Populate Pax Sithicus | SO Populate of Salteract

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

​

The crunch of ash underfoot was becoming a far too common sound for his ears, it was not the first time that he had traversed a destroyed city, it was not the first time he had traversed a destroyed city that had been destroyed for little reason by his own side. Felucia, Feriae Junction, Tion, and now Sluis Van, and that was only the planets where he had played some role, Makem Te knew the scourge of the Sith, before most Sith even had the opportunity to participate in its ravages.

All but one of those worlds, the designs of the Emperor, he who with his true colossus of a craft destroyed worlds with reckless abandon. Whose reasoning was neither explained nor reasoned, leaving those who were left, loyalist and traitor alike, to ponder with more thought on attempting to unravel the mind of the Dead God, than he would wager he himself had given it thought.

No... there was something beyond that was being undertaken, and the fact that he did not know what bothered him in a way where words failed.

The crunch of ash had him turn his masked face, in a morbid sense walking through the ruins of this city, the smokey redoubts of vehicles, and... the remains of bodies that were rapidly made smoulder, there was a comfort in not being alone in it all. A small makeshift caravan followed him, mostly women and children, yet, the young and old, the weak and the strong, those who were innocent of the treason being committed in other sectors of the world, those who were certainly innocent of the Emperor's acts of weeks past.

Most put it aside, who cared for Sluis Van rebellious, Sluis Van the bulwark of the Rimward Trade League, when despite the questionable acts of the Emperor, it had granted them victory? Even the most outspoken of his critics had remained quiet, while Malum? As ever, he burned in outspoken rage, as he was forced to remain in silence.

His nails pierced through glove as his grip tightened, and he trudged ever forward, limping souls, broken-sighted and dispirited continued to follow on, their column protected by the armoured hulks of his Guard, as they neared his destination, already on the horizon, making out the makeshift camp that had been established in days past.

He had avoided speaking with Lillian thus far, making constant excuses that there were others yet to rescue, but now... he doubted he would avoid a conversation. All the while, the secret third head of the Hydra was operating nearby, it was becoming a rarer and rarer occurrence for the apprentices of Darth Ophidia to meet...

He blinked as the cries emerged out from his other arm.

A baby swaddled in blankets. So lost in his thoughts he had almost...

Both arms were quick to wrap themselves around the babe, as he shushed her, a doomed effort.

Another orphan born into this war, as they trudged ever forward.

Of a city sat burning.

Lily Rhodes Lord Dvasius
Mentioned: Darth Empyrean

 

[Lily Rhodes]

Every day she'd been here started the same, her and a handful of other volunteers assessed their resources, made estimates on how many more they'd receive and then set to work ordering more supplies, distributing blankets and clothes, organising the large soup kitchen to make sure everyone was fed. Erecting more shelters.

Lily was watching the entrance today, counting in the newcomers, taking names so that they could reunite families later. Some groups came with most of the work done for her, led by guides who'd been able to get them out of the carnage that still wreaked havoc in the ruins of the city. Doe eyes watched the approaching caravan, recognising even at this distance who was leading them. Her gaze dropped and she brushed a lock of ash stained hair back behind her ear.

Maybe today he would talk to her. Maybe this group would be his last before he left her to her own devices, avoiding her further still. He was in pain. He had been in pain ever since… The gut wrenching death scream echoed in her ears as she was back in the arena, watching as Strosius crumbled into ash. A blink and the memory vanished. She saw it every night when she closed her eyes.

Strosius had not been kind to her…but he had been honest. He had opened her eyes to see things in a different light and he'd been the first sith that wasn't family that she'd felt some…connection to. A deeper understanding that she hadn't quite found with her cousin. To say she mourned his death was wrong, but it certainly haunted her.

Lily took a breath, shaking away her musings as the group drew closer, her eyes passing briefly over the bundle in Malum's arms, to the masked visage before settling on the group behind him watching as her team moved forward, offering blankets, directing injured toward the infirmary and the healthy towards registration and tents, leaving her to face him and the fussing babe in his arms.

She extended her arms to take the child from him. “One of the refugees that came in yesterday was an orphanage matron, she's been helping us put something together.” Her gaze was on the child. She couldn't look at her cousin, not while he was hiding behind a mask. Her gaze flicked up briefly, “Come on, I'll show you.”

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Iskendyr Yvarro]

A sprawling mess of twisted durasteel, burnt-out ship fragments, and the occasional glint of something valuable. Amid the eerie silence of the ruined battlefield, faint voices broke through—bickering, laughing, and what sounded suspiciously like... a food fight? All he could remember was his aunt Ivalyn insisting that he drop his "broody" attitude if he wanted to make friends. He rather insisted he had them, except they always went back home for the holidays. The Festival of Thanks all the way through Life Day were the biggest stretches of holiday woes.

This year more than others, with his mother and grandmother having passed.

Iskendyr's brow furrowed as he approached cautiously, picking up stray bolts and scraps with subtle nudges of his power. He wasn't worried about being noticed yet; he had the element of surprise—and he planned to make the most of it. Iskendyr stopped dead in his tracks, eyebrows raised. What in the galaxy did I just walk into? He leaned against a jagged durasteel slab, arms crossed, watching the chaos unfold: Micah, wide-eyed and delighted by their macabre scavenger hunt; Maiza, perched above like some taunting predator; and Naami, practically vibrating with indignation.

Something of a smirk appeared on his features, his mind began to formulate a plan.

The scene was almost too ridiculous to interrupt, but then Maiza tossed an orange peel at Micah. It missed and landed near Iskendyr's boots. He picked it up, inspecting it as though it were a priceless artifact.

