Star Wars OPEN Dark Reach: Episode II – THE STORM OF ONE

IC: Knight Blue Deck'nd/Emte'ir'astov
LOCATION: The Coruscant Pediatric Hospital

The hair on the back of her neck stood up. She felt the warning touch of the one she served. Suddenly, transparateel shards, like enormous daggers from the atrium’s plate windows and wall debris shot out around the room before the explosions came. She saw the children and adults fleeing or dumbfounded, everything before her mind while her eyes saw calm!

Immediately she turned forward to shield the Empress and looked up, her hands raised, deflecting large conduit and pieces of transparateel and duracrete, flying at the children and Ike and at the Empress in great volume and velocity. There was no time to deflect it all, but her hands shot out pushing the collision coming at them. Dust to grist, glass to slice and wall to bury, she pushed it out from whence it had come, but not all of it-SLAMMED! The wind knocked out of her, it seemed an enormous hand smashed her down, with only her armor and the debris of tables and chairs, planters, carts and beings resisting the vice of gravity and the duracrete wall section atop her from completely crushing her and the others weeping and calling out under the piece of wall.

“Master!” she called hoarsely in warning. Eiras could feel the blood seeping from her armor and her conscious mind slipping. Her eyes saw blur, her inner mind saw assassins snaking down from above, she reached out to “touch” in warning the Empress, the knights and then sought stasis. It was one of the first techniques a navigator began to learn...metabolic ...stasis...slowing...heart...brea.th.. “Ch'irci... Bellorum...Vit'cah... en'kin!”

Tag: @Ananta Chetan @Shadowsun
@CosmoHender @pashatemur @HanSolo29 @Lady Belligerent

 

IC Will Tyrell
Courscant

Will could sense that something was wrong, the way the ethereal voice was cut short, the distinct sound of a body hitting the floor. In a flash his shield was raised his saber ignited. His eyes fell on the door to the privy….for Refresher Station, as he heard it be called. His body was tensed, ready for what would come next. Or maybe it wasn't, as the two entrances blew in by some great force he found himself standing still. Surely the opening made away from the main entrance wouldn't be so large as to allow two men shoulder to shoulder? He could have stepped up, planted his shield into the opening and made a valiant stand while Arthur handled the other entrance. But, no, there he stood, like a statue, as a baker's dozen of foes began to circle around each of them carrying a weapon of surprising size.

There was a slight smirk on his face. He and his compatriots were just ornamental after all weren't they? Look at how easily these foes incapasitated them, two explosions and they were frozen in place long enough for them to take positions, and for their leader to embrace their charge. The smirk deepened, any threat that could worry the Emperors, would be insurmountable to people like himself. He was merely a slight impediment, a slight rut in the road to conquest that was easily avoided, a small bug that was so conclusively squished beneath a thumb.

He could only imagine the pain Arthur was feeling, seeing someone lay hands on the Emperor, to make him grimace in pain. There was a hissing sound, that drew Will's attention, an odd cylinder that made him quirk his head a little. As he breathed in something was off. Unbeknownst to him his mask was filtering most of the toxin but some did slip through leaving a foul smell.

"Take you me for a sponge?" He asked no one in particular, though his words were said aloud for all to hear.

He tried to take in his surroundings but his mind was just a little foggy, like when he'd had a few ales, but not too many. The Emperor was stuck and he collapsed to the ground, breathing in the foul air.

What does one do when the air is full of bad humors…

You freshen it…

"Arthur the desk." He called out summoning the force to send the heavy object tumbling backward. It was raw, unfocused power he was drawing on, the exact opposite of how he was trained. Normally he'd be more precise, more considerate with his power. But, at this moment action is what was needed.

He didn't know the window was reinforced, but, even if the desk failed to break through, it would at the very least get some of their aggressors to duck…

TAG: @Silvertough @HanSolo29 @Lady Belligerent

 

IC: Arthur Donvoy
Coruscant

It's happening again.

The singular thought seared itself upon Arthur's mind as he found himself standing paralyzed as enemies of the Empire burst into the room.

