Dominion The Masquerade | EE Dominion of Empty Hex

[STRATCOM]

Every year, large-scale noble, upscale balls are also needed, where delegates of the Empire, any citizens, people who work for them, outsiders, business leaders, allies and celebrities can also appear. In the case of the Empire, this typically meant soldiers and many other individuals. Today, even military uniforms could be left at home, as those present were invited to a masquerade ball. And there were those present who sneaked in. Because of the masks, it wasn’t hard at all.

The place was located in a beautiful, picturesque setting, and the palace is huge, as are the outside gardens. Countless exotic plants and animals have also found a place here. The event itself began in the evenings when it was already dark outside. There were amazing fireworks out there all night, with a variety of light shows. In the palace there are performances, concerts, dinner facilities, a buffet, and of course the highlight of the evening is the ball.

And the ball began when the Empress of the Eternal Empire and her daughter arrived…

​

Objectives​

Objective 1: The Ball

Ballroom; the centre of events. The huge hall can accommodate thousands of people, with tables with food and drinks on the sides of the hall. Countless waiters walk among the guests. The music continuously playing if anyone wants to dance. Probably most business, political, military issues and conversations will arise in this place.


Objective 2: The Castle

The rest of the palace, which is not the ballroom. There are also countless different events here, such as viewing art exhibitions, concerts, film screenings. If someone doesn’t want to be in the hustle and bustle of the ball and is looking for something more solid, this is the perfect place.


Objective 3: The Garden

If one really longs for solitude and wants to get out of the people's sight, then outdoor gardens are perfect for that. Outside there were countless illuminated fountains, pergolas, gardens, flowers, maze, beautiful light and fireworks, and various outdoor programs.


Objective 4: BYOO

Bring your own objective, whatever you want. The point is to have fun. Anyone who doesn’t want to play in or around the palace can do so anywhere on the planet. The planet is quite picturesque, with a medieval atmosphere but a modern place. There are no modern big cities, the place is like time has stopped here.

OOC: There are 4 rules you should follow:
1.: There is a dress code, prom dress and mask (if you don't have one IC, feel free to write that you can rent it here)
2.: No weapons can be brought in, everyone is asked to place them in a personal safe, they are treated with respect. | It’s a social dom, we don’t want a fight to ruin the other's game.
3.: You don’t need a big reason to go to a ball, we play a good one if you don’t have a particular reason to join, but you want to, just say that a free party comes in handy for the character. Either it was just a mandatory military event or you want to make new acquaintances.
4.: Any EE, AC, CIS and TSE member can come if they follow the above rules. The TSE members can come only in secret because what happened on Panatha, the events had severed ties between the factions. This is the consequence if Carnifex wants to kill the Empress. So Siths can come to spy, gather information if they want. However, if it turns out who they are, chances are they have to leave. Members of any other faction, ask someone from the EE staff, but we probably won’t have any objections to joining.

Links: The Empty Hex

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud, Archon of the Primyn Group
Empress of Terraris, Supreme Commander of the Terraris Command, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Ball room, Castle
Objective I.: Try to having fun.
Equipment: Elegant attire | Mask | The Last Gift || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Tag(s): Open

[ Hijo de la Luna ]
<"High Nelvaanian language"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ ​

Ingrid and her daughter were perfect opposites. Their features and red hair were the same, but Eina looked innocent and pure in the snow-white dress and mask, with her gold-red wings, while the Empress looked in the red dress, the black-and-red mask, the femme fatale. Her movement, elegant, graceful, deadly. She didn't even try to hide it, as she was known to be an assassin. Her movements are perfect, worthy of a ruler. Just as her radiance, as always, radiates strength, cold, rigid; a perfect leader. A marble or ice sculpture, inaccessible to almost everyone.

As always, she had to do the obligatory diplomatic and etiquette things when she was introduced to others, the local nobles, those who came from the outside world. She had her first dance with the ruler of the planet. Unfortunately, Tubrok did not come as he learned that the Vex leaders would be here as well. Men... And the other two good companies could not officially come. She couldn't ask either Zach or Telis to come here today. So the Empress was alone. Ingrid had no idea how long it had been since they arrived, but she finally had a few minutes when everyone just left her alone.

Then she went a little further away from the crowd to look through them. Ingrid was looking for acquaintances, better known people. She tried to gauge who was here at the event. The woman took a glass of wine from one of the tables. It was in this place that she knew she should have drunk champagne, but never particularly loved it. It was hard for her to get used to having two adult children, while they should still have been in their childhood. Ironically, both from Adrian. As she thought of her late husband, his hallucination smiled at her. There was something that hadn’t changed over the years. That was one of them.

The Empress turned her gaze back to the crowd…

 

[Eina L'lerim-Vandiir]

Eina L’lerim-Vandiir, the First
Princess of the Eternal Empire and Terraris; Angelic mascot and representative of the Ashlan Crusade
Matriarch of the Valkyrja; Leader of Sanctuary; Liaison of the Fjölkyngi Smiðr Guild​

Location: Gardens, Castle
Objective III.: Try to avoid the too awkward situations.
Equipment: Elegant attire | Mask || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Writing With:: Geiseric | Ro-Tahn Mashayekhi

[ Hijo de la Luna ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

Eina felt uncomfortable in front of so many people. It never happened that she would have been anywhere without armour, and here the Valkyrja had to be in noble clothes. She was already beginning to regret accepting this offer after Panatha. She only stayed in the ballroom until it was mandatory, after which she escaped from there. When she finally had a moment of free time she sensed something through the Force. That is, someone. The Valkyrja immediately felt better and started hurriedly in that direction. She had to go out into the gardens, but she didn't mind at all.

She walked past many beautiful gardens, she had to proceed carefully so that her wings did not collide with others or the plants. Eina now used this look almost constantly in Realspace. She finally turned onto the last plant-lined path. Found herself at the top of a short staircase, downstairs was a brain sculpture, benches, lots of amber and colourful creepers. The wind grew stronger for a moment, fluttering the woman's dress, blowing her hair into her face, and shaking the feathers of her wings.

Eina hadn't moved yet, just smiling at the white-haired knight. Behind her, there were games of light in the distance, but the lights clothe her hair and wings in warm golden light, giving Valkyrja an even more angelic and even innocent look. She didn't want to disturb the man, so she just looked at him until Geseric noticed her. When that happened, she smiled warmly and kindly at him and walked down the stairs. She approached the crusader two or three paces away.

"Lord Geiseric, I'm glad you're here!" she said kindly, and she made a formal curtseys, after this she looked into the man's eyes with her sparkling ones. This time she was not tall, now it was slightly smaller than the knight. She wanted to avoid the unnecessary prominence in this place caused by her height, it was enough for her that she got too much attention due to rank. "I didn't even dare hope you would be here…"

 

[Tovald Kahmen’’a]

Wearing: Outfit/Mask
Weaponry: None
Tags: Open

Tovald did have to look for something decent to wear. He would have been good to just go as is but, the Cyclone had a tantrum and covered him in dirty lubricant. As luck would have it he found something he could wear. It was flamboyant and loud but at this point, he wasn’t in the mood to care.

A few hours passed and Tovald was ready, he had to make sure he could still breathe and not faint, to do so he had to make sure the mask he did decide on had some air mix. He did consider using glitter and sequins on his helmet but decided that was never going to work when the large tube of glitter bombed all over him and the desk. He knew that the stuff was as bad as sand, but he still got it out and tried to handle it. That's a mistake he'll never make again.

