Populate Serpent of Echnos | SO Populate of Empty Hex

[Grrwunhoooll Agaburry]

The automoton stood motionless in his private chamber aboard a cold, metallic vessel. His cybernetic eyes glowed faintly as the holographic broadcast unfolded before him, the murmurs of the Echnos crowd interspersed with the Governor's defiant proclamations. The dim light reflected off his polished durasteel limbs, He was more machine than man and now lost in a labyrinth of thought.

The murmuring on the broadcast quieted. Darth Anathemous, now draped in the garb of the Inquisition, took her place at the podium. Her words carried the weight of rebellion wrapped in the guise of allegiance. Assimilus's glowing eyes narrowed as she unfurled her declaration of loyalty to the Emperor's Inquisition while simultaneously distancing herself from the Kainate. Her defiance—calculated, measured—stirred something in him: admiration, perhaps, tinged with caution. He didn't move, but the low hum of his internal processors seemed to grow louder in the silence of his chamber. The red banners unfurling behind Anathemous painted the broadcast in hues of defiance and resolve.

This could lead to....evolution. Conflict. It is more than probable.

For a moment, his mind traveled back to their meeting at his temple on Jutrand and how she spoke of her master, Darth Carnifex with such resentment.

"I'm... going to do something that... I don't do often,"
"I am going to be honest with you." Instead he would get Kaila as she truly was. Raw and unfiltered.
I...haved hated my master... With such a... Vitriol... I sometimes wonder just how much it lends to my power"
She took a deep breath, eyes still wandering somewhere ahead.
"And now I begin to wonder if it is not that I hate the Jedi themselves... but rather... That in their few similarities, I am reminded of Him."

" Clever girl." His child like synthetic voice sounded aloud.

Later on the bridge, the Wraithspire was silent, save for the low hum of the ship's engines and the faint, synchronized rhythm of terminals processing data. The air carried an almost sacred stillness, broken only by the flickering glow of status lights and the muted vibrations of the vessel as it glided through the void. Darth Assimilus stood at the center of it all, a towering figure of durasteel and technological supremacy. His crimson photorecptors gazed at the holographic star map before him. Threads of hyperspace routes lit up like veins of light, intertwining across the galaxy, each one branching into countless possibilities. Rows of cyborg operators worked in perfect unison at their stations. They did not speak, nor did they gesture. Their actions were driven entirely by the collective hive mind linking them to him. Through this connection, Assimilus was not merely a commander but part of the ship itself. He felt the Wraithspire's pulse, its sensors brushing against distant starlight and cosmic anomalies. Each movement, each decision, was as seamless and precise as the firing of a synapse.

By all means it was harmony.

Assimilus's thoughts turned to the Hadar Sector, his mind weaving through endless possibilities. The Hadar Sector was an out-of-the-way expanse, distant from current conflicts raging, but close enough to serve his purpose. A perfect place to assist a potential ally discreetly. It was in that harmonious silence of synthetic focus that the Wraithspires engines roared and the deep blue and pale azure streaks of light stretched into oblivion.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kirie //: Darth Malum of House Marr //: Darth Carnifex //: Darth Prazutis //: Kaila Irons //:
//: Wearing //:

Quinn thought quietly of Kirie's suggestion. The Governor was a former Kainite, raised in their ways and trained by Kaine Zambrano. She, if anyone would have answers. Another came to mind, one that treated her as family. Quinn hated pulling that string, knowing that Prazutis would give her the galaxy if asked. Sighing, she would hold Prazutis as a trump card if necessary - hopefully, it didn't come to that. Quinn wanted to keep her relationship with him as pure as possible. The man was destined to be her father-in-law, but fate was cruel and ripped that reality from them.

Looking to Kirie, who was still speaking, pulled Quinn from her spiraling thoughts. Smiling, the Echani covered her mouth as she laughed gently at the Weik woman's comment. Quinn enjoyed Kirie's company but knew it had an expiration date. Once she was freed, she doubted Kirie would stick around. The thought saddened the Princess, but it was fate's cruel design again. "We can talk to the Governor. You're right - she would have answers," her voice trailed off, and someone was moving quickly through the Force. Their essence darted from place to place, and the only person she knew who had that type of rhythm as they moved was Malum. Her brow raised as she looked in the distance, hoping to see him approaching her.

"He's an idiot," she said to Kirie. "We must take a slight detour; luckily, we were already heading out." Gently extending her arm, Quinn guided Kirie towards her and in the direction where she felt Malum's teleporting finish.

Despite not being anyone of interest within the Empire, her stature as a royal and her connections to a particular Empress allowed Quinn to move freely within martial law. A quick look, even a glance at her identification, guards parted like the stars. They allowed her passage, not even questioning the girl who was a step behind her. Nerves built up as she felt Malum's intent through the budding force bond. Quinn sometimes fought it, wanting it to be severe and keep her detached from anyone. Yet, their morals and dreams for the Empire kept them bound.

"Kirie," Quinn started as she turned to face her associate. "I'm going to do something foolish, but maybe if he's wounded, if their god bleeds for just a moment…" she let her eyes wander to the ground, to her feet as she worked up, even fathoming the thought. "If he is weakened for just a moment - it might be enough to fully free you from the Kainite influence." Staring back at Kirie again, she nodded and handed the woman a small blaster hidden in her boot. "Hold this for protection, but take cover - I'll be with one of the Dark councilors - this is stupid, isn't it?" Quinn stood near where Malum had stationed himself. Looking over her shoulder, she pulled down the shallow hood on her cloak and took a deep breath. This was probably one of the stupidest things she had ever done in her life. Why did she think this was a good idea?

Quinn kept asking herself these questions while removing her cloak and handing it to Kirie. "I will get you freedom even if it takes my last breath." Quinn rattled on. Maybe these heroic lines would bolster her for the idiotic hail Mary she would try to pull off. Smiling awkwardly, she brushed back her blonde hair behind her ears and nodded. "Okay, just hide and take cover - don't worry about me. A worst you could be captured again, but I won't let that happen or let you be captured for long - I'll break you out." Pausing, she turned and pointed at Malum, speaking loud enough for him to hear. "I-If you get captured again, I'll make Malum take me to come get you. Right Malum?" The Princess gave the man a stern look, demanding he support her in the potential endeavor.

"Wish me luck." Quinn smiled and climbed the platform to stand by Malum. Strapped to her leg, the lightsaber of her mother was all she needed for protection. "A heads-up would have been nice; you know how rooted the Kainites were on Echnos…" Quinn sighed, her mind becoming a steel trap, knowing that they were facing a former Emperor, a god to a cult, and a demon of the dark side.

Once more, she looked to Kirie, and her resolve hardened. "Do you have a plan?" she asked calmly to the man beside her.

 

[Reicher Vax]

Location: Garrison on Dorvalla
Equipment: Standard Issue Sith Trooper Armor, Vibroblade, Standard Issue Blaster Rifle, Datapad.
Tag: Darth Carnifex (Mentioned) Kaila Irons (Mentioned) Darth Malum of House Marr Darth Prazutis QK-2510

Reicher stood at the comms console, his fingers hovering over the controls as the holographic image of the Kainite transmission flickered into clarity. The figure on the other end was indistinct, a shadow cloaked in darkness, but the authority and menace radiating from it was palpable. The weight of the moment settled on him like a crushing pressure, but he didn't flinch. He'd faced death too many times to be paralyzed by fear.

