Mission Knowledge is Power | New Sith Order [DE]

[Darth Ptolemis]

NEW SITH ORDER MISSION TO VORTEX

Neon-blue static hums, then coalesces into the masked image of Darth Ptolemis as you open the unexpected holo-recording. The sense of great urgency is immediately palpable in the distorted voice of the Emperor’s Shadow Hand. The message is addressed to you, personally.

Somewhere around you, a pinging sound announces the arrival of a separate message on your personal datapad as soon as the recording begins. - Time is short. As you open this recording, you are also going to receive the coordinates to a mission most crucial to our Order. For months now, a sizeable group of Jedi have been negotiating with Vor officials for a shipment that we just now discovered are… Sith Holocrons. - The projected image of Ptolemis crosses his arms. - I trust you understand the magnitude of such a rare discovery. The power contained within these artifacts must be ours. - Ptolemis slowly points at you. - In less than twenty-four hours, the Jedi’s ship will depart from the planet of Vortex, which leaves only an incredibly narrow window of opportunity. Because of this, we have no choice but to trust that it isn’t a trap. - Ptolemis lowers his hand. - They have to be intercepted before they cross into Galactic Alliance territory. Board their ship and extract the Holocrons by any means necessary. Destroy anything that stands in your way.

The recording abruptly cuts off and erases itself from your device, leaving you with a simple set of coordinates and your own initiative to lean on. What additional opposition awaits you on or outside of the ship is unknown. It is time for the NEW SITH ORDER to strike from the shadows and take back what is rightfully theirs.​

OOC:
​

Among the holocrons that may or may not be present aboard the Jedi ship:

• Holocron of King Adas
• Holocron of King Nakgru
• Holocron of Dathka Graush
• Holocron of Belia Darzu
• Kezeroth's Holocron of Rage

Big thanks to Sinestra for helping me put this together!​

 

[Darth Vinaze]

Darth Ptolemis | New Sith Order
​

Darth Vinaze stood quietly listening to the message from the Shadow Hand as he stared out at the stars. His assistant, a young, by-the-book Imperial scientist, held the datapad next to him as still as he could. This one was quite comfortable around the Sith, it seemed. That had not been the case for his predecessor. Vinaze would not tolerate fear in his new operation, an mobile laboratory ship that had joined the swelling ranks of Imperial vessels stationed in orbit of Carlac. His last assistant's hands had trembled too much, no good for any business that would be taking place aboard the ship, be it.

His first taste of the Imperial leadership at the Tribunal conclave had been sour, and he'd left the affair earlier than some of the more foolhardy Sith. He knew that they weren't statecrafting, not like the heretics in the galactic west who remained ignorant of the true Sith'ari. The takeover of The Empire presented a chance for the Sith to return to the kind of secrecy that bred their power in its greatest form, without the burdens brought by mixing Sith and Imperial ideologies.

With trust in Darth Solipsis , the Imperials would do the heavy lifting, just as the Mawite tribes had done before.

Vinaze's new laboratory was filled with Imperials. No more would Vinaze's operations be filled with the shadowy artificer monks of Exegol, or even fully-fledged Sith disciples for that matter. It was an interesting change, but one he welcomed. As the Church of the Dark Side spread its way through the hearts and minds of the Imperials, the New Sith Order reaped the benefits. With the Imperial black budget, Vinaze had all new opportunities to serve the Sith'ari, but the Shadow Hand's assignment was one that couldn't be trusted to their new allies.

Vinaze ordered a transport ship be prepared for him alone. It had been many years since he'd hunted holocrons, and now, just as his work with the Dark Empire was commencing, he lamented. It was not that he didn't wish to take these holocrons into the rightful hands of the Sith, but rather that he had to do it himself. Though he had been the one to kill his own apprentice years ago on Ninn, he regretted not taking another. Kuric would have been useful for a task like this.

As he boarded his transport and departed towards the best point of interception calculated by the ship's navigational computer, he pondered. What kind of Jedi had they sent to procure these holocrons? What kind of Jedi had decades of peace created, that they could not save Tython from the arrival of the Dark Empire?...

 

[Ziggst Aruetii]

T A G S | Darth Vinaze + Future Op​

Within the dimly illuminated chamber of the Bulwark Mark V Battle Cruiser "The Attaton'', the Alor of Clan Ha'angir gazed silently beyond the watchful presence of the beskar helmet, deep in thought regarding the essence of the holographic message as it materialized through the projector.

" Salutations, Great Alor Ha'rangir. The Trade Federation is in need of the fighting skills possessed by your clan once more." The sound emanating from the opposite side would be quite recognizable to those within the Dark Empire's hierarchy, as the distinct accent identified this person as none other than Meii-Nu Suu from the Imperial Tribunal.

"It has been quite some time since the Trade Federation last engaged our services, Meii-Nu Suu." Sarrogg's cybernetics emitted a distinct whirring sound, the mechanisms beneath his skin ensuring he remained energized and filled with adrenaline for any upcoming conflicts.

He placed his armored hand on the throne adorned with krayt dragon motifs, each tooth and skin claimed by the honorable warriors underneath his direct authority. Despite having combated the ranks of the Sith Empire, they had refused to submit themselves to a self-proclaimed Mand'alor of the Protectors who had not proven his worth through the traditional trials of combat.

"Something rather important has come to our notice, the New Sith Order is actively seeking to obtain holocrons from an Alliance Vessel before they reach the border. We are tasking you with the mission of acquiring the holocrons from the Sith and safely delivering them into our possession." The Councilwoman commented, devoid of any trace of sentiment, that the Trade Federation possessed the potential to employ the holocrons as a bargaining tool with the Emperor, thereby augmenting their sway and authority within the Dark Empire.

