Campaign The End Of A Bloodline: Matricide | Part 3

[Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax]

The Shadow descended through the thick layer of the evenings darkened storm clouds with several transports in formation off the sides. Rain pelted hard against the Cockpit window that it sounded like gravel being poured. Despite all the dreary weather everything was running on auto, a predetermined path logged in between each craft for coordination. Comms had been turned down a little though the noise of small chatter between the ships least stopped everything being dead quiet. To her right was the woman's retainer Komi who was running through something in her datapad. No doubt it was studying material as she pushed herself.

A heavy exhale left the Blackened Valkyries lips, as her eyes looked at the occasional glimpse at tangletown through the clouds down far below still. "Where here," she said turning her head to the teenager besides. "You'll be staying on the ship till I call for you. When we land make sure to do the check on the shuttle. Should be small enough to land in the street later for transportation. Provided we are successful." Those last few words hit with an impact that there was much riding on this. There was no failure, no retry or attempt two, this was her only chance.

It was rare for Teresa but she wore heavy Black robes with two laced up splits along the back. Textured embroidered patterns ran the length of the hem down the black part of the tunic with the full lenth of bright red trailing down the middle underneath gave the outfit an air of elegance, status, power. Her appearance gave the air of a sith in just a look, every bit intentional as a warrior of Kainite on a personal mission. Several sabers where attached to the woman's hip vai clips where two others sat within their Lightsaber Auxiliary fastened to her hip.

A constant strobing bleep began to play out as the ship was now on final approach. Reaching over the console Teresa pressed a button muting its sound as her retainer placed away her datapad. The large light freighter slowed down as two of the transports moved ahead. One by one the several ships landed and from where she sat, the Epicanthix Valkyrie could see the ramps extend with rows of troops marching down them.

Teresa herself stood up and made her way to the Cargo bay of the Shadow, hitting the open ramp button she could hear the familiar hiss as pressure equalized. The moment it opened a crack the sounds of heavy rain pounded on wet ground and metal. Teresa waited under the cover for the commanders and officers. They would soon rush over gathering inside huddling in a semi-circle around the Blackened Valkyrie. Each of them wore identical armor rank only shown by a pauldron that sat atop. Tossing down a holoprojector, the repulsor kicked in hovering it inches from the Alusteel floor.

Golden orange eyes looked at each of them silent waiting for the shuffling to stop. "For some of you, this is your first time meeting me," She said setting the tone that hushed the others gaining their attention. "I am Valkyrie Commander, Darth Pellax." Though she hated using a title, Teresa said it with pride given it was a name her Master gave. "All of you were placed under my charge to command as an extension of my will and the will of your Lord Carnifex."

A dark aura began to fill the small space sending a tremble to those gathered. "For this reason, I will not tolerate failure. Especially today." Her voice growled with each word, the threat though unspoken was heard loud and clear. Taking out her datapad she fiddled with it for a moment till the projection of the town came up. Each part was accurate from avid recon, even their main objective was located. "Valkyries, you will stay out of sight, cling to the rooftops and monitor this resident," a second image projected above the map of a woman and text detailing her appearance. "You are to ensure this woman remains in her residence till my arrival."

"Troops on the ground will be divided into four, this is among you how to manage where unit number will be allocated." Icons appeared over the map one green, blue, red and gold. In the middle was an icon to represent the Valkyries and Teresa herself. "First you will move into these area clearing the buildings of civilians. Capture the women and children seperate the men furthest away from buildings and others. Take your time and follow the training. There is a possibility that the local enforcement may put up resistance and is possible for further conflict. However you are warriors of the Kainite, kill any resistance without mercy and indiscriminately."

The files was shared between the leaders to then go over and formulate their plan. "Mirilla Pelles must not be aloud to escape or harmed. Move out!" The gathered gave their various affirmations and began to dissipate back into the rain to those below them. For now she would wait here till it was time, it was expected to take a while and there was still chance for the rain to calm.

Darth Malum of House Marr
​

Spoiler: Lightsabers and equipment

Teresa's Sith Robes
Iroai Amulet

Old Owners Lightsaber,

Ancient Lightsaber

Trandoshan Jedi's Lightsaber

Fathers Lightsaber

Svikin hjörtu

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

He had found out about the Kainite movements as soon as they had left the Stygian Caldera, it was uncommon enough to have the information, the Tsis'Kaar were not the vast sprawling shadow empire that they had once used to be. However, this was a most special case indeed. The Kainites had launched their main attacks along the Daragon Trail and the Hydian Way, Yavin, Celanon, and even Moridin- Mandalore, had faced the wrath of their undead legions, their Graug hordes, their mighty Despoilers.

So, it was enough to catch their interest when Kainite forces had begun moving not west, towards the Mordiniz- Mandalorians, not towards the Alliance and their Jedi, but south.

Toward the victorious heirs of the New Imperial Order.

Toward Lothal.

And if that was not interesting enough, the leader of this expedition, a concubine of Kaine, Teresa Pelles, Darth Pellax.

Well, it was certainly enough to get his attention. He who had been miffed enough to have his ventures in Lothal interrupted by the arrival of the Imperial Fleet above the world, and Imperial Stormtroopers ready to occupy the world. It was humorous how quickly the predictions of both him and the Nautolan had come to pass, for indeed, the one thing that they had not predicted, was how fast the imperial sons of traitors would come.

It definitely made his attempts to dig deeper into the Jedi Temple more difficult. It was one thing to have some Jedi, powerful or not on the prowl and alert, it was quite another to have Imperials actively patrolling a world they would forcefully claim as theirs.

He might have cut his losses at that point, good sense would have recommended he do so.

After all, even making it as far as he did in the Temple with the Jedi he had accompanied, he had not found what he was looking for.

And now with the Imperials here...

Yes, he should have left.

Yet, news of the Kainite incursion had mandated him stay.