The string of profanities that followed would make a Pirate blush. Putting that escapade to one side Tovald headed to the Ball. It felt so different to be going out to somewhere this formal and without weapons. But he wasn’t at war, he wasn’t fighting for his life and he certainly didn’t want to. Walking up the stairs he entered the main ballroom and it was spectacular. Everyone had dressed wonderfully.

He gladly accepted a drink when offered, he's going to relax and be social. Not good for his health to stay on ship all the time, it would make him bored and fidgety.

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

Objective- socializing (the ball)
Location- landing pad in her ship finishing up
Outfit/Mask
Facial Scars

She looked over the breaks in her skin, the green dull glow between as her fingers ran over each, the body wasnt perfect but the new power she had obtained was the root of the issue. The the voidstone ring around her finger felt cold as she adjusted it and then took a deep breath before letting it out. Stardust hadn't been to a proper social in some time especially after the little incident of hers, so this would be great to get back into the world again and see what this empire truely had to offer the mandalorian people or if they like many would turn agaisnt them at the first opportunity

Touching the mask she felt the surface over, so odd having sensations in her hands again, to actually feel things. A grinned formed on her face as she picked it up and slipped it onto her face as she stood and turned to lower the ramp on her little ship before walking down slowly, the music reached her as did the sight of thousands of guests arriving and entering the party, feeling her sides she had her sabers on her those never really left her side unless told. Joining the crowd she made her way in and grabbed a drink from a passing server and took a sip as she looked over the crowd and found a place to sit and watch the party. She'd mingle in a bit, she wanted to get into the mood and let the music calm her before she sought anyone to socialize with, unless of course someone approached her first..

 

[Cass Gemini]

Spoiler: Gear and other links

Equipped: (weapons in locker) Calypso's Thunder, Harlequin sabers
Ship: Midnight Kyber
NPCs: Crew of the Midnight Kyber

Spoiler: wearing

Cass looked at herself in the mirror on the way to ballroom, she look and felt incredible. This was just a party, she hadn't been invited, but there was no hidden motive, she just wanted to enjoy herself and the thrill of being with societies upper echelons at their own party. The leader of the Eternal Empire sounded terrifying, but was famously accepting of others regardless of their background, so even if caught out she should be ok.

She approached the two doormen at the entrance to the ballroom, one of them approached and asked to see her invitation. She padded herself down and spoke, lacing her words with the force to help in the deception "I am sorry sirs, i appear to have forgotten my invitation. I am a member if the smuggler's alliance if that helps" she gave a sweet smile and looked the man in the eyes. Maybe the force helped, or maybe the doorman just didn't feel the need to double check, but in she went.

She looked around, she doubted she would recognise anyone here, or that anyone here would recognise her, that was probably for the best, she had half a dozen outstanding bounties on her head, would the Empress allow them to be enforced here.

Let's do this then, the thought to herself as she grabbed a glass of champagne and a canape off of the waiter. She would try to introduce herself to the host then continue to mingle.

She walked toward Ingrid L'lerim trying to catch her eye, anti-piracy propaganda made her sound like this larger than life beast, but here she was, just a woman, one that exuded beauty and power, but a woman nonetheless. Cass thought for a moment, how would she approach this, politely and with a cautious demure and lots of bowing? Nope, that's no fun.

"Good evening your Highness, this is a lovely party you have here, that dress would make a fantastic addition to my wardrobe,"

​

 

[Arturo Braga]

Wearing: Outfit and Mask
Location: The Ballroom
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim Cass Gemini Stardust Solus Skirae Tovald Kahmen’’a

Handing his weapon over at the door, Arturo did his best to look small and unassuming as he made his way up the steps leading to the ballroom. "Have a pleasant evening, sir." One of the guards said to his back as he climbed, dress shoes clicking. Wanting to be polite, the Underboss had replied, "You, too." But when he turned around, he discovered the guards were already busy greeting more guests. Which made sense, now that he took the time to think about it. Looks like it'll be a full house before long. Hope they have the room. Turning back, he continued his climb, the light pouring from the entrance hall guiding his way. If he listened hard enough, Arturo could've sworn he heard the pleasant sound of music and laughter coming from deeper within the castle.

It seemed the ball was well and truly underway.

Halting at the entrance, the crime boss took a breath to steady himself. And then another for good measure. "Right." Walking inside, Arturo made a beeline for the ballroom. A few heads turned his way, he noticed, but most everyone were too caught up in their own affairs to worry about his. Arturo was fine with that. He hated the attention, the feeling of eyes on him. It made him tense, uncomfortable. Fortunately, this was one of Ingrid's vaunted masquerades. There would be food to eat, beautiful women to see, and to top it all off...

Champagne. Lots and lots of champagne. Drink enough and I won't have to worry about being uncomfortable. Drink enough and I won't have to worry about anything at all. "Sounds good to me," he said to himself, his voice low enough to go unheard by those around him. Taking a flute from a nearby waiter, Arturo was quickly met by the first and -hopefully- last problem of the night: His mask.

Ah.

 

[Trinity Harris]

Spoiler: Equipment and links

Ship: Luminary class light explorer exchanging crew space for biolabs

Spoiler: wearing

Interested in conversing with:
Taozi Fuyuan Ladybug
Or anyone

It was nice to feel pretty after spending so much time up to her waist in swamps of Reelin, or peeling parasites from Kagghal off of her forehead. This dress was far too expensive for how long she would be wearing it, but it certainly was nice to feel pretty.

She had already had a glass of champagne and was standing at the edge of the dance floor. She was never a confident dancer but she could try if she found the right partner. The microcosm of the galaxy was here, she couldn't help but wonder what microfauna had been brought in and how they were dancing around competing for supremacy in the new environment, eventually one would win, and everyone would go home with a new Fauna on their skin. It was fascinating. "Maybe don't lead with that observation" Trin said to herself, pretty pretty, pretty.

She slowly swayed her hips to the music as she let if flow through her, she approached a young man, a grad student at the University, working as a waiter here. She managed to resist the urge to talk about school, she complemented his hair and how nice his suit looked on him. Then she cursed herself, 'hi, I'm one of your well paid teachers wearing a dress that cost a year's tuition, don't you look nice in that servants garb' she thought to herself. Why was she so bad at this, she was a literal karking genius with a masters in anthropology.

Well, at least it was nice to feel pretty.

 

[Credit Wizard]

Location: Ball Room: Castle
Objective: To Mingle with Various People and forge connections for later use.
Equipment: Mask | Hutt Sized Suit
Tags: Open
Relevant Links: Mancheron Association of Manufacturing & Commerce | Mancheron Association of Food & Beverages

---

"A new experience for the Hutt Lorda of the Mancheron Kajidic; getting to the Realm of the Eternal Empire wasn't easy with my powerbase on Darvannis being light years away. I do hope that I didn't come all this way for nothing."- Exclaimed the Hutt Lorda of the Mancheron Kajidic; Paranoda Mancheron Boggurobb. Having come to this event on the recommendation of his advisors in the Joint Associations that the Mancheron Kajidic had established to grow there power base to challenge the other hutts for dominance. Going down from his Observatory Class Space Yacht that just recently went off the production line back in Hutt Space. Checking the invitation that was sent out; he had confirmed that it was a typical humanoid party called a Masquerade. Paranoda wasn't concerned about the fancy wardrobe that was the dress code at the event; but he needed to mingle with various people that had influence in the galaxy to further his business. A such he had spent quite a lot of credits on acquiring a mask and a customized suit that would match the dress code but still be his own style that was recognizable. Paranoda on this day; would be wearing a black top hat on his head that was covered in lush grey hair tied in locks that. On his lower half would be a black gentlemen's suit with a white sash to act like a belt; on the collar of the suit would be a floral pattern that was black and red and was located on the white undershirt of the suit that he wore today. His long grey beard would also be tied in locks as they dangled in front of the suit attire that he choose to wear. Over his entire outfit for the event would be a heavy brown cloak that went around his form like a cape from his body to his tail. He certainly was dressed to impress with an ornate golden mask that went over his face as this was a Masquerade.