You let it happen again

He couldn't move. He was rooted in place, a silent observer of the events unfolding mere feet away. The Emperor, Arthur's sole charge was not only in danger, but an active hostage of fourteen hostiles. Fourteen armed only with simple blaster weapons, nothing excessive. No, one also held what could only be a canister of gas, if the masks were any indication. It should have been easy. They should have died as they entered the room. Yet, there they stood, blaster rifles aimed square at the Emperor's chest, his sworn protectors standing helplessly nearby.

You deserve this, filth.

Why had this happened? Arthur screamed in helpless silence, for he did not know.

When Emperor Graul moved in reckless defiance, something within Arthur finally clicked. His body, fueled from instinct only gained through decades of harsh training, sprang into action.

"Arthur the desk." His compatriot commanded.

"Done." Arthur replied with a low hiss. In tune with Will, Arthur focused the entirety of the blinding shame which had been blazing within into the center of his palm. He rushed forwards, releasing the unfiltered wave of energy into the rear of the desk. Combined with his compatriot's efforts, it would surely tear through the ranks of those unfortunate enough to stand in its path, and out the window.

But that wasn't enough for Arthur. His command over the Force was relatively weak compared to his fellow Knights. It was a new area of combat, unfamiliar to the middle aged knight. He preferred a more tried and true method.

Two rebels had slowly been approaching from the left, their weapons raised in what they could only imagine to be an easy capture of an Imperial Knight. He had, after all allowed them all to enter the Emperor's Office unimpeded. It would not happen again. Upon releasing his Force Push, Arthur spun on his heel and charged shoulder first into the approaching foes. They had weapons he needed, ones he would happily relieve them of. Impact. Catching the two off guard, Arthur slammed into one, tackling him to the ground in a flurry of flailing limbs. The other was sent reeling backwards, momentarily stunned.

Arthur thrust his fist into the exposed throat of the one trapped below his body, the resulting wet squelch a triumphant chorus to Arthur's ears. A beat later, Arthur brought his acquired blaster rifle to bear upon the second rebel. He squeezed the trigger. One shot. The rebel stumbled backwards, a wisp of smoke rising from his forehead. Arthur dug his knee into the gut of the one below him, using the body as an anchor for his following shots.

The Emperor was in danger. Twelve threats remained.

A cold rage fueled Arthur's actions. Both at the indignity the Emperor was being forced to endure, and from his own crushing shame at his inaction. Never again.

Four more shots rang out in rapid succession. Three for the guards surrounding Graul and one for the traitorous Senator.

Never Again.

TAG: @galactic-vagabond422 @HanSolo29 @Lady Belligerent

 

~IC~ Aveline Lawson
Location: Coronation Room - Coruscant

‘What makes us Imperial? Will we lose the next war?’

Thought provoking questions that could have several philosophers pacing about for a few hours to ponder the implications and the outcomes that said questions posed.

Aveline observed the responses as she formulated her own thoughts.

Madelyn was quick off the mark, almost a fanatical loyalty... which makes her dangerous.

Walce, seems to at first want to place the galaxy in a state of fear to drive support to the Empire.

Cera was more thoughtful with her response. At what the Empire should be doing. Should Aveline interject that not all of the Imperial leadership were corrupt?

However, given her own experience, those that she had considered great were often gated at a certain level - preventing them from rising up. While those that have influence, power or manipulative know how - rather than being the right person for the role - were awarded such high positions and prestige. It became a losing battle.

Walce interjected a shift of his original perspective of fear used to maintain obedience and to make systems fall in line... much like what Tarkin had outlined with his doctrine but shifted to external ‘threats’... that just feels like a prolonged recipe for disaster.

This was a test of character. Did it matter what she said? They probably have already profiled them before being selected. An Imperial fanatic, Imperial Aristocrat, Former Jedi and an Imperial Security Bureau agent. Each with their own unique perspective of Palpatine’s reign... was that why they were selected for this meeting out of the other knights?

Now it was expected for her to answer. Not that she had a chance to respond. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up as that instinctual gut feeling told her that something was amiss.