"Clan Ha'rangir will take the mission, at our usual rate." The Alor provided quite clear instructions without allowing any room for debate or haggling over the fixed rate as the holotransmissions between them fell silent.

The Warlord moved from his personal quarters to the command center of the Bulwark Mark V in order to issue rather precise commands and coordinates to ensure the timely completion of the mission.

The Soft swirls of hyperspace would occur as the Attaton moved to the planet of Vortex

 

[Alicia Drey]

​

Location: Lianna, Lianna City, Empire of the Lost
Tags: Darth Vinaze Darth Ptolemis Sarrogg Ha'rangir

The tendrils of the Sith'ari stretched far into the deepest reaches of the Galaxy at the eve of a new war against the Galactic Alliance.

Darth Ayra, under the disguise of Alicia Drey , sat in quiet meditation in her quarters. Lianna City was always a buzz of activity, and as she sat there in the dark room- legs folded together, and head bowed in quiet reflection of recent events- the strobing lights of traffic blurred and passed the slits of the screen which covered the windows that hung around her. It was only when her datapad indicated an incoming message that the Sith Lord opened her eyes and turned her gaze in the direction of the device.

A hand reached out and exerted the Force around the device to pull it to her. When she caught the datapad Ayra brought up the incoming hail and begun to read. Up until now everything she had done (on behalf of the New Sith Order) had been pursued on her own accord. Everything had been traversed in a design that was inadmissible to her superiors in the Dark Empire. But this was the first time that the organisation had reached out to send direct orders and what an opportunity they now represented to her?

After reading the message sent to her by Darth Ptolemis Ayra deleted it from the datapad, and then took the time to wipe any traces of it being a recipient in it's memory files for good measure. She then stood to her feet and turned to get ready for the mission.

~​

Darth Ayra marched through the hangar bay on route to her ship. She wore the disguise of the Staff Director: a prominent position in the Empire of the Lost that made her the head of their New Imperial Security Bureau. Ahead the Initium waited for her outside. The Imperials which manned the facility had done their work well to prepare the ship for travel. As Ayra exited the bay and out into the pouring rain outside a line of Stormtroopers stood at attention. She ignored them and boarded the ship as it's hydraulics vented gas to lower it's landing ramp to receive her.

When she was on board the ship Ayra climbed into the pilot's seat and contacted traffic control. "This is Foxtrot. Ready for flight, over."

"Received, Foxtrot. Landing Zone cleared. Destination?"

Ayra pouted her lips in thought. Every flight coming or going from Lianna were logged. But she had an idea to circumvent this security protocol. "Transmitting my codes to you now, traffic control. Received?" Ayra replied into the intercom.

There was a bout of silence that lingered for a minute before it was broken by the controller's voice. "Codes received, Foxtrot. You are clear for take off."

Switching the frequency off Ayra took control of the ship and activated it's twin-ion engines. Landing gears retracted as the Initium's stabilizers allowed the ship to hover momentarily above the permacrete beneath before the ship took off into the skies. As the Initium flew on course to break Lianna's orbit Darth Ayra called up the navigational computer and programmed it to begin calculating a course towards her mission. By the time the ship had cleared the planet's atmosphere a course had been set.

Brought to the edge of the Lianna system Ayra engaged the hyperdrive and disappeared from the Empire's sensors on course for Vortex.

 

[Darth Ptolemis]

Location: The orbit of Vortex.
Tags: Darth Vinaze Alicia Drey Sarrogg Ha'rangir Onrai

Atmosphere

​

The space above the planet was eerily calm. Dressed in dark rags, two of the force-sensitive acolytes of the Shadow Hand sat at the helm of the Ommin-class Sith Infiltration Command Shuttle – idling silently beneath Vortex's southern hemisphere. With their hoods thrown back, their corruption was visible; darkened veins proliferating under pallid skin, eyes drained of all life, lips bearing none of their original color. One human, one devaronian. They awaited their orders in complete silence and obedience. Their enigmatic master, Lord Ptolemis stood over them, looking out the cockpit window.

The flickering lights of the dashboard twinkled along the curves and depressions of his unholy mask. – How many are arriving? – He asked plainly. The co-pilot, a bald human with unsettling, carved markings on his face turns back in his seat to answer. – Other acolytes have reported the likely arrival of Darth Vinaze and one Alicia Drey , my Lord. – Darth Ptolemis recognizes these names, and nods once. – The Prophet and the Sith in Disguise. – He says. – Lord Vinaze's sorcerous ways and experience will be most useful for our mission… – He places his hands on his hip. – ...and Lord Ayra's skill in espionage will help us deliver our… guests. – Through the Force, Ptolemis senses the bubbling rage contained in the Infiltration Shuttle's quarters behind them.

A low, drawn-out beeping sound introduces tension into the hearts of the pilots. The leeching senses of the Shadow Hand notice it before it is even heard. The devaronian acolyte piloting the ship pushes a button, and lines of green text appear on a grainy, black screen to the left of them. All present look toward it. The pilot speaks up. – My Lord. It appears the Jedi have indeed departed from the planet surface aboard an older, Arquitens-class light cruiser… But there are a few developments. Some of our sources have conflicting reports. One said that there are seven or eight Jedi, another stated that there are even as many as ten. – The pilot inhales, exhales, then continues. – One thing they all agree on however is that a complementary platoon of unidentified soldiers accompany them on the ship. – The devaronian pilot pushes a button next to the screen, but no additional info appears. – That was the end of their report.