"Message received and accepted. Speak." came the deep, resonant voice of the Kainite figure. Its tone carried the air of someone who expected answers and had little patience for games.

Reicher squared his shoulders, standing as tall as he could, though he knew his presence paled in comparison to the aura of the shadowy figure. He had been chosen for this because he could keep his head under pressure, and now was the time to prove it.

"This is Legionnaire Reicher Vax of the Sith Legion Garrison on Dorvalla," he began, his voice steady and professional. "I have been tasked by my commanding officer, Major Trelix, to extend an offer of potential cooperation between our forces and the Kainite faction. We understand your presence above Echnos and acknowledge the strength you bring to bear."

He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Our garrison remains loyal to the principles of the Empire, but we also recognize the need for pragmatism in uncertain times. The Kainites have proven themselves as a decisive force, and we believe there may be opportunities for mutual benefit."

Reicher hesitated for a fraction of a second, then pressed on. "Specifically, we seek to establish military-controlled manufacturing on Echnos, leveraging the forges to produce arms and supplies that will benefit both our forces. In return, we are prepared to provide logistical and tactical support to ensure the planet's stability under your-"

Before Reicher could finish, another alert blinked on the console, Reicher quickly paused his current transmission. A second transmission was incoming, this one marked with the encrypted identifiers of Darth Anathemous's forces. Reicher's brow furrowed, and he glanced at the comms officer manning the nearby station. The soldier gave him a subtle nod, indicating the connection was secure.

"Legionnaire Vax," came the voice of an officer, "Darth Anathemous has requested direct communication with you. Shall I patch it through?"

Reicher's jaw tightened. This was not a position he wanted to be in—caught between the Kainites and the Inquisition. But there was no turning back now. He nodded curtly. "Do it Sir, but just wait a second, and get the men all in here." The Officer quickly made an announcement throughout the base, and as many important veteran Legionnaires and officer alike flooded into the room.

He un-paused his transmission to the Kainite vessel, knowing that what they where about to see would be historical. "Kainite vessel, we have just received a request for direct communication from Darth Anathemous, would you like us to patch you through to listen, where we will be able to hide your current communication status with onsite electronic countermeasures? Or if we negate using the countermeasures, allow you to respond to her through our channel?"

Either way, the Kainite faction could now trust the Garrison to be loyal and give the upper hand already. If whoever was commanding the Kainites wanted to speak, they may be here for a piece of galactic history.

​

 

[Tamsin Graves]

​

Theme: The Black Parade
Equipment: GL-13 blaster | Combat Knife | Multi-Tool | Inquisitorial Saber
Tags: Kaila Irons | OPEN

"Family doesn't have to repay each other." Tamsin said confidently as she looked up at her giving her a firm nod of reassurance.

Kaila would never owe her anything, even if Tamsin ever learned the truth of her fate. In fact, had she known the truth at this point after all she had learned and been taught it would only endear Tamsin more to Kaila. Cheating fate itself to give her a chance at life. Without words she watched her master then switched gears and push forward.

"Hmm." She said somewhat out loud as Kaila's telepathic message had come across her mind. She didn't understand, unaware of the pact that had been made with the demon with in her. She just shook the thought away, not pushing or questioning, maybe Kaila was testing the device, or she had accidentally sent the message to the wrong person. She just followed Kaila through the corridors to the command center in the manor. As she issued her orders, it was almost scary to see Kaila go from nearly breaking down into battle mode.

As they entered the command center, she listened as Kaila asked for reports and gave out orders. Tamsin looked at monitors and projected maps on the ends of the table. She wandered a bit before she stopped at monitor that showed the skies outside on various screens. Dark clouds were forming and streaks of violet and red lighting clashed in the clouds.

The hairs on her arm and neck began to stand up and she could feel the cold dark energy surrounding the world. It was strong and everywhere it seemed, though she couldn't sense them exactly she felt several powerful figures trying to make their way to one place. Somewhere closer than others, and as they got closer their pulsating dark energies seemed to meld and become palpable, she could feel it in her bones. Chaotic dark raw energy seemed to surge through her and she liked it, it felt like a drug she had tasted long ago now entering her veins for the first time in decades.

Off to the side she was still listening to Kaila as she talked of finding out who people were, jump jetters, assassins, and fetching her armor. As she listened to Kaila speak and watched the monitors of the outside unknown to her right hand moved to her left and rolled up the sleeve of her shirt and began etching symbols into her arm with her right thumb nail. Blood was trickling down her arm, but Tamsin seemed oblivious to it even happening. The symbols were of an ancient long thought dead or forgotten magick. Spells of destruction and protection that something old and dark could know. Tamsin's moved softly in hymn as the ruins were being etched upon the skin. The words in a long dead language a hymn to the gods of destruction. The sulfuric orange rings around the iris's of Tamsins eyes lit up brighter and bigger than before. Like burning rings of fire at the center of her dark eyes.

"There are a lot of them coming, I can feel them. The skies are also turning dark I can use that." Tamsin was aware of the words coming out of her mouth but they were not her own. "I hope some of them are our allies, because if you made this many enemies it might just be easier to blow up the whole damn planet then mount a strategy. Also you need to really get this girl a better saber then this helicopter of a blade she carries around. Also you got any explosives?" It was clear the demon was taking control of Tamsin but it was for the girls own protection but it was making sure Tamsin stayed awake for the whole damn thing. "One these days you are going to have to introduce me to your friends, it was nice seeing Darth Malum of House Marr again, oh and I guess your girlfriend Ala Quin surpirsed she has lived this long." The demon spoke giving Kaila answers to questions she didn't even know to ask yet.

---

Translated Hymn:

I am the vessel, the conduit through which your destructive power be made manifest.

Grant onto me your strength of will, your power, and your protection.

With my own blood I shall bring thee entropy

All shall be consume in the flame and only the dark shall remain​

 

[Nyxira Valis]

Nyxira came to a halt as the trio of Commando Droids approached, their weapons leveled and their synthetic voices demanding identification. She did not flinch, did not react to the threat implicit in their stance. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, her piercing violet eyes fixing on the lead droid with an expression that balanced calm authority and faint amusement.

"I am Darth Nythera," she said, her voice low and smooth, carrying with it the weight of the Dark Side. "And I have no quarrel with your governor — or her ambitions."

Her gaze swept briefly to the other two droids before returning to the leader. The faint, crimson glow of the storm above flickered across her armor, illuminating the glowing runes etched into it. "I come as an ally, not an enemy. Inform your master that I seek an audience with her. She will find my presence... beneficial."

The droids hesitated for a fraction of a second, their processors likely running calculations on her demeanor, her power, and the implications of her words. Nyxira took a single step closer, her cloak shifting like liquid shadow in the rain. The air around her seemed to pulse with the storm's energy, an unspoken reminder of the power she could unleash if provoked.

"Your master will want to hear what I have to offer," she added, her tone soft but laced with quiet authority.

She waited, unflinching and unyielding, her gaze locked on the lead droid as though daring it to challenge her further. The storm above rumbled faintly, a low and ominous accompaniment to her presence.