Aveline flinched as the windows blew in. Her gauntlet raised to shield her eyes from the debris while, instinctively, her hand dropped to her holster to draw a blaster - but felt the hilt of her lightsaber instead.

At the back of her mind, Aveline was already taking notes as three hostiles entered the volume.

Crimson red. Hooded. Agile.

As the Senator dropped to the ground, she stepped over and knelt before his prone form. Her blade ignited, hilt level with her abdomen as she went into a defensive stance to protect their objective from the inbound projectiles.

Lightly armoured. Energy weapons. Blades. Force abilities-

With the flick of her wrist, she caught a hail of glass across the length of her blade, melting the remnants into tiny hot globs onto the carpet or against her armour. There was a wet sensation rolling down her cheek. Did something just slip past her guard?


TAG: @Sinrebirth @ConservativeJedi321 @TheSilentInfluence @TheAdmiral

 

IC Charles Brokenborough
Children’s Hopsitial

Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my king, he would not in mine age have left me naked to mine enemies. –Shakespeare


The Force is a peculiar thing.

Charles levitated a section of the falling ceiling in place as an umbrella above them from the downpour of smaller falling debris. His fellow Knights were in similar poses surrounding the Empress. The less one tried, the easier it always was.

Calling his blade to his outstretched hand, the white plasma ignited slicing through the nearest drop-cable. The malcontent grunted, face meeting the floor.

Moving his fingers in the air, Charles coiled the cable around the attacker’s neck with the Force and squeezed until the sounds of cutting flesh and breaking bone could be heard before looking upwards for more.

Releasing the ceiling section to one side, Brokenborugh let his blade move down and through the dangling legs of the nearest descending terrorist.

Then falling back again into a tight formation with his fellow protectors around her Ladyship he experienced a surge of coiling dark energy all around them giving him some foretaste of the Empress’ power.


Tag: @Shadowsun @CosmoHender @pashatemur
@HanSolo29 @Lady Belligerent




Charles moments before the explosion.

 

IC: Kazan Aima
I have a bad feeling about this

Kazan's intuition had been correct, there was something fundamentally wrong at play. Only heightened further by the sensation of concern rising from Bellorum. The hulking, metal frame of Kazan came to bear the brunt of the explosion, acting as a shield to prevent any possible debris from hitting the Emperess, that coupled with Blue's and Charles' efforts she prevent any debris from hitting her. He staggered for a moment as he arose, his eyes coming in and out of focus.

All of them had been knocked away by the force of the explosion. His metal helm came round to focus on Blue, blood was pouring out of their suit. And those eyes, weak eyes from lack of blood to the brain. In an instant Kazan reached for the hilt of his blade, but he did not ignite it, not yet. His helm tilted to view the Empress verifying that she was alright, and then back to the assassins dropping down.

It was odd... the way the assassins were attacking. But there was no time to contemplate on that. His job, their job was to protect the Empress, not figure out why they were attacking like this or even to get in a prolonged fight with them. They needed to leave immediately, especially against an enemy with unknown capabilities. At the very least you got the principal away as soon as possible, no matter the circumstance. There was no taking chances or risks in life and death situations. Minimize risk, that was the name of the game. Kazan viewed Deck'nd again... During his time serving for the Empire, many had assumed that his singular focus on the mission caused him to walk all over his comrades. There was a truth to this... but well, actions speak louder than words.

"Knight Hhat, Knight Brokenborough we need to leave immediately,"

He was sure they knew this already, but when working with a new team confirmation was vital. He then tapped into his comlink.

"Knight Aima requesting immediate backup for Empress Bellorum. I repeat immediate back up for Empress Bellorum" He then gave a brief indication of where they were, his helm then looked to the Empress, from her face and reactions it was as if she was not registering what was happening. No that was not it. She could not hear anything. He pointed an armored finger and arm in the direction of the transports indicating their retreat as he then moved swiftly to Deck'nd. If they were surrounded, which if the enemy was competent they would be, they would need to fight their way out.