– A token of appreciation for an exorbitant sum paid, or a precaution. – Ptolemis thinks out loud. – The planet's heavy winds make the take-off a difficult task. We still have some time for more to arrive. Hail them as soon as any members of the Order appear.
​

 

[Jogon]

Ten Tempests System
Approaching Vortex

​

The TIE Boarding Craft isn't much on its own, but with enough free time, you could modify it to be something… Special. The first thing it needs is a hyperdrive, obviously. Unless you have no aspirations to leave the system you got it in for some reason. Next you install a sensor mask, so nobody knows you're cutting a hole into their cruiser until it's too late. ​

​

That's almost as important as the hyperdrive. ​

​

When you're finished with the essentials, you change up the interior. Give it a homely touch. You're probably not traveling with two stormtrooper squads, so it makes sense to replace all that with a space with a sleeping area, a refresher, a small kitchenette… You know. The works.​

​

If you're feeling good after all that, you give the ship a name. This particular vessel, Jogon had been told, had the name Cheri Cheri Lady. He didn't get it. Neither had the guy he'd stolen it from. A ship like this changed hands often and its original mechanic was a distant memory. Still, it would serve its purpose.​

​

It dropped out of hyperspace in the Ten Tempests System with a terrible lurch. Jogon rose from the cramped bunk and into the pilot's cabin, where a spindly, multi-limbed droid fiddled with the controls. He could see the distant, wild planet from the viewport: a blue and purple marble. Quaint.​

​

"The Jedi are yet to depart," the droid told him immediately, "Inclement weather."​

​

Jogon grumbled. It was wiser to respect your enemy, but if they were letting a little rain and wind delay them… Weak and over-cautious. Easy pickings.​

​

"Get us in position to intercept."​

​

The droid hesitated. It was an older model and had some sense of self-preservation. It weighed its survival chances carefully against an old Arquitens and the Sith brute standing behind it, then plotted the course.​

​

Jogon smiled to himself and went to go wait in the boarding pod.​

 

[Onrai]

Darth Vinaze Alicia Drey Sarrogg Ha'rangir Darth Ptolemis Jogon

There it was.

At the edge of the system, the sensor arrays of the archaic Monitor-class corvette Toxmalb detected the launch of the Jedi cruiser from the world of Vortex. Though horribly outgunned, its sensors were still advanced enough to be able to detect the Arquitens at range and relay the information through subspace comms to another waiting warship. Almost equally old, and still bearing the faintest traces of its original Sith Empire schema that hadn't worn off, was the Thrawn-class interdiction cruiser Shackler, another relic reactivated from the Imperial Graveyard for 'clandestine duty.' While the Shackler was comparatively underarmed by modern standards, it had enough firepower to duel with the ancient Jedi ship, that its crew were certain of.

Aboard the bridge of the Shackler, Onrai observed the faintest trace of the Jedi ship in the void. That many of the lights on board the ancient vessel were in states of disrepair - the least important thing to restore - as she pondered the best means of approach. For now, the direct route would likely suffice. A hail would be sent to the ship from the bridge of the aging vessel, the old comms providing what could perhaps have been interpreted as an ethereal quantity to the female voice on the other side - and perhaps it was.

"Jedi cruiser, this is the Imperial interdictor Shackler. Power down your engines and prepare to be boarded."

 

[Ziggst Aruetii]

T A G S | Darth Vinaze + Alicia Drey + Onrai + Jogon + Darth Ptolemis ​

The luminous beams of hyperspace gradually faded, signaling the arrival of the Bulwark Mark V Battle Cruiser "The Attaton'' near the orbital boundary of Vortex.

The Command Staff of the bridge patiently stationed themselves along the bridge, hands clasped behind backs as they awaited the signal from their Alor to begin the offensive to claim the sith holocrons for the Trade Federation of Planets and eliminate any adversaries who dared to challenge them in a direct confrontation.

A simple command with the Alor's outstretched hand towards the Senior Flag Officer would bring up the viewing screen, showcasing distance between the boundary and the planet surface, and even the projections of different starships within the several generalized vincity.

He noted the presence of three vessels so far, large enough to appear on the primary scanners such as the Monitor-class corvette Toxmalb and the Thrawn-class interdiction cruiser Shackler, and even the New Jedi Order's ancient Arquitens-class light cruiser.

"Alor, we await your command." The Deputy Commander, casting a quick glance over their beskar lined helmet, positioned themselves to receive the orders from their superior in the midst of the battle. Sarrogg, being well-versed in strategic decision-making, was not one to hastily exploit any advantage, preferring to let others put their lives at stake instead. Gripping the ornate throne's edge, they displayed a firm resolve.

"Lower our anti-scanner countermeasures, let them know that Clan Ha'rangir has come." The Alor's cybernetic voice acknowledged the challenge of facing seasoned Jedi warriors, even with his mostly invincible beskar armor. The presence of unknown adversaries further complicated the situation, posing a tactical disadvantage.

"Prime all hangers for immediate deployment, and get our pilots to their starfighters." An additional directive issued to the commanding officer, of equal significance to the initial order as the starfighters would disable the batteries of the adversary's naval vessels and establish a clear breach for unopposed boarding operations.

"As you command, Alor." The Deputy Commander said, issuing such an order throughout the cruiser as the pilots were rushed to the large hanger bays spread throughout, as engines roared and fuel was loaded into several squadrons of Fang-Class Starfighters as they advanced from their containment like a roaring tide of a planetary ocean.

