Private Keep Your Enemies Closer

[Elmindra Xitaar]

Darth Caedes and his co-conspirator, Captain Elmindra Xitaar, received reports from Dreshdae that the archives and databanks had been purged following Korriban's reclamation. The Tsis'kaar, specifically Darth Strosius , was the prime suspect as he had been responsible for the reclamation of the capital city. Recognizing opportunity in the situation, Darth Caedes set Elmindra and her apprentice, Kyraj , to the task of intercepting the Knight Inquisitor and persuading him to take audience with the King-Ascending of Korriban.

Alisteri had done well to avoid detection since his departure from Dreshdae, despite choosing to remain in Esstran sector space. However, The Omen and its captain were well-equipped for the hunt. A few intercepted transmissions pinging to and from the Inquisitor's corvettes acted as the blood in the water, revealing their location.​

Korriban Space

The Omen​

Command Bridge​

The star lines collapsed and the Sutta-class Sith Battlecruiser known as The Omen dropped out of hyperspace to loom before Alisteri's trio of starships. The massive warship interposed broadside in an effort to trap the group of ships against Korriban and discourage them from attempting to flee.

"Contact. One Aurora-classss freighter and two Shikkar-Classss Asssault Corvettesss," the raspy reptilian voice of Rajakzânkut sensor specialist announced, the ships and what information was know about them propagating onto the command board.
"Tractor beamsss engaged, Captain."
"Initiate lock," ordered the Captain without hesitation.

Senior Captain Elmindra Xitaar, Marquess of Falleen Throne and Sith Knight of the Kainite Order, stood tall before the view ports of her command bridge, as if she was exactly where she belonged. The room's red light dulled the emerald green of the Falleen woman's skin while enhancing the crimson glow of her eyes, accentuating the intensity of her sharp stunning features and reflecting a sinister focus behind that reptilian gaze. She was the embodiment of refined militarized nobility, her lithe frame adorned in all clean lines, dramatic angles and a monochromatic palette. She wore her long black hair in intricate braids pulled back in a way that was just as elegant as it was utilitarian.

The tight in-system jump, a calculation made possible by Elmindra and her team of force-sensitive navigators, was intended to disarm the Knight Inquisitor and quickly establish dominance. Fortunately, the mysterious masked man had a reputation for being drawn to diplomacy perhaps more than violence but that didn't make him any less dangerous.

"Wide-beam transmission, hail all ships," Elmindra commanded simply. Her orders were an extension of her pheromones combined with the passive hold she had on the minds of her supplicants in the Force, like they were being smothered by a disquieting desire for subjugation, an effect which weighed heaviest upon those closest to her and those with weaker minds.​

"Broadcasssting," the coms officer, Ssa-Ran-Diip, hissed in confirmation. In response, Elmindra began her address, her tone formal and powerful yet cordial.

"Knight Inquisitor, Alisteri Haxim, this is Captain Elmindra Xitaar of The Omen, representative of the King-Ascending of Korriban, Lord Caedes. The tractor beams are a necessary precaution but make no mistake, my intention is diplomacy not violence."

 

[Darth Strosius]

:"Battlecruiser exiting hyperspace, all hands report to battlestations.": The announcement was already heralded by running and yelled orders as the crews of the corvettes and the freighter were rushing around to find their positions. Cannons swiveled around as the corvettes formed a simple defensive position in front of the freighter right as the Omen emerged from hyperspace, their own broadside facing the trio of ships. It was clear to see that they were pinned in, the Omen was too close to avoid or flank and Korriban offered little room to fall back to.

"Get the ground teams back to the freighter now!" The captain of the designated leading ship, the corvette dubbed the Disciple, ordered his frantic bridge crew. "Ship bears Kainite signature and class captain." One of the officers called out amidst the chaos, drawing curses from more than a few of the bridge crew. Before any more orders could be given however, the ship lurched and made all but the masked figure stumble or jump in their seats. Alisteri stared out of the viewport with his hands crossed behind his back, glaring at the ship that had appeared before them. "We've been caught in a tractor beam! And we have an incoming transmission to the whole flotilla!"