He viewed Deck'nd for only a moment, the hulking suit of armor blocking her out of sight as he went to pick up the young Chiss female and then throw her over his shoulder. His frame turned around ready to move swiftly to escape.

TAG: @Ananta Chetan @Lady Belligerent @CosmoHender @pashatemur

 

IC: Sam Hhat

Coruscant Pediatric Hospital

It was not the first time that an explosion had made Sam airborne, but she would be lying if she said that she was used to it. Admittedly she didn't do as good of a job as the other Knights in deflecting the debris that rained down on them, since of the four of them her Force abilities were the least developed. Not that she didn't help, but the other Knights definitely deserved more credit for protecting the Empress from the debris than her.

She landed next to the Empress and soon felt Bellorum grasping her arm. After regaining her senses, Sam quickly made sure that the Empress was alright and even asked for confirmation, but she got no response. It seemed that Bellorum couldn't hear her. She noticed that the Empress was looking up and Sam did the same, spotting the attackers who were dropping down from the ceiling. She then heard the hiss of Bellorum's lightsaber igniting and Sam followed, igniting her own weapon while placing herself in a position so that she could defend the Empress.

The lightsaber still felt strange in her hands, which were far more used to the feel of a blaster.

Amidst the chaos she tried to find the other Knights. Charles had already taken out two of their attackers, while it looked like Kazan had taken the blunt of the explosion by acting as a shield. Sam was honestly impressed that he was still standing. She couldn't see Blue at first, but then Sam heard the youngest Knight's voice calling out for the Empress and she realized that the Chiss girl was trapped underneath a piece of wall. And not only that, she was injured.

Sam's first instinct was to run over to Blue and help her out... but she hesitated, since she knew that she shouldn't leave Bellorum's side. Fortunately, she heard Kazan's voice above the rest of the noise.

"Knight Hhat, Knight Brokenborough we need to leave immediately."

Though that was fairly obvious, Sam agreed nonetheless. She got the attention of the Empress and began leading her toward the transports in retreat while Kazan rescued Blue, much to Sam's relief.

Though just like Kazan, Sam expected that they would probably need to fight their way out.

TAG: @Ananta Chetan @Lady Belligerent @pashatemur @Shadowsun

 

IC: Walce Quia-Vis
8 Years Ago
Borosk

Smack! Bash! Block! Dash!
Walce wasn’t quite acting on instinct yet, though he noticed his body was moving to perform each action a split second before the thought entered his mind.
The lanky teen weaved his way past his burly opponent's last strike and aimed his weapon high aiming to bash in the man's skull.
It didn’t exactly surprise him when the buff Zabrak intercepted the blow with his own staff, but the disappointment was still raw. “I thought you wanted to learn Makashi, kid?” Poka Lobhad sneered at him. “You said it yourself, brute force won’t get past my defense.” Two more powerful strikes landed in the center of Walce’s wooden sparring pole.

Taking a breath, he ducked under his mentor's next blow and took the opportunity to retreat ten paces. Poka scowled at him, the middle-aged man didn’t approve of retreat as a general rule, but he liked it even less since he knew Walce was using it to cover up for his inexperience naturally switching forms.
Mentally re-sorting himself, the young human observed his surroundings carefully. At 14 he was already half a head taller than his stout mentor, but he knew better than to think that to be an advantage. It just meant he had more to defend.
The sparring yard was a large dirt and rock field surrounded by pillars, his parents stood on the far end observing mutely, offering not even the faintest hint concerning their approval or disapproval of their hired mercenaries' methods.

It took him only a second to refocus. He set one foot in front of the other as he held his weapon out in one hand as if to invite the attack his opponent was already leveraging at his side.

Parry, strike, cut, weave.
Walce saw a brief opening where he thought he might just manage a shiim mark near his opponent's forearm, but as he positioned his weapon to take advantage of that, Poka turned. His mark missed, and he was sailing through the air because he over committed to it. Pulling back to stop himself, he felt the vibration just as his enemy's staff knocked his own weapon from his grasp.
He knew what would come next, Poka instantly turned his Sun Djem strike into a Shiak stab.
The teen quickly twisted away and threw himself to the ground, clambering for his makeshift sword.
Just as his hand grasped the carved pommel of the weapon he heard a whistling sound, instantly jumping to his feet, he just barely managed to ward off the two fist-sized meditation stones his mentor had tossed at him.

