Dominion This, I Vow || EE Dominion of Cattamascar

[LE-03 (Leigh)]

Objective 2: House of Troubles
Tags: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun , Kalic Daws​

Kalic was definitely a sight to see at something like this. He didn't wear a mask like most here. Instead, he wore a cloak that cover his face and body. He was Miraluka after all. Masks.... That was his life normally. In fact, in an odd move, he left his head wrap behind. Yes, it exposed the smooth skin where his eyes would be, but the cloak hid it. Plus, anyone else would think he was some crazy Miraluka, not a rebel. He wasn't here to have fun though. Well, not much fun. He was here to meet with some other Eclipses. He looked around before seeing a familiar face, a droid that had saved his and Loreena's butts before. Kalic smiled a bit, humming an Outer Rim Spacer's tune as he walked up.

"Could go for some more up beat music. Don't think I ever thanked you for getting us outta that jam, stranger." Kalic chose his words carefully, just in case. He couldn't risk anyone noticing what was going on. Thankfully with everyone there it wasn't that hard to just fade away.

The projected Rodian head turned before the rest of the droid did. It blinked once and grinned, eyes shifting into a spectacular shade of magenta never naturally seen in Rodian eyes. The Miralukan, then. Leigh had not had as much contact with him since Bakura as she had with Miss Aranais, but as one of her associates his use as her contact would be a logical one. The massive droid chassis turned towards him now, offering her good hand in greeting.

"Thanks is unnecessary," she said, in the clipped Imperial tones she knew he'd recognize. "One does as one must when the need arises."

She clasped the smooth skin of the Miralukan's wrist, rather than his hand proper--all the better to palm the tiny audio transmitter from one being to the other. Leigh had prepared the comm before entering the planet, keying it to her own internal systems as soon as she had known this meeting would take place. After all, with her size, the probability of her being far too visible to attend a meeting in person was too high to reasonably risk. "It is regrettable that my master and I were unable to make it to Aren," she continued. Now it was her turn to choose her words carefully. "We meant to call, but a man of your intelligence would have realized we did not have your frequency."

 

[Kyle Ajahn]

​

Objective 1A: The Reception
Wearing: This | Mask: None
ATTN: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Vyra Silara | Kainan Wolfe | Darth Prazutis | Mythos | Vidalu Na'an | Adelle Bastiel | OPEN

Ehcoes.

Echoes were all that remained.

Echoes of a time long past that seemed an errant dream flooded his mind. What had been the past came readily now, naught but vividly cruel memories shadowed by the reality that had come to pass. Or so that is what he had come to accept when a young woman came knocking at his door deep in the lake country of Naboo.

He had lost track of how long it had been since he'd departed from the planet of Relovian on her word to be with his family. He could picture it as if it were just days prior only for the haze of his own memories between bringing a hideously callous doubt that was not so easily shaken. A doubt that only subsided with reflection upon the brighter things that he knew were all but gone. His wife, his children and her; all things he could count on a single hand that kept him tethered to the real.

Coming to Eternal Empire space had been the only decision. He knew not what to expect or what dangers awaited him within a territory so fraught with darkness. It was the light of hope in the form of a promised rebellion that inspired his breath, thought and action as he brought his ship into a depth of the Unknown Regions that he'd heard so many Jedi express an open aversion. Stories of a heartless Emperor bent furiously against the Jedi and furiously fervent upon the correction of a broken galaxy.

What little had he to act upon but the words of others, the intentions of a resistance and collection of names. The common people's fear for their lives, the rebellious desires of the Eclipse Rebellion and both monikers in form: Wolfe and Silara. Emperor and Empress of an empire rising rapidly beyond the reach, or so he presumed, of the Confederacy and Silver Jedi. And while that was the case, he knew better than to place his bets and expectations in factions determined to blanket themselves across the known galaxy.

If he was going to save her, to defeat him and bolster this rebellion in any fashion he could fathom, he would first have to speak with her directly. The only voice within the walls of the tyranical juggernaut of a society he knew he could hope to find some semblance of reason in. A measure that became exceptionally difficult as he approached the world of Cattamascar on the day of a union; a wedding between the woman he sought answers from and the man who drove his violent foot upon any opposed of him.

​

He did not follow Loreena closely into the gathering, but rather with his own pace and interest. What had initially been a matter of questionable concern had quickly become crippling in both determination and contemplation by challenge of his heart. A heart that he began to wonder if he could truly trust in the shadow of the very decorum and constant appraisal of the very event that was to take place.