The Knight felt his hands clench into fists behind his back as he sighed. What a mess this had become. It was supposed to be a simple recovery mission, just sending down a couple teams to retrieve some key relics and supplies from a few hidden Ashlan depots. A quick in and out affair. "Patch it through." He spoke, most of the crew quieting down as he turned to face them. "Let's see what they want." It wasn't like they had any other options at the moment after all.

As the transmission played he strode over to the command console, resting his hands on it as he watched the signatures tracking the ground team's shuttles begin making their way off of the holographic display of Korriban. It would take them almost three minutes to get back to the freighter. Time that they didn't have. "Your orders Knight Inquisitor?" The captain looked almost desperate for a moment, desperate for some plan or scheme.

Alisteri clicked his tongue as he thought for a moment, his gaze narrowing as the display shifted from tracking the ground team to instead displaying the flotilla and the battlecruiser. "Scan and see if the source of the tractor beam can be identified. I want every cannon trained on it by the time the ground crew gets back, but hold your fire." It would be risky but their options were limited and decisive action required, especially when all roads could potentially lead to disaster regardless. "Hail the Kainites, I'll give them their answer."

The message he sent back to the Omen was measured, his tone calm and collected as though the two forces were evenly matched. :"This is Darth Strosius, Knight Inquisitor of the Sith Order, to Captain Xitaar of the Omen. I find your vessel a bit threatening for a diplomatic mission. To what do I owe the pleasure?":

Elmindra Xitaar / Kyraj / Darth Caedes

 

[Kyraj]

Korriban space
The Omen
Command bridge
Elmindra Xitaar Darth Strosius Darth Caedes

As his master addressed Strosius' fleet Kyraj stood near the back of the command bridge at parade rest. While he was outside the command structure of the bridge crew the marquess had instructed him in proper military discipline. He had a role in all this even if it wasn't among the ranks. He was a specialist. A tool to be used in unique circumstances. Perhaps someday he would have a command post, but for now he contented himself with his adjacent role.

As they awaited a response from the Tsis'kaar convoy the apprentice reflected on what he had learned about Darth Strosius in preparation for this mission. The similarities in their history intrigued him. Slavery, pirates, a violent escape into the arms of the sith, even a cybernetic left eye to replace one lost in their time of servitude. He had made himself an accomplished sith and an accomplished leader in many ways. Kyraj admired his own master, but perhaps this was another sith knight to look to for inspiration. Haxim was not only a knight inquisitor, but a military leader of the Tsis'kaar, and a CEO of an interplanetary organization. While refugee aid is not necessarily where Kyraj planned to take his career he had begun making move toward building a business empire of his own. It was small, but with his master's investment it was well on its way. All in all the young apprentice was intrigued by the idea of a diplomatic alliance with Darth Strosius. Given his perceived similarities at the very least he could learn something. And if the knight inquisitor was not open to the idea of collaboration, then the idea of crossing blades with him was exhilarating in it's own way.

"This is Darth Strosius, Knight Inquisitor of the Sith Order, to Captain Xitaar of the Omen. I find your vessel a bit threatening for a diplomatic mission. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

A good start. A bit of banter from their overmatched opponent. Master Xitaar would surely enjoy this exchange.

 

[Elmindra Xitaar]

Elmindra’s eyes flashed as they flicked to the tactical array where a notification appeared warning of the corvettes priming their weapons, no doubt searching for a target in the source of the tractor beams. The hint of a smirk curled the edge of her lip, such an acknowledgment of her power visibly emboldening her regal posture. She lifted a hand, a signal to the coms officer to pause the transmission while she gave a quick order to concentrate shields around the active tractor beam emitters before she had herself unmuted.

“I am glad you can appreciate a good threat, Darth Strosius,” she acknowledged with a touch of lofty amusement to her entitled tone.

“I understand you were quite successful in the reclamation of Dreshdae. The Ascending King and I wish to commend you for your contribution to the effort in recovering what is rightfully ours from our mutual enemy.” The captain spoke with a confident ease, making a point of uniting them under their common purpose, despite their opposing factions within the Order.

“I invite you to board my ship willingly so that we might discuss what is to become of what you’ve collected from our sovereign’s territory, diplomatically,” she proposed, her delivery a neat package of casual cordiality but the threat was clear.