 

[Darth Vinaze]

Darth Ptolemis | Alicia Drey | Onrai | Sarrogg Ha'rangir | Jogon​

When the shuttle dropped from hyperspace at the scene, others had already arrived. He should have figured. That such a lucrative treasure in the hands of a few Jedi and their guard dogs would not be seized upon by as many Sith who had heard the word... it was inconceivable. Vinaze supposed it was an oversight on his behalf, but there was a silver lining to be seen if one looked at the right angle. He knew that it was always the beast who waited for the rest to kill each other that came out with the best meal.

His ship's meager scanners could pick up a ship that did not identify as Imperial, but Mandalorian, and the other presence he was aware of was through the Force. He knew the powerful aura of Onrai , though he could not tell where she was. Though he was on fine terms with the entity, and he had no personal vendetta against the Mandalorians like many Sith, he would contend with them if it meant as much to the Sith as he believed. Whatever those holocrons could hold might be a serious advantage to the New Sith Order over both the Jedi and the heretic Sith. Vinaze, a servant as always, dreamed of the moment standing before Darth Solipsis as he offered this magnificent prize.

Yet, at the present moment, observing the scanner, he was less than thrilled about the Mandalorian attack force. Were they here to intercept his own acquisition and seize the Sith relics for themselves? Or had the tensions between Jedi and Mandalorian flared up again, as Vinaze had heard they had during his sojourn back to the Netherworld? And yet still, he wondered, what of Onrai?

As the events would unfold, Vinaze rested a moment, seeking to watch from a far at who might come out on top. He charted the ship's computer to move closer the planet. He would not hide his presence, nor could he, and he steeled his mind for the impending skirmish. The vultures began to circle, as they so often did, around the fresh carrion. How long would he be able to resist from joining the feast, and what would it cost him?

 

[Darth Ptolemis]

Location: The orbit of Vortex.
Tags: Darth Vinaze Alicia Drey Sarrogg Ha'rangir Onrai Jogon

Atmosphere

​

Months of surveillance and secrecy, and the entire mission boils down to a decision to be made in mere minutes. The events that are unfolding are a complete upheaval compared to the Shadow Hand’s expectations; instead of members of the New Sith Order, unknown ships exit hyperspace one-by-one, and only one of them a member of his Order. When one of his crew reports an entire damned Mandalorian fleet jumping out of hyperspace, his mind begins to submerge beneath waters of ice cold anger. Lord Ptolemis starts pacing in the cockpit, gripping his mask in deep thought; he knew this mission was a dive into the unknown, but for for such a crucial information to have leaked out to so many various parties so fast, it was just a cruel twist of the knife - and the hand wielding it was the Force.

He stops, lets go of the claw grip on his mask and turns toward his pilots. - Status report. - A growing, simmering rage taints his intonation. The devaronian pilot answers. - It appears the… - The pilot leans closer to a screen on the dashboard. - Toxmalb, following its exit from hyperspace, immediately contacted the Jedi ship. - The pilot looks at the human co-pilot. - We are working on breaching their communications. Apart from the new arrivals, the Mandalorian battle cruiser and its fighters, there is nothing else, my Lord… - Tense silence frames their discourse.

Finally, Ptolemis’ distorted voice shatters this silence. - Initiate cloaking measures immediately. Request a report from our contacts on the ground. Ask if the Vor are mobilizing to send support for the Jedi. - To the flick of a switch, a winding sound of spooling engines start to fill the volume of the ship’s insides, their subtle vibrations travelling through its durasteel frame. - Head straight to the Jedi ship’s hangar before we are detected. Take every risk. We must be there as fast as we can.

In his mind, Ptolemis knows it is in nobody’s interest destroy the Jedi ship. Only from an intact ship can one steal the unfathomable value carried aboard. But they still need to get on board. As they begin their silent approach, he makes one more order. - And put me through to Darth Vinaze .
​

 

[Alicia Drey]

Tags: Darth Ptolemis Darth Vinaze Sarrogg Ha'rangir Jogon Onrai
Location: On board the Initium

As the Initium traversed hyperspace en-route to Vortex Darth Ayra had climbed out of her disguise as Staff Director of the New Imperial Security Bureau Alicia Drey and into the dark robes that were signature to the Sith. In the days that it took to travel from the Lianna system to Vortex Ayra had consulted the Direct Surveillance of Domestic Threats: an intelligence operation that she had created within the Empire of the Lost. Her queries were about the Vor, Vortex and from these searches the algorithms that she had designed in the program suggested other inquires that she hadn't yet considered.

What bothered her was that these searches did not reveal much. The Vor were a species of aliens- native Vortex, found in the Mid Rim- who were known for their music. The planet itself had listed foodstuffs as one of it's major exports (which interested Ayra) and were known for importing technology, which made sense. What did not make sense were the presence of the Jedi. Nothing in the archives (belonging to the NISB) revealed the presence of a temple, enclave, or some other inclination that the Order would be present on this world.

This taught Ayra three things. That her intelligence apparatus was still in it's burdening state, and so more work would be required to expand her influence across the stars. Ayra also learned that the Jedi were self-aware, and that their presence on historic worlds, such as Tython, exposed them. They were too well known to their enemies, and so in the form of Vortex, they had used a planet that held held no seminal ties too. That was smart. If they were going to survive the likes of the New Sith Order then they would need to set up shop where they were unlikely to be found.