A confliction that was only affirmed as the Emperor gave his grand but almost grotesquely mocking speech to what seemed a mix of both accepting and refusing citizens. It did not escape his eyes that a margin of those attending hesitated until a single man standing near the central dais took his own stance to acknowledge the so-called Emperor; each of their motions slow but dedicated as though the man himself was of some importance to them outside of the Empire itself.

Had Cattamascar held a significance prior? He could not know.

Still he pressed on as his legs carried him through the main doors and into a room that felt thick with the darkness of many who had chosen to attend. Immediately he was aware of the Emperor, the Sith Darth Prazutis and the seemingly aloof Mythos as their presences seemed to cloud the room with the darkness that they oozed even upon a day most would have considered a glorious brightness in the dark of controversy.

Rather than fixating on them, however, his eyes probed the room until he was able to settle upon the figures of those whom he'd attended with. Loreena had made contact with someone and it seemed as though others had begun to make their own machinations. It was with this realization and acknowledgement that he pressed into the crowd in an attempt to get closer to the dais and where he might find her; find some reason amidst the madness.

Each member of the Emperor's immediate party became apparent to him, their presences registered in his mind as he drew them in rather than probing for them to spare himself the energy and exposure of his own dimly lit presence. It was in moments such as these that he was thankful that his own presence was marred mildly by his dabbling into some of the more questionable aspects of the Force. None too dark, but some enough to bring him just far enough from the light in the moment that he could mask himself were the circumstances to demand it.

But it was never enough to prevent him from digging deep enough into his very soul for the purity that his past was so blanketed in. He had once been a knight of the brightest manner and knew that even the conflict in his heart could not prevent him from dredging it up in weapon against those deserving.

For now? He would wait. His face seen but almost completely unknown as he lingered in the crowd.

Even as his eyes fell upon her face, his heart thrumming in his chest with feelings he fought with himself to repress and deter, he knew that his mission was not to disrupt but to observe and assess. She was a distraction for now that he needed only observe, but something that in time he would expend no limit of energy to isolate and confront. For he had questions that needed answers and conflicts that demanded resolution.

He had found her and her would be prison.

The only question was: Was this really a prison or was it her new arena?

 

[Krae]

Objective 1. The reception
Tags I know are nearby: Neferisa ,
Items:
Black and gold robes and cape.
shruuk (Sheathed at his side.)
Accompaniment:
(Waiting aside further back, merely observing and awaiting orders silently)
2 Zhorngi each with an alchemy sword and shield.
4 Jkri.

Nexus looked as the Emperor made his entrance. Those were a lot of titles to attach to one person. The Vran'Ti Vo Ni stood simply, hands clasped together behind him thoughtfully watching the emperor. There were certainly a lot in this room strong in the force. It was not an unfamiliar feeling for him, but an irritating one. As these were not under his command. He stood, watching, as the emperor spoke. Tilting his head back and to the side as he listened. And then yet another Sith powerful in the force, with their own lengthy titles. He did not make a noise outside his mask, which hid the scowl underneath. As he arrogantly considered their use of so many titles a preposterous attempt to raise their fame. As if the more names you slapped on the stronger you were. He did not fear them or their power, he had basked in the power of so many Vo of the Vo Ni. The very soul of Vran'Ti itself. A Nexus of the force, he would not fear easily to the strength of another force user. Rather, it was his frustrating position ruling a world of such lower military technology and numbers that endangered him. For all his own power, and that of a Vo Ni on his world compared to most, they did not have the numbers nor the tech to stand up to most important invaders were there ever any. Hence why he chose the more submissive rout, even if he ever so despised it.

And then yet another person with titles. He rolled his eyes, strolling to a side table and grabbing something to drink. Not that it would sooth his temper, since it was all just going right into a sack where he'd decide to digest it later or remove it. Most of these people were already engaged in conversation, so, perhaps it was best to approach those lone enough to get something interesting done. That third one with all the titles might be interesting, if difficult to talk with depending on how much pride he had with himself. Not that Nexus had the right to judge. But he would anyway.

However it seemed the wedding had begun. He would have to discuss with them later, if the moment arose. Nexus made his way to his seat, noticing the scroll on the table, his eyes glancing around, he could sense it. He held the thing in his hands. It didn't want to open by a mere unlatching of a clasp, but through the force he was guided. Truly fascinating. And from there, he grinned. For it bore much more than a simple gift to him, but knowledge. And next only to power in the force, or that of the soul as a Vran might think, was knowledge. He shut it, slipping it into his robe where he grew an extra hand to grip it. That knowledge was not for the eyes of others. Containing so much detail on genetics and bio-experimentation that he could further enhance the already extreme knowledge of Vran'ti.