"Let me guess," he called out, his voice calm but loud enough to carry. "You're scavenging for chromium, lunch scraps, and a sense of dignity?" Iskendyr manipulated a small pile of metallic scraps, letting hover lazily around him like orbiting moons. Was it showing off his magnokinesis? Maybe. "Nice throw, by the way," the Dosuunian added, tossing the orange peel back at Maiza with a flick of his wrist. It arced perfectly, landing in her lap. "I hope you're better at scavenging than you are at aim."

Micah tol Powl | Maiza Vex | Naamino Zuukamano​

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Episode VI: Last Taungsday Night
Naamino Zuukamano Maiza Vex Iskendyr Yvarro
[ lightsaber ] [ field com ]

[ shake it off ]​

"These aren't just biological, they're bacteriological," the kit mused aloud, lost in the readout on the holo-windows arrayed in front of him.

"Well, aren't you a sick little freak?"

The boy's head came up. "Meow?"

New voice who dis? Looking to his left and then to his right, he didn't see who had spoken. But he heard Naami raising his voice. It was actually the most energetic that Naami had been. So, whatever or whoever it was, it seemed they'd presented the Iridonian with an outlet.

That was probably a good thing.

So the Cathar went back to studying the readings. Naami would handle the... whatever. Or whoever.

Whomever?

Stepping up closer to the wreckage, the boy was inspecting it for signs of an access or break. The chromium had melted in parts though, so the wreckage was a slag of chrome and durasteel. It'd take some serious hardware to pry into the sub-structural housing underneath the hull plating...

"Let me guess. You're scavenging for chromium, lunch scraps, and a sense of dignity?"

Another new voice. Had he come for the party?

Mulling over the present dilemma, the kit spared a brief glance in the direction of the newcomer. He'd looked away, then did a double take.

Was that telekinesis? Some kind of ballistokinesis? Whatever, it was hella useful right now.

"Hey, uh, hi!" the cat offered, awkwardly pondering the dynamics of introductions. The whole process was very stressful. Much emphasis on first impressions. Plus, he was less interested in the getting to know and more interested in getting to the request part.

"Could you, uh, peel back a section of this? Expose the sub-strata in, uh..." the boy began, trailing off as he stepped up to use one arm to indicate an area. "...this... this section here."

There was definitely something organic inside this wreckage, but increasingly the boy was convinced it wasn't a body or part of a body.

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

​

He should have known she would be right by the entrance, even after a whole day of leading expeditions out there, she could not just give him a break could she? For his part, he remained silent, masked eyes hyperfocused on the child in his arms, as his heart beat ever faster in his chest, he did nothing as those who his cousin had organised spilled forth from the camp to begin organising all those that he had found. Every expedition had come back with less and less, it made organisation easier, for a camp that was already bustling with activity.

But there was very little that was more discouraging than that.

He blinked a hidden blink as arms were extended outwards, his heart beat growing somehow even faster, as time seemed to slow, and his grip tightened. Only for more cries to ring out in his ears, as breath that was growing ragged and quick beyond his own realisation, his eyes softening as did his grip.

There was no threat... no threat here...

It was a dispassionate man who listened silently towards the words that fell out of her lips, even despite working constantly these last days, which he knew she would hardly take a break from, she looked... well... weller than when she had at Faldos, but the less remembered of those days the better.

It was still with hesistance that, as he wrapped the blankets ever tightly yet gently around the swaddled form, as quiet coos, left his lips, caring little for the ones surrounding him, that he passed the babe over to the waiting arms of his cousin.

"...Another orphan..." He answered question that was not asked, "...One of them..." He signalled back towards some refugee that he had long since forgotten the face of, who no longer even stood behind him, having been taken away, "...Found her, her parents..." His breath as dispassionate, as hollow, caught. It was not the worst of the galaxy he had seen.

Still.

It caught.

Lily Rhodes
Mentioned: Darth Strosius

 

[Lily Rhodes]

Lily didn't need him to finish the thought or the sentence. She'd see enough of it when they had traversed the city in search of a solid site for a camp. Her lips became a thin line and she nodded, an iciness falling over her expression. She'd seen it first hand on Celanon when the Order had seen fit to unleash the undead upon thousands of innocents, that she hadn't been here to see this first hand was a blessing. Even now she could still hear the dying plea's of families being torn apart…

Turning away from her cousin she led him towards one of the large prefabricated shelters, one that had only gone up late yesterday. Workmen were still bringing supplies into it amidst the quiet collection of children of all ages. They huddled together, shellshock evident on their faces as a portly woman approached them, clicking her tongue at the sight of the baby in Lily's arms. "I was really hoping I wouldn't need those extra cribs." She took the child from Lily before looking at both of them.

"Emily, this is my cousin Lord Malum of House Marr."

"Hmph…" she gave Malum a disapproving once over, before offering an obligatory bow of her head. "My Lord. If you want to greet the children. Take off your mask. They need emotional connection, not more faceless nightmares."

She turned on her heel and was gone whisking the child away to a back room to be examined. Lily cleared her throat, trying to hide her laughter. "Matron's are never the sort for ceremony." she offered in explanation.

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

​

She looked at him, as if he was some sort of monster, and in this case... he was uncertain if his inability to deny it was based on the truth of it, or simply being too utterly drained to even consider a response. It was not the first time one looked at him like that, no doubt, it would not be the last. He knew, when he had been born into this path, this legacy, that the whole galaxy would hate him, not for anything he did, but only for what he was. He knew, in the protection of his people, that he would have to do cruel things, horrid things, but that all of it would be worth it to protect those he loved, to save the galaxy.

Yet, he had always held a code, always held principles.