The third, and final thing that Ayra learned from her research was that Darth Ptolemis knew where these Jedi were going to be regardless of the safeguards that they had taken. Did this Dark Lord have his own intelligence apparatus that dwarfed Ayra's own? What else did Ptolemis know?

Hyperspace gave way and the black ink canvas of space replaced the ethereal realm that the Initium had traversed to reach Vortex. Leaning forward in her seat Ayra scanned the system and learned that she was not alone. As Darth Vinaze and the others in the Vortex system made their move Darth Ayra hailed Darth Ptolemis while engaging the twin-ion engines to the Initium to take her away from the edge of the system towards the planet.

As Ayra flashed on the viewing screen she lowered her head to Ptolemis and said: "I have arrived in the Vortex system, my Lord. What is thy bidding my Master?"

 

[Olorion Fossk]

I had to prove it. I had to do what must be done. I have the strength to do so, and so I will. The Legacy given to me was much that I had to uphold. More over, this mission given before us, was to prove that I was worthy of holding such legacy. As such, I came prepared. Lightly armored for better movement, but armed with a saber pike, and blaster pistol. Various Masters of the Sith were going to be present. Even as Darth Ptolemis, Darth Vinaze were larger figure heads for me, as I was told to follow them, and learn from them, It also seemed the others such as Alicia Drey, and Onrai were here. Everyone was filling out commands at the current moment. Everyone doing something.

Instead, I stood by. Just... waiting. Useless for the most part. I was not given a task by anyone, and nor should have I. These aspects of fulfilling the duties were given to people who had already proven themselves capable at those jobs. For now, I waited for the actual boarding. In which we were tasked with retrieving notable holocrons of past Sith Lords. Valuable assets for any force user, even more so for the Dark Empire and their growing influence.

Breathing in deeply, I closed the distance between myself and Darth Vinaze. Standing not directly to his side. We were not equals. Just behind and to the side of him. Looking out at the Jedi vessel that was being hailed and told to be prepared to be boarded. As if it were just a routine search.

"My lord, how best would I serve this situation to bring about success of this mission? I know not where to place myself in this operation to best suit the needs of our objective."

Darth Vinaze

 

[Darth Vinaze]

Darth Ptolemis | Olorion Fossk | Alicia Drey | Onrai | Sarrogg Ha'rangir | Jogon
​

To his side, the one companion he had brought stepped forth.

"My lord, how best would I serve this situation to bring about success of this mission? I know not where to place myself in this operation to best suit the needs of our objective."

Vinaze's eyes were still locked on the unfolded scene still as he spoke to Olorian.

"Your uncertainty is an asset, or so it would seem young Fossk. I had been under impression that we alone knew of this, but we have interlopers before us," a hand reached out from a clasp behind his back and waved wide across the viewport.

"You ought to be prepared for anything, it may not be just Jedi we must conflict with."

Vinaze was intrigued to see what the man could do, being the son of Darth Solipsis, The Emperor, the Sith'ari. The legacy Olorian had preceding him was monumental. It had been part of the reason why Vinaze had thought Olorian had been entrusted to his supervision by the Shadow Hand, for Vinaze revered the man's father as a god among men. He wondered now if Ptolemis had intended this race for the holocrons, like it was a test.

Yet he was still unsure. As they approached, he recognized another ship, that of Darth Ayra. It was that which made him suspect that the whereabouts of the Jedi ship had been leaked outside of the New Sith Order. She had of course admitted to him in confidence her nature as a spy. What her game was, Vinaze was clueless, but he also knew that she was yet another contender that could not be allowed to possess Sith holocrons that ought to be held in trust by the true followes of Solipsis.

As they approached closer, the communications array lit up with an alert, a hailing from the Shadow Hand himself. Vinaze accepted, opening the holocom line to the Emperor's lieutenant.

"Lord Ptolemis," he nodded in slight deference, "Fossk and I have arrived to find quite a few... friends, shall we say."

 

[Onrai]

Darth Vinaze Darth Ptolemis Olorion Fossk Alicia Drey Sarrogg Ha'rangir Jogon

"I see."

Onrai looked out the Shackler's bridge at the Mandalorian battlecruiser launching ancient fighters. She sighed, considering the circumstances before her, and realized that more fleet assets would need to be deployed. At the same time, the crystal grav-trap of the Toxmalb had detected both Ptolemis's ship and the Initium as well - though there were other things at play right now.

Onrai chose to hail the Imperial ship the Dark Lord's apprentice was on. "This is the Shackler. Whatever you intend to get from that vessel, do it quick. Mandalorians are saturating the area. I intend to stall for however long is possible." She observed that, on the line with Ptolemis's ship were, additionally, Ayra, Vinaze, and Olorion Fossk, the apprentice she had asked to sit with her and Grand Admiral Sularen at the Cademimu V tribunal.

Another channel was opened to the Mandalorian battlecruiser itself. "This is the Shackler. There is no honor to be gained by launching fighters and preparing to engage an inferior number of aged warships. Additionally, it would not benefit the rebuilding of Mandalore to do such a thing." Onrai alluded to the offer she had given to one of the leaders of the Protectors, an offer to rebuild their world in exchange for refusing to aid the enemies of the Empire and to assist her in certain endeavors.

Of course, not all Mandalorians thought alike.