If it weren't for him being used to being in the presence of other force sensitives, and the force nexus that was hidden on Vran'Ti, Nexus might acknowledge just how many people were here who could probably level castles if they chose. This emperor had a lot of...interested parties. Whether they would ultimately aid or turn on him, that would be a question for the future. He glanced at the pendent that was meant for Neferisa who was to be seated near him. So many people of importance here.

There were a lot of emotions in this place, not all positive. And one such caught his attention the most, that of the bride. A dark smile under his mask, one that was hidden from the force around him. So, they weren't pleased with that either were they. It would truly be a surprise if this so called Eternal Empire lasted more than another 40 years at its current power. That was his best estimate personally. With as many people as seemed to despise them, as many things they did which brought danger to themselves, they were on the verge of bringing the attention of stronger powers sooner or later. People with actual armies which he, unfortunately lacked. If only Vran'Ti had been better supplied with ships, then he would have been willing to make a stand. However, that was not the case, and here he was.

He'd even, for the sake of representation brought gifts. However, those were for later.

 

[Aaran Tafo]

Objective 1A: The Reception
Wearing: Mask Robes
Conversation Partner: Scherezade deWinter Dexter Zytros

He opened his mouth, aimed to point out the incredibly loud pink cheese cubes that had been procured. No doubt for the Princess of Chaos herself. Before the gaze of two titans swept across the ballroom. The Shadow Hand and the Eternal Emperor. Two people who would cheerfully, if they even knew what actual happiness meant anymore, flay the Padawan alive for nothing more than deciding that he'd rather use his connection to the Force to uplift those around him as opposed to standing over them.

It didnt take a form of supernatural empathy for the pair beside the Padawan to feel the roiling emotions burn inside him as he stared back at Tacitus. He didnt care much for the Shadow Hand. The Sith owned up to the evil acts he committed. His desire was conquest and he made no effort to hide it. It wanted to crush and dominate. That much was plain and simple. It would perform any act to achieve this. No matter how depraved or vile.

Tacitus however was a different beast. One so self-deluded that they legitimately thought themselves to be doing the galaxy a favour. He was the worst kind of monster. The kind that lied to themselves. Believing their actions to be justified. They so hypcritcally claimed that that rest of the galaxy was decadant and corrupt. But there he stood, always taking the easy option with his made quest for conquest.

It was so much easier to harm than to heal. But there he was. Taking the easy path. Lashing out at the galaxy at large. Forcing his will upon others because it was so much easier to make an empire based on conquest than one as a shining example of what people could be if they worked together. He could have let the hardship that his people suffered through temper them. Let them rise above it stronger than before.

But instead he was like all Sith. Submitting to the pain, the hurt. Letting it twist them instead of rising above it and letting it go. And now he would drag countless lives into war, death and tragedy.

Closing his eyes and clearing his mind. Aaran took one deep breath and put his credits where his mouth was. Beside him Scherezade could feel it. The tension and burning indignation draining out of him as those temporary, base emotions were let go. Replaced by a sense of calm, impish amusement. His usual cheerful energy returning as he turned back to the pair of Terrorists. "Really makes you wonder how they can walk around with those giant sticks up their asses." He said, mask moving ever so slightly up and down as he wiggled his eyebrows under it. No doubt referring to the Eternal Emperor and the Shadow Hand. Their dramatic entrances and looming presence seen by the Jedi Padawan as nothing more than cries of attention from men with fragile egos.

Shrugging once, he made a small gesture to the various alcoholic drinks that had been procured for the guests. "I'm really not much of a drinker. Dont have much experience. So one of you tell me what's a good thing to start with? Dont exactly want to get drunk here. But I wouldnt mind something nice to sip at."

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Objective: 2
Tags: Curtis Learchin LE-03 (Leigh) Kyle Ajahn Kalic Daws

Lori gave Curtis a wink. Of course she was keeping her purpose here a secret. In times such as these, and given where they are, everything had to be said and done cryptically.

Her influence was growing. She was starting to get eyes and ears in different places. Already she had Kyle, one with a special connection to the newlywed couple. She had her secret contact from within the Eternal Empire that fed her what she needed for the different stages of this Rebellion movement. And there was no way that Kainan Wolfe was going to extinguish this flame. Subtley was the key for success, as well as the element of surprise.