And now what was he doing when his own Emperor was in clear violation of them? His sovereign, his liege lord. Duty compelled him to be loyal, honour compelled him to resist. Was he doing either? The ever treasonous snake, who followed orders to the letter as he silently plotted downfalls.

Neither dutiful, nor honourable, such was the way of Malum Marr.

He trudged along silently, registering nothing even as the blaring sun gave way to the covers of shade. His eyes if at all active held only on the baby being carefully held in his cousin's arms, if not for that, he feared he would give away from mortal coils entirely and exist purely within his mind's eye. It was the sound of an unfamiliar voice that broke his stupour, as eyes gazed about.... realising they were in an orphanage of sorts

And a larger woman was regarding him with disapproval, her words heard, yet... hardly understood. However, the core of it was eventually translated, as Lillian's voice filled his drums, as slowly, hesistantly, witnessing children's faces, their tears hardly dried, holding some injury or another, gazing at him with as much curiosity as fear. He swallowed down pride.

Gripping onto the mask, a short hiss alerted them all to his actions, a noble face framed by long raven locks shook awake, thin lips, an aquiline nose, and red eyes unlike any others these children would ever see, as he fell upon a knee, and gazed about them. The scene... holding his heart hostage, as it was all too familiar.

"...Greetings children, I am Malum, I am here to protect... you..." He offered, attempting to keep his voice and breath steady, as...

...He had already failed to protect them.

Lily Rhodes Lord Dvasius

 

[Maiza Vex]

Theme: Brain Stew
Tags: Micah tol Powl | Naamino Zuukamano | Iskendyr Yvarro | Open

---

Her head tilted slightly as Naamino insulted her and issued a challenge to her in the tongue of the old country. The fact that he called her half blood, though true told her what both her parents had told her all her life prejudice was alive and well in the galaxy. If you weren't pure blood, you were nothing and being nothing meant you owed no one anything. There was a moral in there about the right to steal and take what you wanted because of it too but Maiza had forgotten the whole story.

It didn't matter anyway before she could even return an insult one of her orange peels returned to her lap. Her golden eyes turned to see a pretty boy standing there insulting her throw as he brought some chunks of metal floating up in front of him. She noted the little Cathar just sort of ignoring what was actually going on more concerned with his scrap. In her mind she was calculating odds of survival.

"Pretty boy, if it was a knife I threw there would be a dead cat in the room. I don't want that stinking up my territory."

Two versus one, one had a stun gauntlets and the other could float chunks of metal. She herself had at least three shivs on her person plus there was a lot of sharp junk on the floor. She licked the juices of the orange off her lips as she looked between the horned one and the pretty boy. The odds were definitely against her, her space where she had come to hide to get away from the work was getting crowded.

Her eyes finally settled on Naamino. "I prefer the term mutt. The only thing that is going to get crushed is your tiny pee brain." She said as her right hand swept down and outward as it flung the lunch box and the remains of the orange in her hand in Naami's direction. As she did that, she flung her body from her perch like a dart diving straight down for the pure blood headfirst. It was time to decide whose skull was thicker as she aimed for a forehead-to-forehead collision. Damn her survival this was about pride, she wasn't going to let some pure blood make her out to be lesser.

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Outfit
Belt of Strength, Field Com-Scan Link, Borrowed Stun Gauntlets

​

Rising tension momentarily ebbed at the entrance of an unfamiliar face. Naamino raked appraising eyes over the newcomer where he stood so nonchalantly. Part of him was sizing the boy up to determine if he was a new threat, the other part of him shared sentiment with Micah tol Powl . In what ways could this wealthy looking, force skilled person be of help to their cause? The handsome boy was confident enough to walk into a group of peers he didn't know, smirking and slinging snide comments.

"Hey, uh, hi!" the cat offered, awkwardly pondering the dynamics of introductions. The whole process was very stressful. Much emphasis on first impressions. Plus, he was less interested in the getting to know and more interested in getting to the request part.

"Could you, uh, peel back a section of this? Expose the sub-strata in, uh..." the boy began, trailing off as he stepped up to use one arm to indicate an area. "...this... this section here."

"Hey," Naami added gruffly with a nod to Iskendyr Yvarro .

The zabrak was still wearily on guard but his companion's bright curiosity and opportunistic friendliness forestalled any aggressive action on Naami's part. Then that blasted girl opened her mouth again which drew a new snarl across the boy's lips.

"Pretty boy, if it was a knife I threw there would be a dead cat in the room. I don't want that stinking up my territory."

Her eyes finally settled on Naamino. "I prefer the term mutt. The only thing that is going to get crushed is your tiny pee brain."

Her first comment made him see red. Nothing else she said or did mattered. Naamino activated his gauntlets the instant she even alluded to the idea that she could hurt Micah. So the lunch box and random detritus Maiza Vex flung at him was met with a sizzling ~POP~ sound as the boy batted that out of the air too. His eyes widened in surprise though as she flung herself through the air and his only choice was to meet her head on, quite literally. In truth it was an instinctual reaction. Every zabrak, well any with horns anyway, went through a "budding" period of life where their horns grew in. Naami's had come in when he was relatively young, so his aunt and uncle had a hell of a time keeping him from butting his growing horns into every hard surface in their home. It had been a rough year or two for everyone and his cousin still liked to tease him about it when she could.

Naami only had time to take a single step back to brace for impact, lowering his brow instinctively with a growl so he'd take the hit as well as he could. The impact staggered him and rattled his gritted teeth but envigorated him too. He made to swing with his off hand, somewhat blindly aiming to punch at her flank.

 

[Omon Kaa / Darth Diem]

Shikkar Corvette exit from its cloaked state, once her signature was fully masked by the natural graveyard of ships and space debris. So much of it, it was forming an unnatural half ring around the half destroyed Sluis Van.

