Dominion The Becoming | SO Dominion of Empty Hex (TSD Event Thread)

[CT-312]

//: Quinn Varanin //:
//: Elrood//:
//: Attire //:
//: Weapons: IQA-11 , LO-18D ASSAULT RIFLE, & Vibroblade Knife//:
//: OBJECTIVE III: Veil's Edge //:​

Sitting at the back right seat inside an empty assault gun dropship’s bay, CT-312 was the only Trooper on this flight to Elrood.

Alone.

A rare moment for CT-312 to have their helmet off. Her hand combed through her hair, sleeking back her bangs. Holding in her other hand, the letter that caused her new mission assignment. It threw her off. It was perplexing. The oddly floral scented paper read:

Dear Small Trooper 312,

It was a pleasure seeing your work during the mission <redacted>. Commander Gerwald has spoken highly of your skills and I require your attendance as an escort to the planet Elrood.

On top of what you’re paid through the <redacted> upon survival I will also pay you another lump sum and anything else you require to further your military career.

See you soon,

Quinn Varanin

Imperial Princess

Professor of Force Theory

Jutrand Academy

The letter didn’t make any sense. Looking back at the names and titles, it did not ring any bells. Except “Commander Gerwald”, not ‘Owner Commander Gerwald’, reminding herself. There was nothing during the mission or any missions that her own actions stood out to her. Only her job, nothing more. Scanning the contents again, it was clearly spritzed with perfume. Smelled of… rose and honey? Confused was an understatement. This has to be a joke.

Initially guessing this letter was directed to the wrong person. But the heading… CT-312 couldn’t decide to be insulted or annoyed. Rereading the contents once more. ‘Only one Trooper?’, Was she in trouble?, Payment? “Ha”, she couldn’t help, but laugh at that. Shaking her head in disbelief. The finishing touch of ‘further your military career’, really got her good. A joke. This ‘Quinn Varanin’ person is funny alright.

‘Imperial Princess? Professor?... What the heck is Force Theory?’. Was it an interrogation technique of some kind? ‘Jutrand Academy’. Clearly having no idea, except the basic words that made sense, Princess Professor Academy. Reminding her once more how little to nothing she knew of the Sith Empire. Her thoughts drifting to when she was given the letter.

–

Waking up in the detention cell block, CT-312 was gasping for air. Recalling the dream she had from her past that turned into a nightmare. Her thoughts cut short as the cell block door opened with a sharp hiss. The Scout Trooper was assigned her next mission.

In the Star Destroyer’s hangar bay, CT-312 was assigned to a new squad. About to enter into the dropship, her serial number was called out loud. Halting. An officer stepped in, gesturing to the rest of the Troopers to load in. Except her.

“CT-312. You have been reassigned to another mission”, the officer handed off a sealed letter to the Trooper. “Alone.”, Signaling the assault gunship to carry on. “Re-gear up head to the ship at the end.”

–

“Arrival in 10, Prep yourself Trooper”

Putting the letter away, she stood up. CT-312 did a final inspection of her equipment. It was unorthodox to carry two main weapons. But this was an unusual situation. Being the only Trooper sent, with no information whatsoever. It was better to be over prepared than under. Slinging the QA-11 sniper rifle on her back, she checked the contents of her pouches. Mainly the medpac along with a few stimpacks. Patting down the ammo and any explosives brought. Lastly her hand went to the back of her belt to feel the secured vibroblade knife she obtained on Woostri. Content. CT-312 grabbed her helmet off to the empty seat aside from her, securing it on.

Picking up her newly acquired weapon, the LO-18D assault rifle she obtained off of the Diarchy’s RDB Droid. A weapon designed for close to mid-range. CT-312 couldn’t help, but feel a little bit excited to finally use it. As she made her way to her drop pod, raising her right hand, placing it on the mouth of the helmet. The Camouflaged Scout Trooper brought her hand into a fist banging on the drop pod as she proceeded to enter in. Closing the hatch. It was time.