Crashing the party wasn't in the plan. Infiltrating it was. However it was for their own agenda and not for digging dirt on their enemoes or in gaining some level of trust. It was far better to be ghosts, hidden beyond their sight. Lori had managed to escape the notice of Mitth'rae'leios after he had captured her, having been able to convince him (or so she thought), that she was an innocent party caught in a bad situation.

"Oh he's here!" Lori spotted Kalic and almost pulled Curtis along. She didn't recognize Leigh's disguise, but that didn't matter. Everyone wore disguises for the most part and everyone was sure to watch their words. "Fancy seeing you here! If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you were trying to get hired in my crew." She placed a hand on her date's arm. "This is my bodyguard, ship's cook and date for hopefully more than just this evening. Who're you with?" Of course she assumed that Leigh was his plus one.

 

[NPC Treasury]

Objective: 1a
​

Kay smirked as Mythos squeezed her bottom, yet half-closed her eyes a he planted a kiss on the nape of her neck. To his remarks on her dream, she decided to tease him in return; "That's for me to know and for you to find out..."

He led her to the table then and she sat down, glad to be off her feet. As the oppressing Darkness from Darth Prazutis and Kainan Wolfe ' gazes started to feel as though it was wearing her down, Kay turned to look at the fine china tea cup provided by Vyra Silara . It reminded her of a special set that she had made on Commenor; that being a Monarch set that revealed whenever Force use was at play in the room. If that set of cups was here today, the special jewels would be shining like beacons in a fog.

Something caught Mythos' attention; his words of "Oh crap" having drawn her eye up from the beautiful cup. Kay's jaw dropped as she spotted Chaf'arry'nuruodo . Not only for what she was wearing, but also from what she could see of her face. It was almost an exact likeness. It was younger, but the resemblence was uncanny. "Mythos...what are the odds of a Chiss looking eerily similar to me? Is this...some kind of a joke?" As far as she was aware, her enemies didn't know that she was here. There was a clone of her before; one that someone had created to be an exotic dancer. But that clone was dead now. So what other game was being played?

 

[Curtis Learchin]

Objective 2:
Suit
Significant Tags: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun / LE-03 (Leigh) / Kyle Ajahn / Kalic Daws
​

Curtis smiled at the wink, knowing it carried more meaning than words could. She was here for something that he wasn't involved with yet, but maybe after tonight he would be. His mind wandered to the decorations and festivities that surrounded them, and wondered if he would ever have such a ceremony himself. Maybe he and Lori would, or maybe this whole fantasy would come crashing down. Who could tell.

He was physically yanked from that train of thought when his date found the people she was looking for. Both blended into the crowd relatively well, though the rodian seemed more off than usual. Unconsciously Curtis reached out with the force to try and get a reading on the alien, but got nothing. The Miraluka on the other hand was glowing with energy, more than anyone else around them.

"Curtis" He said after Lori introduced him, offering out his free hand to the pair. Beyond that, he had no idea what else to say. "Lovely weather for a wedding, don't you think?"

​

 

[Chaf'arry'nuruodo]

​

Objective 1A: The Reception
Wearing: Dress | Mask
ATTN: Mythos | NPC Treasury | Darth Prazutis | Kainan Wolfe

Act out of accordance with one's own designs and nothing more.

Or so that was the creed by which she had attested her appearance at this gala to be. That her fellow Chiss, Admiral Thrael, had offered her the privilege to attend on his request was trivial in retrospect. Perhaps he had his own agenda for the Eternal Empire, and in turn the Sith that were allied with them, but there was no denying in her mind that her visions had brought her here for a reason all her own.

And with the eyes of at least one Sith having fallen upon her, her gaze drawn as easily to his as his was to her, she could not help but focus her gaze upon the heat building beneath the surface of his skin. Every inch of his body reacting to her as though his very purpose at the party had changed upon witnessing her from afar; a notion that only made her curious as to just what her presence up close might do to him.

It was the woman that stood with him that drew her attention next, visibly disturbed by her in a manner she could not grasp by mere expression alone. A baffling notion that Farryn attested to her lack of experience with the emotional spectrum of the other species in the galaxy. Perhaps, her visions having left out a small footnote, she would discover the truth behind this woman's illusions in tandem with her own interrogation of this seeming Sith Lord.

It was enough to bring a wry smirk to her lips, were she willing, but instead only brought a shift in her brow as the remainder of her face maintained it's placid expression of mildly humored curiosity.

