Wicked Eyes, Wicked Hearts [TSE]

[Darth Athora]

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Experience is the strongest asset a soldier can have. To have witnessed combat firsthand is the best way for a soldier to learn. It is through the grueling trials of war that hardens soldiers. It is what makes them. In times of peace, a soldier is nothing more than a symbol of a nations strength. When in times of war, however, that soldier becomes a sword on the frontlines that will, live or die, tell a tale that the galaxy shall hear.

To share these tales of past campaigns, a setting had to be made. The planet Kulthis, home to the growing city Zahorimar, capital of Lord Admiral Zahori Denko's constiuent state within the Sith Empire, was where the Lord Admiral had called on her fellow Imperial officers to meet and discuss the ongoing war the Empire was engaged in against it's enemies. She had seen much over the years in her service as an Imperial officer and even seen some combat as a member of the Confederacy. All of it has made her stronger both physically and mentally, forging her into what she was now.

Zahori awaited her guests deep within her citadel, within a meeting room with enough seats for a proper sit down. The accommodations were fitting for the Empire's elite that would gather in Zahorimar this day.

"We have 30 minutes before my guests arrive. I want the security tripled around from the spaceport to here. Nothing must go amiss. This is a first for Zahorimar. So many prestigious individuals gathering in one place. I will not have any mishaps. Should anything go wrong, I shall hold you responsible. Understood?"

Karina Hylz, commander of the Shadow Fist, nodded to the Lord Admiral before leaving the meeting room. At Zahori's side stood her personal bodyguard, L4R4. The HRD stood silent and still, almost like a statue. "Lara, you will ensure that security is held paramount within this room. Should anything get out of control, you will keep the peace. I don't forsee anything of the sort transpiring, however, we must be ready for anything."

"Yes ma'am," L4R4 replied.

Now, it was the waiting game.

 

[Anden Fancelo]

Belderone System, Kulthis, Zahorimar​

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A fair distance from the Citadel, a transportation speeder was making it's way towards the massive structure that awaited such experienced individuals. The passenger at the back fell into that category, Captain Anden Fancelo of Battlegroup VI, 7th Field Army. Arrived to the planet freshly after a funeral service that was held for his former Besh Team, who fell to the Mandalorian remnant in Concord Dawn. On his seat he remained, holding the darkened pin that represented the former marking of the forgotten Sovereignty.

He gently rubbed his thumb against the small pin, before placing it back in its spot on the uniform. After some adjustments were made, Anden began to reminisce on his time in the Sith Empire and his home: a colony on Eadu. He remembered the 150 soldiers formerly of the Sovereignty that followed Vestille to the Empire, and now the Gravewalkers were now at a massive decline, most of them now in a grave. Ession was the beginning of such a decline.

His train of thought came to a sudden stop, as the driver called to him.
"Sir, we've arrived to your destination."
He said, somewhat in a raspy voice.

Fancelo rose up from his seat and exited the vehicle.
"Thank you."

He set his foot over to the entry way of the Citadel. Being possibly the first guest, one with the right amount of experience, but in rank and importance to the very Empire he serves? He was most likely the lowest in that regard. But, he continued along.

 

[Darth Bellum]

K o r _ V e x e n

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| Location | Citadel, Kulthis
| Company | Darth Utoretis

An ominous atmosphere would fall upon the planet as the sight of a familiar Sith fleet appeared in system. The presence of the Gehenna Fleet indicated one thing; the arrival of Lord General Kor Vexen aboard the fleet's Star Dreadnaught and capital vessel The Baal II. Having recently been appointed as the Pyramid of Military Command, the Lord General was now responsible for overseeing all branches of the Sith's military. While Vexen was not one for social gatherings or meetings of any kind, he was still somewhat responsible for maintaining some appearances. A shuttle would fly out from the hangar of The Baal II, making its way to the planet with a light starfighter escort.

It would not be long before the shuttle arrived at the Citadel, touching down at one of its landing pads. The ramp of the shuttle would slowly lower as the pistons hissed. After a brief moment the sounds of heavy metallic footsteps could be heard, the armored figure of the Lord General stepping out of the shuttle. He was accompanied by his second in command, Darth Utoretis, the Lord of Atonement - his only companion. There was no escort of his own personal unit the Red Legion as Utoretis was Vexen's shadow and the only bodyguard he would require, not that he was needed. Nonetheless, the Lord General and his right hand would disembark from the shuttle as they made their way to the entrance of the citadel.