Curiosity was the reason he gave himself, why they had flown so far out of Kainite space to Empire territory of all places, when their war was westward. Curiosity regarding this concubine of Kaine, he had after all only met one, and though Darth Xyrah was not to be underestimated, they were not exactly what he had expected when imagining a consort or a lover of the Butcher King.

Yet, it was more than idle curiosity, he knew it well.

It was opportunity, an opportunity to ingratiate himself with one of Kaine's favourites, for ingratiating himself with one of them, would be ingratiating himself with Kaine, something that was certainly necessary for all that would come.

And then there was the second opportunity, a last chance.

Kainite reinforcements would be unexpected, but they would be useful.

It had been difficult to make much progress into the Temple, as it had necessitated subtlety, deception, and stealth, all of which he specialised in, but alone, with Jedi and Imperials opposing him, with the Temple's own intricacies, was difficult to do quickly.

He had not brought the resources to storm it.

And he was more than willing to waste Kainite lives to accomplish that.

So he watched, atop a solitary tree, hidden from both the naked and unnaked eye, the rain was bothersome, but it was also oddly comforting. Thunderstruck, as the Kainite transports broke orbit, having been visible for minutes before, and begun reaching this world, that had once been free, and now would be fought over by those without their interest at heart.

The butchers against the traitors.

While Lothal would burn.

If this rain would let up.

The vessels disgorged their content of men armoured and armed, held with supreme discipline even as the rain pelted them, he had seen the Kainite Legions battle before, they were brutal, inhuman, the very mark of one as Kaine. It was by this point he fell from the tree, letting out a small groan, barely audible, as he landed, and began walking down to the landing site. Confident by now, none could see him.

Yet, it was never them that worried him, as imposing, as terrifying as they were to the rest of the galaxy.

That honour would go exclusively toward this Darth Pellax.

A few minutes of marching took him to the imposing darkened ship, a veritable shadow.

He had noticed with keen eyes when its doors had opened, great figures running, indeed, running, not marching to greet whoever exited.

It seemed he had found the one who he sought, catching the tale end of her words, someone, a name he did not recognise, was to be captured.

And that required an entire Kainite incursion... either they did not act with half-measures, or this was a powerful individual indeed.

It was a small fortune that he had indeed heard her, before he saw her, for as soon as his red orbs met her... he had become overcome with uselessity. She was in short, absolutely breathtaking... beautiful, was not accurate enough. That did not even begin to describe her, she was gigantic, towering over even him, with porcelain white skin, only marred with the tattoo upon her face, raven black hair not so dissimilar to his own that reached her shoulders, and orange-flame-filled eyes, that blazed with clear emotion. Oh, and she had wings... the last time he had encountered a woman with wings, it had... well it had not gone horribly in retrospect.

Getting back on track, clearly, whoever this figure was, Darth Pellax did not consider a friend.

And with the shared name... Pelles, he had an estimation of who they were.

He could use this, and thus he allowed his cloak and concealment to fall, as soon as her officers departed.

A smirk upon his face, his robes and hair drenched in rain, as red eyes gazed up to orange, offering a nod.

Immediately his hands were presented, he was no threat.

"Lady Pelles, Darth Malum, of House Marr at your service," Balls, feasts, and galas were the times for full titles, hopefully, the admission that he was Sith would be enough to forestall any overreaction and have her listen, "I do believe we may be of assistance to each other."

Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax

 

[Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax]

Her eyes was drawn to the map for a few more moments listening to the sounds of heavy rain and sloshing boots marching about. In the top of her vision feat appeared suddenly snapping her attention up and reached for her blades. Yet after a moment, the face seemed familiar? Teresa thought a moment recognising him at both the Korriban Ball and Naboo Gala also from plenty of reports she had no interest in the details of.

The blackened Valkyrie could not tell either if how he referred to him was a name or a title layed with title. Along with that, the name he used for her that received a nasty look. "Teresa, don't lady or title me. Worst of all use that name." She spat with annoyance at the interloper. The sense of the woman's anger was easy to feel as it ebbed and flowed so heavily in this confined space.

Her stance relaxed as those Golden Orange eyes glared down at the Noble Sith. "I'll give it to you that you've got balls appearing in the middle of a warriors camp so to speak. People would not do that without caution or intention." Her tone changed so quickly this time touching on curiosity at what it was this man had to offer, worst yet, what was he after. She knew all too well no one moved without an agenda let along sith.

Kainite Soldiers adorned in their regimental armors where being organized by officers sending out the units in quick successions. She wondered when the local enforcement would begin the resistance and throw themselves against the vanguard. "Malum Marr, do pray tell how you may be of assistance to me? Let's not leave out what it is you need from me." She spoke plainly understanding a deal was on the table at such a strange time.

Darth Malum of House Marr
​

Spoiler: Lightsabers and equipment

Teresa's Sith Robes
Iroai Amulet

Old Owners Lightsaber,

Ancient Lightsaber

Trandoshan Jedi's Lightsaber

Fathers Lightsaber

Svikin hjörtu

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

He knew he had made a mistake as soon as her expression shifted to something perhaps a mix of annoyed and angry, unfortunately though surprised for a moment by his appearance, enough to reach for her weapon. The fact she had not actually drawn it, either in shock or acrimony, was enough for him to not need to beat a hasty retreat.

Breathing softly through his nose, he nodded his head, "My apologies, Darth Pellax, or well..." She had permitted him to use her first name... as odd as that was before they even had truly discussed if there was to be any benefit in them working together... but it would be rude to reject such a thing he supposed, "...Teresa... please, then, call me Malum," The fact she did not refer to him as Lord Marr was small mercy, he was in fact Lord Marr, sure.

But his father yet still and thankfully lived, it was still a complete oddity for him to hear it... no matter how much he had been forced to get used to it.

He smirked at the rest of her words, even if there was a real desire to quiver at the glare she was giving him, the air still permeated in her energies, a force that commanded him to kneel or else face the consequences, "Ah well foolishness and bravery so often are opposite sides of the same coin, I can only hope to share the latter quality." Though he knew for certain, he did too owe much to the former trait, her voice shifting away from the enmity was enough to let him know there was a better chance of this opportunity actually succeeding.