---

The Hutt Lorda of the Mancheron Kajidic would move his giant form into the Ball Room of the Castle that was on this planet. Having no personal guardsman with himself as they were back on the ship since weapons weren't allowed at the event. Being an impressive sight and a large attention as the hutt would be 10ft in height and 4,000 pounds in weight; his heavy brown cloak would drag on the floor behind himself as he introduced himself to the various people inside of the ball room and told them of his new join organization that combined both of his associations into one mighty economic powerhouse. If anyone was aware in the Realm of the Eternal Empire; the Mancheron Lorda was a powerhouse in the economic and food markets and had considerable influence within the Hutt Republic as a top player in the assembly that now governed the hutt clans. Moving his massive form to an empty table; he would be talking with another person while sipping on two glasses of wine at the same time. Time would only tell what the event would bring.

 

[Malanves Lagrange]

[Vice Admiral Malanves Lagrange]
[I want my flagship back...]
[Wearing This, I suppose]
[Mask: Bird...]

[Open To Interaction]
​

Somewhere deep down, he cackled.

It was something that Malanves would have never admitted amongst even his senior-most staff, that their commanding officer had a sense of humor. Though, it was very much a grim one; and an equally grim laugh that he made the effort to avoid releasing. For those around him were beginning to bear witness to the vice admiral's strange avian mask, their best efforts made to hide even the tiniest specks of unsettled thought. Per the perks of his profession: He saw straight through them.

And yet, despite the near-maleficent oddity of his attire, Malanves strolled about deftly, with the refined posture of a military officer. Let them wonder a bit. He smirked a little under the raven's gold-studded expression.

In the corner of the goggle-like eyepieces, the vice admiral recognized the distinguished aura of the Eternal Empress herself, Ingrid L'lerim -- noticeable even amongst the crowds who had flocked toward her. And though not expecting much recognition on his own part, Malanves offered a curt, acknowledging nod from his side of the room. The faint shapes of his displayed rank insignia and medals would tell the empress the rest of what she needed to know.

He exhaled slowly, carefully tucked from the hearing of others, and let his obscured eyes glide to meet another wide pair of doors. The palace gardens lay just beyond, nestled safely from the overpowering lights and colors within the ballroom. Seeking peace of mind, Malanves started for the hopeful reprieve. The crowd began to warp around him with every step of his polished military boots. Even amongst the noise, he heard their clicks, utilized that knowledge to keep a steady rhythm.

The commotion died abruptly as soon as Malanves descended the final step toward the garden, and listened to the doors waving closed behind him. Now the warm air washed over his suit, gently guided the raven's beak upward for a long inhale. Genuine peace; he felt at the moment. It was no longer a facsimile of balance and grace that may have been present aboard his flagship, and even within the Empire's capital itself. Within the quaint palace's influence, such attributes were true constants.

And yet, he couldn't escape the notion that something was wrong...

 

[Geiseric]

Attire | Mask
Writing with Eina L'lerim-Vandiir and Ro-Tahn Mashayekhi

​

The solitude of the gardens was the escape he needed. The rush of the ballroom and its politics didn't interest him in the slightest. There were others in the Ashlan party to deal with such things. He had never seen such decadence in person: the palace grounds, the architecture, the catering to every beck and call of every noble. He'd always associated decadence of this sort with the Sith, though there was nothing malignant about this gathering. It seemed for once in a very long time Bogan had relented and ceased to dog his steps. Nevertheless he kept his lightsaber on him much to the chagrin of the hosts... but a Jedi was nothing without their weapon.

Sitting on the edge of a fountain, staring contemplatively at the cascading water and running his hands gently through it, he noticed a bright figure in his peripheral vision. He turned to confirm his suspicions of who it might be, and just like that Eina began walking towards him. She was a strange girl, if he could even call her that, but always pleasant company. Though initially her height, a far cry from the usual where she towered over him, caught him off guard, he recalled her ability to change her appearance.

"Lord Geiseric, I'm glad you're here! I didn't even dare hope you would be here…"

He broke a rare smile at her excitement. "Of course I am, my friend. It's an obligation as an ally of your mother. I'm just as curious as why you're here. You certainly look... uh..." the Jedi fumbled his words, "...nice." he understated. They'd never seen each other outside of a combat situation, and certainly not dressed in formal attire. His outfit was hardly equivalent to the pompous dress he'd seen all over the rest of the ball, appearing more military in design. He sported a regal looking golden masque, with his white hair tied back in a long pony tail down to his shoulder blades.

 

[Eleena Salwa]

Location: Ballroom, Castle
Attire: XxX │ XxxX │ xX
Tags: Arturo Braga Trinity Harris Stardust Solus Skirae Tovald Kahmen’’a Credit Wizard Ingrid L'lerim
Direct Interaction: Trinity Harris
Theme: Hurricane

Of all things, Eleena had not expected that her skill as a jet swoop pilot would ever take her to a grandiose, extravagant place like this. By conventional notions, her ability to ride such fast, dangerous machines might point to her being a gangster or some two-bit thug.

And yet, Eleena had learned very quickly that in the Eternal Empire, anyone who was in the military, no matter their rank or occupation, could very well consider themselves to be a part of high society. Her recent assignment to the Thunder Corps division of the 267th, the elite regiment of the Empress herself, had made her quite aware of this.

After all, nothing was more fun than attending a semi-mandatory military ball.

For the strand-cast, this was a rare opportunity to mingle with the upper crust of the galaxy. She had never attended an event that was formal to this degree, so accustomed she was to life in barracks, starships, bases, and other utilitarian dwellings that such things had seemed unattainable, up until her recent vacation to Denon. As such, Eleena didn’t hesitate to make plans for attending the ball, procuring a dress, shoes, and a mask at such steep military discount, that they were almost practically free!

Bless the Empress, the Twi’lek thought as she entered the venue, after flashing her identification to the security at the gates to show that she belonged, like everyone else. Picking up her skirts as she ascended the stairs, helped up by one of the butlers, Eleena took in the ballroom and the faces therein. While she only recognized two of them so far, there were a few others who were distinct. One of the individuals she recognized, Arturo Braga , who she had first encountered during a wargame training scenario, seemed like a completely different man from the armored mercenary she had known him as during the wargame, clad in his dark suit and Atrisian or Riben-Jin oni mask. Taking note of the flute of champagne in his hand, Eleena blinked, mentally weighing whether she would try drinking tonight.

