Private It was only a matter of time...

[Avernus]

Dromund Kaas, Telis Taharin's Penthouse
Late Evening (local time approx 23:00)

Avernus left the kitchen and stepped over the unconscious body of the man-servant that had attempted to stop him upon his initial break-in. He'd taken the liberty of pouring himself a nice glass of Korribanian Bloodwine while waiting for his decryption module to allow him to properly access Telis' guarded information. He'd accessed the audio system within the penthouse and forced it to play a killer Ziggard Blackstar tune. He danced lightly on his way back to the holoterminal to check on the decryption process. The module had finished its processes just in time to greet Avernus with unlimited access. Avernus reached down and dislodged the decryption module from the auxiliary slot on the holoterminal. He then pulled a panel from the terminal and began to fidget with a few wires. With a small tool, he managed to hardwire a memory module, programmed with a rather intrusive process to suck every bit of info pre-tampering onto the module. Information was invaluable when it came to business and competition, and the logs of The Taharin Interests could fetch a good price from the right buyer.

Avernus began tapping away at the terminal, rescinding investments and rerouting investment generated funds back several of the shell corporations he used to harbor Aiuriss Holdings' illegitimate funds. He didn't touch any of the finances that weren't directly generated by his own investments, but that didn't detract from the severe illegality and dishonesty of such a maneuver. Corporate espionage was practically Avernus' second language, so much so that he had grown so lax with these kinds of actions that he felt no tinge of stress or anxiety. He almost felt bad for doing this to Telis, but given the circumstances, he was going to need all he could get.

After about forty-five minutes of careful tampering and rerouting, he came across something peculiar; A database with the filename 'Bioforge Solutions'. Avernus hadn't heard of such an organization before, but it was directly linked to the Dorniarn Foundry Works system. What an extremely convenient opportunity this was. Avernus reached down to the dangling auxiliary port that was no longer held up by a panel and reattached the decryption module. Remote decryption of the Foundry Works system would save him a lot of time, considering he wouldn't need to make another trip. He danced in place as he waited for the decryption module to do it's business, snooping through Telis' personal files while he waited like the nosy eccentric he was. Avernus looked both ways around the empty penthouse as he came across some rather less-than-modest photos of Telis. Nonchalantly he queued them for download onto the memory module before audibly clearing his throat and continuing to snoop like nothing ever happened.

This was proving to be a lot easier and much more fulfilling than he had originally expected.

Telis Taharin-Zambrano | Cara Dorniarn ​

 

[Telis Taharin-Zambrano]

For Aagenti, New Kaas City would never compare to Galactic City - Coruscant would always be his home, even if it was where his family had been ripped apart by killers still infesting the galaxy, bloody money in their palms. However, the investor had done well to ensure that his home was safe and secure, and that it was still the place that he desired to return to after every journey. Sometimes said journeys brought him off world, however others were much more local, and as Aagenti’s chauffeur flew beneath darkened skies weeping with thunder and rain, the Sith Knight could look down and see the sprawling city below him through the thick glass windows. It made him smile to see such an expanse, and to know that on some level he was above all who were down there.

Pulling himself away from the views of down below, Aagenti relaxed back in the synthleather seats of the expensive sky-cab, reaching for a bottle of champagne that sat out for guests, pouring himself a drink in a glass etched with crimson reds scrawlings, before gently swishing it in the glass, and finally taking a sip with a sigh. Looking around the dimly lit interior of the cab, Aagenti couldn’t help but wonder exactly how many leagues they’d traveled in the trip back to his house. It had been quite a tiresome day, and he allowed a faint sense of joy to be returning back home, even if he guessed that tonight would be one without sleep, as more and more often his nights had become.

Looking away from his slightly tired musings, Aagenti turned to face Cara Dorniarn beside him, whom he had requested accompany him in his cab with the assurance that the driver was indeed flesh and blood and not at all a robot. Outside the vehicle was the staccato of heavy rain that made for a relaxing melody for the night’s delegations. Flying from one of the many temples Darth Abaddon kept back to New Kaas had been quite the long trip, and the night itself had already been quite lengthy in regards to the conversations he and Cara had hosted. It was certainly stressful with the possibility of traitors around every corner and apostates popping out of thin air, but Aagenti had the assurance that Cara’s pragmatism and reasoning had kept her loyal to the Emperor.

A different matter entirely that had come up was the matter of Aagenti’s ascendancy, which was a bit of an adjustment for the both of them - Telis would still be Aagenti’s birthname and the name the world beyond the empire knew him by, but he was, in essence, transformed from who he was to now the Lord of Genesis. Even for him it was a big shift, and with the gliding of his right hand to briefly run over the sharp and still blackened grooves of his left, he began to realize just how big of an expectation he had to live up to. So many people depended on him and his success, and he couldn’t bear the shame if he let his own master, the Lord of Ash, down. He needed to live up to his name and more importantly, ensure that the apostates would never bring down Emperor Carnifex and the Dark Council.