The ominously spiked bow of the Assault vessel, gently pushed the smaller parts of both Republic and Sith ship chunks. Positioning itself...
Before firing from its side, ten probes, and 2 manned Life-support pods. Each hurling down to the specific part of the apocalyptic planetary surface.


ONE ROTATION LATER


Interior of the Assault Corvette, Central room, around the Holo-Table.

Five, fit, battle tested, and serious looking humans, observed the images that were passing over the holomonitor. Images were mix of multiple different things.
Pictures of certain buildings, half destroyed or fully standing; Pictures of several different rag-tag armed men, emphasis on their outfits and weapons; How much smoke and fog of destruction are covering the planetary skies; and countless other important and non important images.

In the corner of the room, two equally serious-looking human specimen, were methodically putting together wartime gear and outfits, making sure it resemble something worn by someone who survived an orbital bombardment.
On their naked shoulders a holo-tattoo was telling the tale of who these men were. For without their signature black armors, one would not guess they are the elite Jaegissary Unit. Private 'death hand' to Governor of Binaros, High Inquisitor, and Darth of the Sith Order, Omon Kaa. Or known by his name of darkness, Darth Diem.

Silent murmurs of the death troopers, was disrupted by the sound of ships droid.. "Incoming Transmission, code Krayt"
On his words, now all Seven of the men gathered around the holo-table. Observing the newly arrived images.

Oldest among them, ordered "Get the Master"

Before the soldier could even turn, the door of the private quarters opened, and the seven slightly bowed their heads as one.
Omon returned the gesture of respect to his elite..
Passing beside the prepared outfits.. "Good job. We'll definitely look like we haven't shower in 20 cycles in this" ..his men started to laugh approvingly. One of the two gave fast accounting of their gear :


(by oleg gritzmacher)

"Small jetpacks will be hidden by the backpacks attached to our 'uniforms'. In case of close to mid range combat, we will be armed with Needler Carbine, which will give us both stealth during attack, and blending as far as armament goes. On each our leg, there will be a meter long attachable barrel, for the long distance targeting.
In these hidden sleeve pockets we got usual, Proximity, Gas & Molecular Purge bombs. The helmets are of extremely poor look, but actually give us Heat Signatures, Detonation alerts, Trajectory calculation, and full image with Locust Drone that we will release." soldier finished proudly, and Omon tapped his shoulder as a 'Job Well Done' sign.

Placing his arms on his back, he approached the holo table, observing the 3 images which just arrived, gathered by the probes he fired in to the planet, and send by the two men he send in life-pods as their scouting party.

This wasn't the first 'excursion' Omon had with Rimma Trade. Back in, now far gone, 877 ABY.. they had a good space scrap. In which Sith barely managed to save entrapped comrades, and then pull back.
And in that pullback, his old old friend, and now boss, Darth Malum of House Marr , saved his life.
So once he received an invitation from the Lord Inquisitor, he left his Gubernatorial duties, and ran here with glee. Truth be told, he was bored to death.

His fiery Sith eyes flared through the faces on the images in front of him..

'So we located 3. That's 3 more then what I expected, to be honest.' Omon thought to himself, before casually squeezing his wrist, and pressing one of the gauntlet buttons 3 times. This would release a silent ping to Darth Malum of House Marr , letting him know they located the 3 individuals from the list.

1. SLUSHN NUR


Sluissi foremost scientist, and stout agitator against the Sith Empire. But more importantly, it was found out that he received parts of the Imperial Fleet, ambushed at Denab in 877 ABY. And although Sith Alchemy cannot be copied.. whose to guaranty they wont find a Sith one day.
- Assignment : Assassinate or Extract for further interrogation and labor -

2. SLADAK POIZE

(by fulcrum08)
Pyke, with extreme talent for book-keeping. Skill which made him accounting head of the Sluis Van-Shipyard.
It was a general knowledge, among top Inquisitors, that Shipyard was siphoning credits nearly since its creation. Empires and republics rise and fall, while the shipyard worked for every side, outside of the books, of course. We maybe cannot get thousands of years worth of credits.. but we can for the past 10 years.
- Assignment : Extract information from Poize, verify their authenticity. Execute the target -

3. EKREM The DEATH WISH

(by tstuckel)
Partial Besalisk, other genetic composition unknown, at the moment. Savage and fierce creature.
Standing near 8 ft tall, proficient with any huge melee weapon, which he can use as a projectile in a blink of an eye. Intelligence, surprisingly average, he is not slow enough to be manipulated. Mostly due to his ego which does not allow him 'subservience' in any form.
He is gathering large number of likeminded ones, terrorizing surviving civilians. If not stopped, projection of an "Warlord" problem rising to Red level.
- Assignment : Assassinate the target Publicly. Make sure you are seen as a Sith -


Sith eyes looked at each of the 3, with great hunger. He could feel the excitement coursing through his body, as the Force filled his lungs with each breath, as midiclorians rushed through his veins ignited by his unexpected hatred toward each men on the holo in front of him.

His planet is thriving, his wealth and power is amassing, his skills rising.. but nothing can compare to this. Nothing, is like being the crimson blade of the Order.

...Peace is a Lie.

His grin revealed his small Sith purebood fangs, as one of his commandoes right away gave orders to rest of them, knowing hos their master thinks.

"Mission is a go! Mission is a go! Release Locust Drone to scout in front of us. In to your uniforms, then land the ship in the safe zone, middle of the targets triangle!
Cloak up, cloak up!"
the highest ranking Jaegissary saluted Omon, who saluted back, then turn. Picking up his gear, and going in to his private quarters.
As the 2 wing doors closed behind him, he heard the last command..