The drop pod was ejected out of the Assault Gun Dropship as it flew above the rendezvous zone. It only took less than a minute for the metal coffin to impact the ground, sending dust and a small shockwave around its area. The hatch flew open, CT-312 stormed out. Weapon aimed. Swinging it sharply around, checking the area for any hostiles. She felt a small pulling feeling that always unsettled her.

There was a familiar figure that was in her sights. CT-312 recognized the contact. One of the contents in the letter was correct. They were on a mission together, but she never asked for names or titles from the ‘Sith Lords’ on the mission. The small unsettling familiar feeling came from them. The ‘Small Trooper’ lowered her weapon. Making her way over to the contact. Not knowing what to call… remembering back at the string of titles, this person. Who summoned her. Only her. CT-312, reached for the pocketed letter. Holding it out to the contact. Nodding. “Ma’am.”, returning the funny letter, “CT-312 reporting for duty”

 

[Lirka Ka]

"Yes...exciting."

It was the right attitude to have about impending violence, and really was why Lirka picked up people like Christina Locke in the first place. If the possibility of force wielding, time traveling, teleporting, and Force only knew how many other thing, being on the offensive with intent of your annihilation brought excitement? Well, then that was the sort of company Lirka preferred to keep.

"Poignant, Warrior Locke. Poignant indeed."

Flowery words were something Lirka was very familiar, she often spoke in odd flowery ways though she would never admit to such a thing. No, far more importantly did her mind quickly flash to her last little bout with Serina Calis upon Anoth. Silently did the Once-Sephi chuckle to herself, if only her new Corellian compatriot understood just how close to home those words had landed.

"On Thustra, my home, flowery words became something of an artform. Artistry in all things, such was the culture. In age and experience I have come to appreciate crude bluntness."

Of course, Lirka neglected to mention the fact that she was a liar. Lirka may have appreciated bluntness at times, but she adored lying so much more. Thustra may not have been her true home, but the artistry of weaving words had never truly left her wretched soul. Letting out a huff of air to signal her amusement, the monstrous metal woman's words strummed out in a perhaps uncharacteristically playful aggression.


"Well, if you words have deceived me with a veneer of competence I suppose I may just have to find another corellian size crook for the Entourage."

Lirka's sense of humor danced between dry and murderous. Yet in humor, Lirka watched, and she noted. Interactions were but the vector by which Lirka judged the worth of her fellows, noting every little thing she could for when, in her mind, the inevitable time came when blades would be drawn and blows struck. She had picked up many skills in her long life, and getting into fights was the skillset she had mastered most of all - made sense that the two of them met in a fight pit.

"Your wisdom shines true once more, Warrior Locke. This Empire needs more people of such thought-process. There is too much arrogance in the Order, they are unprepared for the worst. So many do not understand the true nature of the struggle upon which power is born."

It was ironic for someone as arrogant as Lirka Ka to criticize the order for such a thing, but such was one of the many oddities of the Kainate's cudgel. Boundless hypocrisy. For a moment, Lirka pondered what she truly felt - thought she began with a simple assurance.

"Lirka Ka does not know fear. I feel...curosity. The Galaxy is a strange place, of many moving pieces. Yet, they are now misarranged. Why? How? What is to be gained, what is to be lost. The dull drivel of politics and war, unfortunately."

As quickly as the pair's vessel arrived in hyperspace, it seemed to have left as the microjump ended. And with it came the storm of gravitational anomaly, the Vessel veered violently as the storm washed over them. Locke had been wise to activate her mag-boots, for the unfortunate souls around the pair that did not stumbled and were thrown about in the wake of the storm. Though while their vessel, the vessel of Darth Strosius , and the vessel of Odrin Rath had been capable of quick readjustment. Other, smaller, craft were not so lucky. Outside the viewport, two landers buckled and veered - slamming into each other with the fiery explosion of combusting fuel lines. Lirka's stoic form seemed undaunted, utterly unconcerned at the possible hundreds of souls before the two of them dying in the void.

"See? Unprepared."