As the ship flew through the traffic that had built in the skylines of New Kaas, Telis briefly looked at the reflective glass that divided the driver and the passengers, before clearing his throat with a slight cough. ”I’m thinking I should do something bold.” Aagenti looked over to Cara with an expression that was awaiting her response and acknowledgement, before he sighed and went on, leaning back and taking another sip of champagne. It was a good year, and a strong taste.

”Like, do something to prove that I am worthy of my domain and ensure others won’t come for me for the claiming of my name.” He swirled his drink around again, before leaning forward with a bit of exasperation, fatigue creeping into his features as he thought about the days ahead and continuous sleepless, rainy nights. ”I’ve already killed a Sith Knight, Ms. Dorniarn, but how do I know others won’t try to come after me just to break me down for my boldness. I claimed my name and domain rightly, but… this whole conflict is stirring things up. I have no clue how much money I’ll have to spend repairing scars.”

As the mention of scars, Aagenti reached down to his knee, gently tracing against the phantom line where his leg was almost entirely bisected by the weapon that sat in his lap now. He was quick to regain his composure, leaning back while he crossed his generous thighs, adjusting the shawl-like cloak he wore to cover them accordingly - he didn’t want the cab driver getting distracted or Cara getting jealous. Below the ship New Kaas passed by in a rainy haze, rain blurring the dark and laser-proof windows, turning the lights of the night life below into a blur of neon and passion. He didn’t expect a response to the words he spoke from his partner, but he was glad to have her about - Aagenti needed somebody to listen to him.

Eventually, the cab began to move to more familiar skyways, and Aagenti saw his place of residence in the distance. At the back of his head he felt a tiny bit of a tingling, but he dismissed it as the champagne he had been sipping on throughout the drive. He wasn’t drunk, per say, nor even tipsy, but the drink helped him ease his thoughts and keep his mind focus - a bit of clarity in these blurry times. Finishing the last of his drink in a single slow sip, Aagenti put the cup back down on the stand where the champagne sat, leaning forward and once again readjusting his black shawl over his thighs as he sat back.

Eventually the cab settled down in the private open-air lot that connected to Aagenti’s penthouse, looking out the rain-smeared window at his dark ship, the red latticework of wires reflected in the black hull and covered in rain like the rest of the world outside. Aaegent didn’t mind the thunder, as it would help hide the conversations that he’d plan on continuing with Cara about the nature of potential enemies and allies, and the lost investments that they both shared. Stretching lavishly, Aagenti would move out of the cab, holding the door open for Cara to accompany him, before leaving a tip for the drive in the back set, a credit chit sat beneath the overturned champagne glass.

Walking over the hexagonal flagstones towards the rather simple terrace entrance of the apartment, Aagenti would pull out his keycard, swiping it and opening the door into his home to find the lights largely off, yet the music of Ziggard Blackstar gently playing somewhere in one of the rooms stretching from the main hallway. Aagenti would look to Cara as he heard the music, furrowing his brow and speaking softly. ”Gaern has never been too much of a fan of Ziggy, but maybe he’s finally taken my advice, like you should in terms of musical taste.”

Aagenti allowed the mirth of his jesting to carry him into the house, closing the door behind Cara before moving towards his study. However, a glimmer from a flash of lightning outside caught his eye, highlighting a slumped figure against the floor in the penthouse’s main lounge room. In the stroke of lightning, Aagenti could make out the familiar face of the man who had cared for his house and him through his many years, and with the stroke of thunder, Aagenti’s heart raced as revelation crossed his mind, and dark intent filled his thoughts.

In a voice that was barely a whispered hissed, Aagenti turned to Cara, his knuckles tightening around the Lightstaff that he held.

”Cara… there’s an intruder.”

Avernus​

 

[Cara Dorniarn]

It was certain that Telis Taharin-Zambrano was still in a talkative mood, one which champagne wasn't needed to loosen the tongue. Though the newly christened Darth had grown tired with the day's events he was still sociable, needing to share concerns that Cara was more than willing to listen to. She had sat on her side of the transport, legs crossed with one arm stretched across the seat and an elbow on the windowsill.

Her green jacket was sleeveless and flaunted a low neckline. She wasn't ashamed to show the matte gray plates of her cybernetics. Metal fingers tip-tapped in a light, nonsensical rhythm as she and Tel--Darth Aagenti-- were taken to his penthouse to resume their talks. It was necessary that she refer to her business associate by his formal name, but it proved difficult to break a habit. Aagenti was a young man with eyes set upon scaling the social latter. He had made great strides already and Cara was proud of his determination. His loyalty to the Sith was firm in regards that his devotion laid moreso unto his master, the "Devil Lion" as she had once heard him called.