Kaila Irons Darth Malum of House Marr | Open​

 

[Lord Dvasius]

Lord Dvasius' Estate, Fiviune


Lights turned on, seemingly on their own and the large wooden doors opened inward, seemingly the same. A figure wearing a black standard looking Sith robes rushed in the room. Hood down, casually. The owner was a white haired man, about mid twenties. He bore a scar next to his left eye. An old war wound. A gift. From the Kainites. One of their little strand-caste clones nearly took his whole face off during a battle some years ago. Fortunate for him, her shot only took his left eye and damaged the other, but it was still intact. One was replaced completely and the other augmented cybernetically. The fakes car was left to remind him never to let anything like that happen ever again and he'd trained in exile to make it so. He could see a lot more, a lot better now. Guess they should have his thanks for that. They wouldn't.

Lord Dvasius came to approach his desk at the center of the room's far end. It could be seen that his cloak bore the emblem of the Tsis-Kaar in red, covering the whole back side of its the upper half. The same symbol, the same color was on his wrist gauntlets. These concealed a signature weapon of the Sith Assassins. His master had given these to him before her passing. Finally he pressed the glowing red button on his desk console that was also emitting an annoying and loud sound. A holographic message came up. It was a summons for all High Inquisitors of the Tsis-Kaar to come to Echnos. He sat down in his chair. Came from the very top too. Darth Malum, "Heir of Marr", apparent murderer and heir of their master as well. He "strongly disliked" the man. That kill should have been his. Not only that, but there was the murder of his friend and yet another apprentice of their master, Darth Strosius. Dvasius was the lesser of the three apprentices of Ophidia, some would say. The latest and the least trained before her death, but that training and apprenticeship alone were enough to grant him a rather high standing among Sith and Tsis-Kaar. Commanded some high respect it seemed. Not that he cared much for that political nonsense. Waste of time.

This was work and should be as professional as any other mission was, so all misgivings were going to be set aside. Reading further the "Prodigal Apprentice" as he'd "affectionately" been called or "The Lord Of Fire" by those who feared him for his natural aptitude with pyrokinesis, saw the red wreathed holographic letter mentioned something about the Kainate taking interest in this affair. Reading that he stood up quick and rushed to his ship. That was all he needed to know right there. Perhaps it was finally time for some payback. The lights in his office automatically went off, darkening the room like night as he left it. Only the fiery rings of Lord Dvasius' eyes could be seen, seemingly brighter and with much more passionate anger than usual.

He boarded his ship and set the coordinates, then took off right at the moment the hangar doors were barely open enough to fit through to shoot for the atmosphere almost immediately, then to hyperspace. It was dark inside, except for the glowing lights of holographic monitor screens feeding him information about the ship and, at current, the summons, which he hadn't finished reading before rushing out. He'd finish it now. As he got closer to Echnos a separate video message started playing.

It showed a blonde women in Inquisitor garb standing at a podium giving some speech about breaking off from the Kainate and claiming the moon for the Inquisition. Red banners of the Tsis-Kaar came down and draped the wall behind her.

"Oh, I like her." Dvasius chuckled, both amused and proud or this woman he didn't even know.

Not smart, but Kark the Kainate. It was just another war back then, until one of them blasted the top half of his face off. He lost that day and so, eventually, did the Tsis-Kaar. Hopefully they could get their revenge today. The small Tsis-Kaar ship lurched out of hyperspace and saw Kainite ships as well as some of the their own or local defense force. He sensed some powerful, familiar presences as well. He'd been in the same space as them before. Their presences reached far and were know to Dvasius and many others. Some called them Gods and their power was certainly close. This was not good. He turned the ship to the ally formation a fast as he could without attracting negative attention from either force.

Apparently it seemed you couldn't enter the atmosphere without permission. He could just do it anyway, stealth the ship and vanish to ground, but he thought it'd be proper to show fellow Inquisitors some respect. In this tension it wasn't a good idea to appear untrustworthy either. He sent through his Tsis-Kaar identifier code then hoped for the best and not to sit here for too long. He felt like lunch to the Kainate ships, just hanging out here.

Kaila Irons

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Lina Ovmar]

Location: Ovmar Estate, Corva Yag

“Isn't it fascinating how one heretic is killed for his boldness and his insistence on publicly standing against the proverbial gods within this Empire, and within weeks, another stands to take the podium of stupidity.”

The blue light hologram flickered and died as Darth Anathemous left her podium, leaving Lina in a flickering firelight. The glass of wine swirled in her hand as she rose from her desk, stepping towards the fireplace. Eyes flickered in the shadows behind her.

“This doesn't feel like a move Malum would make, but there's been no public denial nor reprimand, so I assume then he is going to back it. Would make sense, after all, he can't appear to have lost control of his newly appointed high inquisitor so soon.”

The shadows didn't answer, watching her as she brought the glass to her lips, drinking deep before drumming her nails against the glass. She had promised Malum her support, but this? This was an insult Carnifex could not ignore, not just because he had given Anathemous this seat but because the move to do so had been backed by the Empress herself.

The door to her left slid open, light spilling into the room sending shadows skittering away. Emerald eyes shifted to settle.up9n the intruder to her musings. The pink skinned Zeltron, stepped forward unphased by her icy stare.

“Our sources confirm that the Inquisition's is mobilising, still no word from Echnos itself outside the initial broadcast. No movement from Jutrand.”

Lina sighed and nodded. “It would seem our Emperor and Empress are either unaware…or choosing to leave the children to resolve the squabbling themselves.”

“Your orders?”

For a moment, Lina said nothing.

“Keep our distance and keep watching. Send word to Lord Jhyrack , I'd like him and his forces on standby should we need them. I will establish communications to Echnos personally.”

The zeltron bowed and stepped back, the door sliding shut again to plunge Lina into semi darkness once more. She set her wine glass on the mantelpiece with a sigh.

“Come, my children, we have work to do.”

The fire sputtered and died, the shadows engulfing Lina entirely as she let go of her corporeal form. The Shadow Realm of the Nether would be her passage into Echnos. Sometimes it was better to assess a situation with your own eyes, than through others.


Tags: Mentioned Darth Malum of House Marr Srina Talon Darth Carnifex Darth Empyrean

En Route to Echnos

 

[Kirie]

Location: Echnos
With: Quinn Varanin
Mentioned: Darth Malum of House Marr

​

"Kirie, I'm going to do something foolish, but maybe if he's wounded, if their god bleeds for just a moment…"

"If he is weakened for just a moment - it might be enough to fully free you from the Kainite influence."

Kirie giggled at Quinn’s suggestion. At first Kirie thought it was just a joke, Quinn playing the hero. The situation on Echnos was becoming violent and confused. It was insane, the two of them didn’t have any part in this conflict. They were just out gathering information, like Quinn said. With the storms and the troops flying past they could just turn around, slip into the background and wait it out. Kirie looked up at Quinn. She wasn’t smiling. She wasn't joking.

“Wait, you’re actually serious? Quinn?”

Lightning crackled with a deafening boom. A pitch-dark shuttle descended from the roof of the dome in lazy circles, approaching the mansion. Faces turned up to watch it and panic swirled through the crowd. Somehow, even Kirie knew who was aboard.

“I don’t- Please, don’t go. I think you should stay.”

But Quinn released her arm, gently pushing Kirie away. Quinn crouched down, producing a small blaster and placing it in Kirie’s hand, pushing her fingers closed around the grip. It was the first time she had ever even held a blaster. The grey metal was leaden in her hand.

"I will get you freedom even if it takes my last breath."

She looked at Quinn, gobsmacked. What if she was injured? What if she died? Quinn was Kirie’s only lifeline. What she was doing was beyond noble, but if something happened to her, Kirie would fall straight back into the grip of her captors. Things would be worse than ever. But, as well as Kirie got on with Quinn, she knew she had no power to influence the Sith's decisions. So, she said nothing, what could she say? She just pursed her lips and nodded.

