Public [Open] Always Two There Are

[Darth Solipsis]

​

His voice thundered over the holocomm, his sulfuric eyes burned through the blue tinted hologram of his image, it was unmistakable where this figure drew his power from. The Elder's smoldering gaze fixated on a lone woman, a Lethan Twi'lek kneeled before him, he let his words carry their weight and sink in before speaking further. "Events are unfolding quickly across the galactic stage, sooner than I anticipated with the invasion of Korriban and retaliation at Byss. We must move quickly to ensure our place in each doorway is secure, yet I sense a tremor, a ripple in the Force. A shatterpoint is approaching, one that I cannot see past. The source of the ripple, the echo, stems from this Grayson child and his montley band of scoundrels."

His image illuminated the crew lounge of the vessel, long liberated from it's previous occupants. The freighter was a trophy, a sign of victory over the slavers who ran operations to Ryloth and into the greater galaxy. Their fates were sealed the moment they picked up the woman, the new owner and captain of the starship after liberating herself from the clutches of enslavement. Casting aside her old life, the woman discarded her former identity and was reborn a Sith. "Maestus." The Sith Lord called to his apprentice, "You will go to the Mustafar system and infiltrate this ragtag group of pirates, and their two Jedi protectors." He let his disgust be known as he spoke the last two words, he made no attempt to hide his displeasure of the two Jedi interfering with his influence over the boy. "The boy is the heir to the Grayson Imperium and their fanatical order of beliefs, we can use this to our advantage. A tool to help cull the weak willed sheep, the fat that has bloated our order."

The eyes of the master drifted off, he muttered something under his breath before returning his sight to the apprentice. "There are many matters that require my direct attention, see to it that you depart immediately after you have dealt with the vermin." His image faded away softly, the light blue glow replaced by yellow data files and an overlapped dossier of a male Bith. Details showed the individual was named Treskaar Aharo, age approximately fourty-seven galactic standard years old, 1.5 meters tall, and occupation as an antiquities dealer with a specialty in Sith artifacts. He'd made a name for himself after the fall of the One Sith carting off goods left behind or discovered among the many caches hidden throughout the Core Worlds. His wares ranged from simplistic to outrageous claims, from simple artwork to the thumbnail of Mephirium or the lightsaber of Moridin. It appeared he was marked for death and would be hosting an auction here on Coruscant.

Such a assignment always had the possibility to attract unwanted attention, yet the item this vendor rumored to hold was too precious to ignore. Her master desired to have his hands on it, the sketched image of a dark iron sphere with runic writing appeared before her. Writings by the hand of her master himself, musings detailing the relic in question and it's supposed qualities laid before her eyes. How a sheep like Aharo found such a treasure was unknown, but she would find out and eliminate him after ensuring the artifact returned to it's proper place. After today, there would be one less thief trading relics for credits. Today she would be tested.



Maestus

 

[Aldo Garrick]

Coruscant
Galactic City, Uscru District
Outlander Club

The Uscru Entertainment District nestled in the lower levels beneath the Opera House and high rise buildings that called to the rich and famous Coruscanti. Clubs, casinos, and bars lined the bustling streets as airspeeders wizzed into the congested traffic overhead. The large crowds, overabundance of colorful, bold advertisements, and revolving traffic made it a perfect area for Traskaar Aharo to hide in plain sight. He'd accumulated a lot of enemies over his career, nearly lost his life over a kyber crystal back on Manaan. One could never be too careful these days, especially when it came to selling goods like these. He hired a few contacts in the underworld, old Red Ravens connections to get him this last score before retirement and some armed muscle to watch over him for this one last deal.

Neon lights and rotating strobes occasionally passed by, he glared out the window down below. The Bith had set up shop in the Outlander Club, one of the most successful and longest running clubs in the Core Worlds. This place had history, yet still managed to stay fresh and up with the times despite it's vast age and renovations. He watched as Coruscanti drank, and danced the night away from his place in the VIP lounge. It was so quiet compared to the vibrant dance floor, he only had his bodyguards and wares here to keep him company. Aharo scanned the room, his eyes glanced from one cased treasure to the next, each on display ready for the buyers to come take in his goods. Security was tight, he had the doorman and staff in his pocket tonight. Nobody was getting into this auction without him knowing ahead of time, there would be no chance of him being busted by the Jedi or the Alliance, not on his watch.