Once she was able to settle the notions and contemplation in her mind, her thoughts winding solely to her intentions for her house and the Sith, she made her way slowly through the crowd towards Mythos. While she could not be sure if he was the Sith she had been looking for, it was not beyond her to exploit the opportunity in effort to attain what she desired.

She approached them cautiously, visibly with an air of representation of her own status, and settled before them with a posture that a human might have considered flirtatiously formal. She had seen him mouth words upon seeing her, but mere commentary was hardly enough to sate her appetite for understanding and investigation.

"I can see that I am a matter of some concern between the two of you," she breathed with a small but emotionless smile curving her lips. "I suppose it's only fair that I inquire as to how I might remedy the state of the affair."

 

[Mythos]

Double crap, he would have said the words if Kay's whispers hadn't raised the hair on his skin. His body reacted with heat, his hands gripped and tightened across her waist as he brought her closer to him.

"Her lips are thicker, she is at least one point three centimeters smaller, her eyes are larger, her cheekbones are slightly more angular, her feet are one size smaller and her cup size is two sizes larger" He awnesered almost robotically, he numbered only the things he could initially discern.

"But that's just what I can tell right now" He smiled and puffed away at his cigar then placing the burning cherry ember in the beautiful China Vyra Silara had arranged for him. It was absolutley flawless, unique and... Atrisian? Upon further inspection Mythos noticed it was aged to the Dynasty of Uueg Tching. A nice touch.

Then she made a bee line straight for him, for once, since his resurrection, his blood ran cold as ice. He began to sweat, he took a deep breath and did what he could to mentally prepare. The best thing to calm the nerves was a shot of honeydew mead. The sweet flavor and powerful punch did its work on his curated liver.

"Here we go..."

It was even worse, her voice was sweet wine and she was even more beautiful up close. The words got caught in his throat. He blinked twice and smiled, like a total idiot.

Instead of the high and mighty booming voice all were accustomed to or one of his smooth lines that the title Silver Tounge was known for. He uttered a stammered.

"Nice to meet you?"

Why did he say it as a question? Triple Crap...

Chaf'arry'nuruodo NPC Treasury​

 

[NPC Treasury]

Objective: 1a
​

Chaf'arry'nuruodo was staring right at them. And no sooner did Kay notice that that the Chiss woman began heading right towards them.

Mythos began listing every detailed difference between the pair and she saw --no she felt-- how his body reacted as the woman neared. The confidence in him was gone. Was he nervous too? A part of her wanted to toy with him and just let him sweat all the more. It'd be absolute torture for him, wouldn't it? A little payback for having her come here amongst her enemies?

But no. Another part of her wondered just why this coincidence in appearance occurred. There was almost something unnatural about it.

Kay slipped off one of her shoes and placed her foot on his lap. Massaging her feet usually soothed him. Usually...

"We were just...commenting on your look. It's not everyday that one finds themselves in the company of a Chiss. But by no means are we to keep you from the festivities."

 

[Neferisa]

Objective: 1A
Post: 2

Neferisa entered as others had begun to enter. With a wave of one hand, she sent her servants over to where the gifts were placed. Golden trinkets, jewellery adorned with gems from beneath the sands of Duatiel. With her other hand, Neferisa held it out to be taken by one of her guard to lead her over to the crowd. Truly, did she aim to stand out. To impress those around her. To show importance, gain standing.

The Anubian moved to take the crowd of people and other beings, yet no greeting was offered. Her head held high, gazing among those around her. Neferisa need not dance, nor feast. Only make her presence known. Once reaching the many seats, she signalled for her guards to leave, where they would go to the entrance. Along with the slaves.

Krae gained her attention by simply sitting near her, as the ceremony was soon to begin. "Such...trivalties. Marriage, who needs another to lead?" She murmured quietly, as if mocking the soon to be happy couple. She had such power alone. Even if she were naive, and tossed her weight of power around like a new dress to show off. "But, perhaps they will be strong...What do you believe? Stronger alone or together?" A question that she thought would at least gain some attention to those who heard. She was not one to hide opinion. Her gifts were merely a tribute to gain some favor. Of course, the gift for her was not unnoticed and she lightly grazed her fingertips along the surface. She would have to ask where this was retrieved.

 

[Krae]

Objective: The reception
Tags I know are nearby: Neferisa
Posts: 3
Items:
Black and gold robes and cape.
shruuk (Sheathed at his side.)
Accompaniment:
(Waiting aside further back, merely observing and awaiting orders silently)
2 Zhorngi each with an alchemy sword and shield.
4 Jkri.