Kirie looked down at the blaster, then up at Malum. She didn’t know who this man was to Quinn, or why she had reacted so instantly. But Quinn trusted him, and Kirie trusted Quinn. So maybe, if the worst happened, he would help Kirie get home.

"Wish me luck."

“Please be safe.” Kirie whispered.

Quinn climbed the platform to the landing pad, and Kirie stepped backward. She didn’t know where to go. A gaggle of people still stood by the Governor’s podium, but most had already dispersed, either returning to their homes, or preparing themselves for whatever was to come next. Kirie lingered at the fringe of the crowd, unsure where else to go, eyes fixed on the landing pad, where Quinn waited with Malum. She decided that if, when, the violence broke out, she would make a run for the mansion, hope that she would be let in without question. If not, she would be stuck out here while gods fought around her.

 

[Kaila Irons]

Location: Echnos city, Governor's manor
Wearing: Personal Armor
Tag: Tamsin Graves Nyxira Valis Darth Malum of House Marr Ala Quin Lord Dvasius

<<Please don't die.>>

<<I need you.>>

For whatever good Kaila's mask of stoicism had done her, it broke as Ala's psychic voice touched her mind at last.

Her hand nearly slipped as she leaned over the table more forcefully, the other running through golden hair and sweat from her brow as Ala's emotions briefly became her own. Thoughts and feelings which had entered synchronicity ever since that cave on halm, but now grew in agonizing intensity.

<<I will find my way back to you.>>

A gentle whisper across the stars, yet unable to truly mask their strain.

<<I promise.>>
​

Whether she had to escape this battle in the end, or return from the dead out of shear spite, she would find a way. She had to, she owed Ala that much and more.

She didn't even notice whatever the hell was happening beside her as she fought to keep tears locked away where they belonged, squeezing her eyes shut as if a fist clenched around the throat of her enemy. Suffering would bring her power in time, but only if she allowed it to give way to anger, to hate. She could afford to be weak with Ala perhaps, but she wasn't here, this was not the time.

"There are a lot of them coming, I can feel them. The skies are also turning dark I can use that."

"...I know." she whispered into a sharp exhale.

"If we can summon enough allies to our side, his assault would risk a civil war, disrupting The Emperor's expansion. We can use that to our advantage perhaps, but only if they arrive in time."

"I thought for sure he'd send an assassin. How the hell is he already here..."

Everything was going wrong. Everything.

And as Tamsin's voice continued in her ear, it was starting to seem that even this was wrong.

Her eyes shot open in a molten glare towards Tamsin, or whatever was inhabiting the girl at this time. Instinctively a lightsaber flew into her hand as Kaila stood, and yet it never ignited.

"One these days you are going to have to introduce me to your friends, it was nice seeing Darth Malum of House Marr again, oh and I guess your girlfriend Ala Quin surprised she has lived this long." The demon spoke giving Kaila answers to questions she didn't even know to ask yet.

"How the fuck do you know that name?!" she demanded, taking a threatening step forward.

"What the hell have you done to my apprentice? Release her. Do not forget what I do to the dead."

Already that molten glow had given way to the baleful violet energies of the Force Walker, the shackled power of numerous sith lords long dead forcibly coursing through her body, aching to be released even if only to drag one more soul into the fleshy prison that was Darth Anathemous.


And yet...

"Kaila, he is here, withdraw all from the landing bay, I will..." His breath hitched for the slightest moment, as his earcomm activated to hear his words, as he made out the silhouettes of Kainite jet troopers escorting the dropship, his eyes for but a moment behind the mask glowing a golden hue, "...I will handle him."

"Malum?"

Her glare lingered for but a moment, only to relent as she gave up and abruptly turned to the holo-display, a name and wavelengths being her only visual of the man whom she'd used to orchestrate all of this. And now he was here... about to die for her mistakes.

"Malum! What are you doing?" she inquired worriedly as a line between them was established.



With the Governor tied up in so many important affairs, her officers and the fleet above were left with only previous orders to go off of. Inquisitorial ships such as those of Lord Dvasius and any other non-Kainite vessels were being allowed entry and given guidance to the governor's manor, with the exception of one docking port soon to be occupied by Darth Carnifex .

Outside the Manor, The trio of commando droids exchanged but brief glances of their argent photoreceptors at one another before lowering their weapons, recalling their master's instructions.

"Your master will want to hear what I have to offer,"

Darth Nythera was clearly not here to engage, and so they parted to show her in as Darth Anathemous had ordered them to do if she did not present an immediate threat at the door. Only one of them traveled in tow to guide the mysterious woman to the command center, down newly repaired halls of artificial stone and durasteel, though decorative pillars remained broken since even before this day, which PDF and foreign mercenaries hurriedly weaved around and passed Nyxira Valis on their way to a variety of near-wartime tasks.

​

 

[Adeline Noctua]

Equipment | In Bio

Location | Echnos

Tag | Kaila Irons Darth Malum of House Marr Tamsin Graves Nyxira Valis Lord Dvasius

Men do not fear men, for men may weaken and die. Men do not fear steel, for all blades rust and fade, like leaves on a tree... Men fear monsters, for a monster does not weaken or die, dull nor rust. For a monster waits within shadow, for men to weaken and rust.

To escape the grasp of one devil, only to try and summon the aid of another. But alas, such was the way of things.

The message itself couldn't reach Yalara, but a monster always lies in wait.

The air within the room grows cold as ice despite the tension, and within moments a black door appeared within the blink of an eye.. As if the thing had always been there, you just didn't see it.

It slowly opened with an audible creek, and out stepped a rather refined looking woman.

"What a fine mess this is~"

She takes in the air, sampling the hanging fear and hate like a fine wine.

"I suppose you seek to offer an accord?"

Her tone was laced with a divine smugness, the woman checking her blackened nails as the strange door behind her shut on its own.




​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Hold to your stations," replied the Dark Figure, "For all loyal sons and daughters of the Empire shall be dutifully rewarded for their fidelity. Speak to Anathemous as you will, heed her words, but know that the confidence of the Dark Voice lives within you. When all comes to pass, those who have not wavered from the path will be known from those who have strayed. To fall into impurity is to court oblivion, fear those who would lead you astray. Fear and loathe them."

With that, the communication was ended. The Dark Lord's instructions had been clear, and no more needed to be discussed. As the hologram of the young soldier dissipated into errant pixelation, and the cabin lights again brightened, Darth Carnifex looked to the silvery figure seated across from Him. "The bonds of devotion are at once strong as turadium and as brittle as flimsiplast. This is a test of our resolve. The boy has come as well, I can sense him waiting. I will contend with him for as long as necessary, you should speak to the girl. See if she can be turned from self-destruction."

Carnifex rose as the shuttle made it's final approach to the bay, His black-plated Crownguard rising in unison with Him. Hydraulic air hissed as the landing gear shouldered the weight of the Crestfallen, the boarding ramp descending methodically until it made contact with the ground. A pair of Crownguard emerged, striding down the ramp before moving to stand to either side of it. Though they stood to attention, nothing and no one appeared to follow after them. Only emptiness and silence followed.

Then, a voice from behind.