He glanced back to the Kainite forces assembling behind him, "Your landing will have already caused a stir, and from what I imagine your purpose here... to find and capture a specific target, an army is not... if I might say the correct tool. One uses a scalpel for surgery, not a butcher's knife," Though considering she was consort to the Butcher King, perhaps no wonder she would default to this option to gain what she wanted.

Or who she wanted, anyway.

"I have Tsis'Kaar elements positioned on this world, allow me to secure your target." Red eyes glowed ominously in the darkened landscape, the smirk not leaving his face, "In exchange, lend me your forces, there is a Jedi temple upon this world, I would see it taken, and all its contents brought back and secured for better use."

Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax

 

[Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax]

Teresa's brow furrowed as the title was used once again before being corrected. "I've no doubt this has made plenty of noise," she remarked, her awareness clear in her actions. "Those who stand in my way will simply be shot down." It was amusing that he lacked insight into the overheard plan. The Blackened Valkyries eyes narrowed as a smirk crept across her face. While she continued to listen, Teresa finally learnt vaguely what the young Sith Lord desired. Who would have thought a Jedi temple stood on her estranged homeworld, the Valkyrie pondered silently.

Truly, the woman had no clue who these Tiss Carr people were, and her target was far too valuable to let slip away. "It's true, a less frontal approach would be better if I were just after one person, but I am not." Walking closer then to the man's side, her eyes peered out into the moving people now advancing into the town. How long would it be before the first shout would ring out?

"This whole town is my target, Malum Marr, and I will see it razed before the sun touches the horizon. I follow through with my punishments." The holo image that still illuminated the near-empty cargo hold was easy to understand. The forces had been split into five groups: Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, then a group symbolized by an insignia. The colored teams were to move into the town, sweeping in to clear each building. An operation that took time and manpower.

"The person I seek in this place however is for me to confront, it's... personal you see. There's no escape for her, I simply won't allow it, yes nothing will get in the way you see?" A glance at the plan also made that easy to understand why. Vorpal Valkyries, Teresa's most specialised warriors only had one single objective. Lock down a specific location. Looking over the map amongst the forces she had there was some she could spare easily.

"Now I do wonder what it is about a jedi temple that catches your eye. I'm most curious. Make sure no civilian that is smart enough to run by foot lives long enough to talk about this. Ensure that and not only will I accompany you on this little excepade I'll bring enough to squash any little resistance you can't handle alone or with your people hum." Teresa said patronizing the little lord without worry.

Darth Malum of House Marr​

Spoiler: Lightsabers and equipment

Teresa's Sith Outfit
Iroai Amulet

Old Owners Lightsaber

Ancient Lightsaber

Trandoshan Jedi's Lightsaber

Fathers Lightsaber

Svikin hjörtu

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Urgh, he had seemingly miscalculated to some degree, fortunately, it seemed that it was not a fatal blow to his plans. Even if she was not so interested in just the capture of a certain individual, and indeed held ambition over the entire town, something his Tsis'Kaar while capable of pulling off... were not exactly the forte of assassins and rogues.

However, it seemed that his own ambitions had attracted her curiosity.

Such could both be good... and bad.

It very much depended on how much she would want whatever dwelt below its depths.

How much she was interested in the World Between Worlds.

And indeed... if he at all wished to inform her of the place. It seemed she truly had no great knowledge nor care for the Temple itself, which unless that was an act, seemed to imply she did not know of its importance.

How he played with that information... was very important.

"You are very confident in the abilities of yourself and your men then," Malum simply noted, not being able to tell if that was truly confidence, or if that had strayed into arrogance. However, it could be both for all he was concerned, as far as he knew, Imperial defences here... were not the best.

As she advanced onto him, the instinctive desire to withdraw was fought with great effort, as she stood perpendicular to him, gazing out to her advancing forces, Malum biting his lip, as he spun to watch as well. He knew he should be opposing this... this... personal reason to sack a town.

He did.

However, he was in no position to stop her, the towering giant that she was, with force both qualitative and quantitative at her side.

Neither, had he any intention to cross so openly blade with one of Kaine's consorts. It would not take much time for such news to reach him, especially if she lived.

And without knowing much about her, he could not say if putting her down into the dirt would be easy.

It annoyed him like nothing else that the Jedi Nautolan was right...

...But this was the price of war, enacted by those on who could not fight, Elise Ahana-Gwyneira , might not understand, but this was the way of the galaxy.

What he was trying to fix.

For her, for the entire galaxy.

He grimaced at the task offered to him, no survivors...

Well, he supposed it was best for assassins to undertake that task, rather than the torturers and butchers. And indeed... if it was his task... he could make sure death did not necessarily have to occur... Alvaria could use new blood.

Yet he grimaced too at the insult, at the patronising.

"Do not think it an inability to do so, I simply did not desire to broadcast our presence, spies that are found do not make good spies, I hope you would agree," He responded, wondering how to answer the rest of what she said, "...I will take upon that task then, my agents will make sure no eyes alive will witness these next events... as for why I am interested in the temple..." Indeed, what could he say? "I believe there are hidden caches of lightsabres and holocrons inside, such would be rather useful in both the outfitting of forces, and for the knowledge that the Jedi have long since hidden from us."

He said the lie as easily as he said the truth.

Once they found the portal, she would either be dealt with.

Or he would feign surprise just as easily.

Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax

 

[Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax]

She could feel the constant churning from the young sith lord. Still Teresa smirked at Malum's statement. "I have confidence in my own abilities and those of my kind, that is more than enough." It wasn't that she didn't have confidence in the troops left in her charge. Rather it was the first time putting this gift to action. So far the silence held beyond the sounds of hundreds of sloshing boots. Some could argue overkill, where Teresa called it efficient.