Nexus watched the Queen, the way she held her head, gave little greeting. The way she treated the servants. Ah, the pride of authority. How familiar he was with that. This person would be the oen to be seated next to him, hearing her criticism of the marriage made him smile just a bit. A chuckle deep in his throat. Though, still seeming to wonder aloud whether this would strengthen them, or if they'd be better alone. Nexus leaned back in his chair, glancing in the direction of the Jkri. A telepathic order for them to go retrieve the large incubator within which held a shgurak egg. to place in that of the gifts. It would prove difficult to tame in its growth, being aggressively independent, and typically preferring the company of its own species over theirs. A balance of commanding power and soothing would have to be met for it to grow and learn properly, but it was a powerful creature itself, and they made for excellent beasts of war. This gift was for Tacitus, however a second was kept for the Empress. A cloak of blue, made of the scales of the same kind of creature. It had a silver alchemized clasp, and in the center a jewel as equally blue as the scaly hide. Though certainly heavier than a normal cloak, it was not only splendid in its appearance, but highly resistant to blaster fire, and even able to stand up to lightsabers in some degree. It was rare that Shgurak hide would be given or used in clothing not of a powerful Vo Ni, however, this was a sign of presumed faith and admitting of authority in this Empire.

He glanced at the Queen beside him, "I believe it depends. If the emperor plays things correctly, and the soon to be empress accepts the situation, they will be stronger. He holds all the cards here, she may hold the title of empress. But it was to avoid war with her world. If she resists, then it would have been better to have gone through with the war. But, as long as they both uphold their situations, the cooperation will make the empire stronger." he looked at the queen more directly, letting out a light chuckle, "Assuming it lasts. A marriage based on fear, holding planets hostage by power of military. Who can say if it'll truly go on."

 

[Taozi Fuyuan]

Objective: 1A
Tags: Vidalu Na'an
Attire: Dress Mask
​

"Heights are negligible with a skilled enough dancer. Plus, I'm not interested in those with titles anyway, unless they pay me to be."

Taozi smiled under her mask as she was pulled onto the dance floor. She placed a hand on her partner's shoulder, and let herself be guided into the three-step. For a moment, Taozi allowed herself to genuinely enjoy the dance, before her partner suggested Taozi was afraid of her. A small laugh escaped Taozi's lips as she shook her head.

"Scared? By the ancestors, you couldn't be more wrong. I'm Mandalorian, there are few things I fear... It's more for your reaction to what I'm about to suggest that-"

A cold shiver went up her spine. Eyes were upon her, and they were not friendly. Pink eyes narrowed as she scanned the crowd, and noticed the oddly empty row between her and the woman in gold, and Darth Prazutis . A hatred filled her eyes as she glared at him. She knew that if were not for the occasion, he would surely try to kill her here and now.

Try.

"This reception is full of wolves, pretending to have dulled their claws and pulled their fangs."

Taozi turned her gaze back to the woman in gold, the harshness in her eyes lessened.

"Granted, both of us are in that boat as well, aren't we? You were the one at Bakura who destroyed those tanks, weren't you?"

 

[Will Westender]

Objective 2 | Post #3 (Tacitus Alt)
Attn: Karma Jayne || OPEN
​

The engines hissed and hummed angrily as they radiated heat onto the landing pad, even now, hours after landing, the 'smuggler' being accosted by a gaggle of confused starport mechanics who didn't know what to make of the Firebird's unusual and quite alarming readings, quite annoyed at not being allowed inside to check its systems. Unaware of the ship's modifications, they worried that the off-the-charts thermal and energy readings, which far exceeded the maximum safe specifications of a baseline KS-5700 freighter, could be a sign of a dangerous malfunction.

Quite annoyed and out of patience, he dismissed them with a wave of his hand, unlocked the ramp of the ship and ignored their protests, questions and indignant demands, ordering the delivery droids to load the crates and stack them inside the freighter's cargo hold. His latest assignment, to identify the source of these weapons shipments the rebels were receiving, had proven more difficult than he anticipated. Despite his best efforts, all he had to show for, was that the weapons were purchased through a number of resellers who operated throughout the Unknown Regions, their point of origin and even the name of the company which manufactured them, remaining unknown.

It was a puzzling and disturbing enigma, for without identifying the source of these shipments, his handlers within the Empire would be unable to put a stop to them and negate the rebels' ability to obtain armament. And although he managed to obtain one of these shipments by posing as a rebel, this had proved to be a waste of effort, as upon inspection, the weapons had no identifiable markings or serial numbers, their only distinguishing trait being that the models were the same previously used by the Bakuran military, before the Imperial takeover.