 

[Darth Ptolemis]

Location: The orbit of Vortex.
Tags: Darth Vinaze Alicia Drey Sarrogg Ha'rangir Onrai Olorion Fossk Jogon

Atmosphere

The cloaked Ommin-class of Darth Ptolemis sailed past the violet skies of the glacially rotating planet below, all radio and power emissions masked by the shuttle’s advanced technology. His black ship is a speck of dust compared to the overwhelming storm that is this Mandalorian naval force looming in the orbital space. Avoiding it is their only option. Still standing above the two acolytes piloting the ship, the Shadow Hand’s expanding senses are alight with the myriad dire outcomes that may or may not follow, yet in all futures, death and destruction remain. So far, the Arquitens-class ship appears to continue on its path undeterred, not responding to any hails. What their end-game is is anybody's guess. The distance between the Jedi ship's hangar and his shuttle is decreasing rapidly as the connection is established between the two Sith Lords of the New Sith Order; Darth Vinaze 's regal, menacing visage stares back at him through the void. Ptolemis' exhalation sounds eerie and empty as he turns to face the holo-transmitter embedded into a nearby alcove in the cockpit.
​

"Lord Ptolemis," he nodded in slight deference, "Fossk and I have arrived to find quite a few... friends, shall we say."

The Shadow Hand mimics the nod, fulfilling the exchange of respect. - Indeed, the situation is grim. - The projected effigy of Ptolemis looks at Olorion Fossk , acknowledging the presence of the young man, then back at Vinaze. - The lack of members from our order is oil to the fire of this moment. - His guttural voice tests the channel’s technical capabilities. A great anger, kept in check for now, paints his tone. - Which is why you and I have to spearhead this mission, Lord Vinaze. From where I’m standing, naval warfare is absolutely out of the question. The only thing we can do is to gut the ship from the inside and assume that this battle cruiser won’t open fire on us. In about ten minutes, I will land in the hangar of the Arquitens and deliver my… surprise, in person. We need to prevent them from jumping into hyperspace. - The cryptic message is forced to linger as the voices of Alicia Drey and Onrai ring out around them, hijacking their frequency.
​

As Ayra flashed on the viewing screen she lowered her head to Ptolemis and said: "I have arrived in the Vortex system, my Lord. What is thy bidding my Master?"

Onrai chose to hail the Imperial ship the Dark Lord's apprentice was on. "This is the Shackler. Whatever you intend to get from that vessel, do it quick. Mandalorians are saturating the area. I intend to stall for however long is possible."

At this point, Ptolemis can only trust that both of them have encrypted their connections to this highly classified channel. The Shadow Hand types away at the panel in front of him and risks his own detection by broadening the bandwidth of the channel. Within seconds, all five of them can see each other’s holo-forms. Cold and calculated, Ptolemis gets straight to the point. - No more stalling, Onrai. Out of all of us, I believe you will have the least trouble invading the Mandalorian cruiser. Unleash your powers. Suffocate them. - Static flares up. Right now, he does not mince his words. Time is of the essence. Ptolemis turns to Lord Ayra next. - You, Lord Ayra, will need to rely on your affinity for... Secrecy. Accompany Onrai and sow chaos by any means necessary. Cut the lights. Disable communications. Let silence and darkness be your allies.

Finally, Lord Ptolemis is interrupted by the co-pilot of his own ship. - My Lord. If we remain undetected, we can land in their hangar in about five minutes. There’s also another ship on intercept course with the Arquitens. - Ptolemis replies, curtly. - We can’t worry about them right now. We will act when the time is right - The masked face of Ptolemis slowly looks the others in the eye one last time, and speaks. - You now represent the New Sith Order. Show them the true power... of the Dark Side.​

​

 

[Ziggst Aruetii]

T A G S | Darth Vinaze + Alicia Drey + Onrai + Jogon + Darth Ptolemis ​

While the numerous squadrons of Fang-Class Starfighters traversed the vast expanse of Vortex's oribtal boundry, beholden to their objective to confront the ancient Arquitens-class light cruiser of the New Jedi Order and the Thrawn-class interdiction cruiser Shackler. Meanwhile, the Alor of Clan Ha'rangir patiently sat on the opulent throne, deep in contemplation as the tactical screens predicted a decisive victory over the New Sith Order.

The ultimate goal was to bide his time for a more opportune moment to strike, although such a golden opportunity presented itself when the etheral prescence of Onrai materalized before him on the display screen, an entity characterized by foulness and decomposition.

The communication was straightforward upon reception, nearly inducing laughter within him despite the cybernetic enhancements.

There were talks about some desire of honor and the misguided ambition of the Mandalorian Protectors to resurrect their ancestral planet, Mandalore, from the ruins left by the Ancient Sith Empires. Sarrogg adamantly dismissed any concept of rebuilding during the Mandalorian Conference and vowed to engage in perpetual combat, regardless of the location or opponent he faced.

"If you believe that I have any concern for the desolate land of Mandalore, then you have mistaken me for the feeble reptiles of the Protectors. I do not offer kind words or courteous gestures; instead, I bring nothing but death incarnate to those who oppose me. And soon enough, you shall find yourself among the countless adversaries who have met their end in the vast burial grounds that mark my path of destruction." The holotransmission reverberated with the resounding, grating voice of the cybernetic Mandalorian warlord as they rose from the ornate throne. The transmission was cut short by the Deputy Commander as they waited patiently for the next order.

"At haar depths ti them" the arrival of the second order was crucial, as a series of intricate mechanisms sprang into action deep within the inner workings of the formidable Bulwark Mark V Battle Cruiser "The Attaton''.

Without much delay, numerous hatches swung open, revealing the concealed Missile Launchers, in a rentless display of firepower, an onslaught of missiles were unleashed, encompassing a diverse array of missile types such as Brilliant Missiles, Carbonite Missiles and even Disruptor Torpedoes all directed towards the Thrawn-class interdiction cruiser Shackler.