Aharo sat down in his lounge chair and sank, he reached out to the counter beside him and snatched up his glass of cognac. Soon the buyers would arrive, the doorman would let them in and tell them where to go. All he had to do was wait for the seats to fill up.

 

[Maestus]

She knelt as her master appeared and spoke in a powerful tone. One that brooked no dissension or argument. Head bowed, Lekku falling to each side, she listened carefully and intently. The young Twi'Lek was eager to please her master. Yet intelligent enough not to rush foolishly into this assingment.

Head remained bowed, humbly and with the utmost respect, she replied. "Shall I bring the boy to you once the Jedi have been suitably dealt with?" She anticipated his desire, but dared not presume to speak for him. She knew not the extent of his power or wrath. And much preferred to never experience the latter directed at her.

She yet yearned for knowledge, strength and power. She knew her master would provide as he saw fit. Though she dared not insist or harass him in order to receive such things. He would provide such things as he wished and when he wished. And this garnered more respect for him as time passed.

Patience had never been a virtue for her. And the wait in her training ate at her. Perhaps this was a lesson he saw fit to teach her. As these thoughts nibbled at the fringe of her psyche, a realization came upon her.

Patience was a lesson she needed to learn, she knew. His decision to give her this mission assured her of his belief in her abilities. Master believed she would be successful. That knowledge slaked her thirst for immediate satisfaction.

Patience. Yes, she would learn. Better she learn now, rather than in the future, when her training was more advanced. The disapointment of her master at her impetuousness and impatience casued a chill to run down her spine. An uncontrollable chill overtook her and she shivered.

She dared raise her head, looking no higher that the bottom of his visage. And waited.

 

[Darth Solipsis]

The yellow images of the artifact and it's files faded away as the light blue holographic shape of her master, Lord Solipsis, returned. His face shaped into a wicked scowl, his eyes fixated on the apprentice still kneeling before him. "You will find dealing with these Jedi quite bothersome. If you were to engage them I fear you would be defeated, my young apprentice." He grinned from ear to ear in a gut curling smile, one even a mother couldn't love.

"At least for now.. Once you have completed your training, learned what I have to teach you in the ways of the true Sith. Then and only then will there be no limit to your power, no ceiling hovering over you." His wicked grin faded away, replaced with a look of caution, "Beware, do not let your arrogance blind you. Be mindful, allow your enemies to befriend you and remember the first step of deception is trust. Strike only if it suits your purpose. Now go, collect the Sigil of Typhojem and wipe that roach from the face of the galaxy."

His image faded as the holocomm cut off, lights began flashing and sensors going off as the slaver vessel emerged from hyperspace into Coruscanti space. The die was cast, into the heart of the enemy she entered, alone.. but not defenseless. With the coordinates of the auction in her possession and a falsified GA registration, she would have little trouble making her way to the surface.

They wouldn't see her coming.



Maestus

 

[Maestus]

Her head dipped more at his scathing words. Scathing to her, at least. His disappointment in her was his greatest weapon against her. And he damned well knew how to thrust it just so.

The hand she bore her weight on clenched into a fist, as her head slowly nodded.

"Yes my master. Lack of patience is a flaw I have. As with any flaw that detains me, it, too, shall be massacred and overcome."

Her mind swirled with a barrage of thoughts. Slowly, a plan began to form. Gain their trust. Befriend them. She could not help but smirk. Is this not how she escaped her chains? Did she not become captain of her ship that very same way?

Yes. She would befriend them. Instead of fighting her way through them, they would be the instruments of their own demise. Perhaps, just maybe, she was beginning to see the benefits of becoming patient. This was a battle that would not be won overnight. Siphoning their trust would require time and surgical precision.

Her eyes rose to her master's face. They were resolute and firm. She had a plan. She began to remember the young girl she was, long ago. How easy it was to manipulate with but a wink and a smile. How the slight sway of her hips gained whatever her heart was set on.

"I know what must be done master. I have decided a course of action. I will be what they think they see. Manipulate their senses. Speak to their primal urges. I will recreate myself."