“You will not be harmed. In fact, I think you might even find it quite comfortable. As long as you mind your manners, of course.” There was genuine conviction behind her promise of his safety.

“I suggest you comply, Knight Inquisitor, if you wish to stay within the sovereign’s good graces. I think you’ll find the opportunity quite profitable.”

Darth Strosius | Kyraj | Darth Caedes

 

[Darth Strosius]

Alisteri only half listened to the reply as the bridge crew worked away on their various tasks, his own gaze flickering between the display of the ships and the shifting screens of the crew. "ETA on the ground teams?" They had to be back on board the freighter before they could act, they couldn't afford to leave anyone behind. Especially not for the Kainites. "Two minutes Knight Inquisitor." Surely more time had passed than one simple minute? He sighed and returned to the communications section of the console.

:"I am afraid that I do not know of what you wish to discuss Captain, I have taken nothing from anyone that I am not the rightful owner of.": It wasn't a lie in his eyes. But of course it was far from the whole truth either. :"I am not beholden to any king either Captain Xitaar, no matter how ascending they may be, nor do I find the good graces of royalty all that attractive if I am to be completely honest.":

Just one more minute, they just needed one more minute.

His fingers drummed on the console as his teeth ground together, his entire body tense like a coil waiting to spring free. "Have you found the tractor beam emitter yet?" The moment that it took for one of the crew to respond was far too long in his opinion. "Negative Knight Inquisitor, their shields are hard to penetrate with our scanners. We need more time." He bit back a growl at the news and idly tightened his grip on the console's edge to the point of denting the metal underneath his fingers.

Then he cleared his throat and sent another transmission with his usual composed and calm tone. :"Surely a simple diplomatic discussion doesn't warrant such a show of force? I am perfectly happy to parley as much as you'd like, but I find your great ship a bit of an....overkill for the occasion. Would a discussion over the communicators not be perfectly suitable rather than a meeting?":

Elmindra Xitaar / Kyraj / Darth Caedes

 

[Elmindra Xitaar]

"Contact. Incoming light freighterssss approaching from the sssurfacsse," Luietenant Ag-Ro-Na reported.

"Power up the ion cannons and prepare to fire on my mark. We wouldn't want our guests getting any ideas about a preemptive departure," the Falleen Sith ordered before she began transmitting again.

"Your preferences have been noted, Darth Stosius," she began with no small amount of contempt, "but you fail to realize you are in no position to be making demands. The situation you find yourself in is a consequence of acting as an opportunist in Kainite space in the midst of war. Rather than serve you with suitable retaliation, the kingdom wishes to treat with you. I suggest you consider carefully how little force I have shown and how quickly that could change for you and your incoming transport ships." She maintained cordiality while she laced in her threats.

"I trust you comprehend the gravity of the situation, Knight Inquisitor. The Omen stands not merely as a vessel of war but as a symbol of the authority and power the kingdom of Korriban wields, and its presence underscores the importance attributed to this parley. While remote communication is feasible, it lacks the depth and discretion that a face-to-face meeting affords. Moreover, my King has expressed his desire for a meeting of significance, one that befits the importance of our discussions. I see this as an opportunity to establish a rapport between our powers, and the Omen provides the stage upon which that alliance will be initiated," Elmindra presented as if it was all simply fact, not something to be debated.

"Your compliance is expected. I do not suffer ignorance or insolence lightly, and the will of my King is unwavering,” she concluded with finality and an edge of impatience.

Darth Strosius | Kyraj | Darth Caedes

 

[Darth Strosius]

"They're powering up ion cannons, our shields can't withstand a barrage from that many. We'll be disabled before we can jump to hyperspace if they fire!" "Transports are one minute out Knight Inquisitor." Alisteri smothered a frustrated growl once more, his mind attempting to conjure some grand plan that would allow for them to escape. Nothing came to mind, not with the Omen so close and ready to fire anyway. They simply didn't have the firepower. No wonder Sith Lords often had a Star Destroyer or two on hand when situations such as this could occur.

He remained silent as another transmission came through, this one sounding far more like an ultimatum rather than the thinly veiled threats from before. It would seem as though he had finally run the patience of their captors dry then. "Typical Kainite posturing." He hissed under his breath as he glared at the display of the ships as though it could offer some insight or answer to the problem they faced.