"For Darth Diem! For Sith Empire!"
Echo of their boots, running, fill the airducts after the last words.
Omon could feel the vessel moving, as the slim Shikkar stealthily avoided debris of durasteel and rock.

Lily Rhodes Lord Dvasius Darth Malum of House Marr​

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: This
WEAPONS: Ferrum Solus | Blodmåne | Strømafbryder
SHIP: Úlfs Reiði
TAG: Oleander Webb | @Adeline Noctura | Credius Nargath

Adeline and Oleander expressed their concern over the last minute addition of Credius Nargath in their own way. Gerwald himself was cautious, but on this occasion the man seemed genuine. It was a far departure from the open defiance he had shown during his attempt to sever Eriadu from the control of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The Dread Wolf had a long memory for such things. His keen vigilance was now tasked with the protection of the Sith Order. Any who posed a threat to the stability of the Sith Order would be dealt with, not because Empyrean had ordered it, but because honor demanded it.

Gerwald shook his head.

“We do not trust anyone we do not know well, especially those we already have history with.”

She would understand the message. Gerwald did not trust her either, but Credius had given the wolf more reason. He was choosing to bring the woman into his circle for the moment because of her expertise and nature. The was allowing Credius because he had been present when the damage was done.

His attention turned to Oleander as the shuttle began to move.

“Lord Nargath can be of singular vision. He was at one point so obsessed with controlling Eriadu that he attempted to disregard the two primary directives of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. He and Exarch Malvern nearly went into open conflict over the matter. I do not trust him to do anything that is not immersed in self interest. Even his assistance here will be colored with it.”

His mind slipped his thoughts to his… friend.

<< “If he moves against us, the galaxy would not miss him.” >>

The mental exchange was intended to be private. While the Dread Wolf was certain their feminine guest knew the kind of beast Gerwald was, he was not so savage that he would give orders to execute a possible ally openly.

The shuttle glided through space, its hull barely a whisper against the vast emptiness. Space debris drifted by in slow motion, tumbling in erratic movements as the vessel weaved through the chaotic maze. The craft's sensors buzzed, warning of approaching hazards, but the pilot remained focused, guiding the ship with precision. Finally, after a tense maneuver around a particularly large chunk of metal, the shuttle slipped into the shadow of an enormous derelict ship. Its once gleaming surface was now scarred by the conflict it had just seen.

The ship’s empty silhouette loomed ahead, a forgotten giant, its airlocks long sealed, its corridors silent. The shuttle’s engines hummed low as it touched down on the cold, fractured hull, the vibrations echoing through the craft like the first breath of an ancient, slumbering beast. The boarding ramp lowered, and as always, Gerwald was the first to exit. He believed duty demanded his feet be the first to touch the ground and the last to leave it.

His eyes scanned the empty space, looking for any sign of their latest companion. A smirk pulled at his lips. Their newest ally did love to make an entrance. Gerwald assumed this instance would be no different.

 

[Iskendyr Yvarro]

Iskendyr's initial intention had been simple: negotiate for some scrap. Now, watching the Zabraks lunge at each other like wild beasts and the Cathar barely paying attention to the impending collision, he sighed.

Why, Ivalyn? Why did you insist I make friends? These are not peers; these are feral gremlins.

The young man pinched the bridge of his nose, as often his grandmother and ancestors have done when they had found themselves in such distasteful and stressful positions. Iskendyr heaved a sigh and got to work, reluctantly.

Just as Maiza dove at Naamino, her head aiming like a torpedo for his, Iskendyr raised a hand. The air around the two Zabraks shimmered faintly as their trajectories suddenly halted. Maiza found herself suspended mid-air, legs kicking, while Naamino's raised fist stopped inches from its target. Both of them hovered, their bodies encased in an invisible magnetic grip.

"Are you two actually serious right now?" Iskendyr asked, his voice sharp with incredulity. He turned to Maiza first, his brow furrowing. "You thought a headbutt was the winning strategy? Were you hoping to jar loose a brilliant idea?"

Then, without waiting for her retort, he shifted his gaze to Naamino. "And you. Gauntlets on for a playground squabble? What's next? Bringing a starfighter to a verbal debate?"

He flicked his wrist, and both Zabraks were gently but firmly pulled apart. Maiza landed on her perch with a soft thud, and Naamino stumbled backward, his gauntlets sparking faintly before powering down.

"Now that I have your attention," Iskendyr continued, brushing an imaginary speck of dust off his sleeve, "I don't have the patience to play referee to your playground drama. I have a proposition. I'll pay you double the market rate for your salvage—Sovereigns, Credits, your pick. Triple, if you can bring me intact databanks."

Then with some indignation as he got to the truth of his arrival there, seeing as they were more or less his age. Although, again, he'd hesitate to call them peers, they're completely feral gremlins. The Dosuunian gave a pointed to look the three of them but his attention landed squarely on the Cathar, perhaps the sole, level-headed one of the group. "But that's not all. I also need you three to pretend to be my... 'friends' for a Life Day party. There's additional compensation, of course."

He paused, rubbing his temple as if the mere thought of the upcoming party was giving him a migraine. "You see, my aunt—the Grand Vizier of the Commonwealth, no less—insists I 'socialize with peers my own age.' My actual friends? Off celebrating the holidays like normal people. And now I'm stuck attending a family gathering where my great-grandmother, who married a Sith Lord, will be parading around like it's perfectly normal."

He gestured wildly, the orbiting scraps flaring out briefly before settling again. "So here I am. Bribing the lot of you to play nice, keep the drama to a minimum, and—Ancients forbid—make me look like I've managed to form something resembling sentient connections."