From there, the Twi’lek shifted her gaze to the other person ( Trinity Harris ) she recognized, a champion speeder bike racer in one of the collegiate leagues. Eleena spent a considerable amount of time at the race tracks to hone her skills, having even taken part in a Black Sun-sponsored event, the Kalidan Fried Ewok 450 on Shuldene, in which she had managed to score a podium. Unfortunately, the strand-cast had never competed in a full championship, so she was not nearly as decorated as the scientist-racer.

However, the most visually distinct figure at the event was a suit-clad Hutt ( Credit Wizard ), his massive frame seeming to dominate the room as he sipped on two glasses of wine. Eleena was well aware of the associations between her people and the Hutts, an idle thought passing her mind contemplating whether he had left his Twi’lek dancers. Regardless, Eleena looked towards the others, not letting the Hutt’s presence take too much of her attention. She saw one figure ( Tovald Kahmen’’a ) clad in a full-face, silver mask, who seemed to be quite at ease amidst the grandiose affair. She also saw a Twi’lek sister ( Stardust Solus Skirae ), with distinct lime green skin that was marred by an array of scars. Nevertheless, the woman wore a stunning red dress, putting the image in her mind that she was walking through a plume of flames.

In addition to these, Eleena picked out Cass Gemini , an individual who she thought that she recognized, but the swoop ace couldn’t quite pick out where she had seen the woman’s face or at least one that looked like it. An advertisement? A HoloTV show? Wherever it was, the thought either completely eluded her or her mind was playing tricks.

Then, there was the Empress herself.

The red-haired femme fatale needed no further introduction, as Eleena observed that the Crimson Empress looked even more captivating in person than she did on screen. And yet, the swoop ace didn’t dare look at her for too long, fearing that the icy assassin-queen might kill her with naught but a glance. Nevertheless, the Empress’ countenance was burned into her memory and the Twi’lek took comfort in knowing that she would never forget it.

Maybe when she was old and long-retired from riding jet swoops, she might tell her future grandchildren about the time she met the Empress.

Of these individuals, Eleena decided first to approach the racer, an individual who at the very least, she had something in common with. With a deep breath, Eleena strode daintily across the ballroom, turning away an offered drink before coming up on the racer. Waiting until the brown-haired woman turned in her direction, Eleena gave a soft smile before extending her hand out in greeting.

“Are you...the Trinity Harris?” She began in a girlishly bedazzled tone. “I’ve seen your races on the HoloNet! You’re so fast!” The swoop ace added, a pink burst of color blushing over her white features as she spoke.

“Do you mind if we took a picture together?”

 

[Credit Wizard]

Location: Ball Room: Castle
Objective: To Mingle with Various People and forge connections for later use.
Equipment: Mask | Hutt Sized Suit
Tags: Open
Relevant Links: Mancheron Association of Manufacturing & Commerce | Mancheron Association of Food & Beverages

---

"Grandmother Hutt before I devoured her; always told me that to forge connections with people. Being at this party isn't a total waste though; because I can eat all the food that is being offered. While I wait for interaction with people of influence as that is the reason for my visit to this event."- Exclaimed the Hutt Lorda to himself; having sent away his guest that he was talking too. He looked down to his two empty wine glasses and sighed. Where did the wine that he was drinking; Paranoda wouldn't suffer a slight against his reputation by not having a constant supply of food and beverage to devour. Moving his massive bulk in the room; people clearly got out of his way because otherwise he would just run them over with no regards to their safety. Spotting a table that had more wine bottles to devour; made him lick his lips behind his mask that he wore since it was a masked party after all. Paranoda stopped at the table and picked up the two bottles full of wine; drinking them as the beverage went down into his gullet in a sloush sound. "Enough of this; you fat slug. You are supposed to be talking with people not devouring the entire food supply of this castle." His subconscious told him to actually accomplish his objective of mingling with various people whose influence or skills he could use later down the line when the time came. But he had to judge the crowd first and see who he wanted to talk too.

---

As the Hutt Lorda of the Mancheron Kajidic looked around the packed hall; he had taken notice of a few guest that had arrived in the ball room that he currently occupied. Everyone was shorter than himself and he took up a lot of space with his immense size and weight in the hall itself so it was no doubt some people noticed him more than others. He begin to notice the various people that were inside of the room; first and foremost was the Empress of the Eternal Empire; Sovereign of a Thousand Systems; Wielder of the Flame of Eternity. Well; those last two titles he just made up because he didn't really know the empress and just assumed based on a quick glance. He wasn't insane enough to stare at the empress for more than two seconds; because although he was extremely fat and could tank a lot of damage; he simply wasn't on the league of this monster that could turn him into a rug at any minute. "There sure are a lot of people inside of this ball room; many of them I have no doubt could destroy me in the blink of an eye. I wish I could have brought along some security for this event just in case. But they didn't allow weapons at the event so I will have to rely on the kindness of the castle guards to protect me" He once again exclaimed to himself as he observed the various people inside of the room but subtly to avoid there gaze towards him. Paranoda had to notice this pompous officer that had entered into the room in his full military dress and stomped his way like he owned the place to the gardens; although not before he nodded to the empress of the eternal empire that happened to be in the room surrounded by people or retainers that royalty often had around them at all times. Paranoda looked around again and spotted a pair of twi'lek had entered into the hall at separate times of course; he observed that one of them was lime green in appearance and looked like a common thug with many scars on her face. The other one that had entered was more lighter in color and had a revealing dress on; this is why twi'leks were referred to as dancers by many people with their skimpy clothes and submissive attitude. He had no doubt that the one in the revealing dress was eyeing him like a common criminal kingpin like many of his brethren were in the hutt sphere of influence that was hutt space. He himself was different though; having slaves would only mean that they could escape and come back for revenge on their owners. And the Lorda of the Mancheron Kajidic didn't feel like dying this close to his 901th birthday celebration. Paranoda didn't really pay attention to anyone else at the event right now; deciding within his mind that staring at people wasn't going to get him the connections that he needed.

---

Although he did notice one Cass Gemini; who had arrived at his banquet on Darvannis and had quickly left after explaining about a space station that he invested in. He didn't want to talk with them here so he would have to wait for them to notice himself. Leaning over and picking up some food to devour into his empty pit of a stomach while he drank his two full bottles of wine at the same time. Paranoda would need interaction to fuel his growing empire of trade and commerce that currently held sway over a large area of the Hutt Republic; although he would never rival the Supreme Mogul Broka in influence; he had been around longer than the Head of the Nem'ro Clan and had secured his powerbase without fault. These connections that he would establish at this event would increase his standing in the galaxy and might help him secure a more powerful position within the hutt assembly and hutt space in general. Paranoda would observe around the room again; for the 4th time and come to the conclusion that he didn't know anyone here and would need to change that in order to secure the vast assets that he had. He wouldn't push himself for interaction though; he simply waited by the table again talking with a Quarren Banker that had arrived at the event itself. "Mighty Paranoda; Might I offer you a 30% share in stocks of [Insert Random Product] that is currently being sold galactic wide to various venders." Exclaimed the Quarren Banker; although the deal seemed good at the time; he would have to check the current stock market before he made his decision on weather or not to purchase stocks for his associations to profit off of. "30% seems a little low for an investment; but I will have to run the numbers to accurately predict if the product will do well with my consumers and suppliers that support the vast economic empire of the Mancherons." He said to the Quarren Banker; pivoting around the issue by not giving an answer but rather turning the question around to the quarren if he would raise his percentage of the share. While this was happening; the Hutt would drink the 2 full bottles of wine that were in his hands. Waiting for something of interest to happen at this "Masquerade of Deception".