After a moment he sighed and tapped on the transmitter once more. :"Very well Captain Xitaar. If your 'King of Korriban' wishes to meet then I suppose I have no choice given your position. I shall depart for the Omen now.": The captain and most of the bridge crew looked at the masked man in horror as the message was sent, him standing straight and rolling his shoulders. "You cannot be serious Darth Strosius, you-" "Are less valuable than weapons and artifacts that can arm our forces." It did mean that their little expedition would be left without Sith leadership but given that they were at the end of it anyway, it hardly mattered at this point.

"My master will understand. One Sith is not worth the loss of our ships, crews, and equipment." Many would argue against that point but Alisteri was in no mood to hear of such a stance even when he wasn't seething. "The moment that you are able I want these ships in hyperspace, far away from the reach of the Kainites. Then you can make your way to the Tsis'kaar strongholds as planned. Am I clear captain?" The captain gulped but offered a bow of his head. "As you command, Darth Strosius."

Without further ado the masked man strode of off the bridge and made his way towards the hangar of the corvette, a small shuttle soon emerging from the Disciple as the transports from Korriban docked with the freighter. Alisteri sat back in the pilot seat of the shuttle as he flew it towards the Omen, sending out another transmission to request a docking place aboard the battlecruiser.

Elmindra Xitaar / Kyraj / Darth Caedes

 

[Elmindra Xitaar]

Although she was satisfied by the Knight's reluctant but forthcoming submission, suspicion nagged at the back of Elmindra's mind. This Alisteri Haxim had not survived as long as he had or obtained his station through incompetency and she wondered about his true motivations in this move of compliance. He did not seem as intimidated by her as much as put out. Was it a diversion? Perhaps he was underestimating her. This part of the game was her favorite, observing how people react to being forced into a position of little to no control, as it always revealed much of their character. Despite her suspicions, she was confident in her success, especially now that he had agreed to meet with her, face-to-face.

"I am pleased you have found reason, Darth Strosius. I look forward to meeting you in person." Elmindra concluded the transmission then turned to address Lieutenant Ag-Ro-Na.

"You have the bridge. Wait until he has boarded the Omen, then deploy the gravity mines. Maintain the ion canons and fire on the engines if they come online. We will not be relinquishing that cargo or the Tsis'Kaar fugitives harboring it until it is on our terms."

The Sith captain turned on her heel with purpose, her dark cloak flaring as she spun, and strode to the door. Kyraj would feel the pull on his mind as she passed, a stern tug on a mental leash.

"You will welcome the Knight Inquisitor when he arrives and personally escort him to my showroom, apprentice" she commanded as they left the bridge and stepped into the hallway. She referred to her personal showroom within the Captain's Quarters of the battlecruiser, a museum of her grand collection of artifice and items of great value.

"He is to be treated as a distinguished guest but make sure he does not forget who now holds his fate and the fate of his mission in their hands."


Kyraj | Darth Strosius | Darth Caedes

 

[Kyraj]

Korriban space
The Omen
Command bridge
Elmindra Xitaar Darth Strosius Darth Caedes


Kyraj felt the tug on his mind as his master strode off the bridge. As always he chafed at the connection. She exerted a control on him that he fought against. Not that he would disobey. He knew better, but he resisted the impulse the command brought with it. He would follow, but it would be because he chose to not because it was forced upon him. At least that was what he told himself. The only way to truly test it would be disobedience and he was not yet ready to cross that bridge. He still had too much to learn from the falleen marquess and his business ventures were still too dependent on her wealth. Soon though, in the coming years, he would make ready to test the strength of the leash she had placed on him. For now his dark cloak billowed in an echo of hers as he turned to follow.

"You will welcome the Knight Inquisitor when he arrives and personally escort him to my showroom, apprentice" she commanded as they left the bridge and stepped into the hallway. She referred to her personal showroom within the Captain's Quarters of the battlecruiser, a museum of her grand collection of artifice and items of great value.

"He is to be treated as a distinguished guest but make sure he does not forget who now holds his fate and the fate of his mission in their hands."