"Missiles Launched, Alor. We are awaiting your new order." the voice of the Deputy Commander said. "Bring us in closer to the Jedi Forces, and open up the hatches to allow for boarding operations to commence." came the response from Sarrogg, as they moved away from the display screens to lead the boarding operations once the Battle Cruiser approached its target.

 

[Alicia Drey]

Tags: Darth Ptolemis Darth Vinaze Sarrogg Ha'rangir Onrai Olorion Fossk Jogon
Location: On board the Initium

"It will be done at once, my Lord."

Ayra severed the transmission between the Initium and the Ommin to begin her work. The first thing that she did was to deploy DRK-1 Dark Eye probe droids. An archaic model from a bygone era Ayra had acquired them during her business in the black markets, and now they were going to be used to pick up telemetry; scan the surrounding system for the ships that now orbited Vortex; and transmit back to the modified Star Courier to log the names of each ship, their model, and the Captains which controlled them.

As the probes were deployed into the vacuum of space to begin their scans Ayra then activated the Eligor Cloaking Generator. A new piece of tech that she had acquired in a trade with Taeli Raaf Ayra's ship disappeared physically, and curiously, the field generated by the cloak concealed her Force presence as well. She then activated the Portable Dampening Device: an invention of her own design that created a field around the Initium to prevent scans. Therefore, on the scanners of the Mandalorian Sarrogg Ha'rangir and the abomination Onrai Darth Ayra disappeared completely from detection. Unless, of course, they were in possession of the rare Crystal Gravity Trap.

As telemetry begun to feed itself into the mainframe of the Initium Ayra set her ship on an intercept course for the Attaton to commence with Darth Ptolemis 's orders. Faster than the Bulwark Mark V-class Battle Cruiser Ayra piloted her ship around the bend of the larger ship and aimed the nose towards it's hangar bay. As she flew along the bowels of the ship towards it the Attaon's STS-84 "Artemis" Class Targeting & Sensor System would be unable to penetrate the PDF's field which prevented it from being scanned, which most useful to Darth Ayra now, as surely being this close to the Mandalorian cruiser would spell certain doom.

As she flew the ship past the Attaton's hangar bay Ayra deployed the Minelayer device on board the Initium to deploy a series of mines at the base of the Attaton's hangar bay with the idea that one of the Fang-class starfighters deployed by Sarrogg Ha'rangir would hit one of them, therefore causing catastrophic damage to the hangar bay itself, or the Attaton would fly directly into them on it's course to intercept the Jedi ship that was leaving the planet.

Before any of that happened, however, Ayra made sure to clear the Attaton before the mines exploded.

 

[Jogon]

Ten Tempests System
Boarding the Arquitens-Class Cruiser

​

Other vessels were getting involved. The presence of the Mandalorian battlecruiser was of mild concern, to say the least. It brought Jogon back to the cockpit to watch over the droid's shoulder. Various streams of sensor data flowed in. Not everyone had bothered to come by stealth. The antiquated cruiser that had transmitted stand-down orders to the Arquitens was one of theirs, from what Jogon understood...​

​

It made no difference. "Look."​

​

Jogon turned to see where the droid was pointing. The Jedi's ship was leaving the atmosphere, engines blaring at maximum power. Between the Mandalorians and the "shackler", it seemed they had decided their best bet was to make a break for it. The Mandalorians were scrambling fighters and soon the void of space would become much more crowded.​

​

"Get us on top of it. Close to the bridge."​

​

The droid started pushing buttons. A little too slow for Jogon's taste.​

​

"Now."​

​

"Now," the droid repeated, and pushed forward the throttle.​

​

Cheri Cheri Lady shot forward like a slug out of hell. Jogon involuntarily found himself gripping both the head of the pilot seat and a support rail for dear life. He had never been much for flying. Token anti-fighter fire arced past the boarding craft as it drew closer, but by the time Jogon's ship had shown up on scopes, it was too close to get a good lock on.​

​

It came down on one of the compartments between the engines and the bridge. Close enough. A loud thunk rocked the boarding craft as it magnetized to the hull.​

​

Jogon leaned forward. They were getting close to the good part now. "Start cutting."​

​

Ancient plasma saws whirred to life, shredding through the cruiser's shields and beginning its slow chew through the durasteel. With any luck, it'd be done before the Mandalorians started carpet bombing. But luck could be a fickle thing. Not something to count on. Jogon peeled himself away and went back - again - to the boarding pod.​

 

[Onrai]

Darth Ptolemis Darth Vinaze Sarrogg Ha'rangir Darth Ayra Olorion Fossk Jogon

"My divine eminence will get put to use momentarily." She said to the Shadow Hand before the transmission concluded. Going with Ayra? The person she trusted the least in the Dark Empire of anyone, barring maybe the most insane of the Mawdalorians? Well, she was a troublemaker, so sabotaging the Mandalorian battlecruiser would be right up her alley. The Toxmalb would be able to detect her shuttle's transit via its crystal grav-field trap even as a swarm of fighters and missiles moved to harass the Shackler. Its point defenses were soon put into play, but the fire was certainly weathering to say the least - though the ship's larger guns were effective enough at diminishing the missile field, the Shackler's shields were dropping at a rapid rate.