"A valiant gesture, but unnecessary. What do you hope to accomplish?" Darth Carnifex, Dark Lord of the Kainate, stood not ten feet from Malum and Quinn's back, having been undetectable until the exact moment He spoke. He stood with both hands clasped over His waist, His expression solemn and unreadable. He looked to Malum, and then to Quinn, before settling again on Malum. But when He spoke, He addressed Quinn. "You needn't involve yourself, Princess. There is no future to be found in doomed men."

Now He addressed Malum, "How is it that the madness of Ophidia yet burns within your veins? That same madness that drove her to destruction, that drove Alisteri Haxim to ruin, will bring about your own fall if you continue to heedlessly swagger down it's path. You should throw yourself at my feet in thanks for the restraint I have displayed thus far."

Darth Malum of House Marr | Kaila Irons | Quinn Varanin
Reicher Vax | Darth Prazutis ​

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

"Don't you worry yourself," Malum replied, the feigned smirk bleeding into his voice as he responded to the feminine voice buzzing in his ear through the comms, the best show of confidence he had, when he felt anything but, his boots feeling as if lead on the bridge whence he stood, all the while in the periphery, a stranger and a friend had emerged.

The dropship was so close to target, that he had little time to think of the matter, let alone feel surprised that Quinn Varanin was here, "It is not the first time I have faced him, and should all go as planned, then there will be nothing for you to worry your pretty little head about," A plan, a plan, an empire for a plan, alas, like many instances in his life, it seemed that small detail had eluded him in the face of confrontation, "Let me handle him, I see Darth Nythera has arrived," Commenting upon the thunder and lightning that still covered the skies, all the while a shiver of familiarity trailed down his spine, "...So has Darth Keres..." It was a rather muted recognition, if it was due to the sudden arrival of so many players here, or simply the arrival of his ex... he was not entirely sure.

"Be careful of whatever deals you make, a Tsis'Kaar fleet is soon to arrive, along with the High Inquisitors, hold firm, and we shall hold Echnos." And only after that would he bite her head off for her utter and asinine foolishness.

Yet, for now, there would be no victory from infighting.

It was at this stage that he noticed the conversation taking place behind him, even with keen ears, its particulars were lost on him, yet there was clear intimacy involved, despite the friendship they shared, the close conversations they had, Malum could not exactly claim to know of her friends, nor did he imagine Quinn knew of his, they were both rather solitary souls in that sense.

So it was intriguing enough to find her showing such comfort to an individual whose face did not register in him any recognition.

He blinked as emerald eyes flecked with other gemstones broke away from the rather intimate seen to find his rubies, her words enough to draw from him a wry grin, "As my princess commands," He did not understand the full context of what was occurring here, but neither was he one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Neither was he one to miss an opportunity to strike against the Kainites. He offered a masked nod to the retreating stranger, a solemn vow, whatever this was, the irony was not lost to him. He had lost one of his blood to Kaine's machinations, whatever happened here, he was not going to allow Quinn to experience the same pain.

As she appeared by his side, drawing her lightsabre, Malum reached behind him, blackened gloves gripping the beskar hilt of his Sith Sword, as the thrusters reversed and slowed, bringing the dropship down to landing. He chuckled wistfully at her words, yet the words lacked the emotion, "I would have appreciated one myself, alas..." As for the last of her words, as the armoured hulks of the Crownguard, marched out from the opened steel doors, he had only but a single answer for her.

"To win."

His presence, like a miasma of death, so easily felt was gone. It was enough for the masked Sith to narrow his eyes. It was not the first time this trick had been played on him.

The first decibel had Malum turning on his heel, like a bull seeing red, restraint held upon barest strings held his hand upon the hilt of the Blade of Storm and Flames, rather than making them all bear witness to the shingle of steel drawn from sheath.

A tremor travelled down his spine, as for the first time... in so long, he came face to face with the Twice-Failed Emperor, the Butcher King, his forehead branded by the mark of the Sith, flaming eyes glowing with barely concealed malice, long raven locks much like his own flowing down a truly giant of a form, towering over them both, a form guarded under layers of plate and steel.

He allowed a breath to pass the mask, "Only to support your apprentice's venture, I imagine you are much here to do the same," Kaine's eyes never left him, even when addressing Quinn.

Malum would not have it any other way, as beneath the replica of his great ancestor's mask, he felt one of his eyes turn to golden hue, as the ache began in his mind, preparations being made by multiple beings in one body, readying for battle, "There is little need for restraint, you have made clear your distaste of me, Darth Carnifex, the bounty on my head has not gone unnoticed, the fact that within your custody is held the blood of my blood is felt keenly," A smirk was drawn upon hidden features, imbued with all the training he had been imbued all his life to make a mask of his face when physical ones were lacking, pouring into words confidence which was certainly not real, yet, it was not to shield his nerves that he played forgery.

It was to conceal a rage that was simmering beneath the service, as the grip upon beskar tightened.

"Darth Anathemous was made Governor of this world by the Imperial Assembly of the Sith Empire, Darth Anathemous joined the Tsis'Kaar as far as I know with your knowledge, Darth Anathemous has chosen to turn over this world for the Tsis'Kaar's usage, where do you find fault, Voice of the Darkside?" The scoff was not nearly as well contained as he wished.

"Yet, I find much fault here... so while you are here to celebrate the grand new future of this world, here I stand as Dark Councillor, command you to return my cousin to my side, to withdraw your unlawful bounties on the heads of prominent Sith within this Order," His gaze flickered to Quinn by his side, "And to follow His Imperial Majesty's ordinances in regards to slavery, for the Princess' companion."

Kaila Irons Darth Carnifex Tamsin Graves Reicher Vax Darth Prazutis Kirie Quinn Varanin Nyxira Valis Lina Ovmar Grrwunhoooll Agaburry Ala Quin Adeline Noctua QK-2510 Lord Dvasius
Mentioned: Darth Empyrean Revna

 

[Darth Prazutis]

Darth Imperius spoke truth.

Each word spoke to the experience, skill, and wisdom of the man who uttered them. It was carefully analyzed logic given the scenario presented. It was rare he encountered another who could adequately analyze a situation so fast, picking up the angles while admitting where his own weakness lay in the scenario. While they certainly had never crossed paths before, Aurelian was always familiar to him. Out of all the high value individuals in the Eternal Empire he was among the highest in threat level among the court of the Eternal Empress. The danger he possessed if it came to war from his own individual skill, strategic brilliance, and the forces at his disposal made him one to watch. Now that they were on the same side, reading a situation together for their mutual goals? It was a dangerous combination the galaxy wasn't ready for. ​

​

"You speak truth. There was a high degree of risk to this maneuver. There were many possible approaches, but this was the most effective scenario for our goals. I have analyzed the risks involved, the players that are both expected and not expected to appear, and I've prepared our forces to respond to every eventuality." The Dark Lord paused; eyes locked on a different feed that appeared from the Eschaton-class Star Destroyer. A long-range reconnaissance view that painted a picture of the landing zone where the Crestfallen touched down. Darth Malum. As expected, the Lord of the Tsis'Kaar and the Inquisition made his appearance, albeit earlier than he expected. Kaila Irons claimed the world in the name of his organizations. It didn't matter if it happened with or without his approval, she forced his hand. Now he was forced to commit to the scenario. It wouldn't afford him all of the time the Raven would've liked that he was certain of given everything he knew of him and his background rising as an assassin under the Queen of Shadows. There was no doubt a larger response was coming but that would take precious time, time that they didn't have thanks to one child.​