For the briefest second Walce felt a sense of pride, not only had he avoided his teacher’s coup de gras, but he had managed to deflect two projectiles while in the heat of combat, a feat he had never fully achieved before.

Then he heard the loud thwacking sound and felt his knee’s slide out from under him. “Gaaaaaahhhhr!” He cried, dropping his weapon and covering the black and blue welt that had been produced from Poka’s strike at his right shin.
“That wasn’t fair….” He murmured more to himself than anyone else.

“You incompetent little rat.” The dirty mercenary spat. “No enemy you will ever face will ever play fair; I can promise you that much!” He let the teen to seethe on the ground. “If you don’t use every trick in your arsenal, every dirty move you got, you won’t make it a week in the real world!”

The tears on the boy's cheek quickly dried as another surprise overwhelmed him. Besides the overwhelming disappointment and anger emanating from Poka, he also felt something else… sadness from his father. Looking over to his parents the feeling quickly dissipated, but its very existence left Walce dumbfounded. The old man had always been so reserved, so self-controlled. Never before in all his years had he been able to passively tell what his father was feeling, usually not even when he tried unless Etern really wanted him to.

Did Poka feel that too? If he did, he made no obvious indication of it, though his own voice cooled a couple moments later.
“At very least you need to stop hesitating with the force.” The Zabrak spoke more calmly now. “You could have easily held back those rocks with your mind while at the same time blocking my last strike.”
A brief pause followed his lecture, and finally the Zabrak turned and made a quick pace out of the yard.
“Lessons over for today. I need a drink.”

- Present-
Coruscant, Coronation Hall

The lightsaber now in the sheath at his belt was a very different weapon than the wooden staves of his youth, or even the various viro-blades he used as a mercenary. Even so he never hesitated even for a second upon hearing the shattering of glass. The silver pommel fit squarely in his hand, and he pointed the white beam of light at their three on-coming foes’, each of whom launching projectiles at the huddled knights: glass, knives, and arrows came barreling towards their direction at a breakneck pace.

Of those threats that were launched in his direction, the arrows were the most immediate threat to his own wellbeing, and so he put his primary focus on redirecting those first and expected to take any periphery damage from the other projectiles that had been more directed at those next to him.

With a conscious thought the first arrow was nudged over his head and into the wall behind, making a thwacking sound as it collided. The next was intercepted low by his blade, and the one after that he redirected into the ground as he launched forward. Not even a single glass shard had grazed him, which he quickly realized was because the Knight that had been silent up until now had managed to take a proactive, defensive stance, and absorbed it with her blade before it had gotten near any of them.

She had also moved to stand near the fallen senator, who was their charge to protect, whatever Walce may have thought of that. Deflecting one more arrow, he pressed towards his own attacker, the woman quickly brought a long knife to bear, and attempted to ward him off, but his blade quickly sliced the weapon from her grasp. To his chagrin she did not seem concerned, and instead ducked low, offering a powerful kick at his shin. The Human successfully twisted away from this strike and brought the beam of his blade down on her arm. Walce saw the white blade burn a path just under her elbow, and the warrior stifled a scream. Still, she had enough composure to pull away before his lightsaber could successfully leave her limbless.

The Knight wanted to see what his allies were doing, he fully expected them to have gone on the offensive against the other assassins, but just as he began to turn, the woman that had been sparring with him a moment ago threw a small viro-blade that nearly pierced his neck. It was more raw instinct, than the force that led him to raise his own weapon and intercept the projectile before it pierced him. All the same, it was far closer than it should have been. The wounded woman had her bow drawn again, having retreated ten paces.