"Think of it as an easy payday," Iskendyr added, crossing his arms. "And all you have to do is act civil for a few hours. What do you say?"

A hand up in the air, "and yes... there's food. But don't embarrass me. Or yourselves. Deal?"

Maiza Vex | Naamino Zuukamano | Micah tol Powl ​

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Episode VI: Last Taungsday Night
Naamino Zuukamano Maiza Vex Iskendyr Yvarro
[ lightsaber ] [ field com ]

[ bad blood ]​

On the plus side, it was quieter now.

Well, except for the pretty boy that was doing the talking, that is.

Amber eyes gazing off to where Naami had been put in time out, the Cathar noted somberly, "I wish you hadn't done that. It's the most animated I've seen him in days."

Looking over at the blond human(ish?) teen, the cat was compelled to note, "In any event, I calculate at least a fifty percent chance your methods produce an opposite effect from what you intended." Without much in terms of observational data, he'd estimate those chances higher for the girl -- half-blood? -- but the cat could easily see Naami either brushing it off or else coming back for a fight and eager for the opponent. Or the challenge. Or maybe a bit of both. "Warrior pits are part of their culture, after all."

Wait, was that right? "I think," the boy mused aloud, tipping his head slightly to one side as he mulled it over. "...or is that Nightbrothers..?"

When the teen dropped mention of databanks, the cat remembered what he'd been working on analyzing before. Looking back at the wreckage, then over at the blond teen, the kit noted, "In any case, you'd likely be interested in this. I suspect this ship was using some kind of bio-computer. But I need to get into the sub-structure."

There was more that he'd like to discuss, not about the Life Day thing, though it was interesting at least so far as Micah had a similar dilemma for himself, what with Naami being his only friend. He should probably take a note of this technique for in case the Academy did a homecoming or Life Day or some other non-academic social venture.

In any case, that was probably about as far as they got before someone threw the next punch... kick... head... thing.

 

[Credius Nargath]

Appearance: [X]
Equipment: [X][X][X][X][X][X][X] | Forces [X]
Ship: The Usurper
Tag: Gerwald Lechner | Adeline Noctua | Oleander Webb
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The abomination turned towards the windows of the bridge again, his eyes looking down upon the ship his own Usurper was now clearly passing over, the eyes behind his mask burning with vibrant crimson and golden hues, slit pupils contracting as he contemplated the implications of this new partnership.

"Milord, is it wise to aid the Wolf?" One of the old guard, members of the old Zweihander Union, still fiercely loyal to the one who had once been called the Chancellor of the Left, looked up at the monstrous man cloaked in his armor and mask. The steps between himself and the abomination in the force emphasized their difference in standing, yet the man still had to ask. "I may have grown old, but I still remember what has happened to Eriadu in your absence, how your honorable brother had been treated."

"The Great Fenrir is... powerful and used to be a bit... brazen," Credius' voice sounded hollow and tepid, as if he was on the verge of collapsing. However, a chuckle escaped his mouth, the reflection of his terrifying eyes visible within the transparisteel windows of the bridge, even through the red-tinted visors of his mask. "But you aren't thinking it foolish of me to cooperate, do you? Out there is the key to my survival, the key to my ascension beyond the likes of even Empyrean and Carnifex...so please, find out where he is heading and what his goal is, won't you?"

Looking into the darkness of space, the monster began to chuckle once again, a wave of cold, dark energy started to permeate the bridge. Cracks started to form within the transparisteel windows, as Credius' laughter continued to resonate, until finally the windows shattered and everything within the room was being sucked out violently into the vacuum of space.

"Milord!!" The old warrant officer yelled in fear and desperation, clinging to a control panel as he noticed how calm and undisturbed the Sith Lord was still gazing into the eather beyond the ship, until finally the shutters closed off the open window and the air and gravity stabilized on the bridge. "We've found his heading!!"

"Good, show me," Calmly walking over to the control panel, the monster looked down upon the screen of the warrant officer's console, nodding as he understood the coordinates. "While I am gone, replace droids B4 through B16, activate the old C1's if necessary...I will be taking two of the Sceleratis with me."

Utilizing one of the Usurper's HASS droppods, the Sith Lord managed to be shot off towards the target. He didn't care for any comfort of this travel, nor did he care to use a ship when such a thing was not needed, neither he nor his sceleratis would need anything in this cold space, just a means to traverse to the location was enough for him. If any of the sceleratis were lost, he could replace them, but replacing ships was currently a bit harder considering his influence within his old company was minimal at best and his own resources were dwindling as well.

Still, the shock when the pod burrowed itself through metal and debris, getting stuck somewhere between what was believed to be the tenth or eleventh floor of the behemoth of a ship they had crashed onto, was enough to push Credius' thoughts back to realspace. It didn't take the monster long to realize there were some people with a profound connection to the force inbound and as such there was little doubt to who exactly was coming...

Within the darkness of the empty space Gerwald Lechner was scanning, a masked man seemed to appear out of nowhere, as if he had just emerged out of the very shadiw itself, his armor gleaming with bright colorations of crimson and electrum plating, a long red blade attached to his side, while two droids of impressive size and surprisingly lithe stature flanked him. "Now...I believe we have met, Great Fenrir...but who might your companions be?"

 

[Lily Rhodes]

Some of the children seemed to find comfort in seeing his face, others were unsettled by his eyes. Even without her telepathy, she could feel him struggling and children were far more perceptive than most. She felt a stab of guilt run through her at the laughter she had found in the way Emily had regarded him. It was born out of bitterness…out of anger at his failing to do the impossible.