Which meant that someone, somewhere, had obtained the blueprints for these weapons and had the resources and facilities to manufacture them in some significant quantity. As there were currently thousands of arms manufacturing companies operating throughout the Unknown Regions in the wake of the First Order's collapse, these weapons really could come from anywhere. His superiors would not be happy to hear this news, which likely meant that his assignment with these rebels would turn into a long-term operation, something Will was not happy about.

Rebellions had a tendency to turn messy and bloody, not the sort of business a highly secretive government assassin wanted to get involved with for long. The more he hung out with these rebels, the higher the chance his cover would be blown. Maybe his partner-in-crime had been more successful, though he doubted even she could have been able to find out more. Besides, he was reluctant to get her involved into his spycraft, knowing she was smart enough to start piecing things together if she came along for more of these missions. As good as his cover was, his little lies would start to unravel under too much scrutiny and the last thing he wanted was to have to explain himself to her.

 

[Vidalu Na'an]

Objective 1A: The Reception
Attire: Formal Wear, Mask, Hair
Tags: Taozi Fuyuan
​

Bakura. The tanks. Oh, gods. (the younglings, the younglings, the younglings--)

Na'an's hand on the rabbit's hip stilled--but only for a moment, the kind of instinctive pause that could be attributed to the passing of the Reaper of Souls. When it resumed, the movements it guided the two dancers through were sharper, less relaxed. She flexed, and the rabbit spun into her side with a flaring of skirts timed to match the squealing of the bandfill.
"I don't know what you're getting at," she hissed into the rabbit's ear, "But I thought Mandalorians were smart enough to know not to provoke a wolf from inside its den. What you're claiming could get me killed. Or worse."
Na'an reached for the rabbit's other hand to steady and turn her; from inside the mask, the white light of her implant flickered and tracked her pinkish eyes.
"So, rabbit," she said quietly. "Doctor. Mando. What is it you want?"

 

[Taozi Fuyuan]

Objective: 1A
Tags: Vidalu Na'an
Attire: Dress Mask​

Taozi's eyes narrowed as her dance partner hissed words into her ear. A smirk tugged her lips upward, barely hidden by the bottom the mask. Clearly, this woman didn't know Mandalorians very well.

"You clearly haven't met many Mandalorians if you think that... It could get you killed, of course, but who bothers to listen to those on the dance floor? Those close enough tend to be too drunk, or having their own conversation.

As for what I want? Information. There's a rebellion forming, and I have a suspicion you're either involved, or know someone who is. I'm a third party as far as the Empire concerned. They pay me to come in, provide medical support, and leave when the job is finished.

The galaxy knows not of Justice and Mercy, and the Empire even more so. I could be far more... helpful to a rebellion than to an Empire who brings only Death and Hatred."

 

[Vidalu Na'an]

Objective 1A: The Reception
Attire: Formal Wear, Mask, Hair
Tags: Taozi Fuyuan

​

"Hmm." Na'an only listened as the rabbit spoke, her mouth a tight line under the edge of her mask.

If she weren't so calm right now, the Mando's suicidal boldness in the middle of an Imperial event might have been enough to send her running for the hills. It was reckless, what the rabbit was doing. Beyond reckless. With multiple Sith lords only feet away, not to mention the happy couple themselves, confirming the rabbit's accusations could be her end. Worse, it could be Leigh's end.
But she was calm. The Force was with her tonight--perhaps more subtly than the Dark side was with all these pompous lords, but in such a way that even the Empress's eyes seemed to gloss right over her. And with the rabbit knowing what she did on Bakura, Vidalu Na'an was in no place to criticize someone for being reckless. Besides, Leigh might have a use for a Mandalorian or two, even if they were...very pink.
The song was bridging into a final verse; Na'an pulled the rabbit close, tipping her slightly backwards with one hand on the small of her back.
"Not here. Comm frequency," she said, more quietly than ever, her good eye solemn. "A private one. If that's what you really want, Doctor, you'll have a chance to prove it."

 

[Will Westender]

Objective 2 | Post #3 (Tacitus Alt)
Attn: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun || Curtis Learchin || LE-03 (Leigh) || Kalic Daws || OPEN​

He stood there, silently in his ship't hidden communications' room, waiting for the program to finish decrypting the message he had just received, but he already knew what its contents would be. It didn't take long for his suspicions to be confirmed.