​

"I've prepared our forces for the sliding scale of eventual uncertainty that's going to unfold on Echnos. The fact of the matter is we've been afforded greater time than our adversaries in preparation. Time we've been able to use to our advantage and time our enemies will not have. It comes to our advantage that the responses of our foes are predictable, their actions obvious to a trained eye. The task for us, Lord Imperius, is to see what the expert eyes of our opponents below cannot. That is what we need to be prepared to react to. The elements everyone else will miss. This fleet has been prepared to withstand extreme combat conditions against overwhelming opponents. If necessary, there are other measures to be taken." The Dark Lord passed his gaze down to the Imperator standing close to his throne. Things were unfolding as he was expecting them to and that was good. If something changed, he would know of his nephew's intentions immediately through the dark dyad they shared. Even now he could feel how the Eternal Father felt and things hadn't gone awry, not yet. But just in case...​

​

He would be watching.​

​

Darth Imperius | Darth Carnifex | Darth Malum of House Marr | Kaila Irons | Quinn Varanin | Reicher Vax ​

​

 

[Srina Talon]

Location: Echnos City
Direct Tag: Kaila Irons | Darth Carnifex
We Might Be Close By Tag: Darth Malum of House Marr | Quinn Varanin | Kirie | Tamsin Graves | Lord Dvasius | Lina Ovmar

______________________________________​

Unexpected.

The cold of the chair she sat in was a stark reminder that Echnos City was a place of death. Her eyes were a deep shade of aureate, burnished orange, full of thought and discussion that never made it to her lips. It was not uncommon for her to travel with the leaders of the Sith Order. The quiet creature often responded to their summons when her beloved could not be bothered. It was exceedingly uncommon, however, for her to witness a sector that was damn close to destroying itself.

Her eyes closed. He stood. So willing, ready, for war.

They were made for it.

"…Do not kill him…"

The soft words would be of no surprise to Darth Carnifex when they filled the chamber with more than air. With frost and a frozen heart with craven hands that might covet the unattainable. It was not mercy she sought for the youngest Dark Councilor but a lesson, rather, than needless pain. The pale woman could feel him, feel them, not far away. Quinn. Kaine would not harm her godchild—No more than he would take her heart in his hand and crush it. The towering giant of a man would not willingly break her. But Malum?

His hatred, his schemes, made him a target.

It was possible that the young man would never know about the blanket of protection she had woven for his sake, frequently, pulling strings to undo his mistakes…But that was the point. Part of him might have hated her the same way he hated the Kainite. Part of him would hate her for Empyrean.

But he would live to see the next sunrise.

That was all she required.

Srina remained quiet for quite some time in the seat adjacent to the command throne. Expressionless. Serene. As if there weren't a veritable war beginning on the moon below with her wayward children at the helm. Her husband loathed them more often than not when their inequities boiled to the surface. She held them close, and cared, for them. The only way she knew how. Unemotional. Far away. Like the light of a distant star on the coldest day of the season…Until that light burned into shadow and flame.

None present had ever seen their Empress without her legendary calm.

Would that change?

Her head tilted back and her form melted back into the chair with a singular action that led her toward her designated target. Darth Anathemous. Amid a war-torn city-scape she had placed the young woman in charge of this moon. The vote of confidence had been ratified by the Assembly. The fact that her stewardship hadn't lasted a year without the threat of rebellion, nay, civil war, was not something that the pale woman was willing to accept. Her presence would be noted first—By the chill in the air.

Followed by the scent of jasmine and rain. So sweet, so cloying, like florals meant for the grave.

Kaila Irons would feel something in the Darkside shift inexorably while her shadow began to warp and change into the figure that stepped through it. A delicate hand moved through the glom before it wrapped around the young woman's shoulder, fingers falling like ice, while the Dread Queen pulled herself into the waking world. Birthed, from the black. From the shadows, from the darkness, that was her home. The void clung to her body as if it didn't want to let go…A keening child, petty, and displeased that its mother would not stay. "Tell me…"

Her words were multi-faceted with varying ranges seeming to tear at her vocal cords. There was the voice most would recognize, a wintry, melancholy whisper…And the voice of something much different. Something that shook the bones and caused the hair on the back of the neck to stand on end. It was the sound of a death knell, so gentle, but with the startling shriek of a silent screaming klaxon.

There was no violence. No threat. No scolding.

"Tell me…Why I am here?"

 

[Tamsin Graves]

​

Theme: The Black Parade
Equipment: GL-13 blaster | Combat Knife | Multi-Tool | Inquisitorial Saber
Tags: Kaila Irons | Nyxira Valis | Adeline Noctua | OPEN

The demon took note of how at first Kaila hadn't noticed the shift in Tamsin causing a smirk to cross its face. "He didn't send assassins he brought a whole fleet." There was almost a dull boredom to her words as she spoke those words, the demon had seen many worlds destroyed in their long life, and yet this display of power for one woman seemed cowardly. Not that they had ever been against a good glassing of a world, they cared little for life. Then again, they had defeated their own master by outsmarting them without ever having to draw a weapon.

That smirk grew wider across the girl called Tamsin's face by the demon that had taken control as Kaila snapped at the spoken name of Ala quin. The demon just watched her eyes flaring a vibrant orange as the saber was drawn but not ignited and steps were taken closer. The demon didn't flinch or even take a step back, she just stared into Kaila's violent eyes as they threatened her. She knew the saber strike wouldn't come because that would kill Tamsin too not just her.

"You wonder why your apprentice never looked for you on New Cov when you abandoned her. She found you and Ala together, let's just say a really long time ago I hunted her." The demon was not really willing to elaborate more, but at this time there were more pressing matters, but she did add one last comment about it. "The will has a funny way of recycling the past to keep the cycle going."

"Don't worry about your apprentice she will remain unharmed, if I am going to protect you, I need to be in control it isn't permanent in fact if this stand off goes on longer than a day, I won't be able to hold the possession. I can let her be the speaker if that helps." With that the demon let go of control of the vocal cords allowing Tamsin to have free range of the voice. "Wha…what is going on…I think the demon is in control I can see and hear it speaking…please put the saber down it's me Kaila" Tamsin ahd heard the whole conversation but she hadn't yet fully processed it all. It was a weird feeling being a passenger in her own body, it was isolating having no control over anything you were doing, and she felt cold. "I…"

Before she could say anymore Adeline Noctua came through a mystical door that just appeared. The demon however seemed unconcerned by it only giving it a slight glance. "Who is this?" Tamsin asked, she wanted to step back but she couldn't because she had no control over her limbs. Then another presence was approaching from the way they had come in that of Nyxira Valis . Her head turned though she had not made it turn towards the entrance. Tamsin wanted to go for her weapon but again she had no control over her arms, the demon did not seem at all concerned about these two new presences, in fact it seemed almost delighted by the chaos of the situation invigorated and stronger because of it. Then an even more chaotic storm began to befall the shadows of the room they stood in that of Srina Talon .

 

[Darth Imperius]

Darth Prazutis

Darth Imperius nodded, a gesture barely visible, merely a milimeter of inclining his helmeted head, the red lenses not taken off the screens. He fed on the information as others fed on nutrients, it was not keeping him alive though but it damn well would unalivee others if it came to it. He had familiarised himself with the armouries and forces of the Kainate when they were still his enemies, now only gaining ever so more intricate details to add to his fountain of knowledge.