"As you command master. I sense that he is stalling for something. I will make sure he does not continue to drag his feet." He marched in her shadow for a few strides more, his focus drifted to her exposed back for a moment before he reigned in his thoughts. "Are there any courtesies you would like me to extend to him or is he to be treated coldly and brought forth swiftly?"

 

[Elmindra Xitaar]

Elmindra could feel the conflict brewing in her apprentice as he followed behind her. She could feel his eyes on her back and the way he rankled at her mental prodding. Good, she thought darkly, use your anger, do not allow yourself to be so easily coerced. She nodded sagely to his observation of the Knight Inquisitor, agreeing with his assessment. However, there was a shift in her demeanor at his line of questioning.

Kyraj could feel his master's dissatisfaction in the Force even before the pigment of her reptilian skin warmed from the it's usual forest green to a burnt orange and she slowed her pace, turning to face him. There was an icy fury behind her deep crimson eyes as she eyed him dejectedly.

"You know how I detest repeating myself, apprentice. If you are unable to interpret my request, perhaps you are not fit for the task." Her irritation was clear in her cold clipped tone. Then she sighed deeply, as if schooling her own irritation, before continuing with a more mollified tone. Despite how his ignorance infuriated her, she was his master and she would not fail to properly educate him.

"Our guest should feel welcome and catered to, as befits his station, but in a way which reminds him of the power we hold over him." She flicked her hand dismissively.

"Let an escort of Rajakzânkut and our reputation be your show of force so that you may maintain a show of courtesy. Hold your threats close to your chest but do not let our guest forget that he is one poor decision away from becoming our prisoner." Long elegant fingers tipped with sharp black nails clenched into a fist as she concluded. Then she turned away from him to continue her stride down the hallway toward the Captain's Quarters, making it clear she was disinterested in any further discussion on the matter.

Kyraj | Darth Strosius | Darth Caedes

 

[Kyraj]

Kyraj felt his master's dissapointment. He had made a misstep. He had let his confidence slip.
"As you wish master Xitaar." He would not make the mistake again. He could play a gracious host. He had thrown grand parties before. He knew how to treat a guest. He turned from his master and made for the hangar.

As he travelled he gathered reptilian soldiers in his wake. He signaled for servants to gather luxuries to have on hand when their guest arrived. He would have expensive liquors and delicacies at hand with servants standing by to fetch whatever the knight inquisitor might request. All while surrounded by a large and well armed honor guard.

He arrived at the hangar and waited as everyone fell into place around him. Talons clacking on the metal floor and trays rattling as luxuries were wheeled into the room. he forced himself to relax a little. His job was to put on a show, not pick a fight. He needed to remember that.

Darth Strosius Elmindra Xitaar Darth Caedes

 

[Darth Strosius]

The shuttle entered into the hangar and landed at the designated zone without much fanfare, the doors opening with a pressurized hiss not long after the landing gear had locked into place and the engines turned off with a subtle wheeze. From the dark interior of the shuttle stepped out the infamously masked and cloaked form of the Knight Inquisitor, the lights lining the hangar briefly reflecting in his mask's visor before his head tilted down to regard the assembled display before him.

Another Sith, albeit one too weak from what he could sense to be in command of the vessel, surrounded by quite the force of guards. What he hadn't expected to see however was the array of luxuries and novelties complete with servants to present and offer them. For a moment he simply stared at the greeting party in silence, having taken only one step from the shuttle, and allowed his barely concealed feeling of disgust to seep from his form.

It reminded him of Eliad when the Kainites had employed a similar tactic against the spoiled nobles of the world to placate them and buy their loyalty. But much like the nobles of Eliad, Alisteri was not some welcome guest here. He was a prisoner that they had yet to strip of his belongings and no amount of wine or finery would change that fact. He blatantly ignored the servants and their glistening displays as he marched past them to stand before the apprentice and the guards, doing little to hide his disdain for the whole assembly.

"Captain Xitaar 'desired' to meet with me." Alisteri spoke in a simple and monotonous tone that was very clearly under laced by a venomous edge. He gave no illusions that he wanted to be in the presence of the people around him and he clearly expected a dismissal of the welcoming visage in return. "Take me to her, if you would be so kind."