"I don't use spies, nor do I have uses for such. So I am of no opinion. Think of this as training for your people. Besides if you are worried about some showing weaknesses in that chain of yours, then would it not be better to lose them doing something meaningless than fail when most needed?" The woman chuckled offering her point of view.

Though her gaze turned and eyes narrowed some as his next statement. "Still, clean up after me and I shall clean out for you. A fair trade... almost." Her hand reached behind tugging on a cloak hung up on the corner of a metal box. As the hood sat on her head, both hands tugged at the edges so they sat between shoulder and wing. Leather string threaded through eyelets with graceful control, waving from one to the next. Stopping a few centimeters from the base to the valkyries wings the two ends came together letting the excess hand in a long droopy bow.

"An extra part to add. Do not think me a fool Malum Marr," She said warning the man. Teresa's head turned so those Golden orange eyes glared down on the small sith lord. "Old lightsabers, scraps of knowledge. I know all to well that you Sith Lords do not go diving for scraps of the enemy." The woman remarked insightfully. did not know what it was he was after still but, lies and deceptions are things she did for fun.

"Wait here, we'll take my ship, it'll be quicker." Stepping down the ramp finally, the sound of the rain pelting into the robe was like a roaring applause that had no end. Bringing thumb and finger to her lips, Teresa let out a loud whistle that cut through other sounds. That very sound got attention from the soldiers who heard it but mostly the one she directed to it. The woman spoke with one of the leaders that was part of the debrief. It took no more than a few moments before an affirming nod. Twelve soldiers and a Valkyrie began to approach the shadow.

Coming back into the ship she'd gesture to follow up the steps of magnetized boxes made into steep steps. Of course the path of least resistance would be the ladder off to the side. "Komi, you're staying here with the shade. Get you and it detached." She said walking towards the cockpit.

"Wait what's happening?" Spoke the young voice coming from the cockpit. The teenage redhead with deep red markings peeked around the door looking at the Blackened Valkyrie and the guest. As the woman's stride did not stop, Komi quickly stood to the side avoiding the incoming wing.

"You are staying here with the shade. Watch stuff here, I will be needing your eyes later," She said with a purr knowing that later the girl would be choosing amongst the stock. It was also an assurance that her retainer was safe.

After the man with dark hair passed, the girl rushed off to the shuttle not offering any further words. Teresa however got comfortable into the chair with a groove for the wings. Flicking switched the dash panels began to light up, the next switch however powered the engines up. Along the right wall displayed the internal cameras. Using this the woman waited for the unit to get in plus the shuttle to shift. "You can fly right?" Teresa asked Darth Malum of House Marr .

​

Spoiler: Lightsabers and equipment

Teresa's Sith Outfit
Iroai Amulet

Old Owners Lightsaber

Ancient Lightsaber

Trandoshan Jedi's Lightsaber

Fathers Lightsaber

Svikin hjörtu

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Malum raised an eyebrow throughout much of the Valkyrie's words, "Confidence is certainly not a sin, especially if it is justified," The red-eyed Sith Lord noted idly, wondering how much of it was actually justified, for after all, though the Kainites were renowned for their skill at battle.

They were also renowned for their arrogance.

He supposed it would matter little for him, his Tsis'Kaar would note down anything of interest, and if they succeeded, all the power to them, if they failed, it would be no skin off his back.

For, after all, he had gained their Mistresses' attention.

And that much was all that he needed.

Still, she made things rather difficult wherein he began to imagine that it was certainly arrogance, rather than confidence that she was displaying, "I have no compunctions regarding the abilities of my Tsis'Kaar, they will do as I command without hesistation nor lack of skill, your forces will see as such soon, I suspect." She used no spies she claimed.

May as well rip your eyes out.

So focused on the lightsabre in front of you.

You forget the shikkar blade behind.

But that would be for another day, if it came at all.

He did not react visibly as she called him out, as she warded herself in a cloak and walked away, yet within, he cringed. Most would have actually likely accepted his reasoning, however he had forgotten a rather key detail.

Though she had taken the name Darth Pellax... or more likely had been granted it.

She was far less Sith than the name would imply.

"Lad-... Teresa, you would be surprised, both weapon and knowledge would be a worthy prize to any a Sith Lord... yet, you are right, there is something more in my quest here." To convince her of what she already seemed convinced was not the truth, was a fool's errand, and after all, the best lies were inlaid with the truth, "I imagine you know the Jedi have a skill to burn the darkness out of an individual, though there are counters developed after millennia of defeat, such is far from what I seek..." Malum offered a smile, to her leaving form, "I would see the light burned out of them, and I believe the answer of how, is within the temple."

The temple would not have that answer, he already knew.

Alas, it was not false in the fact he did wish to learn such a power, and through looking into the concept of waves of veritable darkness, he believed there was a way.

Yet, that would be for another day.

An answer that may please her curiosity.

An answer that kept the truth of the matter in bed.

She returned unexpectedly quickly after giving out orders, and Malum was quick to follow, noting down all of interest in this ship, for after all, it was not every day that he got to enter and see so closely, the interior of a Kainite command vehicle.

Though if there was anything of use in what he noted down, was a mystery all unto itself.

Malum watched idly as Darth Pellax interacted with whom he imagined was the pilot of this ship, offering a smirk and a wink at the rather attractive redhead, a bit of fun, he knew the effect he had with... to put it politely, normal people.

And the reactions were always so positively delightful.

So it seemed that the Valkyrie really had deemed this to be a mission for two.

Intriguing.

Entering the cockpit, and witnessing her flicking buttons, being comfortable, wings and all in this space, he quirked another eyebrow at the question, "Of course, we should be there within minutes, not very far from this place," Malum answered, taking a seat at the co-pilot position, awaiting whatever final words needed to be said before they would be off.

Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax

 

[Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax]

​

Komi having being around the presences of people like Lord Carnifex and Lady Teresa she found the presence of the strange guest bearable. That was till he winked at her making the retainer feel repulsed. "Gross," the girl muttered under her breath. This person did not have the kind of charm that Braze gave her. Rolling her eyes she moved off towards the shuttle. It took no time navigating the familiar controls and detached. It glided over the top of twelve soldiers walking towards the back of the Shadow. The Shade landed a little away more near the middle of all the transports where it was more easily seen and defended.

Teresa mulled over his words, her thoughts churning as she settled into her seat, observing the few soldiers clinging to something in the cargo bay. The Valkyrie turned her head towards Malum, her expression unreadable. "I'm not surprised by the idea of any weapon, skills, or abilities designed to inflict damage on the enemy," she remarked, shifting the flight control to the other side. With a curt nod, she indicated that he could take them up and proceed to their destination.

"It's natural, after all, to seek an advantage over one's enemy is part of survival." Her tone was cold, a reflection of the distrust she felt. She had already caught him in a lie and he struck her as the sneaky type. Teresa made no effort to hide her distrust. "A word of warning," she continued, her voice hardening, "I take my deals seriously, like Carnifex. If you try to screw me over, especially today."

"I do not care for who your master is, who you serve or who your kin are. I'll strike you down without a second thought, even if I don't succeed, He will finish the job."

Turning back to look out the window, she planted one foot on the edge of the controls, a casual yet assertive gesture. "Anyway, let's make this quick, Malum. While we fly, tell me what you know about the location." Her fingers gestured down by her as a volume knob was turned and the intercom was turned on. It was her way to not repeat information of the place after.

Komi stayed inside the shuttle and looked over to the Shadow that was powering up and taking off. She sighed at being left behind again giving it more thought it was probably for the best. The retainer began to watch the soldiers slowly start to disperse into the town. Part of her felt bad knowing what was going to happen to the settlement. Teresa had spoken in length about all the ways she'd wipe this off the map from the easiest action to insane idea's.

She tuned in her datapad into the Blackened Valkyrie command channel. The girl knew not to talk in that channel unless it was an emergency, but it was better to listen in to learn. A loud knock made the girl jump as her head turned to the door. Reaching over her hand pressed a button to open the door to see four Kainite Soldiers stood on the other side. "Oh, err hello?"

The Corporal entered inside as the other three stood at the door facing outwards in a 3 point watch. The man inside come a little closer taking while off his helmet. "Ma'am, we'll be here for your security till Darth Pellax returns." The rough looking soldier said with a gruff voice. "I see you are already listening in, good."

He looked a little awkward not quite sure how to interact with a retainer, let alone one that was still a teenager. Regardless the man took up one of the passenger seats grunting as he dropped down into the chair. His helmet was placed at his side and weapon on the guys lap. The Corporal counted himself luck to be where he was able to see out front while staying out the rain.

"Mhm," She made slight nod to his observation then turned back around comfortable. "Yeah, I tend to watch when you are all training, it's hard to understand some of the technical language you use." She said quite honestly while hinting at the obvious. After all it was not something that seemed okay to ask about.

"Eyy don't you worry kid, I'll explain what I am aloud to when they come. It'll be a long night so I don't see why not." Even with the gruff sound to his voice, his tone relaxed a little able to speak within his bounds. "We have no idea when things might kick off. With this worlds recent occupation from the empire of the lost and this tactical information been from a week ago we have no idea what's changed since then. While we are thankful for the gather intel from Pellax, till we are told to move quicker, our boys will take their time."

Darth Malum of House Marr​

Spoiler: Lightsabers and equipment

Teresa's Sith Outfit
Iroai Amulet

Old Owners Lightsaber

Ancient Lightsaber

Trandoshan Jedi's Lightsaber

Fathers Lightsaber

Svikin hjörtu

Sekitangara

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

He quirked an eyebrow at the reaction that the woman had given him, oh he was no stranger to rejection, for all the success he did have, there were duds, not in the individuals themselves of course, most were lovely, but sometimes, by some quirk of fate, he would be unlucky, or simply the other not interested.

That was more than fine.

But he could not deny, there was a minor sting to his ego.

Gross? Really?

Admittedly, there had been less rejection when he had ascended to Sith Lord... though... for the majority of the time which he had been a Sith Lord, he had been happily... lovingly... taken.

...Had his charms simply grown worse?

He supposed that was an existential question to ask a likely very confused Elise Ahana-Gwyneira .

Of course, he could not consider it for long, for Darth Pellax, wordlessly commanded him to take the reins. Of course, in most cases he would not simply accept such commands, especially from a theoretical peer, and in his view, perhaps even an inferior, a mere concubine of Kain- Darth Carnifex .

Still in this case, better to be the one in the pilots seat, he would say.

Of course, she was not done speaking.

Malum wordlessly listened, going through the pre-flight checks, before she reached the end, and Malum simply offered a smile, one that did not quite reach his eyes, "Let us make one thing clear, I do not need to hide behind a master," There was a sneer to his words, making it clear what he thought of her arrangement, "I do not care for your threats, nor do I respect them, if you believe you can strike me down, I invite you to try, I have fought far superior foes than you and survived, even triumphed."

The smile blossomed, along with the shimmer in his red orbs, "But such would be a waste of time, would it not? Our enemies are outside these walls, not within, and I have no desire to battle you."

He gazed to the intercomm as at least the last of her words were surprisingly genial.

"The Lothal Jedi Temple, it has been destroyed once, and then rebuilt, it requires the use presence of two, a padawan and their master to traverse, and it is the site of a Vergance in the Force, no doubt we will feel it rather soon." It was as much as he wished to say, after all, as the engines began to hum, and the craft take to the sky.

In only a few moments, the great stone spires came into view.

It was quite the sight.

"I made it in partially once before, however, the Jedi interrupted me... I believe they all left with the presence of the Imperials."

Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax

 

[Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax]

​

"But such would be a waste of time, would it not? Our enemies are outside these walls, not within, and I have no desire to battle you."

He gazed to the intercomm as at least the last of her words were surprisingly genial.