 

[Aximand Sicarus]

TAG: Arturo Braga Trinity Harris Stardust Solus Skirae Tovald Kahmen’’a Credit Wizard Ingrid L'lerim Eleena Salwa

To say that Aximand felt out of place attending a state ball would have been an understatement; not that it would be his first time, mind you. Over the past few years since his ascension to the rank of Commodore, he was obligated to attend several similar type events given his rising reputation within the upper echelons of Imperial society. In years past, many of his contemporaries were focused on the influence one could garner at events such as these. Yet, he was always a bit nonplussed at the notion of such things. Perhaps it was due to his nature - he always was more focused on his duty than social events. It seemed such focus did nothing but attract the attentions of those who organized such events, as he received such invitations while his peers did not. Usually, Aximand would content himself to standing near the drink and hors d'oeuvres table, making conversation with other like-minded officers or members of the aristocracy who wanted to talk with 'The Axe of Orellon II', Commodore Aximand Sicarus. It forced him to make conversation with those who approached him, which in turn had the side effect of making him a bit more entertaining than he had been previously as a lowly Commander.

It would seem his steadfast execution of his duty after Orellon had cemented his reputation as a war hero of sorts, making him an object to be acquired for said parties rather than an actual guest - at least, that's how Aximand felt most of the time. At least this event would be bearable, as Lt. Commander Janine Aierka agreed to escort him to this party. 'More like, begged me to come.' Aximand mused. Janine was a welcome change in the stout, resolute, brown-nosing officers that often passed his command deck; many a nobleman wanting their son to serve with him to cement some fabricated legacy of being a 'military man' of renown. Janine was a capable officer of course, but she was... more than that. Where some that served under him balked at his mere presence, she stared him straight in the eye. Where some minded their words for fear of his wroth (even though he could count on one hand how many times he had truly lost his temper at anyone under his command), she always spoke her mind in his presence. It was a trait he valued in her, for he needed those who would be straight with him when it mattered rather than simple 'yes men.' It also was quite convenient that she was rather striking in appearance, even in the monotonous uniforms of the Eternal Fleet. Given the theme of tonight's event, she wore a sapphire-hued evening gown stitched to bear a form of a graceful swan which went perfectly with her blonde hair. It was styled in a short, ornately braided pony tail which rested at the crest of her neckline, accented by a soft-white mask bearing feathers on either side.

To say she was a vision would be an understatement, particularly as she walked astride Aximand who simply came in his formal-dress uniform, complete with a fresh eyepatch over his right eye. The only semblance of festive attire he had was a grey-hued mask of a Nelvaanian Wolf, which he thought was appropriate given his wolf-like appearance. "You look quite... stunning tonight, Commander." Aximand said in a reserved tone, as if he were striding through the corridor of his flagship. Janine gave her senior officer a wry smile, holding the mask up to her face as she replied:

"You look... about the same, sir. The mask is a nice touch though."

"Hmph." Was his only reply, chuckling slightly to himself at her respectful yet equally irreverent demeanor. At first, it chagrined him beyond imagining, as it struck him as wildly inappropriate for a deck officer. But after their first mission together where he saw first hand the value of her straightforward demeanor, he realized it was simply a byproduct of her personality rather than disrespect. In truth, he found it mildly endearing. He thought of something to say in response, but they neared the security checkpoint near the entrance to the ballroom before he could do so. Upon stepping up to the front, the guards at the front straightened up slightly, as if in a parade line. Both men gave the Commodore a crisp salute, to which he responded in kind with a firm salute of his own. He got the distinct impression he probably could have gotten away with carrying his sidearm into the ballroom given their demeanor, but being a man of principle, Aximand undid his holster and handed it to the men in due course. One of the guards accepted it with a slight air of reverence, and after another few moments sorting out the signing in process, the pair were permitted to enter.

It appeared the event was in full swing, with music playing in the background, and the Imperial elite out in full force - with the Empress herself as the centerpiece. Several other guests, whom Aximand did not recognize straight away, mingled in with the crowd as well, including a very noticeable Hutt who gorged himself on the food and wine made available to all. Although Aximand's expression was as impassive as the very stone comprising this structure, his thoughts drifted slightly to just how grotesque a sight it was before refocusing to the present. He nodded and put on a pleasant enough smile (which appeared more like that of a predatory animal) as he greeted several other guests while walking through the banquet hall. He approached the Empress, who appeared to be greeted by a woman dressed in red Cass Gemini that he, again, did not recognize. He politely waited for a break in their interaction before greeting his sovereign. He lowered his right arm, which was previously held up near his belly to allow for Janine to lace her arm through it in a stately gesture, and bowed deeply to his Empress, saying in a dutiful, but rather genuine tone: "My Lord, it is a pleasure to meet you in person."

His statement was not necessarily inaccurate. He had met the Empress once before, but only in passing. He would not deign to introduce himself yet however, unless it was clear Ingrid L'lerim was unsure of who he was. Instead, he smiled warmly at his sovereign, awaiting her reply.

​

 

[Ebony Ambrosia]

A murderous cry had gone unanswered far from where the masquerade was being held. Just as well seeing as the victim would have been found alive and seemingly well by any that did come rushing to her aid. Ebony slowly slid the meatsuit's hands down the length of the female body they had taken for the evening affair. Like most, it fit quite well, but then size wasn't their problem.

After eighteen years of plaguing these creatures, Ebony had long since learned to possess a body after they had clothed their selves. This one had chosen an absolutely delightfully dark dress for the evening along with a pair of heels. Ebony enjoyed heels -- the way they showed their meatsuit off. Sure, the flesh might not delight in wearing them, but Ebony never paid attention to how much suffering it complained about. Wasn't like this was their mortal coil to worry about.

With a quick check of the woman's purse for the invitation, Ebony continued on her way toward the chariot that awaited.

Possessing the woman served two purposes: first, it solved the problem of getting into the party; and second, it greatly diminished how much dark energy just radiated from Ebony's being. Much as they enjoyed slaughter, tonight was a special night. One where they might enjoy the company of the Empire's Empress. There was a creature Ebony would bleed a billion corpses to have in their clutches. Unfortunately, Ingrid L'lerim was too strong to be taken as the minor noble's body had been. Even haunting the Empress would be a strategic mistake -- Ebony would be in Ingrid's line of fire, not the other way around.

Still, Ebony had more than enough time in the 'verse to figure out how to claim the Empress. At least until the mortal died. So, not very long then after all by comparison. Perhaps they would need to cross back into the Nether -- temporarily -- to harass the Empress' spirit then if she managed to elude them in life.

After a short trip, the door to the hovercar opened and the Noble step out onto the landing area with one foot. The slit on the side of her dress parted to reveal the flesh so many of their kind found enticing -- for more than ripping and tearing, apparently. Ebony stood to their feet and left the vehicle behind to get to the evening's event. One that this body was merrily invited to attend.

If it weren't for so many Force Sensitives being present, Ebony could have probably attended as their self what with the masks everyone wore.

"Weapons?" Ebony turned the creature's black eyes toward the staff that demanded attention. "We have none." Entirely true, and they could do every form of sweeping and checking they saw fit to validate it. Ebony didn't need crude material possessions to slaughter one or many.