Elmindra Xitaar / Kyraj / Darth Caedes

 

[Kyraj]

"Captain Xitaar 'desired' to meet with me." Alisteri spoke in a simple and monotonous tone that was very clearly under laced by a venomous edge. He gave no illusions that he wanted to be in the presence of the people around him and he clearly expected a dismissal of the welcoming visage in return. "Take me to her, if you would be so kind."

Kyraj nodded and drank down the glass of wine he had poured for himself, passing the empty glass off to a servant. "So solemn Darth Strosius. I see you have no taste for pleasantries. It seems I have misjudged you." He smiled cordially and gestured for the visiting lord to follow him. "Still it is the hope of our captain and the king of korriban that something mutually beneficial may come of our meeting here today. Our honor guard shall take us to see the captain immediately should that be your wish."

Darth Caedes Elmindra Xitaar Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

Alisteri's scowl only deepened as the Sith casually downed a glass of wine and set it aside before he responded, finding his clenched fist shaking for a moment before he stopped it and let out an annoyed sigh. "You Kainites misjudge much. Such as your precious Dark Lord." He replied as he rolled his shoulders to try and ease the frustration settling into his core. As usual his cool and calm was faltering in the presence of his enemies, but he knew better than to cause a scene at the moment.

Perhaps later he could let loose upon the Kainites and wipe the smirks from their faces, but not now while his forces were still held in tractor beams. He'd just have to remember how to play nice until then. "Lead the way then." The masked man glanced at the apparent honor guards out of the corner of his eye as he followed after the apprentice. Odd and imposing servants as one would expect, but nothing that he hadn't seen before.

Nor anything that he hadn't slain before either.

Elmindra Xitaar / Kyraj / Darth Caedes

 

[Elmindra Xitaar]

A true testament to the boundless power and wealth of the Kainite Order, The Omen was a symphony of grandeur and menace, an immaculate and deadly weapon destined to lead the Sith into a new era as a united force — or so the Captain and her liege believed. The interior of the vast vessel of war was built of dark obsidian and polished metal, illuminated by a soft, crimson glow that seemed to emanate from the very walls. It exuded the majesty of an imperial palace and the chilling ambiance of a Sith sanctum, equipped to entertain and impress as much as it was to defend.

As Elmindra made her way through the rounded corridors, she prepared herself for the meeting ahead. She could feel the path forward as surely as she could feel her place in space and time, an awareness unique to those with the ability to navigate the fabric of the galaxy. The ship had begun to coast toward the capital city of Vardin, where the King of Korriban awaited their arrival, which meant the Knight Inquisitor had boarded. The bridge had been given orders to move out the moment his transport was docked. They would maintain the tractor beam, towing the corvettes and freighter along as they drew nearer to Vardin, so their journey would be slow but steady. It would give her time to persuade the Tsis'kaar Sith that their goals did not have to be so at odds and that the sovereign of Korriban could indeed be a powerful ally, rather than a fatal enemy.

The Captain's Quarters were nestled within the innermost section of The Omen. Upon entering, one may have expected to be met with an opulence which put the rest of the ship to shame but there was a surprisingly militarized minimalism to the private chambers, despite their immensity. The staff haunting the halls and various chambers were notably exclusively Falleen supplicants, not Rajazankut clones. They scuttled about with determined submission, dogmatic in their tasks, shrouded in dark hoods. They avoided eye contact yet their observation could be felt at the nape of the neck.

Captain Xitaar cast a long shadow as she strode into her private showroom before the lights woke from their slumber to meet her entrance. Bright white lights spotlighted countless cases and pedestals of ancient and mystical artifacts and exhibits erected symmetrically throughout the spacious room. The walls on either side were lined with panel after panel of tanks holding various preserved specimens in a variety of sizes and species, some recognizably sentient. Featured frontline and center, was a towering geode that easily stood six meters tall, a maw of thousands of crystalline structures recognizable to those adept in the Force as kyber crystal. It was a powerful and fascinating specimen that the greed-driven Falleen couldn't resist plucking from the Caverns of Darkhour and claiming as her own. Before the geode, no more than ten paces from the entrance, a bundle of obsidian crystals floated above a raised dais, rotating ever so slowly. It was shaped very differently than the kyber in its current state, more like shale, and it had an iridescent shimmer, as if oil slick.