For continuing to serve an Emperor who committed such atrocities. What made this so much worse, was that these had been his people. She’d no doubt that propaganda would find a way to blame this all on the Alliance, but if this was what he had been willing to do to those under his rule… the thought made her sick.

Malum was fumbling so she stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder, a smile coming to her face easily as she addressed the kids. “Malum is going to help me build you a new home, somewhere you will be safe and protected from the war. I know it's scary, that you miss your families, but I promise that we will do everything to help you through this, to become the best you can be, regardless of all you have suffered.”

Somewhere in the distance, a bell rang, letting the camp know the food was ready and other volunteers came forward to help gather the children together so they could go and get theirs. After a few moments, they were alone. Lily still had a hand on his shoulder, lost momentarily in her thoughts before she spoke up. “The camp can do without me for the afternoon, cousin.” she said softly “That is…if you want to…” she trailed off.

Maybe he’d walk away again. Find another excuse to avoid her.

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

He was a Sith Lord, beyond the fact that he should not have even been here, he was expressing such wanton weakness, for what? It was hardly the worst of the galaxy he had ever seen, it would certainly not be the worst he would ever see, yet, so why at this moment was he crumbling? Crumbling when these children needed him to be a fount of strength. He was meant to be strong regardless, whatever his private, dangerous thoughts, to all the rest of the galaxy they were meant to be united, to show shame? Then these children... who had lost everything, what use did they have for a weak man who had claimed to save them?

The conflict of honour versus duty played out in his mind yet again, however, even if he had lied to himself thus far, he knew exactly the other reason for all of this.

Two precious candles burning against the winter nights.

His renewed purpose forever moving forward, for even as he became more and more broken, even as he doubted further and further, even as shards of him fell away and he cracked, he had to survive, he had to move forward...

...He had to win.

For them, always now for them.

He did not flinch as his cousin's hand rested upon his pauldroned shoulders, her words a comfort to those his face had both comforted and ever feared. Fear... a ghost of a smile flickered upon his face, as he pulled upon the Force, raising an open palm in front of the children, as he considered... his usual display with a ring made for its purpose would do no good here of children who had seen far too many flames so...

As whisps of the Darkside coalesced around his palm, the children, even those fearful watching in rapt attention, a vague shape was made, a shape that grew increasingly familiar, a bird the same as those that flew overhead, yet a bird, unlike all those others. He breathed softly, focusing bending and forcing the Force under his will.

Until to the surprise of them all, standing upon his palms, gazing at them all inquisitively with blood-red eyes, a raven stood, squawking at attention.

"...This is Corax, he will watch over all of you from the skies, you will always be safe under his watch," The raven listened attentively to his purpose, before flapping its wings, the children all gazing forth with surprise in their eyes, their sorrow for at least this moment, forgotten, as the bell rang and they ran off, all gazing upward as the raven took flight to chase after them, circling the camp, their everpresent protector.

He swallowed down the emotions, even the ghost of the smile fading away, as his eyes were drawn down to the dirt, the familiar presence of his cousin still at his shoulder as a silence dawned. Her words were uncertain.

Yet, another he had hurt.

He closed his eyes, "The Guard and Tsis'Kaar can do without me," He pulled himself out from the depths, opening his orbs to the world, even as earcomm buzzed in attention, it seemed his old friend had arrived, "What is it that you would like to do then, Lillian?" He asked, turning to face her.

Lily Rhodes Lord Dvasius Omon Kaa / Darth Diem

 

[Omon Kaa / Darth Diem]

Slick, dark metallic drone, cut the destruction polluted sky.



Locust droid starfighter was perfect reconnaissance tool for the job of the Inquisitor. Though Omon did work on some smaller designs, for just this type of work, at the moment, Locust was the peek of it.​

It scanned and shuffle in to files, every pre-determined 'image of importance', as it glided down the burning suburbs of a city.

Not far above her, in the cloaked Shikkar Corvette, Omon and his commandoes were fully ready for deployment. Dressed in a put together outfits of a makeshift paramilitary group, which would undoubtably raise within days of the horrors which was below them.

The Sith Lord checked its straps, then pull out the vibro blade from his chest, rotate it around his palm, and return it back in. Getting familiar with his cold arms, beside his hidden lightsaber.

"Boys. If you see any civilian being attacked, defend with minimal attraction of attention. Then make sure they know it is Sith Empire who saved them." his masked face looked around the deployment room, making sure his men understood him..
"This world is not hostile to us. Just certain groups are. Some which we will fix today." . On his words, heads of his Jaegissary moved approvingly.

The co-pilot was following the progression of the Locust drone, mapping their potential paths toward the first target, the Sluissi scientist, Nur.

​

The probe that located this old Banta, was still following his movement.

But Suddenly, Darth Diem felt a raise of emotion coming from his commando. His head raised and his yellow eyes gazed at him.. waiting for the news.

"Am, Sir.. we have a situation." soldiers voice was calm, but with underlined urgency.
Young Sith jumped from his seat and waddled his way toward the cockpit, as the Shikkara moved extremely fast now.
On the holo pad in front of the co-pilots chest, was an image of a small skirmish. It appeared Sith Troopers were engaging someone, and from the last few seconds he saw, dealt with the threat accordingly.

Though the image of the Locust Drone was still pretty high from the ground, Omon saw a light saber being raised before the soldiers fired. Sith wilding it wore an Inquisitorial armor.

"..Probably Lord Dvasius , from the sector he is in." ..Omon thought while looking as the group started to move forward, in to the wooded area.

"Ok. Its an Inquisitor, what is the issue?" he asked, as his upper body curved lower, to see better. But his soldier without saying a word, pressed a button which started playing collected images taken 30 second before the skirmish they just watched.