There was that customary flick of eyes that accompanied Ebony's use of plurality as well. They'd long since stopped paying attention to such things. Yes, they understood the concept of 'first person, singular' from a grammatical point of view. No, it did not apply to their condition. To Humans Ebony was a single entity of dark side energy, but to Ebony the 'individual' was just a construct from countless lesser spirits forced together.

Fortunately, Humans had strange behaviors. It wasn't unheard of for pretentious nobles to use the 'Royal We' to try and claim a higher status in social interactions than they actually held.

Once her Noble meatsuit stepped into the chamber, Ebony took a moment to surveil all those in attendance. What they saw was a sea of nameless, faceless creatures that would be more entertaining groveling before them begging to spare their lives rather than engage in conversation. Shockingly -- and this had been a revelation back when she was two-years created -- mortals did not appreciate when you slaughtered other mortals in their presence without a 'good reason.' And somehow 'they annoyed me' was not a 'good reason.' Ebony still didn't understand that last part.

A heated sigh passed between painted lips when the Noble's ocular organs finally found her -- Ingrid -- standing apart surveying the crowd herself. Oh, if only Ebony knew that creature's secret to weakening her defenses. Perhaps they should go and greet the Lady of the evening? A male seemed to have taken a similar interest in the Empress. Little did Ebony know it was a Commodore of her military.

As Ebony entered the crowd, their gaze fell toward the particular robust figure of Credit Wizard . One they did not know, but wondered if a masquerade was befitting such an alien countenance among the smaller ones. This thing was called a... Hutt, yes? Opulent creatures most others did not like for some reason. The way their imbibed drink, Ebony wondered if such a voracious appetite might belie a tolerable personage with it? With the Empress occupied, the waif of a Noble adjusted her course.

A bottle of unopened wine was swiped from a passing serving tray as Ebony drew near to the Hutt. "The Mighty Lord of Mancheron," they had overheard the last bit of what the Hutt had said, and Ebony took a gamble on the title, "we are fortunate to have you attend such a... opportunity as tonight. It would be a crime if someone of your stature were without." The bottle of wine was extended out in both hands in Paranoda's direction with a smile on the Noble's lips. "Likewise, if you were accosted by anyone unworthy of your time, we could see them...removed so that you may find worthwhile company." Whether the banker lingered or heard Ebony's words did not matter.

Tag: Open

 

[Credit Wizard]

Location: Ball Room: Castle
Objective: To Mingle with Various People and forge connections for later use.
Equipment: Mask | Hutt Sized Suit
Tags: Open plus Ebony Ambrosia
Relevant Links: Mancheron Association of Manufacturing & Commerce | Mancheron Association of Food & Beverages

---

"Mighty Paranoda; raising the price of the share would only drive our purchases down; that would only lower the profit that you will generate from this [Insert Random Product] as the markets are looking favorably this time." Exclaimed the Quarren Banker; trying to convince him with all passion to agree to the deal so that the company that the quarren represented with gain the most profit out of all. Paranoda himself had used this trick several times to secure the support for both of his powerful associations that ruled the food and beverage trade on one hand and the manufacturing trade on the other in the region of hutt space. The Venerable Hutt didn't want his shares any lower than they had to be. So he explained to the quarren again. "I am not willing to accept the 30% as that would only give me the tiniest fraction of the hypothetical pie that your product would generate in the right hands. The product will generate more value if the stocks are raised to attract more investors" Paranoda Exclaimed Fully to the Quarren not going to fall into a stock that could lose him an immense amount of money and make the bank millions off of his investment as they had nothing to lose from this transaction if he agreed fully without asking questions. He would gain the extra percentage or kill this quarren regardless of the policy or not. He listened again to the pointless babble of the quarren; who went on to explain stock investment and about debit & credit; as this was a boring conversation to paranoda he simply drank his two full bottles of wine and waited for something interesting to happen at the event.

---

Something finally happen at this "Masquerade of Deceptions" so it would seem. Paranoda had just spotted out of the corner of his glowing reddish yellow eyes another eternal officer in formal dress wear walk into the event with an equally dressed woman by his side. A couple it would seem to the outside observer but to the Hutt Lorda of the Mancheron Kajidic; he determined with quick haste the male was just leading the female on a leash like a pet. He noticed with mild amusement as they went straight for the Eternal Empress that was no doubt the star of this event; not before the male officer gave him the stink eye with his only remaining eye. Paranoda didn't want to seem rude; so he simply didn't say anything and listened with mild boredom at the quarren banker rambling on again and again about stock investment. Paranoda would hear the distinct clinking and clanking of a pair of high heels as they entered into the chamber; peering over to the woman that had entered inside and noticing that they had decided to wear a "delightfully" dark dress with a pair of heels that adorned her feet. The Hutt Lorda of the Mancheron Kajidic had just put the puzzles into place; as the woman was observing the crowd and empress to presumably find someone to interact with at this event; he would have to watch what the woman did first before he decided to mingle with them. He watched with mild amusement as the woman stared in his direction; he knew to himself that woman often found hutts unattractive and smelly criminal kingpins. So he didn't want to waste his time with them; as he knew that everyone thought the same when it came to hutts. Bringing his full attention back to the quarren; who again kept babbling on and on about financial stuff that the Hutt Lorda simply didn't care about. He came to the conclusion that he was thirsty; on to the fact that his two full battles become two empty bottles in no time at all.

---

The Hutt Lorda of the Mancheron Kajidic would hear the clanking noise of the high heels come his direction. Something was odd here that a woman would approach a hutt who were known to have sexual drive for humanoid females or simply used them to entertain there court. But for a woman to willingly engage with a hutt in conversation that told him mentally that he was dealing with a powerful person that wasn't afraid of their reputation in the slightest. He turned his form a little; still focusing on the quarren but now heard that the woman was speaking to himself. "I am honored by your compliments towards me; it must be a strange sight having a hutt lorda from the hutt republic be this far away from my brethren to simply attend a humanoid masquerade. But I have my reasons and I have no doubt that you came here to mingle yourself among the galaxy's wealthy or the empress herself" Paranoda exclaimed; once the woman handed out the bottle would the venerable hutt lorda grab the bottle from the lady in a polite manner. Pouring himself a glass that was empty on the table; picking it up but not drinking it due to it being possibly poisoned. Although hutts were immune to diseases and seldomly fell ill; there were still poison's able to kill a hutt given enough time to work in there system. Once Paranoda heard that the woman had offered to dispose of his guest that kept annoying him; he pondered on weather or not to take it. He didn't trust this lady in the slightest and she could be a danger to him; but the quarren banker was getting annoying plus he noted with acute observation was furious with being interrupted and spoke to the lady in a mad tone. "Hey you lady; I was talking to the Mighty Paranoda of the Mancheron Kajidic. Go find your own hutt to mingle with and stop trying to take my business partner." Exclaimed the Quarren Banker in a enraged tone; his face tentacles would shift around and spit would come out of his mouth. Paranoda simply had enough of this man; raising his hand in a serious tone to silence the quarren from speaking and the quarren abided for now. "We are done with this conversation; there is no need to get upset about a lady talking with me. You may go now." Exclaimed Paranoda asking him to leave in a polite way; but heard the quarren grumble and try to talk back to him. "But...Mighty Paranoda." Said the Quarren trying to bargain with him to be allowed to stay but he was having none of this. "Leave now." Said Paranoda with a serious look in his eye; that could have killed the quarren banker in a split second if looks could kill; plus having the additional bonus of being 10ft tall and 4,000 pounds of pure weight. The Quarren would stomp off; leaving just the two of them to have each other's company. Only time would tell if Paranoda made the right decision.