Aagenti was a man who Cara could afford to invest respect and trust. With the state of the Empire it was crucial to know your allies and keep them close or send them to spy. While the presence of Aagenti's devotion was clear, how deep its roots ran was still muddy. That was the only variable Cara couldn't examine at length, and the one that kept her from speaking of her bigger, less Sith Empire focused endeavors.

It wasn't that Cara was no longer faithful to the Empire, but like the old proverb had warned: Don't put all your screws in one box.

As they entered the apartment Cara heard the tones of Ziggard Blackstar . If the disproving look on her face didn't reveal her distaste for the genre then nothing would. Perhaps if the man dipped more into the electronic vibes then she'd find him worth listening to. She was almost on time to make a witty remark to Aagenti's prod about music.

His hand went to the lightstaff as he spoke. Someone had infiltrated the penthouse? Without delay Cara stretched her arm behind and touched the wall. The neural chip at the base of her skull grew warm as she scanned every system within the penthouse. She veered past security parameters and every other system. Then the searching pulse located more than she'd bargained.

A lightsaber. Each lightsaber was a unique creation forged by its wielder, and so was this device. It was a familiar piece, one she had met before.

"Avernus." She responded in a cold whisper. In the same thought she activated the penthouse's security locking down the apartment.

The Force wrapped itself around her limbs, her fists balling themselves as she recalled one thing. A stained business portfolio.

The wet soles of her boots left footprints on the floor, and as Cara rounded the corner she spot the traitorous Sith Lord.

"When Aagenti said he wanted to talk about investors I didn't expect to see the blacksheep of our business family."

Avernus

 

[Avernus]

Avernus froze for a moment as an image crept its way into his head. The faces of Darth Aagenti and Cara Dorniarn were clear in his mind as if they were standing right in front of him. He hissed through his teeth, crouching down to disconnect the tampering modules he had hooked up to Aagenti's personal terminal. The Darth had hoped that incapacitating the man-servant would be the only real conflict to be had, but his hopes were dashed once he could hear Dorniarn's heavy footsteps approaching. He slipped the modules into his pocket and continued to face the holo terminal. He took up the glass of Korribanian Bloodwine and took a sip as he heard Cara's low, reproving voice accost him from the other side of the room. He grinned and turned to face her, taking down the hood of his dark robes. His sharp pureblood side and back teeth contrasted prominently against his crimson skin.

"Aagenti?" Avernus feigned surprise. "Is that really what dear Telis' new name is?" He facetiously clicked his tongue and shook his head. "How profoundly prosaic. I'd hope whoever bestowed you such a name was decapitated for such bold insolence." Avernus slowly walked across the room, plucking a Shuuura fruit from a bowl taking a bite out of it confidently. Even in the face of an oncoming fight, the Pureblood exuded immense amounts of confidence wrapped up within a very tongue-in-cheek demeanor. Though it was rare that anyone saw Avernus show any outward sign of taking things seriously. "You know," he spoke with a mouthful of fruit, using the Shuuura to over his mouth as to come of far less indecent. "It's convenient you show up at such an opportune time. I was just getting the ball rolling for our..." Avernus snickered, having swallowed his fruit at this point. He almost struggled to keep a straight face as he continued his sentence. "...investment renegotiations."

"I do apologize about the man-servant, he was just so terribly belligerent. I assured that he would live, however, I assumed he wasn't a slave thus financial compensation wouldn't really cut it if I- uh- had too much fun." The pureblood plopped down onto one of the fine leather seats in and put his feet up on the small table situated around the seating area. "I know you're both far too intelligent to let this whole 'heresy, apostate, traitor' nonsense to get in the way of your business. Though, given how The Empire is run it will no doubt get complicated if we don't... uh-" The Darth chuckled to himself. "Re-structure our financial infrastructure." The grin on his face was beyond punchable, he was on the verge of a guffaw with just how pleased he was with himself. He didn't really expect them to buy this act he was putting on, as it was mostly just serving the purpose of being intentionally aggravating. However, if they even looked like they believed him for even a second he was probably going to lose it.

Telis Taharin-Zambrano | Cara Dorniarn​

 

[Telis Taharin-Zambrano]

As the name was coldly uttered, Aagenti looked towards his back office, now realizing that those sudden feelings of foresight was something that he shouldn’t have ignored. His eyes would set into a low glare as, beyond his control, a new color bled into Aagenti’s skin and overtook his eyes. Avernus. In his home. It was enough to bring more than just fury, but disgust at the bold insolence of the wretched Pureblood, and now much like a Pureblood, save for his face, Aagenti’s skin was quickly turning a luminous shade of red - a sign to Cara that he was very, very angry.