Then she went to town.
In the next five seconds he blocked twelve more purple arrows, mostly with his lightsaber but some were redirected with the force as well. Fatigue was creeping into his arms, and Walce needed to close the distance fast. Keeping his eyes locked on the psychopath with a bow, he noticed a fuzzy image out of the corner of his eye. One of his assailants' companions was making a move for the Senator. Whether it was to kill, maim, kidnap or whatever he did not know, and if the other Knight was still at the senator's side hopefully, she could ward the attacker off. Even so, Walce couldn’t take any chances.

Putting more trust in the force than he had at any point in his recent memory, he rushed his own attacker. As he kicked her in the side, one of her purple blasts exploded on the armor covering his right shoulder, but he had already flung his blade through the air, to bisect Apolin’s attempted assailant before she got close enough to cause any harm.
Too late Walce realized, this move left him completely defenseless for what would come next. The attacker he had downed was now crouched low and had successfully hooked her own heel behind his legs, dropping him in an instant.

Tags: @Sinrebirth, @Corellia's Dream, @TheAdmiral, @TheSilentInfluence

 

IC: Soliloquy
Atrisia, Core Worlds

The planet Atrisia was going to be a fun one. He had chosen to once more take the guise of Barrow due to the human centric world he was traveling to, although with any guise and life there are always things and quirks that you just cannot adjust for without having prior knowledge.

At present it had not rejoined the galactic community, and it was fairly likely not to. It was one of those little self important worlds that had high histories and feelings of import without any true lingering vestiges to truly show any real lingering power. Still, the people felt entitled.

Checking his instruments he could see he was getting a response and that it was coming from the Golan III battle station. Which oddly felt to merely have some three dozen aboard, not to mention that it was the sole armed vessel in orbit above Atrisia. Answering the comm he was greeted cordially enough.

"Welcome to the Atrisian Commonwealth. I am Controller Kya, of the Atrisian Commercial Combine." Darkness preserve us from the sickeningly brown nosed. "What can I do for you, Lord Barrow?"

"Greetings Controller Kya. I am Mister Barrow. Head of Lord Soliloquy's staff or majordomo if you so prefer. I am here on business to peruse artwork and ancient relics for his Lordship." stating it with a somewhat forced air of grim acceptance for the mis-title and further questions about his trip to the world.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Cera Tan
Coruscant, Coronation Hall

Before the last member of their group of Knights could tell her views on the Empire they were attacked by a trio of crimson clad figures. Palpatine’s royal guards!? No, they did not wear their usual helmets and were not as agile…

Besides she could tell they were female and Cera had never heard of women serving in the Royal Guards. Though given their armors, robes and helmets it was hard to tell without the Force.

Their weapons and stances looked familiar. There was some fringe group of Dark Side practitioners the Jedi encountered during the Clone Wars. Some sort of witches or something like that?

That meant they were Force users. Which also meant that they were dangerous. Cera reached for her saber. It was weird using one since after…

****************

During Order 66

Cera was making progress through the grassy fields of Lothal. She was trying to find the ancient Jedi Temple. Her mission to find Force artefacts before they fell in Dooku’s hands had brought her and her group to this remote planet.

Well, now that he was dead, to avoid falling in the hands of Grievous or whoever was pulling the strings.

The locals were suffering some economic woes and at first thought that the Republic finally came to their aid were crestfallen to find out that she came only with one Dreadnaught and a handful of soldiers.

Her heart ached for them, but her mission was far too important. Especially after the attack on Coruscant had been repulsed.

“What are we looking for General?” came Rem’s voice. The Clone Commander assigned to her, with whom she had shared a lot of moments.

“Not exactly sure…” she sighed. The texts mentioned a Jedi Temple, but all she could see were open fields and some rocks.

The Clone was getting silent. Cera was too distracted to notice that Rem and the other Clones were switching to internal comms.

“Maybe we should get back to the ship. Need to check the texts again…” Cera heard the familiar clack of the blasters being raised and powered up. She frowned, was there something dangerous, some animal perhaps?

“It will be done, Milord.” was the only thing she heard and a stream of blue blaster fire erupted towards her! That must have been a mistake! The Clones were firing at her!

Rem was firing at her!

Her warrior instincts kicked in and she managed to deflect some of the shots and killed a soldier. She had been outnumbered. Cera needed to reach the speeder bikes! Get back to the Dreadnaught. Her squad had been compromised!