 

[Kivah]

Objective II: Echoes Beyond the Drift
Tags: Naamino Zuukamano | Darth Strosius | Odrin Rath | Lirka Ka | Christina Locke
Ship: Kivah's TIE Reaper

Mention of a concert perked her ears up under the wild mane she called hair. Though she was certain that the Tuk'ata they both knew as a house mascot back on Korriban would say that Tuk'ata don't cry. Still, maybe she should go check it out, concerts usually pulled in a fun crowd. But before that, "Sorry to hear." She stood to move behind where Naami was seated at the controls where she leaned on the back of his chair. "But if you're having cred problems, I could always cut you in on a few jobs. Can put what Gavin taught you to work and rough up those knuckles in Canto. Or, if you want to go a little dirtier, there are always shadow jobs in CorpSec proper. It's how I stay on my feet." She shrugged, knowing he'd feel it even though he couldn't see her behind him, before pulling away and making her way into the living quarters between the cockpit and the drop bay. Her tail was telling her it was time to get changed.

"Think about it," she called through the open hatch as she took her udyr biosuit from its locker and began to strip down to pull it on. "Take a few days off, put what you're learning to the test in a real environment, and come back with a stack of ACVs and gems." So many runners had dreams of hitting the mother load, or the big score that would leave them with stacks of the untraceable cash vouchers or even a few crystalline vertex gems, but becoming an independent contractor in the shadows of the corporate sector was far easier than making it super rich. The good ones settled for staying alive and finding cushy gigs or retiring to something better. And while Kivah wasn't a rockstar and had never hit the big times, she was karking good at what she did. Pulled herself out of bumming couches to sleep on to avoid homelessness, to affording all this, her ship, her 'ware, guns and armor, even slipping by without having a proper sponsor at the academy.

She was just pulling on the second leg of the suit, feeling it adjust and wrap around her as it warmed to her presence, when Darth Strosius' flotilla wide alert went out about the bad jump. She didn't hesitate, "Gem! Drop us!" She shouted at the integrated droid pilot, thankful that she hadn't gone for one of the super fast drives or put them into the jump herself. Naamino's lack of familiarity with the procedure and her ship had put them almost last to jump. Even then the ship rocked and pitched forward as it reentered real space, the violent motion sending Kivah from awkwardly standing on one leg as she twisted about to work her tail under the waist of the udyr, to being thrown forward and back into the cockpit where she slammed into the central consol between piloting stations in just her undershirt and the parts of the suit she'd managed to pull on. "Ow. The feth?" She weakly complained.

"Huh, Giant Space Serpent."

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: CT-312 //:
//: Elrood //:
//: Attire //:

Quinn stepped back at the trooper's sudden arrival. "Oh, where did you come from?" she asked, surprised. This camouflage was indeed helpful for the soldier. Quinn couldn't tell when they had arrived or gotten this close to her.

It was terrifying.

No wonder 312 was as vicious as they were. Quinn caught her breath and regained the regal air about her. Looking down at the letter, she raised an eyebrow. It seemed the trooper had kept her special letter requesting her service. Quinn smiled softly, her features showing her appreciation of the trooper holding the letter. "Welcome to the best mission you've ever been on." Quinn waved her hand over the letter, "You can keep it; it's my gift to you to remember this amazing adventure."

Quinn waved her hand as she began to walk away from the small trooper. She fully expected 312 to be directly behind her. So, as they drew closer, Quinn smiled and began to explain the planet's landscape and the veil that thinned between worlds. "Welcome to Elrood, a planet covered in hellscape, sith spawn, and the veil between two worlds."

She stopped and stood with her hands on her hips. Her eyes narrowed as she was trying to read the interference. Quinn sighed softly as she could see the brief anomalies, but it wasn't enough for her to open a portal. Something needed to cause a reaction and pull forward the darkness lurking behind the small gate. A small black feline appeared just as she was ready to pick on the little trooper.

It seemed more interested in the trooper as it slinked against the camouflage legs and then ran over to its master. "Oh, you know something?" Quinn looked down at the cat and paused. The cat seemed to know the anomalies and how to draw them forward.

Looking at 312, she let her cat work and focused on the trooper. "You seem nervous." Even with all the force energies swirling around them from the planet, Quinn could zero in on the tiny trooper's vibe. She smirked as she stepped closer, tap, tap, tap of the thin heels. She tilted her head and remembered they were never properly introduced.