Her response to the Mandalorian was a rather perverse laugh, unnaturally ethereal in quality. "Silly false-Taung. If your people could not defeat me in the Akaanati'kar'oya, what hope have you? The Thirteen Battalions of Zhell will be your undoing as much as it was your namesake's. As I swept away the ash that made you Dha Werda Verda, capped the great eruption of Omboro, and set fear in the hearts of your lords, so shall it be again. Arden Zhell himself will rise from his tomb, and he will burn you in my glory on the same pyre the Doom of Ulmarah's carcass was turned to ashes. Know this, that the Eternal Grace and Queen of the Core has come for you. Via out."

Power on the Shackler appeared to have been knocked out, ending the transmission as the husk of the ship listed to one side, a derelict in the void. It was barely perceptible, but a shadowy essence seeped from the tears in her hull through the void, towards the Attaton itself. Soon it entered the ship through the hangar and began to filter through before seemingly dissipating.

Then the horror began.

Smaller, man-sized rips in the skein of reality began to open up across almost every deck. Screams and cries wept from the chasms as something exited them. The translucent figures were the shattered revenants of another age: their bones broken, their flesh half-torn and desiccated. Cracked plates of comparatively crude bronzium or brass armor, helmets, and shields made themselves evident as each draugr-form emerged, followed by another that vehemently clawed to yet escape that where they had been found. In their weapon-hands were steel swords, spears, axes, halberds, a ghostly mimicry of what they had wielded in life. Though somewhat confused as they exited the adit, their resonant vocalizations nigh impossible to be understood, when they looked and observed the helmets and uniforms of the vessel's complement, a new emotion emanated from their presences.

Hatred.

They sought to fall upon whoever bore the armor or insignia of the Mandalorians that was nearest to them. Their weapons cut with a preternatural edge, their ethereal aspects making them as dangerous as a line of monofilament wire, and no amount of blaster fire or blademastery seemed able to bring them down, though for their wraithlike existence, they yet seemed to have enough of a physical presence to fight weapon-to-weapon and hand-to-hand with those who resisted. Where they were successful in overcoming resistance, their primitive armaments were brought to bear, smashing screens, consoles, pipes, and whatever else their range could yet bear.

The Thirteen Battalions of Zhell had returned, horrifically transfigured. And they were out for Mandalorian blood.

 

[Olorion Fossk]

"Your uncertainty is an asset, or so it would seem young Fossk. I had been under impression that we alone knew of this, but we have interlopers before us," a hand reached out from a clasp behind his back and waved wide across the viewport.

"You ought to be prepared for anything, it may not be just Jedi we must conflict with."

Somewhere, there had been a leak upon which the potential plans of attacking the lone Jedi vessel had been opened to specifically a Mandalorian attack group. While it seemed the others were going to be attempting to deal with whatever forces were being held, Darth Vinaze, myself and a few others would be attempting to board the vessel. Nodding my head to the Sith Lord, I understood what he proposed.

Due to the necessity of the lord before me to carry out the mission, my malleability would allow a free form of attack or defensive measures where I could fill the role. Wile for now, I was a mere shadow behind this man, it was for the explicit purpose of aiding the Lords before me. A nod of my head was produced before the man. While he may have not seen me, I did reach to the small of my back.

Keeping a soft hand upon the cold metallic feeling of my Saber pike. A weapon where the staff could be telegraphed to be closer to a long handled lightsaber, or that of a true spear like weapon. It allowed closer quarters of combat out of necessity, or to keep distance with attackers who would attempt to come within my reach. However, this act was to act as a calming mechanism. Yes, the dark side required a wrathful approach when using it. Yet the teachings of my father, and other Sith who had lived eons before me, bore witness to the idea that wrath should be controlled. Harnessed. Not thrown about wildly.

"I shall prepare the boarding party procedures O'lord. When it behooves you, please rendezvous with me."

Turning about, I nodded to the two members of the guard. One of which held my helmet in two separate pieces. Grabbing them from the individual, I placed both pieces on the back and front of my head. hearing the hissing of a hermetic seal draw to prevent usage of nerve agents, gasses, or to just breath without an atmosphere. Considering we would be boarding a ship, there is a higher possibility when in combat, that a viewport might break, or a ship hull to be damaged and vacuum any oxygen out of the local area.

Walking through the halls and heading toward the entrance, and exit of the transport, My hands flew across the wall mounted interface. Making sure to have a quick release on the vessel. One that would allow for a quick opening and thus prevent a situation where it would bottle neck us. That is, if the Jedi and their compatriots would be prepared for combat when we boarded. Making sure that all the other systems were a go, I looked behind me. Feeling the presence of the Lord.

"Due to your articulation of being prepared, I set the transport for a quick release."

Merely informing my lord, my voice digitized so that should Jedi attempt to discover my identity, it would be more difficult to do so. A precaution of my own, but also because the words of my father echoing in my mind. "Only expose yourself, should you wish the consequences of my hand." Which could only be that he did not want his son's face being known towards a failure should it occur. However, I had one point of contention towards that sentiment.

I shall not fail.

The ship landed with a lurch. My closed fist quickly slamming into the quick release to allow the ramp to drop and bang onto the floor of the hangar bay. The Jedi and members aboard knew something was going on with unknown vessels attempting to board them, as well as an attack fleet of Mandalorians in their space. So as soon as they opened. Blaster rounds were flying at us. Off hand raised quickly to project a stasis field in front of the opening of the vessel. The bolts slamming to a stop into the air. Slowly creeping forward before I unleased a wave of telekinesis. Sending the bolts back to the sender.

A snap of the crimson long-handled saber burst forth into life.

I shall not fail.

Darth Vinaze Darth Ptolemis Onrai Jogon Darth Ayra Sarrogg Ha'rangir