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

Arturo Braga
Objective - socializing

Lots of guest it seemed, she didnt recognize any of them being a newcomer among this crowd of people, however there was a hutt among the crowd which star was surprised to see one mingling around a ball...but she'd seen crazier so she could only chuckle a little before she finished her flute of wine and sat it down before grabbing another while idly scanning the crowd. Felt quite nice to be among the people once more in such a fancy setting force only knew stardust missed that while away.

A flash of movement, she spotted a rather odd stand out among the crowd, Arturo Braga with his half mask? She hadn't been to many masquerades actually avoided them she didnt like them so she didnt know the rules about them...was that allowed? Regardless since he had caught her eye the tall twilek slid her way through the crowd till she came up next to him

interesting mask for this type of event, certainly a eye catcher no?

She gave a half smile before she turned back to the event and took a sip of her flute

then again I guess I stick out so I can't really say much at all

There came a bigger grin upon her emerald face

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Objective: Mingle and get info
Tags: Taozi Fuyuan | Ingrid L'lerim | Cass Gemini
Interacting: Open
Links: Armor in Sig | Mask

It had been an age and a half since Adenn had attended a ball. The last event had been with the Chiss, all those years ago. That had also been a masque party, also requiring formal wear. However, as he had then, Adenn would do now, and arrive wearing his armor. Once more he donned his cloak(Vizla's cloak in TCW with Clan Mortui's symbol), while bearing his usually kama and pauldrons. His armor had also been cleaned once more, though all its scars and the deeper blast marks remained, highlighting that the armor wasn't for show. However, during that ball he had primarily acted as a bodyguard to his future lover and one he considered a daughter to him. Now he came as an Alor with his own purpose, while also coming with Taozi to give her company and have company.

In truth, Adenn behaved similarly to that ball. However, this time there had been advanced notice that no weapons were allowed. At first he considered simply ignoring that rule, or doing as he had at the Chiss ball, leave behind a massive stack of weapons. However, Adenn decided it was for the best to follow the rules, and instead only keep a dagger on his person. Wrist weaponry and jetpack had been removed of course, but some of the other tools were hardly considered weapons, and Adenn was eventually permitted into the ball in his armor. Of course he had been warned of not causing any problems, and Adenn simply reassured them he would solve the problems, not cause them.

Now standing before the entrance and to the side, Adenn's head looked across the ball room. As one of the few, if only people, standing in armor, he garnered some attention. Attention he ignored in favor of scanning them. His helmet gave back people of note, even as Adenn took the information in. Once the comprehensive scan ended, Adenn sighed. Reaching up, he removed the skull helm with a hiss of air. Lowering it, he attached his helmet to his belt, and showed to the world his head covered by his mask. It was the same mask he had worn to the prior ball as well, a personal reminder and in memory of Beth.

Exhaling once more, Adenn's gaze traveled across the crowd once more, eventually landing on Ingrid and the small coterie of people around her. So this is the Empress of the Eternal Empire. Adenn thought to himself quietly. Reserving an opinion for when he met her, Adenn instead continued to observe for now, watching her and others of note. Quietly standing and watching, waiting for an opportunity.

 

[Trinity Harris]

Spoiler: Equipment and links

Ship: Luminary class light explorer exchanging crew space for biolabs

Spoiler: wearing

Interacting with: Eleena Salwa

Trinity continued gently dancing at the edge of the dance floor, just people watching for now. The green twi'lek Stardust Solus Skirae she thought she recognised, but with the mask and only fleeting glances in the past she wasn't certain. The Empress of course was obvious, even if you couldn't see her, the throng of people courting her was hard to miss. Then the hutt, she had never seen Credit Wizard Before but there were few hutts in the empire and he was known for his attire. She never got on with hutts but she found them very interesting anthropologicaly. The fact that the moment a hutt is born they know with absolute certainty that they are a greatest creature the galaxy has ever known, it was wired into the DNA, a gene for arrogance.

As she thought a young woman caught her eye and she turned to be greeted by Eleena Salwa . She was a short, pale twi'lek and she cut a striking figure.

“Are you...the Trinity Harris?” She began in a girlishly bedazzled tone. “I’ve seen your races on the HoloNet! You’re so fast!”

Trinity smiled, she had hoped one day to be 'THE Trinity Harris' on account of her discoveries, but this was cool too. She held out her hand and greeted the Twi'lek. "That sounds like me, thank you, although" and she lowered her voice "how does this all work? Is it all secret identities?" She looked at Eleena's dress, Twi'lek styles were so beautiful and quite sexy she thought.

"I would love to take a picture with you, it's Trin by the way. Do you race? I feel like I have seen you before but I can't place you?" She felt almost a little rude, she recite hundreds of base pairs in a gene, but would be mortified if she had forgotten someone who had taken the time to remember her. The two women took a few pictures together, this was fun, finding someone with a common interest.

"I cant take my eyes of you gorgeous dress I love it, its so revealing.." She quickly corrected herself "I mean.. that's not why I love it.. obviously. There must be some pretty tactical tape and underwear under that to keep everything hidden?" She chuckled to herself, and blushed, that classic Harris charm strokes again, maybe she should stick to talking about bikes and bugs.

 

[Laertia Io]

Wearing: This

Armed with: Wits, Charm

With:

The Battalion (Assembly Persona, See Bio)


Objective: Present both the Adrian-Class Star Healer as well as the Shield of Sacrifice to Ingrid L'lerim


Habitable Planetoid, uncharted, Outer Rim.

The Battalion knew Xiphos was on to something. She had her sons relentlessly scouting the unknown regions and outer rim for days now. She was looking for something. A lost planet. Supposedly at the edge of the Galaxy. What it contained Xiphos wasn't saying.

She had also badly affected Lady Phyre somehow, gotten the last shreds of the Amalgam swimming around in a stolen body to start fighting back violently for control.

The Battalion, personally, wasn't sure how to feel about that. On the one hand, she was supposed to serve Darth Phyre faithfully.

On the other hand, Xiphos made her feel something. At some point, and the Battalion wasn't certain how, Xiphos had begun doing to her what she had done to many others:

Xiphos had begun seducing her.

It was easy to be seduced where Xiphos was concerned. Past the scars, she was gorgeous. Plus, she was intelligent. Driven.

Passionate.

The Battalion, for her part, enjoyed it more than even she knew.

She had been told to meet her at a small planet where both refugees and Nuetralizers were training. House Io continued to grow, continued to define itself.

Soon it would have a world to claim for its own.

The Battalion's TIE Reaper, Ession's Shadow, settled down at a designated landing zone, surrounded by field tents. The refugees had been Militarized. Xiphos was guiding them towards something in their training, which was supervised by Model 1 Units.

The Witch, dressed in her typical white catsuit strode past various training areas in the open air, where Model 1's oversaw sparring, marksmanship, endurance practice, and various other crafts of war.

The Battalion found Xiphos in the main command tent, prepping for the ball. She wouldn't be going alone. The Battalion would be going with her.

It was their first, official date.

They obviously couldn't go as themselves, of course. Xiphos had massively pissed off multiple major powers and the Battalion was a ruthless Witch helping her. They would go undercover, representatives of the Mysterious Scion Mobile Shipyards to present the Empress with two gifts. Massive ones.