With the sweetest smile the Imperial Princess could muster, she offered her hand. "We never had proper introductions, and it would be a foul of mine if I didn't oblige my escort." Another smile followed the beat, "I am Princess Quinn Varanin; you can call me Princess or Quinn - never Ma'am…" Frowning, Quinn remembered the earlier interaction and shook her head. "I'm not in my 50's."

While they spoke, the tiny cat suddenly ripped open a portal through the veil. A loud screech pierced through the air as it opened, and Quinn snapped her head over her shoulder. "Well, it looks like we're gonna have visitors when we enter." Quinn waited and looked at the trooper expectantly.

"You first." and she nodded towards the open portal.

As 312 looked towards the portal, the aura of the circular void breathed with energy, almost beckoning and daring the little soldier to step forth. Another roar screeched through the portal. The cat looked at the soldier and stepped in, almost mocking the trooper's fear.

"Okay now, go go," Quinn ushered the trooper towards the portal, and she stood behind them waiting.

On the other side, a world that looked almost upside down awaited them, wanting to swallow the pair whole.

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

On Mission With Kivah
​

Distracted by whatever that forewarning was coursing through his senses, Naami still had ample attention for the mention of credits. He was not a greedy boy by nature but he was practical. Everything cost something, and costs were only increasing with the state of the war. Despite being on scholarship at Kor'ethyr and there being a few interested parties regarding his career, it might be wise for him to branch out a bit... The trick would be to avoid getting caught. Though he trusted that Kivah of all people would have plenty of pointers about that.

"I really appreciate that Kiv... I'll uh- have to think on it but it might be necess-"

"Gem! Drop us!" She shouted at the integrated droid pilot, thankful that she hadn't gone for one of the super fast drives or put them into the jump herself. Naamino's lack of familiarity with the procedure and her ship had put them almost last to jump. Even then the ship rocked and pitched forward as it reentered real space, the violent motion sending Kivah from awkwardly standing on one leg as she twisted about to work her tail under the waist of the udyr, to being thrown forward and back into the cockpit where she slammed into the central consol between piloting stations. "Ow. The feth?" She weakly complained.

"Huh, Giant Space Serpent."

"CHIT!"

Naami braced through the lurch, remaining seated though casting about wildly to get his bearings. He took in the sight of both Kivah and the alarming anomaly ahead of them. Wide blue eyes turned back to his friend an he managed to ask.

"Should I suit up too?"

Regardless of her orders or the strangeness of it all, the zabrak was ready to leap into action.

 

[CT-312]

//: Quinn Varanin //:
//: Elrood//:
//: Attire //:
//: Weapons: IQA-11 , LO-18D ASSAULT RIFLE, & Vibroblade Knife//:
//: OBJECTIVE III: Veil's Edge //:​

Observing the Contact who was slightly surprised at her arrival. CT-312 just kept quiet. Not knowing what to make of this Sith Lord. The lack of armor, dressed in all black– are those heels? The stunned Scout Trooper rapidly blinked twice. She had to be a Sith Lord. Recalling some Trooper mentioning before hand, “If they're not in uniform or wearing whatever they want, they’re most likely in a higher position. Probably a Sith Lord.”

Having a proper look at her Contact. ‘She’s young.’ looking about TK-710’s age. Wondering what a kid was doing here. Let alone requesting her as an escort in a place like this. CT-312 only heard whispers of ‘Sith Lords’ from others in the passing. Don’t get in their way and they are capable. Extremely capable. Respecting that age shouldn’t be a factor in one's capability. But it doesn’t mean they were capable of leading.

Waiting for the letter to be taken, she was… smiling? It didn’t seem like there was any ill hidden intent, almost genuine. It made the Trooper uncomfortable. None of this made sense at all. ‘This has to be some kind of test.’ Guard up, waiting to be reprimanded or a hidden attack.

"Welcome to the best mission you've ever been on." Quinn waved her hand over the letter, "You can keep it; it's my gift to you to remember this amazing adventure."