----Deliver weapons to rebels. Comms frequency attached, see additional files. ----Infiltrate organization. ----Await further orders.

Just three lines of text, yet there it was. Confirmation that his life was about to get... complicated. Well, this was what he trained for, infiltrating the Empire's enemies and weakening them from within. With this Eclipse Rebellion on the rise, it was only a matter of time before the Eternal Empire decided to try and get someone on the inside. Explaining this to Karma Jayne would be difficult, since as far as she's concerned, he's supposed to just be a smuggler. Though he might be able to leverage his cover as a runaway Jedi padawan for that. Still, it would be dodgy and would probably not hold for long.

With a sigh, he got out of his chair, sealing the hidden compartment behind him. Datapad in hand, he watched the Abbaji transmission one more time, brows creased in a frown. Yes, the Empire's methods on Bakura were... excessively brutal, but were these rebels any better? They fired the first shot, afterall, the Empire had given the Bakurans a chance to surrender and they spat on it.

Just like they spat on the Empire's generosity before, all those years ago on Nibelungen and Winter. No, the followers of the Lightside needed to be taken down. His murdered parents were proof enough of that. And yet, the Empire's methods were becoming far too brutal, there should be a better way. Maybe if he took down this rebellion, then he would rise in station to a position where he could make a difference. Well, it was pointless to think about it now. Right now, he had orders to fulfill.

Arming himself with the familiar blaster pistol sitting comfortably inside its well-worn leather holster, he made sure to also bring his lightsaber along, his Jedi one. It would help maintain his cover. Dialing the frequency he was given, he felt fairly certain the rebels wouldn't suspect anything. Afterall, he was just a smuggler, here to sell them weapons.

"I was told I could contact your company on this frequency. The, uhh, party supplies are ready," he spoke into the comlink. "Where do you want them delivered?"

 

[Frontier Tenacity]

​

Most saw the lavish feast the Empire had organized to celebrate the union of the Emperor and his new bride as mere posturing, a dark, totalitarian regime flaunting its wealth and power, but beneath the expensive clothing and exotic food, beneath the masks of smiling officials and polite conversations, well-mannered snakes hatched poisonous schemes, subtly sinking their dark roots into Cattamascar's earth, drawing it into the web of intrigue slowly being spun across the Unknown Regions and beyond.

The dark shadow of the Eternal Empire continues to grow across the Unknown Regions, the Imperials proving themselves just as capable of bringing worlds under their grip through schemes and plots, as they were capable of doing it by military force. And yet, as the forces of darkness spread their influence, so do the numbers and determination of those who would stand against it.

As the Imperials and their allies celebrated the union of their monarchs, secure in the belief that the Empire's ultimate victory was inevitable, the rebels met in secret to plot the Eternal Empire's downfall. From a secret supplier which the Empire has not yet identified, the growing rebellion has now acquired a sizable cache of weapons, the transaction taking place right under the Empire's nose.

The rebels, however, had not gone unnoticed. Aware of their plans to arm themselves, the Empire has ordered its agents to seize this opportunity to infiltrate their movement, allowing the purchase to go through in the hope that it would give its spies the opportunity to slip past the rebels' vigilance and into the heart of their organization, where they would be positioned to deliver an even greater blow to the last defenders of the Light in the Unknown Regions.

With both the Imperials and those opposing them, more determined and capable than ever, only one thing remained certain. The saga of the Unknown Regions was far from over.

(The dominion has now concluded, but the story continues. Feel free to continue posting past this point and expand the story of Cattamascar further)

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Objective: 2

Lori raised a brow as some chatter came over her comms. She stepped back from Curtis Learchin , Kalic Daws and LE-03 (Leigh) while she listened. At least the crowds weren't too loud for her to hear. A small grin appeared, a mischievious one that she was known for.

Supplies were going to be needed from a variety of sources and Will Westender seemed to be one of them that answered. It wasn't as though they had advertized that rebels were looking for weapons to combat against a tyrant and his regime. No. But surely other people in the area were in need of such supplies, right?

"Hear you loud and clear. There's a...green and silver tent on the eastern corner of the market filled with pottery and woven baskets. You can deliver them there. Someone will be there to verify before credits can be exchanged. Got it?"

Lori pocketed her commlink, her mind swimming with ideas. There was much that they could do here. And all for their movement. The new Empress was a weakness to exploit, but also a sttrength for their cause. The Eternal Empire will end. And she's going to see that through.