Public Sands of Time

[Diarch Reign]

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Location: Zoronhed | Cantina
Tags: Laphisto 17-KR7 "Enigma" Quinn Varanin Tamsin Graves Eira Dyn Kaila Irons Trayze Tesar Tarasynora

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The Diarch barked a brief bit of laughter as his old friend made his comment.
"A sentiment I must mirror Laphisto, although, normally I know why I'm being shot at"
The statement was true, other than the summons by the "Demon" Reign knew not why he was here and even less about why he was now under fire.

He was focused in on a couple of droids approaching him when at the sound of a concussion grenade, his large ally went reeling. Reign quickly placed a hand on Laphisto's back, sending a brief bout of calm to him through the force. And at Laphisto's words the Diarch nodded.

"Noted, the droids are mine, seems you and your other friends are in a heap of trouble"

He turned to face the three advancing on Laphisto his blade making short work of the droid encroaching to melee distance. Blocking the bolts from the other two.

It was at this time a smoke canister went off in the vicinity of the two force users, obscuring Reign's vision. Blocking the bolts on instinct, the haze now illuminated by the lightsabers of the Diarch and his ally, casting eerie alternating glows.

It was through this haze that the Diarch felt the tide shift out of his favor, unsure of where the threat truly was, he tried to tap into the force more fully, becoming mildly disoriented from the brief touch with Quinn Varanin the pure power emanating from her throwing his senses into disarray.

It was in this moment of pause that while moving, he felt a stun bolt hit his right hand, dropping the saber momentarily, before calling it to his left hand. Barely slicing in time to catch the net, but the debris from the containment device cutting the diarch open in multiple locations.

Now, bleeding, one arm held limply at his side, and disoriented by an overwhelming force presence, the Diarch seethed. His rage pushing his power to further and further heights. It was in this elevated state, he felt the brush against his mind.

Noting the familiar touch of battle meditation, he accepted the call and was flooded with the other's emotions. Not only that, but power, adding already to his substantial strength.

Within the grips of this power, he felt the intent of the mercenary throwing the sonic grenade and managed to redirect it with the force to the other organic hunter on the elevated platform.

Taking a moment to lose himself in the connection, memories of brutal training at the hands of his father, joyous revelation at the birth of his daughters, and grim determination as he met the galaxy in a declaration of war all coursed through him to the others he was tethered too.

 

[17-KR7 "Enigma"]

Location: Zonju V
Tags: Tamsin Graves Kaila Irons Diarch Reign Trayze Tesar Laphisto Eira Dyn Tarasynora Quinn Varanin

Enigma observed the unfolding chaos with the meticulous detachment of a grandmaster adjusting a game board. The variables had changed. The plan had been perfect—until external elements introduced an unacceptable level of instability. The swoop gangers had formed an unexpected, uncharacteristic alliance, drawn together not by credits or power, but by sheer inconvenience. The arrival of the trench-coated man, his casual demeanor masking the very real threat of the thermal detonator, confirmed what her processors had already calculated: this operation had exceeded acceptable levels of risk.

"Assessment: The situation has deteriorated beyond optimal parameters," she transmitted to her forces. "Initiate Withdrawal Protocol Theta. Engage only to suppress pursuit. Non-essential hostiles may be used as distractions. The crowd will serve as a buffer."

Her bounty hunters, hardened professionals all, did not panic. Nor did the Commando Droids, whose cold mechanical minds accepted orders without hesitation. The mercenaries outside, facing the increasingly agitated swoop gangs, shared quick glances before one reached down and deactivated the locking mechanism on the tavern doors. The heavy bolts disengaged with an audible clank, and the doors creaked open just enough for the eager masses to shove their way in.

A human bounty hunter adjusted his rifle and stepped back. "Fine. You want your drinks? Have at it."

The gangsters poured inside, not immediately registering the tactical retreat for what it was. Some hesitated, wary of the droids still in the shadows, but others surged forward, weapons drawn and looking for a fight. Enigma had calculated the outcome—brawls would break out, creating a perfect cover for her forces to extract themselves from the compromised battlefield.

She turned her attention to Laphisto, whose voice carried the ease of an old friend rather than an adversary. His words, playful yet probing, were as calculated as any high-stakes negotiation. He treated her as a living being—a habit of his she had long recognized. Respect was a tool, an equation she understood but did not feel. Even so, her response was tailored with the careful precision of someone who understood how organics valued familiarity. She spoke through the intercom system again.

"Laphisto," she acknowledged, her voice smooth and deliberate, synthesized to reflect the warmth she did not truly experience but knew he expected. "You overestimate me. If I had arranged this convergence, it would have been on my terms."

She paused for a nanosecond, a fraction of time imperceptible to organics but an eternity for her.

"I came for the bounty, yes. But now I see the greater game. Your presence here is an anomaly. You, the Diarch, others of significance—I calculate a 94.7% probability that none of you arrived here by coincidence." The voice stopped for a moment, allowing the organics to process it. "That suggests external manipulation. An unseen hand guiding the pieces. Tell me, old friend, are you the pawn or the player?"