Did she just hear right? Helmet tilted slightly angled. Raising both brows up. Bewildered. Not knowing what to make of this…expressive Sith Lord. The friendly tone was throwing CT-312 off. She slowly nodded. Best mission usually implicated the worst. As for the ‘gift’, pocketing the letter away. Clearly a jokester. The Trooper was less than enthusiastic to see where this ‘amazing adventure’ goes.

As the Contact waved their hand and began walking away, the Camo Trooper followed suit at a respectful distance. Keeping an eye out of their surroundings. Listening to the Sith Lord as they spoke.

"Welcome to Elrood, a planet covered in hellscape, sith spawn, and the veil between two worlds."

‘What the hell is a Sith Spawn?’ Nothing in that sentence made sense. A child Sith Lord was literally taking her to hell. Was this divine judgment? CT-312 was beginning to miss her time in the detention cell block. Halting in her footsteps as the Contact came to a sudden stop. Waiting. A tiny movement caught the Trooper’s attention as she quickly aimed her weapon at– ‘The Space Cat?’ Remembering her first encounter with this creature during the mission with the Contact. ‘What is it doing here?’ Standing still as a statue as the cat was by their legs, until it ran off back to the Sith Lord. Looking at the interaction between the two, 'You have got to be kidding me.’

"You seem nervous."

Nervous? This whole planet, the contact, and now cat were causing screaming alarm bells in CT-312. Thinking it was from the planet’s gravity that was causing the heavy pressure she was experiencing. That didn’t seem to be the case. It was the same with the Force Light Golems, looking at the Mors Mon, the feeling whenever she was near a Sith Lord, and even the damn cat. More like on edge. CT-312 was still trying to make sense of everything. Taking a deep breath, reminding herself that it didn’t matter how she felt or thought. What mattered was the mission and her job. The sound of near heel clicking brought CT-312’s attention back. A hand was extended to her. A Sith Lord’s hand. Slightly raising her visor, there was another smile.

"We never had proper introductions, and it would be a foul of mine if I didn't oblige my escort." Another smile followed the beat, "I am Princess Quinn Varanin; you can call me Princess or Quinn - never Ma'am…" Frowning, Quinn remembered the earlier interaction and shook her head. "I'm not in my 50's."

Was this a test? Designed that no matter what CT-312 chose, she’d fail? ‘This has to be a test.’ Despite not having any proper etiquette, she knew better to call a person of status on a first name basis as if they were a familiar. Acknowledging with a nod, “Princess.” Shaking the hand in a firm grip, expecting a knife or something to harm her. But nothing of that sort happened.

Interrupted by a sudden loud screech. Immediately CT-312’s body moved instinctively, instantly bringing the weapon up. Aiming towards the source of the noise. Ready to pull the trigger. Eyes focusing on a portal that was ripped open. Staring, CT-312's brain couldn’t fathom what was going on. Not believing what she was seeing. What the heck did she get dragged into.

"Well, it looks like we're gonna have visitors when we enter."

‘Visitors?’ Blinking, in disbelief. Was her ears working properly? Did she hear correctly? The Princess was too nonchalant, as if she’s done this before.

"You first."

CT-312’s head slowly turned to this crazy Princess who nodded her towards the portal. Staring. The Princess was too calm and relaxed for the Trooper's own liking. If she wanted her dead, she could’ve just said so. The Scout Trooper had seen and dealt with a lot of things during her brief time in the Empire. But nothing like this. Looking back at the portal, was it fear? Angry at the thought of it. There was nothing to fear for a failed clone like herself. Death was only the option. She’d embrace death. It was confusion. The black cat that caused the portal to appear casually strutted next to it, looking back. Orange eyes staring at her green visor before walking in. ‘Freakin Space Cat.’

"Okay now, go go,"

Shaking her head with a heavy sigh, CT-312 switched the active ammo type on the LO-18D to the 30-06 slug rounds. Remembering how it simply made Byss Cheese out of lightsaber wielding Siths on Serenno. Wanting to make sure anything that greeted them on the other side would happily be terminated by maximum force. Rifle aimed forward, knees slightly bent, CT-312 proceeded cautiously, entering the portal. Each step deliberate, heel to toe. Reducing any noises from her footsteps. ‘Let’s get this mission over with.’