The guards would be quick to let them pass despite the extra measures taken to enforce security. It only took one emotionless gaze from the Lord General and his aide to send chills down their spines. He was not one to be kept waiting nor did he have the patience for anyone to stop him. A man who went where he pleased, did what he wanted, whenever he wanted; That was the type of individual Vexen was, and somehow ironically, something seemed to vex him though it would not be readily apparent to anyone, Sith or otherwise. The footsteps of the pair would be heard, ominously making their way to the meeting room.


| [member="Darth Athora"] | [member="Anden Fancelo"] |

 

[Amaya Cardei]

Kulthis
Lord Admiral Raaf
Captain Duvnal

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A shuttle dispatched from the Rae Sloane with two souls aboard, Lord Admiral Fiolette Raaf and Captain Tiarri Duvnal a Korunnai by way of Galidraan. The shuttle was one of a few that made its way for the planet, the ships and armadas that hung around the system were more than an eye full as well. Wedge and dagger shaped vessels dotted the stars and faded from view as the shuttle dipped into the planet's atmosphere.

"Don't be nervous." The Lord Admiral's tone wasn't soft she could see that the Captain was just that. "If you were not competent in your work I would not have chosen you."

The Lord Admiral seemed almost regal, red hair pulled back not a single strand touched her collar. Eyes the color of the Galidraani skies. Her white and gold uniform a near if not direct opposite in colors of the Captain's black, red and grey the Captain who squared her shoulders and looked over at the Lord Admiral. "Apologies."

"Please, apologies are not ever necessary most especially in our line of work." In a single phrase the Lord Admiral not only made her point but stressed it. Captain Duvnal nodded in acknowledgment and watched as the citadel came into view. Bearings in check she did her best not to let on how incredulous the structure was. The shuttle's approach was met with little fanfare and some security, the pair would be guided toward the meeting with little conversation between them as they walked.

[member="Kor Vexen"] | [member="Anden Fancelo"] | [member="Darth Athora"]

 

[Darth Athora]

Zahori sat patiently as she awaited her guests arrival to the Citadel. She turned her head slowly towards L4R4 to face her.

"Lara, cigarra, please." The HRD quickly responded with a fresh cigarra from her person. Zahori took the stick from the droid and rested the end on her lips. In the next instant, L4 unveiled a lighter which she used to ignite the cigarra in Zahori's mouth. A quick inhale and exhale, releasing the smoke she briefly trapped within her lungs.

"My lady, I must advise that our wife has asked you to stop smoking," L4R4 interjected.

"My wife is not here, is she, Lara?"

"No, my Lady. However, if she asks me I will feel inclined to-"

"You will feel inclined to tell her the truth. I know. I will deal with it when that time comes. Until then," Zahori paused to to another puff before exhaling, "I wish to enjoy my cigarra."

"Yes, my Lady."

The doors of the meeting room shifted open automatically as a being stood on the other side. A trooper stepped inside the meeting room then saluted Zahori. "My Lady, several parties have arrived. Lord Admiral Raaf and Lord General Vexen have been sighted."

"Excellent. Seems like this party is getting started rather rapidly. Ensure that they are escorted here immediately."

[member="Anden Fancelo"] | [member="Kor Vexen"] | [member="Sith Muse"]​

 

[Anden Fancelo]

Kulthis, Zahorimar, Citadel​

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Anden was left at the landing pad of the citadel, just outside of the entrance. He glanced around and about and raised his forearms in confusion. But he shrugged and headed over towards the entrance. The soldier reached into a pocket in his coat, revealing a timepiece. He was early. Giving a sigh, he continued on. Before being stopped by a trooper.

"Captain?"

Anden turned over towards the trooper that approached him. "Yes?" The fact that he was recognized was a new thing to him. But this was a meeting after all.

The sith trooper gestured over towards the entrance. Making a request. "May I have your identification please?"

The Captain had no choice, this was an important meeting. One he may not belong in. But he complied. Providing his identification to the trooper. And so, another went over to the captain to scan him. No weapons or explosives found. Fancelo was clean. Afterwards, he was provided his identification.

"Come this way sir." The trooper began leading the way. And Fancelo followed.

Eventually the trooper led the Captain to the meeting room, and gestured to a specific chair. He nodded in thanks to the trooper. Taking a seat at the massive table. He saw Lord Admiral Zahori, recognizing her as a sith. He hurriedly rose from his chair and bowed his head. "My lord." He greeted.