Head bowed once more in submission as he spoke his final words before disappearing. Before he faded from sight, she stood. Shoulders straight. Chin up. Was there a trace of arrogance? Yes. Because she was confident in what she needed to do. It was, after all, how she lived...Before. Before finding her master.

Now, she was even stronger. Her mind sharper and able to cut faster and deeper than most any bladed weapon. Her master has taught her well. She would earn the privilege of his continued tutelage. And perhaps, she would one day earn the privelage and honor to stand at his side through everything.

The galaxy was not prepared for that.

"It will be as you command, my master."

As the ship came out of hyperspace, she made her way to her quarters. Not finding what she was looking for, she investigated the now empty quarters. On ce occupied by the previous residents of the ship. Ah, yes, these garments will do nicely. She carried them back to her quarters and donned them. Needing one final accessory, she strode towards the cockpit. Beside her captain's chair was a blaster. With a wicked grin, she picked it up.

"Perfect. Aharo, I come for you"

She mused softly, before claiming the captain's chair once more, and began her descent to Coruscant.

Darth Solipsis Aldo Garrick

 

[Aldo Garrick]

She had trespassed upon the hollowed center of the galaxy, the sprawling ecumenopolis that housed the seat of the Galactic Senate and the New Jedi Order. There was a time long ago, a time when the world was invaded, it's territories set ablaze. A time when the lofty towers that reached into the sky from the fathomless depths had been shattered into thrones, majestic and imposing. It whispered ever still to those who listened carefully, the echoes left behind by the One Sith, they touched everything and in turn created more echoes which led to more suffering. Long had it been, and many hands had it been held by since then. The Core Imperials, the Grayson Imperium, the Republic, the Galactic Alliance, each one worked to undo the damage that had been done. The return of the New Jedi Order and Galactic Alliance had finally brought Coruscant back to it's former glory, back to the way it once was. Majestic and imposing, the vast cityscape appeared below the slaver vessel as it entered the stratosphere.

Below laid city as far as the eye could see, millions of airspeeders lined up in traffic, and soaring starships traversing the skies across the mighty capital. The false transponder codes provided by the former occupants of the vessel paned out great, allowing the vessel to slip into the planetary airspace without trouble from authorities. The location of the Uscru District pinged off of her digital map, locating the best place to land, the Sith apprentice would have to find reliable transportation to get to the lower levels where her prey awaited. Death was coming, and today she would be it's herald. As the freighter touched down onto a respective landing pad, steam rolling from the underbelly of the starship as it's landing gear met the cold hard durasteel and duracrete platform, a single male human stepped forward. Coming from behind a large kiosk like building, the man was poorly dressed with only a hard hat and identification tag around his neck.

The man stepped forward and began waving his hands, he waited for the pilot to exit the vehicle before yelling her way. "Can't land here, got to buy a permit first for this platform! Uh what was it, yeah that's right it is 100 credits for a few hours." Easily recognizable now as a lowly thug in the barest guise of authority, the criminal had sold himself short already from his words alone. He stood for a moment waiting for a response from the Twi'lek, his arms crossing as he stood motionless.



Maestus

 

[Via]

Down the ramp strode a young, female Twi'Lek. Red skinned, with black tattoos on her face and Lekku, the only visible parts of her frame. The rest of her was hidden beneath a heavy, dust covered grey cloak. Hood pulled up around her head. Her hands folded together within the sleeves. Her steps were soft, with a daintiness to them.

As the ruffian appeared, she halted and regarded him evenly. She turned her head to one side, then the other. Her eyes keenly scanned the area. Searching for others. She had not, as of yet, pulled the Force around herself. To shield herself from being discovered. She turned her gaze back on the waiting thug, as she lifted her head.

She closed her eyes for a second. Inhaling deeply to gather her mind to the task ahead. Eyes now open, she gave the thug a disarming, seductive smile.

"My dear friend, I am but a humble traveler. I'm afraid I lack the funds you request. Perhaps..."

She glances over her shoulder to the ship, then back to the thug. One brow arched.

"We can come up with a mutually beneficial resolution?"

She bent the Force to her will. It washed over the thug in waves of warmth. Persuading him, drawing him in with her honey covered words. He couldn't help but be drawn to her.