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Dress
Tag: Ashin Cardé Varanin
Nearby: Darth Empyrean Darth Carnifex Darth Nefaron Allyson Locke Loryn Praji Avel Som Taeli Raaf Madrona A’Mia

"I was more concerned with free travel to study the anomaly. Opportunism was only a selling point to win the vote of our most warlike thinkers, but If the Mors Mon is capable then problem solved." she sighed.

At the end of the day that was more important than her pride, frustrated though she was.

But Ashin had more to say, and every word painted a picture most foul.

The name Akala especially...

"Well... what if it's not someone exactly like Akala, but still something from beyond...?"

Her golden eyes, aglow in the dim chamber, widened just a little.

"Something equally powerful but whose agenda is more secretive. Perhaps we should record what visions have survived, catalogue any commonality between them in case there is some truth to be gleaned."

The half-Dathomiri's mind continued to race and question as it always had, obsessed with knowing the unknowable for the good of her home and because she simply needed to know things regardless their consequence. But the more she pondered over the mysterious woman's words, and the grim reality they face, one in particular stood out.

And as she rubbed at Quinn Varanin 's promise ring beneath her glove for comfort, it hit her like a landspeeder.

"...wait..."

"Pardon me, but did you say were a Varanin?" her rusted-gold brows rose curiously.

​

 

[Ellissanthia]

Location: Bridge - Odrin Rath’s Corvette
Attire: White Outfit
Notable Personal Effects: Standard Lightsaber - Purple Blade
Objective: Echoes Beyond the Drift
Mission Objective: Locate the Aing-Tii
Tag: Odrin Rath Lirka Ka Christina Locke Kivah Serina Calis

It was only the melodic tones of a familiar voice that drew Ellissanthia from her prayers. Cutting short the final verse, the Undine glanced up and turned, her gaze widening with equal parts shock and elation as she looked upon the holographic figure in the middle of the bridge. An individual whose digitized presence was both expected and surprising—Serina Calis.

And once again, she was planning something big.

Ellissanthia felt that she had no right to overhear whatever was being said, but the sensitivity of her ears betrayed her. The webbed appendages twitched as she processed the words spoken by the holographic figure. Daggerfall. The word lodged itself into her mind like a blade. For a moment, the Undine contemplated what it could mean. However, it did not take long for the Adept to decide that it might be best for the plan to remain a mystery to her.

Thus, pushing the matter from her mind, Ellissanthia smoothed her features into a grateful smile in response to Serina’s compliment. Then, once the call was turned off, the Undine found her eyes locked onto the piercing crimson gaze of the Sith Knight. She offered him a deferential nod, the intensity of his gaze causing a tight sensation to rise in her stomach.

Then, just as Ellissanthia turned back to face the viewport, the bridge lurched.

Ellissanthia gave a sharp cry as something big slammed into her legs, immediately throwing the Undine off-balance. She braced herself to hit the floor, but her landing was somewhat cushioned instead, rendering the effort redundant. Still, the force of the impact briefly dazed her, though she retained more than enough focus to understand why her fall had not been so painful.

For situated beneath her was the Sith Knight Odrin Rath.

 

[Ashin Cardé Varanin]

...wait..."

"Pardon me, but did you say were a Varanin?"

"The original of the species. You know my daughter Quinn."

She expressed it as certainty because Quinn was a knowable person, the most prominent Varanin in the Sith territories - and because Ashin was fairly sure she knew who this was. But she didn't like to lean too far on speculation. There was more than enough speculation going around already.

"It seems clear," she said, still in a private aside, "that the Emperor called this meeting to draw out anyone who'd boast about having resources that offered insight - resources like the kind of comparisons you're talking about. But nobody I'd expect to have such resources is speaking up. They all look as short on answers as the Emperor says he is. Which suggests to me that it's been tried and it hasn't yet worked. The future is shrugging us off."

A strategy unfolded in her mind from nowhere. Since over-promising and under-delivering were not in her skillset, she kept it to herself.

"I have something I'd like to try."

She turned and left; whether Anathemous came along was up to her.