"The Lothal Jedi Temple, it has been destroyed once, and then rebuilt, it requires the use presence of two, a padawan and their master to traverse, and it is the site of a Vergance in the Force, no doubt we will feel it rather soon." It was as much as he wished to say, after all, as the engines began to hum, and the craft take to the sky.

In only a few moments, the great stone spires came into view.

It was quite the sight.

"I made it in partially once before, however, the Jedi interrupted me... I believe they all left with the presence of the Imperials."

The woman slightly chuckled a little as she found his words amusing. "My enemies are who I or Carnifex deem are my enemies. Who knows, you may be an enemy yet Malum or perhaps you may be fortunate." She said lightly but her tone also carried the seriousness them. It was perhaps a little obvious she was playing with the man. It was her nature to push and pull and seem a little unpredictable, at least around most people. "Besides if I was going to attack you, it would not be while you are flying my ship."

Teresa listened to the little bit of information he had to offer. She had hoped for a little more but it was interesting that a place that had a special kind of way to access it, perhaps it was something to look into and ask Kaine about. The Valkyrie stared out the window watching the slight alternating tones of Lothal's golden planes light up by the ships lights.

Eventually large Stone spires that jutted out the ground began to pass below. Though the mans comment made her sneer in the direction of her temporary pilot. "My, you really do seem to lack as a warrior that you let jedi disturb you." She said teasingly while mocking the man. "Well, least these dumbass soldiers the empire something or other have stationed here are... lacking. Why do you think I so brazenly. I've no fear that they will stop my goals and even if they try by the time anything arrives at tangle town, my objectives will be complete."

The Epicanthic Valkyrie looked relaxed in her chair. "So tell me about this vergence in the force you mentioned. That sounds interesting." She said once more gazing passively out the window hoping that they'd reach their destination before long.

Darth Malum of House Marr​

Spoiler: Lightsabers and equipment

Teresa's Sith Outfit
Iroai Amulet

Old Owners Lightsaber

Ancient Lightsaber

Trandoshan Jedi's Lightsaber

Fathers Lightsaber

Svikin hjörtu

Sekitangara

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

She claimed such a certain duality with Kain- Darth Carnifex , that he was almost tempted to believe her. For all that he knew of the Butcher King, he did not know much of his personal life, apart from the fact that he held far too many wives, and perhaps even more paramours. Of course, that very amount discounted the possibility of possible duality, for one, here was but one woman, attractive as she may be, among many.

Of the other, she was not one of his wives.

As far as he knew, after all, a new Lady Zambrano was news that the rest of the Order would quickly learn, only to sigh out of how common the news was.

"I imagine I shall have no say on the matter, nor do I truly care to. As it is, as much as I wish for peace within the empire, others always choose war. I only request that you make that decision after our business here is concluded, I would rather not need to explain to Darth Carnifex why one of his lovers had to be returned in a box." He spoke the words staring straight ahead at those rising pillars, as if one recounting a weather report.

He rolled his eyes as she continued on, truly he should have been trying to be more polite, and certainly at most other times he would have at least played at being respectful.

But truly, he just did not have it within him at this woman who threw barbs and taunts.

"Please, if it is within your power to rid us of the Jedi, then clearly our Emperor and Lord Carnifex should employ your services to so easily remove them... of course, unless that is all talk," He had fooled them he imagined, but considering the circumstances, especially with how the Temple functioned, to go along was inviting disaster, "Yes, the Imperial presence and performance here thus far have not been anything too spectacular, but I would not underestimate them yet, I imagine most of their efforts are in the north around Felucia," He knew as much, after all, was it not his Tsis'Kaar that currently guarded it?

His ears quirked at her last question, as the ship began to slow and descend down onto a familiar grassy plain that would make a makeshift landing pad.

"They call it the trial of the Ordeal, the Jedi used to come here, master and padawan, a pair necessary to enter, a pair necessary to leave, the master meditates within, while the padawan sees visions about their attachments, likely of their master, but perhaps others," He offered a sardonic sort of smile towards her, "I doubt you and I shall find ourselves attached, but curiosity makes me wonder who you shall see... Lord Carnifex perhaps?" He could not deny, he was curious himself of what he would see, but far from desiring to take upon the trial himself.

"At the outskirts of the walls, you shall feel the Force greater than few other places, within, even more powerfully, visions and other such effects are not uncommon here," He likely would come to regret this, "Are you ready?"

Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax

 

[Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax]

"I imagine I shall have no say on the matter, nor do I truly care to. As it is, as much as I wish for peace within the empire, others always choose war. I only request that you make that decision after our business here is concluded, I would rather not need to explain to Darth Carnifex why one of his lovers had to be returned in a box." He spoke the words staring straight ahead at those rising pillars, as if one recounting a weather report.

He rolled his eyes as she continued on, truly he should have been trying to be more polite, and certainly at most other times he would have at least played at being respectful.

But truly, he just did not have it within him at this woman who threw barbs and taunts.

"Please, if it is within your power to rid us of the Jedi, then clearly our Emperor and Lord Carnifex should employ your services to so easily remove them... of course, unless that is all talk," He had fooled them he imagined, but considering the circumstances, especially with how the Temple functioned, to go along was inviting disaster, "Yes, the Imperial presence and performance here thus far have not been anything too spectacular, but I would not underestimate them yet, I imagine most of their efforts are in the north around Felucia," He knew as much, after all, was it not his Tsis'Kaar that currently guarded it?

Teresa could not help herself but laugh as if she saw his words as nothing more than a joke. She felt like he was a cagy individual, reserved and sneaky with a small stick you know where. Though it was strange a sith to boast of peace one second was weird but his humorous threat was not lost on her. "If it where not for you asking a pregnant dark sider for assistance with simple minded morons, I'd have taken your threat seriously Malum Marr."

