still held on his face.

This is your opening. His eyes said, hinting that if either of them broke this opportunity, he would kill them.

 

[Shakti Sweet]

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[member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Xobos Yakieer"]​

​

The smile that the Exarch had plastered across his face through the entire trip would doubtless unsettle most, but Shakti had no interest in her Master's amusements. What seemed to please him most was more often than not the discomfort of others - and Shakti had already given him a feast of her displeasure before they'd even loaded onto the shuttle. So instead of letting him goad her further she focused instead on what he'd told them already about their mission... Assassination. That was solidly within her wheelhouse. Though murdering someone in a gown was going to be a new experience... At least the fabric was red.

Her attention snapped back solidly to the ex-Imperial as he began to speak once more, sharp green eyes regarding him in her usual silent manner as he went over the finer details of the plan. So the Hutt was a linchpin in the greater machinations of the Exarch's over arching scheme to bring the cartel here to ruin... Easy enough. Though as he continued on she could feel her brows beginning to furrow. The Hutt wouldn't see strangers? Then how was it that they were going to both locate and then infiltrate in order to assassinate the slug? Especially in these ridiculous getup's.

The question lay heavily between the connection she shared with their Master as the mute turned her attention to her sister, curious if perhaps the young woman was catching something she was not. Her gaze remained on Xobos as the shuttle landed and the trio rose to lead the entourage down the ramp to the waiting 'welcome' party. That was when the final bomb dropped...

Two things happened all at once; the heat that had been a soft, warm glow in her chest roiled up to an inferno - and her demeanor changed visibly. Despite the pure, unbridled rage that seethed through the scarred and tattooed warrior that stood at his shoulder, Shakti managed to become the picture of demure. Her eyes lowered and her hands moved to gather the fabric at her thighs, lifting it a touch as she lowered herself into a low curtsy for the twi'leks benefit. The softly curled tumbles of red hair framed her face in a flattering manner as she rose, managing to contain the heat from her eyes as she offered the man a smile was almost indecent.

Once she was done murdering the slug - the Exarch was next.

 

[Xobos Yakieer]

Objective: Don’t die from the stuffy clothes
Location: Hyperspace; Aboard the Eternal Star
Tags: [member="Adron Malvern"] and [member="Shakti Sweet"]

​

In all honesty, the inner workings and politics were something that Xobos was certainly interested in. Even if her sister obviously very little about what would be going on in terms of politics, it was something that had a very deep place in the miraluka’s heart. Perhaps she could be brought on more missions like this. One’s she wasn’t killing a target, or wearing a dress that hid very little. Those would be much more prudent to learn the actual inner workings, she thought.

As they landed, and the group descended down the ramp, Xobos couldn’t help but think that this entire place was much different than how she had thought it would look. The entire palace, if it could be called that, looked like it had run down years and years ago. Of all the places she had been during her first few months of being an apprentice, this had to rank among the top in terms of utterly devoid of anything interesting. Hopefully a few new blood stains here and there would liven the place up.

The twilek that greeted them as they headed down the ramp did nothing to change the Miraluka’s mind about this place being dirty. He was hulking, huge, and easily a foot so taller than the smaller woman. If Adron had let her have her own way, this twilek probably would have ended up one the list as well. Though any sense that he had been completely forward with the pair of apprentices melted away the moment he called them his present to the hutt.

She could feel the heat and anger radiating off of her sister. Not figuratively, but quite literally could feel her anger through the force. And she knew if she could feel it, Adron certainly could as well, and in that moment Xobos decided, through gritted teeth of her own, to slowly reach up and put a hand on Shakti’s shoulder. It gripped, perhaps harder than she typically would have done, in an attempt to transfer some sort of calming presence to her sister.

The miraluka too dipped her head in a bow, before looking over toward Adron and nodding toward him as well. She was in no place to blow this, she understood that. Though after this was all over, it was worth thinking that she and shakti could have some words with him about the full upfront plan next time instead of springing it on the pair of apprentices in the moment, especially when one of the was liable to attack him out of pure hatred at any moment.