Before sitting down once again. He seemed to be the first to arrive. Oh gods.

[member="Darth Athora"] | [member="Kor Vexen"] | [member="Sith Muse"]​

 

[Amaya Cardei]

Kulthis

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Lord Admiral Raaf and Captain Duvnal would be escorted to the room where Denko no doubt would be waiting for them or at least prepared it for such an occasion. Upon entering there was but a lone person, [member="Anden Fancelo"], he was unfamiliar to both Raaf and Duvnal but that was to be expected. Thankfully they would not be alone with the man for long, another guest had arrived Air Marshal Pavanos recently 'recovered' from Concord Dawn. Ishana arrived with no protege to speak of and wore the charcoal gray of the Armada with the gold embroidery of her rank.

Pavanos got a look across the room, there was a kid as far as she could tell and then there was Raaf with what looked to be another victim. "Raaf." The Marshal greeted, her hair pulled up into a tight bun. "I'd say look what the dead brought in, but honestly do you have to pick off every great star of the Armada?"

"Depends on the definition," Raaf shot back and Duvnal realized that she may not be here for anything more than show and that was unnerving at best.

Pavanos tugged at her uniform, "at least this still fits, I think - what about you? Looking a little -" Solid? Pavanos stopped, yeah solid was definitely the way the Lord Admiral was looking these days. "Let me guess, new routine for the wife?"

"Mostly for me, but yes Taeli benefits." Raaf remarked and then looked over at Duvnal, "and if this one's lucky she'll marry up."

"I don't nee-"

Pavanos stopped Duvnal there, "it's not need, trust me."

"At least we can agree on that." Raaf gave a nod of agreement and then looked across at the young man. The Galidraani in the white and gold Lord Admiral's uniform bade him forward. "Please, come forward, introduce yourself."

 

[Anden Fancelo]

Kulthis, Zahorimar, Citadel​

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The 'Outsider' Captain just remained in his seat, keeping to himself. His hands held together in front of his face as his elbows rest on the table. An occasional glance over to the only other member in the table as of now, [member="Darth Athora"], he was not so familiar with the presence of a full sith. The last time he could recall was his time in the Acerbitas, in the battle within Gree's system. A long time ago. His eyes darted to the table as he sat idle.

Eventually, more arrivals would come. The Lord Admiral and Captain Duvnal. Their arrival brought more question as to why Anden was here. He wasn't so... important to be met with such high figures within the Empire's Military. Then Air Marshal Pavanos entered the room. He scratched the back of his head and merely glanced over to the trio. Setting his gaze back to the table. He heavily underestimated himself. But his feelings of self doubt were hidden. At least to some.

After a minute or so, he glanced to the three once more. Only to have his gaze met by the Lord Admiral's, who bade him forward and requested an introduction. It took a moment for the Captain to consider. But he complied, rising from his seat and striding his way over to the three high figures in the Armada. Breaking his long silence.

"I am Captain Anden Fancelo, of the 7th Field Army, Battlegroup VI. I am one of the people that joined the Empire with General Thumahra after the Sovereignty collapsed."

And so the introduction has been made. He later followed.

"Never expected to meet such leaders in the Armada."

[member="Sith Muse"] | [member="Kor Vexen"]​

 

[Darth Athora]

Zahori rose from her chair as her guests began to file in. As they walked in, Zahori listened to their introductions one by one before beginning to speak. Zahori instantly recognized Lord Admiral Raaf from their many previous campaigns alongside one another. Captain Dunval and Captan Fancelo were new faces to Zahori, which was good. Zahori needed to familiarized herself with her fellow officers in the Imperial Armed Forces. The name Pavanos rung a bell, but that was in reference to Darth Avacyn. Perhaps the Sith Lady's lover. Or perhaps a sister. Maybe both.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Zahorimar. It is a pleasure to see that you have found your way here safely and swiftly. I do appreciate you accepting my invitation, as well. This is a time in our Imperial lives where peace is likely as secured as it can be. A time where people like us can take a moment to breath and fully plan our next move. I sent this open invitation out to the officers of the Legion and Armada in order to bring us together in one place in order to speak strategy. To, for a lack of better words, meld our minds. I wish for each of us to be open during this meeting and share stories of battle and how one's mind works. Perhaps, and I hope, that by the end of this, each of us will come out much more wise than when we arrived."

[member="Anden Fancelo"] | [member="Sith Muse"]​