He clearly misunderstood the type of person he was sat besides. She really did not care for same things everything sentient enough wanted. No desire to be really part of a society or to be part of a network. Her life was the freedom of staying outside those realms where morals and understanding the concepts of right and wrong that was not her chain. Hers was certainly one that did not even feel like a chain at all.

"I care not for your Emperor nor the sith either, same for the jedi. Infact your emperor could drop dead in a puddle and it would still mean nothing to me. I enjoy the battlefield because there everything is simple. I do not fight because of culture or some society. I care only about what is mine and what I want, usually that's to do what seems fun and interesting, not always though." Her face turned further away from the mans view looking out the window, though she kept an eye in the reflection. "Today you could call the not always, for me. So you just simply lucked out as something that seemed interesting in the moment."

Of course all the the soldiers in the bay was having to put up with the incessant ramblings of the two in the cockpit. Each of them glad they could feel the slight weightlessness of decent and touching down on the solid ground once more. The eight moved closer to the exit and flicked the safety off their weapons. None of them had worked under anyone else than their normal commanding officer. They had heard stories that this woman does not really lead and only gives general directions. The leaders disliked it but squad leaders preferred the more open orders to act a little more freely. One of them wondered what it was like back at the first location.

Then the one stood closest to his buddy cleared his throat "That Pazaak game was totally mine to win." his friend elbowed him to bring their attention back to what was important.

"They call it the trial of the Ordeal, the Jedi used to come here, master and padawan, a pair necessary to enter, a pair necessary to leave, the master meditates within, while the padawan sees visions about their attachments, likely of their master, but perhaps others," He offered a sardonic sort of smile towards her, "I doubt you and I shall find ourselves attached, but curiosity makes me wonder who you shall see... Lord Carnifex perhaps?" He could not deny, he was curious himself of what he would see, but far from desiring to take upon the trial himself.

"At the outskirts of the walls, you shall feel the Force greater than few other places, within, even more powerfully, visions and other such effects are not uncommon here," He likely would come to regret this, "Are you ready?"

"Maybe, though I have others I am attached as well for one reason or another." She said off-handily as if those attachments meant very little to her. "Though non of them are above my own life, I intend to enjoy and fight for it till the bitter end. Then again, I suppose that will soon extend to my life and the one I am growing. Wonder if I am as maternal as people keep claiming I will be."

Teresa stood from her seat first taking the chance to stretch her wings before Malum stood. The cockpit was filled with a sound that was comparable to many brushes sweeping a floor. Simply looking at the floor and how mirrored finished it is compared to the matte of the other metal floor tiles, she has done this ritual for a long time.

"If you mean ready for violence, then yes. To brake into a jedis old home, also yes. They have, interested me as of late but those reasons are my own." She smirked as her wings came back in tight against her back. and made her way down to the cargo bay that had the containers lined up like steps magnetized for her.

She looked around at the soldiers ready and with a wave of her hand the door began to lower down with a hiss from the hydraulics handling the heavy door. "Okay then Malum, lead the way."

Darth Malum of House Marr​

Spoiler: Lightsabers and equipment

Teresa's Sith Outfit
Iroai Amulet

Old Owners Lightsaber

Ancient Lightsaber

Trandoshan Jedi's Lightsaber

Fathers Lightsaber

Svikin hjörtu

Sekitangara

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

If there was one thing which so easily inflamed his nerves it was the arrogantly aloof, those who had achieved little out of their standing, and yet spoke down to him, as if they had any right to it at all.

It was little surprise that seemingly all of that ilk emerged out of the following of Kai- Darth Carnifex .

"You are pregnant?" Malum asked, seemingly shocked, before eyes trailed down to her stomach, "Oh, my apologies for not noticing, it is so clear, alas I would hate for a babe to pay for the arrogance of their mother, feel free to rest and recover my lady, I shall return with your men soon enough," It was a true enough offer.

He had little desire to interact any further with the Valkyrie.

In fact that as she began her triad regarding how little she cared, by giving a speech exemplifying exactly how much she cared, Malum was rather tempted to simply leave.

However, that may have been rather more rude than he felt like being.

Instead, he simply gazed out the window, supremely disinterested, even as his ears flicked to overhear what she was saying, most of it was predictably asinine. She cared not for the Sith or the Emperor, yet had no issue going off at length about them both, she cared for little anything of true importance apart from herself and battle.

Who could be surprised?

It certainly aided his disinterest that she was refusing to look at him either.

It was as she stood, flapping her wings, speaking off-handedly of how she held other attachments, yet with a tone that implied a lack of care for them, that much seemed to be a pattern in this conversation.

"Enlightening," He offered, a tone of voice that exemplified how utterly false his words were. At the very least she was still interested in breaking into the temple, if he had long since regretted offering this invitation, perhaps he might have simply asked one of his Tsis'Kaar to go along with him, of course, then he was reminded of the true point of this.

He would not waste his men when he could waste those of the Kainite.

If he had to listen to the words of some harpy to accomplish it, then that would be a price well spent...

...His future self would agree, even if his present self did not.

He followed her out of the cockpit to the cargo bay, looking lethargically at those Kainite foot soldiers accompanying them, the burst of wind shaking his focus as the bay doors opened, revealing the snowy environs beyond.

His eyes flicked towards her, "As you wish, my lady." He expressed with little emotion, being the first to exit the vehicle, only to pivot around, and gaze towards the irrational spires which towered upwards, trudging along the snows towards where he knew his query lay, feeling the light, a sting along his entire core.

It would only grow worse as he ventured further, he knew.

He turned back towards Teresa, "The first test, we will need to use the Force to pull up the spire, it will then reveal the entrance... however as it is a Jedi Temple, I suspect it shall resist our efforts."

Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax

 

[Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax]

She was unsure if just by her pointless droning worked to annoy the man who tried to leave details out. Admittedly the man was a little harder to read but easy at the same time. There was nothing to meet them immediately and as Malum took his strides out the door, Teresa looked at the soldiers. "Keep the area secure. If need be, make use of the turret on the ship to ward away the stupid ones." She said with her tone commanding yet in that second the look in her eyes changed.