First image showed some 5 to 6 people, next image 12 to 20, and speeded up next 6 holograms showed around 50 variously armed group of insurgents.
"They are tracking them.." seemed that the Sith on the ground had some fans, stocking behind him, undoubtably due to the carelessness of the troopers with him.

If this was Dvasius, it would make him a High Inquisitor, same as Darth Diem, in potential danger. 50 Sand People can take down a Krayt Dragon if lucky.. by that logic..

"Double time on his position! Armed Locust Droid and send her to them. Hover above their heads, and point the armed end to the side from which the mob is arriving. I'm sure he will recognize the message." sadly each High Inquisitor have its own frequency during terra assaults. Unless Omon knew it, he could not send the word.

The Shikkar made a exploding sound, as they broke the first sound barrier, rushing to the aid of his comrades. With the crackling sound of electricity, their cloaking mechanism got disrupted. Too sudden change of speed.

The Jaegissary started to armed their Needler Carbine's, getting ready for immediate trigger time after disembarking.

Omon looked at the Holo, and could see the men on the ground. It was indeed his fellow High Inquisitor, Lord Dvasius.
The drone starship, made a wide U turn above them, pointing its nose to the wood behind them. Slits on its lower side opened, and two small laser turrets slide out, each turning 30 degrees from side to side. These were assassination turrets, sadly, not riot stopping capable. They will kill first 10, but after that they will need recharge and cool down.

Diem locked its carbine, enjoying the fact he will use an actual non-saber weapon.. "What's the time of arrival?!" he asked with calm, but excited voice.

Pilot responded with firm voice, not looking away from the path in front of them.. "ETA 30 seconds master." then his helmet masked head turned for just a smallest of angles, toward Omon.. "Same time as the armed group.". He add, as though saying 'karabast' with it.

But Omon was not worried.. 30 seconds is more then enough. This was another Sith Inquisitor after all..



Lord Dvasius Darth Malum of House Marr
​

 

[Lily Rhodes]

Lily watched the raven he'd created as it flew off after the children, a mixture of awe and curiosity on her face. She'd never seen him do that before, but then why would she have. She had deliberately spurred his every offer of teaching, refusing to take anymore from him then she already had, unwilling to accept her place…unwilling to see what she was.

A lump formed unexpectedly in her throat as her eyes met his as he turned to face her, using the full name she had so utterly despised. “I…um…” she didn't know, she didn't have any suggestions, she just knew she needed his company.

“I'd suggest a cute coffee shop somewhere, but I think we're on the wrong planet for that.” It was so easy to hide behind humour, but she couldn't hide the tremor in her voice. “Maybe we just walk?”

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

It was impossible not to notice the look she had, gazing upon the flying Corax, enough for his smile to firm to the lowest of fractions, as an idea emerged at the back of his mind, "Envious?" He teased in the same voice as one would order a guard, revealing his palm, as more of the Darkside coalesced once more, much in the same image as the last, a shape was born, a shape most familiar, growing increasingly more and more detailed, until as the magic which had impressed the children only moments ago, sat the twin to the raven flying overhead.

"This is Cornix," The blood eyed raven squawked, in his mind transmitting his order without verbality, as he hopped forth from his palm, spreading its wings only to land upon Lillian's shoulder, nipping at her cheek affectionately, as Malum considered the rest of her words.

The tremor was impossible to ignore, even as the attempt at humour was appreciated. Still, a heavy heart hardly wished to be free from what pain it felt was justified to be self-inflicted, "...I could take us off-world, but yes a walk might be best," He offered carefully, indicating her to lead the way.

But not before, an evil thought entered his mind.

"...I did always wonder when you would ask me out on a date."

Without allowing her a chance to respond, his cloak billowed in his wake, as he began walking forward.

Lily Rhodes Lord Dvasius Omon Kaa / Darth Diem

 

[Maiza Vex]

Theme: Brain Stew
Tags: Micah tol Powl | Naamino Zuukamano | Iskendyr Yvarro | Open

---

Their heads collided but not before Maiza felt her body getting pulled back. She tried to swim against it her arms and legs flailing. She growled and gritted her teeth at Naami as she stared at him with fury in her eyes. She found herself being pulled back to her perch in stubborn defiance but there was little she could do. Her eyes firmly fixed on her Zabrak prey, wild like an animal wanting to taste blood. Her head only turned when she heard the pretty boy speak to her and Naami.

"How dare you!" She screamed at the pretty boy with the pridefulness of a true Zabrak, how dare this outsider interfere in a challenge. The Zabrak culture was one of pride and when one challenged it, especially for combat, it was an honorable thing to accept. It was also considered to be a learning experience to engage in combat with another Zabrak from a different tribe or colony. Now both her and Naami had been deprived of that and that just pissed her off even more.

Yet before she could even say anything else the pretty boy started making an offer for profit. Then the little Cathar interjected his opinion on the Zabrak culture. She let her anger subside as she listened to them both realizing they didn't understand. "It's for honor and pride we must fight." She finally said as she calmed herself down enough not to scream or growl. "He called me a half-breed, so I have to prove to him that I am just as capable as any full blood. You dishonor both of us by not letting us fight to gain respect and experience from each other." She then looked too Naami though and knew the two would have to settle it eventually. She gave him a knowing nod that this wasn't the end, but they would have their duel just not now with outsiders interfering.


"Paying for friends, and you call me and big horn over there out for our bonding ways? Though I won't pass up the easy credits Pretty boy. Or do prefer rich boy?" She then looks to the Cathar as she didn't know any of there names or at least wasn't paying much attention when they gave it. "Since you seem to know a lot Cat, what do Cathar's think about buying friends?"