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[Adron Malvern]

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[member="Xobos Yakieer"] | [member="Shakti Sweet"]​

Damn him, he wanted to laugh.

This was amusing to him and it would continue to be for years to come. Yes, the dark lord had disguised his apprentices as harlots to give them a chance to infiltrate this operation at it's source. While this man may refuse to see all who he works with, there was certainly one time any man would wish to see what laid before him. Well, usually. He was a bit impressed with himself. Where Shakti excelled was her use of her rage. She allowed it to flow through her and empower her. She seethed as a true Sith and with this brought a genuine smile to the Exarch's face. There was a challenge in his eye that met the woman. It said so much while saying so little. If she felt she was skilled enough to defeat him, he welcomed her attempt. She would die, all the same.

Now, Xobos' hand fell onto Shakti.

His voice was loud, echoing out in one resounding roar. It was monstrous as it crossed their minds, both Shakti and Xobos would hear a death-bringing, STOP! The gaze he shot at the two woman was stale and had no life to it. The only bit of life was his eyes. The amethyst orbs were shifting with black shadows that spoke of the darkest voids. The storm within his eyes settled as his telepathic message reached them. This time his voice was calm and even, yet the bit of agitation was yet there. Do not calm her. Allow her the anger she has so fallen in love with. It empowers her, to calm it is to strip her of her power, her focus. Now, see to your tasks.

He turned back to the Twi'lek Underboss. He eyed him for a moment, almost expectantly, yet the twi'lek's eyes were firmly fastened on the two women who stood by Adron. "You will see them to the Master, of course?" The subtle push, the telling of powers of persuasion were there. The Twi'lek's eyes glazed over, as he became compliant to the words spoken by the Sith lord. "You will see they arrive, in tact?" The Twi'lek nodded, his voice a low baritone as he gestured towards the palace. "Of course, my lord. They will be taken to the Master and arrive in tact. Now, his greatness Sor'arek has prepared a feast in your honor. Please, allow the guardsmen to escort you and your party to the main hall."

As the two women were escorted into the palace, Adron and his party were led through another entrance. The Exarch did not once look back at the women, but instead turned his mind to his own tasks.

When it is done, find me in the main hall. His orders were set, the target identified, and the conditions met. This was their first true mission together.

 

[Shakti Sweet]

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[member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Xobos Yakieer"]​

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In those calming and constant waves of anger she could feel the cool hand of her sister come to rest along her shoulder. For a moment it cut through all that heat and she could feel the gentle pressure of peace that the Miralukan offered - but all that shattered in an instant as Adron's voice boomed through her skull. All the work that Xobos had done in an attempt to calm her was washed away in an instant, his tone fanning those flames as she lowered her gaze to appear obedient as his chiding voice slithered around in her head. She let out a low, soft breath as she let the mantle of rage settle across her shoulders like a warm embrace. It was comfortable, gave her clarity as she lifted her eyes to glance around their welcome party once more.

The Exarch did his piece, affording them safe passage to their target, and she was grateful for that. The heat that had been in the Twi'leks eyes had made it clear that his priorities had not been to see the pair unmarred to his Master. It wouldn't be an issue now, she could tell. That glazed look the red being gave before he motioned Adron and his retinue on to their reception told clearly that the Sith had worked his magic. It afforded her a bit of comfort, though it was minimal in the storm of her own anger.

Their guide, now no better than a puppet for the Exarch, motioned them off in another direction and Shakti turned cold green eyes to her sister for only a moment. Despite the clear emerald colour, there was a heat there as well, roiling quietly and urging the blind child to trust that she'd have her back before she turned and followed the Twi'lek towards the palace.

When it is done, find me in the main hall... Oh. She'd be sure to find him. The mute wasn't foolish enough to risk their lives before the deed was done... But it was a long trip back to Genosis, and she had some ideas about how she'd prefer to spend that time.