"Don't go looking around. I will know, your lives is worth more than curiosity right?" There wasn't anything of value or worth much of anything on the Shadow, Teresa just did not want them snooping. "You two are coming with us." The blackened Valkyrie stepped out of the ship with the two soldiers followed at her sides.

Their eyes moved onto a swivel scanning beyond the Spires. Just looking around there was evidence of stuff happening here from not to long ago yet not so recent there was a worry. Her attention shifted to the man as he turned back and spoke. 'What an interesting lock.' she thought with a small smirk as the man said the second half. "Perhaps."

The Blackened Valkyrie moved her hand up to between her collarbones cupping the pendant. She focused and the feeling around the woman changed. Something lighter emerged from around the woman, dark veins disappeared and the paleness of her complexion returning to something that would be considered healthy looking. With a blink the golden orange stuck inside a void of black changed for ruby red irises. "I might yet be able to trick it that I am one of them." She said with a sly smile.

The woman walked further forwards till she stood on a large round stone sunk into the floor. Looking across to Malum with her hands reached out she waited for his signal before pulling.

Darth Malum of House Marr​

Spoiler: Lightsabers and equipment

Teresa's Sith Outfit
Iroai Amulet

Old Owners Lightsaber

Ancient Lightsaber

Trandoshan Jedi's Lightsaber

Fathers Lightsaber

Svikin hjörtu

Sekitangara

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Malum raised an eyebrow at the shift in her complexion, really the shift in all her features, whatever the pendant was, it seemed to allow her, or perhaps ease her in a transform-.

There it was.

Alongside the dark veins fading away, a less pale and more swarthy colour finding itself on her cheeks, and the change of her golden orbs to something not far from his own, he could feel the change in the air, no doubt if he sniffed his nostrils he could almost smell it.

Yet, there was little need for that, his sixth sense was already activated, and despite the many times he had felt this presence, his hair still stood at attention.

It was more than a physical transformation then, it was a very specific power, which he knew very well.

He smirked, as he closed his red orbs from the world, breathing out softly, as he ventured deep into his form, looking for...

...There it was.

A twist, and where before his presence in the darkness shimmered like a beacon in the light, now it glowed the light in the night, opening his eyes, oceanic depths considered the Valkyrie for but a moment, as the False Lightside Aura took deep root in the environs around him. As even in false chains, he felt the poison of the slaver's bound.

"Tricking a Jedi with this skill is far easier than a Nexus, I would suspect, but perhaps we will catch it off-guard," Malum spoke with a lack of emotion protruding out like the invisible inky tendrils that he would normally employ.

She came to stand beside him upon the circle, even with his height, she towered over him, extending out her hand, he hummed in acceptance and signal, and imagining the tower as a growth, or a drill penetrating the earth where it did not belong, he... he could not command the Force to obedience as was his normal wont, he disgustingly nurtured, nudged it, allowed itself to flow through his body, as the spire began to shudder and shake.

And as it began to flow upwards.

Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax

 

[Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax]

"Not just a jedi. I can sense enough that even you feel it," she said with clear amusement. "Truthfully, it feels sickly to me and I have to push the feeling, the aura away or expend it." Fighting force users for so long and feeling their power shift she knew how those of a lighter disposition weilded their power differently. Teresa did not know how they did it but someone taught her something that might be useful right now.

The blackened began to slowly breath in then out, then came small flowing motions. After a moment the storm that was Teresa's constant flowing emotions began to settle as she suppressed down desire and impulses. Her aura that she was emitting felt a little more genuine with the calmness. Just gripping onto the structure itself, she began to grasp the weight of this gigantic structure. Never in her past had she tried to lift things so heavy, she was not one to use Telekinesis in the way of power control rather she preferred fine control.

Yet as the structure began to twist, it gave her a clearer picture of how this thing was supposed to be moved. One lifts as the other keeps a twisting motion perhaps. It was like those weird doors that required two to move through. "You, lift, I twist," she said her voice straining as if she was holding something genuinely heavy.

Darth Malum of House Marr​

Spoiler: Lightsabers and equipment

Teresa's Sith Outfit
Iroai Amulet

Old Owners Lightsaber

Ancient Lightsaber

Trandoshan Jedi's Lightsaber

Fathers Lightsaber

Svikin hjörtu

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Malum hummed a soft tone, "Yes, it would seem Darth Carnifex has taught you well," Where before there might have been the sting of mockery that accompanied the near musical voice, it was now simply... cold, still, simply stating a matter of fact. Even as his ears flicked, picking up the last of her words.

"The Force chains us, the Light demands that you give into its slavery, for only once you become one with the chains shall it stop resisting, and be in communion with you in your efforts," As soon as the words were spoken, it was as if the deception was realised, his breath hitching, as... if the Force was an ocean, streams of water that he could normally control with ease.

Now, it took a life of its own, the seas swaying, as the thunder heralded the rebellion, of a resistance of his will.

As Malum himself withdrew, calming his breathing. For a will to control... for a will at all, was not their way, as his eyes firmed back into their newly solidified if temporary blue status, a lie to conceal himself, that he was not the very anathema that he so wished to be.

He noted her struggle, and even as he nodded his head in acquiescence at her words, it seemed she was yet having some difficulties... there was little surprise, he supposed, what they were doing was far from the regular undertaking. Yet, she was all that he needed to complete the task, standing side by side, as she twisted, he pulled, and with the thundering grace of a large rock formation pulled forth from its natural place.

...Yet, this place despite its appearance was hardly natural, was it? Built by Jedi, fashioned for their usage, so long ago.

If only he had the time, he would have liked to investigate further... alas...

It lurched upward, and as one door fell away to the next, it would rise, it would twist, no further.

A great doorway revealing itself.

The first step was done.

He took the first step forward, before tilting his head slightly back, "The first puzzle, the rest await." He continued forward.

Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax
Mentioned: Darth Carnifex