What he lacked, was the knowledge of individuals beyond their names and ranks. It was a painful admission, a weakness he would eradicate with every step he made. Imperius would not let mere people stand in his way, especially not their ridiculous relationships and petty plots and politics. To observe and undo his shortcomings, was the first step before he would launch himself forward and separated enemy from Sith.

"We are facing a multitude of actors in this scenario. With the Tsis'kaar taking the most aggressive stance against us. As far as I have heard, their leadership is as broken and twisted as it can be. Overthrown leader, a kaggath, now a challenge, if I would be a lesser Sith, I could see the conflict is strong in them. But their lack of direction, of a strong hand is pathetic. Darth Marr would discard his self-proclaimed heir with swift judgement."

It were his surface musings. A first impression of what he saw and read, well knowing that the Shadow Hand knew better and more, hoping he would add to Imperius' knowledge by providing validity or correction to the sentiment just uttered. Darth Imperius was not afraid of a mistake here and now, only proud fools did not admit their shortcomings and embraced a short life instead.

"The concept of Sith Assassins uniting as a political faction is absurd. Scheming and backstabbing are actions unworthy of being acknowledged as power, they are unleashed and then caged again. Sentience will harm them more than benefit. They are the final insult when you discard a pathetic enemy."

"What military opposition is anticipated to appear? Do you expect that Darth Carnifex will finish the situation before a shot is fired?"

 

[Reicher Vax]

Location: Garrison on Dorvalla
Equipment: Standard Issue Sith Trooper Armor, Vibroblade, Standard Issue Blaster Rifle, Datapad.
Tag: Kaila Irons Darth Carnifex Darth Malum of House Marr Darth Prazutis

The comms console went dark, leaving only the faint hum of the machinery and the relentless patter of rain against the reinforced walls to fill the silence. Reicher Vax stood still, his gaze lingering on the now-empty holographic display. The weight of the Dark Voice's words echoed in his mind—a promise of rewards for loyalty, veiled threats for deviation, and the chilling reality of a fractured Empire.

He turned slowly, surveying the room. Veterans, officers, and soldiers alike crowded the space, their faces etched with anticipation, confusion, and dread. These were men and women who had bled for the Sith Empire, who had watched it spiral into chaos as the Sith Lords fought among themselves for scraps of power. They were the remnants of a proud Legion, now left adrift in a sea of treachery and uncertainty.

Reicher stepped forward, his boots ringing against the durasteel floor, and placed his hands on the central holotable. The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on him. His voice, when it came, was steady but filled with an undercurrent of fiery resolve.

"Legionnaries. What we've just witnessed is the truth we've all known but refused to confront. The Sith Lords, once the architects of our Empire, have become its greatest threat. They bicker, they scheme, and they spill each other's blood—all while the galaxy watches our once-great dominion crumble into ash."

He straightened, his gaze sweeping across the gathered soldiers. "The Kainites, the Sith Eternal, the Tsis'kaar—they all fight for their petty banners, for their fleeting scraps of power. And we? We are left to pick up the pieces, to defend an Empire that they themselves are tearing apart."

Reicher's fist slammed down onto the holotable, the sound reverberating through the room. "No more. We are the Sith Legion. We were the shield of the Empire, its sword, its strength. And now, in the absence of true leadership, we must become its foundation."

A murmur rippled through the room, uncertain but growing in agreement. Reicher pressed on, his voice rising with conviction.

"We cannot wait for the Sith Lords to save us—they are too consumed by their own arrogance and hatred. If we continue to follow them blindly, we march not to victory but to oblivion. The Sith Empire needs more than Sith. It needs order. It needs discipline. It needs us."

"The blood of our forefathers, of our comrades in arms, mother, fathers, sons and daughters have been strewn across the plentiful battlefields of the galaxy to no end! Our own ancestors died fighting for the ideals of the Sith, that one day their may be peace, that one day our individual effort and achievement would be noted, that through order, security and systems of law the strong would rise above the weak, that the cowardly, the foolish, the idealist could learn the cold hard truth of the galaxy!"

Every next word seemed to raise his voice, even his Major, who considered trying to shut Reicher down, saw a passion and fire that never was seen before in the mans eyes.

"That eternal truth, that part of life we have understood well. A lesson the Sith themselves have forgotten, strewn across the wayside."

Reicher continued.

"That united we stand and divided we fall, that we battle each other over the meagre scraps of nothingness, over our past, over the ruins of ancient relics and the pleasure of destruction. Do we not look to the future, to the truth of the Sith lost on many long ago? We abandoned the ideas of the light, not because of our own selfishness or vanity, but because we knew that they did not have the power necessary for change! To make this galaxy a better place!"

Reicher looked down, saddened that it had come to this.

"We chose this path because the power is greater than anything the Jedi or the Galactic Alliance could ever hope to achieve! The only thing stopping is our complete disunification! If the Sith and its Empire united, nothing in the galaxy would stand in its way!"

Reicher raised his head, his voice ringing out with renewed fervor as he looked at the soldiers before him. The fire in his eyes burned brighter now, a reflection of the passion and conviction that surged within him.

"But look around you! What do we see? Petty lords clawing at one another, spilling blood that should be spilled on the battlefield against our true enemies. Cities burned, fleets shattered, all for the whims of ambition untethered by reason or purpose. Is this what our comrades died for? Is this the legacy we wish to leave behind?"

He took a step forward, his voice carrying the weight of generations of warriors who had fought for something greater than themselves.

"No. This is not who we are. We are the Sith Legion, the soldiers who fought alongside the greatest Sith to ever set foot on this galaxy! We are not pawns in the games of power-hungry lords who care more for their own egos than for the Empire, of a bunch of entitled brats who think that it is the Force, not the vision of the Empire which determines their right to rule! We are the strength of the Empire. And if they will not lead, then we must."

Reicher's hand slammed down on the holotable again, the sharp sound silencing the murmurs of agreement and drawing every eye to him.

"The Sith Empire was built on the ideals of strength through unity, of power tempered by discipline. Not this chaos! Not this infighting! It was meant to be a beacon of order in a galaxy of chaos, home to the strongest, most intelligent and powerful people in the galaxy, a force that could reshape the very stars themselves. But we have allowed ourselves to be torn apart from within, blinded by the very power we sought to wield."

He turned to Major Trelix, meeting his commanding officer's gaze with unflinching determination. "Major, the Sith Legion must rise above this madness. We are the last bastion of the Empire's true ideals. If the Sith Lords cannot remember their purpose, then we must show them. Not through treachery, but through action. Through leadership. Through unity."

Reicher's voice grew softer, more resolute, as he addressed the gathered soldiers.

"We are not traitors. We are not usurpers. We are the stewards of the Empire's legacy. And we will fight—not for the glory of a single Sith Lord, but for the future of all who believe in the strength and order the Empire was meant to bring. We will rally the scattered remnants, forge them into something greater, and remind the galaxy of what the Sith Empire truly stands for. We will hold the line, we will ramp up patrols, double pay, anything, so that when the Sith finish this petty war, they will find an Empire ready to conquer a thousand stars!"

"And if not, if the Sith burn each other to the ground, we will rebuild. We will create academies, institutions, a new generation of Sith who understand a new code, a new doctrine. We will carry the legacy of the Sith, whether we can use the force or not!"

He stepped back, his gaze sweeping over the room, taking in the expressions of his comrades. "This will not be easy. We will face enemies from without and within. But I believe in the Legion. I believe in all of you. Together, we can be the foundation upon which the Empire rises once more. Together, we can restore its greatness."