Elmindra approached the dais then came to a stop before it, gazing upon the mysterious new material the Force had led to her during communion with Korriban. She held these few remaining moments in silence, save for the deep thrum of her ship, to contemplate and to center herself in the Force, in her insatiable ambition and her unrelenting desire for power. She could feel him there as well, Alisteri Haxim, as he approached — a dark storm of righteous fury and impatient distaste. A smirk curled the edge of her lip. His power and confidence intrigued and excited her. He would be an amusing challenge, she predicted, but he would bend to her will.

She would wait until he entered before turning to greet him, her tall willowy build and alluring reptilian appearance all the more striking in the glow of red light and standing before such an impressive collection.

"Knight Inquisitor." The soft command of her voice cut through the echo of the vaulted chamber as she delivered her address with a slow cadence, a distinct loftiness to her tone.

"Welcome to The Omen."

Darth Strosius | Kyraj | Darth Caedes

 

[Darth Strosius]

Alisteri made idle note of the differences in the servants as he was led to the more grandiose chambers of the vessel, the standard mass-printed crew members giving way to Falleen whose stares he felt on his back after they were passed. Better to trust more personal staff than rely on ones with mixed loyalties. It proved that this Captain Xitaar wasn't the typical foolish Kainite that he was used to seeing, for they would flaunt all the gifts of their Dark Lord as if they had gained them all on their own rather than being granted them as recompense for their subservience.

Perhaps this 'King of Korriban' that she served was much the same then, it would at least make suffering through this coming meeting a bit more bearable. Even if the tradeoff was a potentially more calculating and tactical individual rather than one that could be easily manipulated through a bit of faux compliance and compliments. Regardless he chose to keep his cards held tightly against his chest as the last door opened and he was led in to be met with the mighty Omen's captain herself.

The masked man notably didn't respond to the greeting as it echoed across the showroom, instead his head and gaze were flickering around to the more eye-catching attractions in the room. It seemed as if he was disinterested in any one display and pointedly ignoring the hostess herself as he looked around. Finally his gaze snapped to the Falleen Sith as his hands crossed behind his back, seemingly satisfied with his observations.

"Yes your subordinates have been rather welcoming thus far," He couldn't help but spare a glance at the Apprentice and then at the entourage of guards. ",yet I find the circumstances a bit less cordial than they appear." His masked gaze returned to the captain, his once obvious distaste and anger suddenly fading into a more obscure and unreadable presence within the Force. "Do enlighten me, if you would please dear captain, as to where this vessel has begun moving to? I had assumed this meeting would be a quick affair."

Elmindra Xitaar / Kyraj / Darth Caedes

 

[Elmindra Xitaar]

"Ah, but it is rather unwise to assume too much in your position, is it not?" The Falleen woman asked rhetorically as she began to slowly make her way toward him, a smooth cadence to her speech like that of a well-practiced bureaucrat. "How quick an affair it is relies upon your wisdom and willingness," she mused with feigned innocence, as if the matter was entirely out of her hands. Her intense gaze did not waver from the masked man as she spoke. Despite her courtly demeanor, there was an unsettling ferocity to the way she moved which gave the impression of a predator stalking its prey.

As she focused in on her unwilling guest, drawing ever nearer, the Force moved with her with the same inevitable momentum, settling over his mind like a steadily building pressure. This movement in the Force seemed to reveal her connection— no, her dominion over the minds of her supplicants, like shedding light upon something that was previously veiled in darkness. In addition, her Falleen pheromones hung in the air around them, an unseen cloud of mind-altering substance seeking entry into that mysterious mask. She was unarmored and her lean willowy build offered little in physical strength but her potency in the Force and her authority in her place of power was apparent.

"You may yet earn the answer to your question. But first, you will answer mine." Her tone was soft, almost alluring, yet it never lost its air of command. She was no more than a few feet from him now and didn't appear as though she intended to slow her pursuit. She intentionally clasped her hands in front of her, showing that she had no weapon and did not intend any harm.

"Your service on behalf of the Sith Order is well-known, respectable even. So many battles, so many years in service. For what, I wonder." Her slow steady saunter brought her just beside him, no more than two paces, as she reflected on some of what she'd gleaned from her research of the man aloud. Then she paused, looking sidelong at him over her shoulder, allowing for the weight of her next question to settle into the space.