"You...look amazing..." The Battalion remarked as she beheld the deep purple gown overlaid in golden Durasteel armor and matching face mask, covered by an elaborate wig.

Thank you, Batty. Xiphos remarked telepathically, turning to the pale Witch. I hope you don't mind, but I selected something for you...

"Oh?" The Witch asked striding over to get a glance at whatever Xiphos had selected.

It was a gown of shimmering, white armorweave.

"You picked the cult's favorite color..." The Battalion noted.

Why does the cult use the color white? Xiphos asked.

"So the blood shows up better." The Witch answered, striding up to her. "What did you do to Lady Phyre?"

I brought back a headache for her.

"Is that why she can't seem to decide whether she is Phyre or Amy?" The Battalion asked.

Kinda.

Then Xiphos asked the more pertinent question.

Batty...do you want Phyre to be your boss forever?

The question surprised the Battalion.

"I never thought to ask. Phyre is the first of us. Of the Cult."

What if I told you I wanted to kill Phyre and leave Amy in her place?

The Battalion smiled, stroking her golden masked face.

"Why Julia, you're thinking more like a Sith..." The Witch praised.

I want you to help me. Your Unholy Spirit won't care. Whoever is most fit to lead will lead.

"And you believe Amy is more fit to lead? She was devoured by Phyre."

"She came back to life by sheer Force of will just because I... asked..."

"What are you up to, Xiphos?" the Witch whispered, removing the golden face mask, beheld the electric green veins on her face, her mutated eye bronze with a dark green iris.

Plans are afoot. Plans I wish you to be part of. Xiphos explained mentally. I'm on the verge of locating something. Something amazing.

"A planet?" The Battalion mused, running a finger over Xiphos's lower lip.

Yes. And I would have you share in the opportunity. Your Cult would have a safe haven.

"How does Themis feel about this?"

Themis is in deep cover as a healer in the Ashlan Crusade. I haven't been able to contact her since Kerest. The Light Sith I've trained are loyal to me. The ones she tutored are loyal to her.

"I've never run a planet..." The Witch mentioned, intrigued.

You also never answered me. Would you be willing to betray Phyre?

"Are you willing to risk losing Amy?"

Yes.

The Battalion raised an eyebrow, then smiled.

"We'll make a proper Sith out of you yet..." she chuckled.

So you keep telling me... Xiphos replied, putting her face mask on.

The Battalion's flesh shuddered everywhere, the flesh on her face releasing steam as it melted and sloughed off the skull, pulling in different directions until it reset into the face of a beautiful woman with dark skin and long, straight dark hair.

The Assembly opened sulphur colored eyes.

"Ugh. High Society. Give me the screams and blood of a good sacrificial chamber any day of the week." The Assembly remarked sourly.

Then she glanced over at Xiphos.

"Not that you don't look scrumptious of course." she quickly added, smirking.

I despise these sorts of gatherings also. Xiphos admitted.

"You find yourself in good company then." The Assembly replied, grabbing the armorweave gown and heading to a changing area in the back, where she spotted a hogtied Final Order Sith with a pink bow glued to the bindings. He looked heavily drugged.

"Awww, did you leave this for us?" The Assembly asked not just in her own rich contralto, but the voice of every other Witch inside the body, including the Battalion's, at the same time.

I don't wanna stop for take out. Xiphos answered.

"Care to feast on his soul with us?" The Assembly asked, this time only in her own voice.

I'm on a diet...

"A communal meal would do you wonders..." The Assembly said kneeling down and touching his face, flesh shuddering as she began ripping out his life force, letting out involuntary metallic squeals as she metabolized his life energy...


Present.

Something huge and massive as feth came out of hyperspace, along with a smaller ship.

The Captain aboard an EE Star Destroyer got out of his seat as the two vessels sped to the planet.

The helmsman ran scans.

"I've never seen a Super Star Destroyer like that..." he remarked, preparing to scramble the fleet. "What sort of weapons does it have?"

"None, sir. No weapons of any kind on the exterior. But it's heavily shielded and armored. This thing could take a Planetary Scale Bombardment." The helmsman answered.

"What sort of Super Star Destroyer has no exterior weapons?" The Captain exclaimed, beholding the massive, crimson vessel with the largest hyperdrive ring he had ever seen. "Is it some sort of carrier?"

"No sir. Scans aren't showing much except droids and medical supplies. Transponder Code says it's a Hospital, same as the other ship. No weapons on any of them." one of the other bridge crew answered

"Open a hailing frequency." The Captain ordered.

The Comms Officer opened a channel.

"Unidentified Vessel, state your designation and purpose here, or we will immediately assume you are hostile." The Captain said curtly.

"Greetings, Captain..." said a synthesized female voice. "The vessel you see before you is the ENS Shield of Sacrifice, and the ship accompanying us is the ENS Hand of Ingrid.

"You claim your ships are part of the Eternal Empire Navy? What is their function?" The Captain asked.

"Mobile Hospitals, capable of relief efforts across whole planets and cities. A gift from certain concerned parties to the Empress. We would be willing to allow a boarding crew to alleviate any concerns you may have, and humbly request we be allowed to send out a small shuttle filled with two representatives to the Palace, to explain our gift personally to the Empress. Feel free to have our shuttle under guard."

The Captain was silent for a moment, thinking.

"Permission granted. Be ready to receive our inspection crew. Do not deviate from the course to the Palace." he said finally.

The shuttle from the EE Star Destroyer carrying a heavily armed inspection team took off just as a Lambda shuttle took off from the Shield of Sacrifice, escorted by a single EE TIE Fighter.

The Shuttle landed in a designated area, where EE Soldiers awaited the pair that stepped out. The Assembly was wearing her white gown which showed a fair amount of leg and Durasteel stilettos, face covered by a silver mask. Xiphos remained inscrutable under her armored gown and golden face mask, wearing the De Lifte Ankarres Crystal set as a ring on her finger.

The pair were silently escorted to the Palace Interior and Xiphos gazed at everything feeling out of place. She didn't belong in these sorts of places. She knew she had to be. If she was going to be a leader, she had to learn to be comfortable in these sorts of settings. Good thing the Battalion had applied Stealth Enchantments to them both so their nature's couldn't be discerned easily.

So many rich people. Not as austere as they pretend...how easy it is to make them gather... the Assembly sneered in Laertia's mind. There HAS to be an excuse we can find to kill a few of them for fun...

Hungry already? Xiphos asked back in telepathy.

I need to be hungry to enjoy killing for its own sake? The Assembly questioned half jokingly.

No, but that said, we really can't afford to be turned into paste by Ingrid or her troops. Friendly, remember? We're going for friendly. Xiphos said back in a terse mental voice.

As long as we go killing tomorrow. You don't mind, do you?

I'm 'brimming' with anticipation... Xiphos muttered in her skull before coming to a stop in front of the Empress and a few others.

"Your Highness..." Xiphos said, vocal synthesizer amplifying and disguising her natural whisper voice, vocal chords permanently damaged after her mental breakdown at Kerest.

"I am known as Lady Draco...I am a representative of a...number of individuals greatly concerned with your future success. To that end, we have commissioned for you two gifts, awaiting you in orbit over this world. No doubt your military has informed you of the two vessels. If you would permit it, I would explain their function..."