As Avernus turned to face the group, Aagenti kept one hand wrapped tight around Gryylarc’s staff… well, Gryylarc’s old staff, as his alchemized claws glimmered in the dim light, shining and reflecting the light of Aagenti’s glowing hands. He refrained from taking a step forward as Avernus went on one of his own tangents, meeting his gaze with his own, somewhat slitted eyes, his breathing collected despite the rising anger he felt within his vaunting veins. It was one thing for Aagenti to know that Avernus joined the Apostates, but another entirely to realize that Avernus wholly believed he could march right into his home and do whatever he wanted.

”You know, of all the things that I could’ve possibly expected from you, this-“ Aagenti would move forward in a walk, his squint dying as he half-laughed at the fact that this was really happening right now, right here. ”- this seemed far too low. I would’ve expected some sense of grace or at least pompous introduction, but no… you’ve fallen so far as to hide yourself and then steal- Nope, hold on-“

As Aagenti interrupted his own statement, he would hold up the main finger of his spare hand as he closed his eyes, feigning rambling in his mind, before pushing the clawed finger to his chest. ”Steal, from me, and then believe you could get away without a trace?” Aagenti would look at Avernus with an expression that seemed to be begging Avernus for an explanation, before he recoiled back, shaking his head.

”By the Force, you were the literal last thing I needed tonight… you’ve thoroughly pushed me past my wit’s end, you know that, Avernus? I’m not pissed you’re here no; I’m genuinely, fully, fething furious that you broke into my house, harmed my servant, and tried to steal my information.” Aagenti would move shake his head, almost seeming conflicted about the whole matter, before raising his arm back, as the twin blades of Gryylarc’s Lightstaff jumped to life.

His voice took a sudden change, hissing and as cold as the machines he work with, as he stared down Avernus. ”But I’m going to leave you with two options - submit willingly to the laws of the Empire, or die, forgotten, a traitor. This is the last choice I’ll give you, because you’ve given me no other choice, ‘dearest’ Avernus.” Aagenti would nod over towards Cara - a silent ‘be ready,’ as he gave the benefit of the doubt to Avernus, allowing the man the chance to at least rise from his chair before making his choice. In the now twice-crimson light, Aagenti’s shroud looked inky, and his spare hand moved to the purpose of pulling back on the clasps of the shrouding shawl, in the quite probable event that a fight did occur.

 

[Cara Dorniarn]

Between the both of them you'd think the weapons of choice were words. The moment called for neither distractions nor ultimatums but a preemptive strike, at least in her mind. However, she took into account that Telis wanted an answer, though as expectedly defiant as it would be coming from the Pureblood.

Cara might have been self-assured but she wasn't at all for underestimating the abilities of a former Lord. She studied him, and not much had changed since their first meeting-- other than him causing a small loss in her profits. Fething Avernus.

She nodded back to Telis. If they were to brawl she'd allow the quick-bodied Aagenti to strike first, following after with her own scheme.

As they had been speaking she'd turned a shoulder away, standing in a rather neutral pose for someone who bled an antagonistic attitude. What unfolded out of sight was the duraplast guard of her shoulder losing its solidity, becoming a stationary mass with the consistency of mercury.

"The comradery on Christophsis was a long time ago, Avernus," she chipped in for the sake of it, "If you want out of here alive please take the more efficient route: Surrender."

Avernus | Telis Taharin-Zambrano​

 

[Avernus]

Avernus' pearly whites glimmered in what little light that filled the penthouse as he continued to maintain his punchable expression. He took another bite out of the fruit, chucking behind his closed-mouth mastication. His index finger raised off the glass and shook side to side, akin to wagging one's finger at a child. A smug shaking of his had accompanied this gesture to make it all the more infuriating. He leaned back as he waited to finish his bite of fruit, crossing his left leg over his right half-way.

"So hostile," he retorted frivolously.

"I thought you of all people would be more willing to hear me out, Telis. I suppose all the subtle courting as just lost all anchorage against a durasteel wall unless you're really that naive?"

He closed his eyes slowly, the smile from his face fading into a far more grim expression. With a long-winded inhale and subsequent exhale through his nose he opened his eyes, tossing the half-eaten fruit over his shoulder. He stood up and faced the two fellow Sith before him. Calling upon the force, he pulled his lightsaber from his belt and into his hand. With a sudden plasmatic screech, the undulating amethyst blade shot out of the hilt. The surging of the unstable blade strobed against the darkness. With a flick of his other wrist, he threw the wine-glass aside, the sudden shattering muffled beneath the loud droning of his lightsaber.

"Well, might as well not delay this any longer."

He lifted his lightsaber for a quick Makashi salute and shot a quick glance between each of his opponents. With a quick bend and quick extension of his knees, he sent himself flying in their direction, a black and lavender torrent of death of whirling death. The anger and frustration welled up inside him to emit as a horrifying bellow the likes of which no humanoid should have been capable of producing.

Telis Taharin-Zambrano | Cara Dorniarn