"What do you fight for, Alisteri Haxim?"

Darth Strosius | Kyraj | Darth Caedes

 

[Darth Strosius]

An eyebrow quirked up behind his mask at the response that the captain delivered, a silent smirk crossing his face for a moment. At least this one knew how to play the game of words he supposed, that would keep things interesting. Her gaze was returned as he watched every movement and physical punctuation while she spoke. She clearly knew that she was the one with all the cards in her hand and that they were hers to deal out as she pleased. But of course, one never enters into 'negotiations' without an ace or two up their sleeve. He certainly didn't at least.

The masked man's gaze narrowed for a moment as she moved and caused a bit of a stir in the Force, something subtle yet clear if had the chance to prod at it enough. Something in relation to her servants in particular. His head inclined a bit as he realized what the display was all for as she approached. Ah, it was a show of power then? To be expected.

Alisteri bit his tongue as she finally stopped before him, far too close for his comfort, and idly gripped his hands behind his back a bit tighter as if he was restraining himself in more ways than just verbal. Her question and remark about his service tot he order brought him a moment of pause not long after her own, his head tilting up for just a moment. Then he laughed. A deceptively amused chuckle wormed its way from his mask and lasted a few moments too long to simply be the result of some joke in her question that only he had heard.

He sighed at the end of his laughter and fixed his visor on the captain once more. "Strosius. Darth. Strosius." He corrected without a hint of the previous mirth in his tone, rather he spoke as though she had insulted him only a moment before. "What I fight for is a concept that you," He gestured around to the displays and the guards, as well as her apprentice of course, with his head. ", couldn't understand Kainite." The Knight shrugged and dismissively waved a hand in her direction in a manner far too casual after his tone had been laced with venom. "But since you asked, I fight for the Sith. I have always and only ever fought for the Sith, and I shall continue to do so until the last drop of life and gasp of breath has left my body cold and dead."

Elmindra Xitaar / Kyraj / Darth Caedes

 

[Elmindra Xitaar]

Elmindra's cold gaze did not waiver as her guest responded. Despite his seemingly flippant attitude, his vitriol was palpable when he spoke of the Kainite Order and she was reminded just how dangerous this man was, despite her current position of power. She took note of his decidedly dramatic oath of loyalty to the Sith, attributing it to his zealous reputation but recognizing its value in their negotiation.

The Sith Captain let the silence between them breath for a long moment before her gaze finally shifted to her apprentice. A subtle but firm tilt of her head accompanied by a mental push in the Force was enough to convey her desire to her apprentice to give them the room. She would wait until he and his entourage of clones were out of ear shot before she turned her attention back to the Inquisitor.

"Your distaste for the Kainite Order has been noted," she began, obviously bored by the subject, "but surely we can agree that we are more than merely who we take our orders from." The Falleen woman turned her back to him, an intentional show of trust, making her way toward the nearest of the transparent display cases as she spoke, her potent voice carrying easily through the vaulted chamber.

"Before Kainite, before Darth Carnifex or Lord Caedes, I was Marquess of Falleen Throne– a position rich with culture and the pride of my people." She stopped in front of the display case which housed what looked to be an ancient tablet of stone, fissured and craved with unrecognizable script, and turned to face him again, gesturing as she spoke. "This collection is not just frivolous Kainite plunder but a representation of my culture and the great Falleen before me who paved the way to our success in service to the greater Sith Empire."

Her tone shifted as she continued, discarding some of her courtly decorum and allowing some of the passion she felt about the power she desired, the power she believed unity among the Sith offered, to add weight to her words. "Your ignorance is as entertaining as it is useful, Darth Strosius. I am far more interested in how you serve the Sith– with discord, disunity, and division? Or might you have the vision to see me as your ally, beneath the same emperor, striving for our Order's greatness as one?"

Darth Strosius | Kyraj | Darth Caedes

 

[Kyraj]

As the two sith verbally sparred Kyraj realized that his part in this act was done for now. He quietly let himself out of the chamber to wait outside the door. He would keep his senses attuned to his master in case she should summon him again.

Darth Strosius Elmindra Xitaar