"Well now. I think we can"

He moved towards her on hurried feet. Licking his lips at what may lie ahead for him. The Twi'Lek stepped aside to let him board her ship. Then slowly, one last scan of the area, turned to follow him. Raising the ramp as she went.

 

[Aldo Garrick]

The poorly disguised thug entered the vessel at his own peril, his appetites deceiving his common sense as the Force saturated his thoughts with suggestion at the behest of the strange woman. The mind was a fickle thing, those weak in will were so easily fooled or outright dominated by those with the mental strength to do so. The Jedi knew this truth, despite their supposed 'service' to the galaxy and good deeds, they too were all to infamous for manipulating the minds of their lessers. It was ironic really.

The landing platform sat empty aside from the slaver ship which sat motionless against the busy backdrop of Coruscant. Speeders soared by, the sky filled with constant traffic among the glistening towers that reached for the stars themselves. The kiosk remained empty, it's former occupant still inside the newcomer's freighter. The only other vessel nearby was an airspeeder parked along the platform, presumably belonging to the poor soul inside.

The brown haired male briefly scanned the inside of the ship as he entered. Oblivious, and unaware of where he stood. He turned his head back, positioning himself to look upon the Twi'lek behind him as he stumbled with his words.

"So uh, what you got for me?"

Via

 

[Via]

As they moved up the ramp and into the ship, Via watched the male. She saw the anticipation in his eyes. The way he fumbled over his words. Oh, this was too easy. Why the galaxy suffered a fool to live was beyond her. But, she decided, even fools have uses.

The lithe, young Twi'lek regarded him warmly and keenly behind a masked gaze. Her intentions veiled well, she walked further into her ship, ramp raised shut. Wouldn't want any nosy passersby to overhear anything.

She radiated seduction. Her lips slightly open, in an invitation of what the ruffian thought was going to happen. Did she have other plans? Oh yes, indeed. But patience. Another lesson in patience. She would learn to harness her growing patience, and as with the Force, bend it to her will and use it to her advantage.

She lowered the hood of her cloak. Red eyes that shone brightly rested upon the male. She pulled her hands out from the loose sleeves and offered him one.

This way my handsome friend. Wonders and untold new experiences await you. We shall go somewhere a little more...Intimate. How does that sound.

She simply waited for him to come to her. The warmth and persuasion was still washing over him. She manipulated the Force to increase his feelings towards her. Welcome to my parlor, said the spider to the fly

 

[Aldo Garrick]

The mindless thug continued to follow her at her beck and call. He was powerless, his weak willpower crashing like a wave against the unmoving stone which was Maestus's will manifest. As they moved through the ship, it was becoming clearer to the man what kind of vessel they stood on. Even under the thrall of the Lethan Twi'lek before him, he still was not without some form of wit. He had seen one such vessel before, he recognized the trappings of a slaver ship if he'd ever seen one. Doubt slowly crept into his mind, even as his emotions heightened and longing towards the woman rose. "Where did you say you were from?"

He continued to follow suit, determined to see his pursuit through. Before the duo could delve deeper into the vessel any further, his commlink sprang to life with a voice. "Cass, you got some Alliance chatter your way. They might be on to your dupe, I'd scram while the gettin' is good." The thug stopped momentarily and silenced his commlink, his eyes returning to Via as he did so. "Sorry, wrong frequency. After you? You said what now?"

Via

 

[Via]

The sweet smile continued as she led him deeper into the slaver ship. She did not lead him to the cages in the cargo bay however.

Instead she led him to crew quarters. The door opened and she stepped within. It was a basic room. Small bed, desk and cabinets for storing clothing. She glided across towards the bed and sat down languidly. She leaned back on her elbows, and allowed the cloak to part as she crossed one knee other the other. The slight movement brought the curve behind her knee as well as her strong and shapely calf into display.

She looked up to the ruffian, and nodded her head to indicate he should come sit with her on the bed. As she awaited his response, the air in the room began to slowly rise in temperature. Not rapid enough to be noticed right away. But slowly. She bent the Force to pause the rising temperature as her lips parted and flashed him a wicked smile.

Come, my pet.

Aldo Garrick