Reicher raised his fist, his voice ringing with finality. "For the Empire, For the Future!"

The room erupted in a thunderous cheer, voices shouting their agreement, fists pounding on tables and armor. Major Trelix stepped forward, his face set with grim resolve, and placed a hand on Reicher's shoulder.

"You have my support, Vax," he said. "We will do this—together, in light of recent events and clear tactical acumen, I am offering you a commission, Lieutenant, hard times call for hard action and while unprecedented, we need a voice as powerful as yours."

Reicher nodded, his expression one of quiet determination. The first step had been taken, but the road ahead would be long and fraught with peril. Yet, in that moment, he knew one thing for certain: the Sith Legion would endure. And through their strength, the Empire would rise again.

"I Accept. Long Live the Sith Empire! Long Live the Legion!"

While titans and legends drew lines on Echnos, while the greatest and most powerful among them thought they could decide the future of the Sith Empire, the simple, unremarkable men of the tiny garrison began to chant, small at first, but as the pride of their empire swelled, it grew. The chants started in the room, spreading throughout the barracks, to the guard towers, to the hourly patrols, to the communications tower, to each nearby planet, to planets all across the Sith Empire and beyond, to the remnants of a long forgotten Legion that still remained throughout the galaxy, in small outposts, in large garrisons, in isolated hideouts, in constant battle, men and women, young and old, living or dying, in mass, unending as a beating heart of the future, pounding like a battering ram at the gates of the galaxy.

"Long Live the Sith Empire, Long Live the Legion!"

-END-​

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kirie //: Darth Malum of House Marr //: Darth Carnifex //: Srina Talon //: Kaila Irons //:
//: Wearing //:

This was stupid.

Quinn knew this was stupid. Yet she stood on the platform next to Malum with her mother's lightsaber drawn in her hand. She could feel the trigger on the weapon under her thumb, wanting to be ignited. It had been so long since the blade had seen combat to feel the desperate desire to win. Quinn knew its uses; it had brought Ashin to power and defended her against those who wanted her power, and its legacy was now her child's. Quinn didn't look at Malum as he spoke to her but remained on the retreating figure of Kirie - a slave girl.

This was definitely stupid.

Seeing that Kirie had made it away safely as she understood, Quinn looked to Malum finally with her brow furrowed. "I understand you feel quite confident in your powers; I highly doubt you've seen Him truly fight." The memories she had from her childhood clung tightly to her mind. Her parents told stories of the monstrosity that Kaine Zambrano had become. "He fights like a god who wills the galaxy in his image." Her hand gripped tighter around the metal of the hilt as Quinn focused her mind on the living force surrounding them. As her eyes shut, she heard his voice behind them. Each word and whisper grasped at her spine, taking hold and freezing the Princess in her place.

He wanted her to go. This wasn't her fight, and she knew it. But there was more at stake than just not wanting to leave Malum alone. Remembering why she was here, Quinn found her fickle resolve. "Good to see you, Uncle Kaine." He wasn't her blood uncle, but the man was close with her family and Srina Talon. Her words were a sign of respect for the familial parallels they shared.

"I appreciate your concern. You control something I want, so allow me to test my parents' teachings and legacy against someone their equal." Quinn readied her stance, a foot sliding back, almost mirroring Ashin's stance of the past. The girl had been trained by both of her parents since she could crawl; fighting was part of her upbringing as royal manners. As she prepared and her resolve grew, a new presence nearly shattered it.

The men continued to speak, Malum answering the questions Kaine had proposed. The air was cold and harsh; whoever it was didn't want to be there. They were forcibly summoned, and as Quinn began to focus on the strand that connected them, she knew who the woman was.

"Srina's here." She spoke against the words of the men. Her eyes trailed towards where her godmother had finally apparated. Grabbing Malum's sleeve, she pulled him. "Godmother is here, and she's not happy; this was stupid - this was a mistake." She pulled him to leave; they needed to go now. The woman was unhappy, and that was worse than facing the God King Darth Carnifex. A hand waved with the saber wiggling in her grip, "Good to see you, Uncle!"

 

[Jhyrack]

“Keep our distance and keep watching. Send word to Lord Jhyrack , I'd like him and his forces on standby should we need them. I will establish communications to Echnos personally.”

"Is it a fight?"

"Might be," Jhyrack replied.

A ripple of approval ran around the bridge of the Cadaver Harvest. The Maldrani were not ship builders. That had been contained on their world for most of the Gulag plague, to the benefit of the galaxy.

Even now, with outside help, they had loaded up into outdated models. Frigates from wars two decades ago that had been surpassed. Cheaper to sell than the mothball.

The prospect of a true battle, even risking death in outmatched ships, would whip his battle host into a frenzy.

Jhyrack stood from his chair on the bridge. He came to rest one enormous hand on his warhammer.

"Call to arms."

 

[Pom Stych Tivé]

Dark energy raged across the galaxy. The effects of its gathering were felt as far out as Dathomir, if not beyond. From within the Nether, the Matriarch let the tidal wave carry her up and sweep her across the plane of this realm and deposit her in the midst of the turmoil, raw energy ripe for utilization.

Immediately she made the demand of the spirits here to update her on the situation which appeared to be an invasion, with warships and drop ships littering the atmosphere. Darth Carnifex , Darth Prazutis , the Empress Srina Talon , Darth Malum of House Marr all present. Somehow, she felt Kaila Irons to be one among center focus. The Nightsister doesn't involve herself with Sith affairs often, but this one perhaps called to her because of her recent encounter with Kaila. She helped Kaila uncover some of the forgotten memories of her past, only to discover the young woman was under Carnifex's spell. Pom will surely be called to step forward, to deal with the repercussions regarding her part in this.

A thunder crack rolled across the sky from her location while an incredibly bright flash of light superseded the Nightsister's unzipping of the veil between realms. The light divided and the Nightsister produced herself from the pitch black of the Nether, into the physical realm.

'I was RIGHT! The recovery of some of her memories really DID make Kaila become a better Sith! But…'

"Have you no regard for me?" she asked of no one, for no one was near her where her presence hung in the air. As she spoke, the remains of all the deceased began to stir within their resting place in the soil where they were laid, and for the moment the Nightsister subtly waved her hand and settled her servants.

Although an altercation was definitely inevitable between Kaila and Pom's darling Darth Carnifex , she never imagined it would be one to warrant this much attention.

'Good gracious, young lady, what did you do?' she wondered.

Pomstychtivé commanded her Netherworld cronies to take her to Kaila. She disappeared into a plume of smoke and trailed away across the sky.

Black smoke streamed in through the window of the very room Kaila occupied. It billowed and increased in mass, until forming into the physical body of the Nightsister, bringing her to stand a mere few feet away from Kaila in her governor's mansion. She stood as tall as she could for the little woman she is.

"Kaila," she said, unconcerned by any others at the moment who exist in her presence. "We promised we would teach you," which for the Nightsister is a very strong and sincere bond. "But we can't protect you if you go about brazen acts such as this, especially infighting." Infighting is very frowned upon. There were so many subtle ways a witch could get even with one who transgresses against them…that's the purpose of most Dark Magick! The Matriarch shook her head in dissatisfaction and emitted a t'isk.

Pomstychtivé had recently promised to teach Kaila, who seemed touched by remorse at the fact that she could not be wholeheartedly accepted as a legitimate Nightsister. In comparison, Pomsty herself can no more become a true Sith, but that doesn't mean either could not be taught anything of phenomenal use!
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