Ready to swing her saber when a blast caught in the middle splitting the hilt in half. It was time to run…

***************

She got wounded in that fight, passed for dead as she fell into a deep hole. Spent some time in the wilderness. Then was able to escape before the Empire came.

The rest… the rest was history. She needed to focus on the moment. This new lightsaber… her past colliding…

She hesitated for a split second then activated the weapon with a snap-hiss. Cera had always wanted a silver colored blade…

“Take the Senator away. I will keep them occupied.” she turned her head towards the others before she charged the trio assassins.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @Corellian_Outrider @ConservativeJedi321 @TheSilentInfluence

 

OOC: A touching moment with @Sinrebirth before the inevitable storm

IC: Iudex and Shimmer

A faint smirk spread across Iudex's lips as he saw the all to familiar doorway Shimmer was leading them through. Six months ago, he would objected, thrown out all sorts of vapid reasons to leave him alone. Maybe he had simply run out of excuses this time. Iudex shut the door behind them and turned to find his lover doing something rather unusual, creating a dialogue.

Raising an eyebrow, Iudex summoned a chair of his own from across the room and sat down. He studied Shimmer's face for a moment, curious on what had spurned this recent development. Maybe their relationship had finally become something more than carnal pleasures. It would be a nice change of pace, if nothing else.

Iudex steepled his fingers underneath his chin, organizing his thoughts. "I do want you to come with me." He began. "As Lord Hunger and I agreed upon, this is most likely a trap. Could use all the help we can get. As for the young Azathoth.. As the Emperor's son, he has quite the boots to fill. Lot of pressure riding on this mission's success. I wouldn't think too much on it.."

He omitted that he shared similar concerns over Azathoth's outbursts. It was unbecoming of a Sith, especially now, when everything had been going so well for them all as of late. Another set of eyes on the man would be helpful.

"Perhaps this is rather selfish of me, But.. I would also like you to remain by my side.." Iudex said quietly in a rare display of vulnerability. "I know you've had.. concerns about my well-being over the past six months.. Concerns that I've recently found myself sharing.."

He had found himself in a curious position within the Sith. His entire motivation had been birthed out of a maddening need for revenge against the Knights of Ren. But now, they were dead, all of them. Their leader's lightsaber now hung from Iudex's own belt as a trophy. Was he still loyal to Insipid's Order? Absolutely, with every fiber of his being. But yet.. Deep within, there was a tiny, insignificant wriggling spirit of self-doubt, asking "Why? Why am I still here?" Privately, he was hoping this mission to Exegol, or wherever it would eventually take them, would once more instill within him some sense of driving purpose to go on. He needed it, more than anything else.

Iudex offered Shimmer a faint smile, one that, for the briefest of moments, betrayed how tired he truly felt.

Shimmer cupped his face in her hand, studying it with clear eyes and open thoughts. She was very rarely this open with anyone else, having developed a sarcastic quality to shear off the words of others to the side, or even turn them against them.

Not with him, though.

With him, it was different.

"Well, you killed everyone you wanted to kill, so no surprises you're a little lost." In she went with the words. "And even then, we killed Snoke, who was behind the guys who killed your guys." Her language was lazy, but her voice was soft. "And to be a Sith is to be worn down, I'm starting to realise, by all the kark that gets thrown your way, especially by other Sith."

A slight chuckle. "If Master Soliloquy happened to be a normal human, I'd still think he was old because of just how tired he is of other Sith and their hijinks. I think Lord Insipid personally irks him to his very Croke core, to be honest."

"But you're here, I'm here, and that's enough for me." She leaned forward to kiss him. "Razzing Azy is the icing on the cake." A smirk.

"Maybe that's all this is.. The anticipation for what's next." Iudex gave her hand a little squeeze of appreciation as he returned the kiss. It would be so easy to steer the conversation away from his inner turmoil. It was far easier to focus on the troubles of the many, more convenient to bury it all away, to acknowledge one's worries only when they needed fuel for the fire of combat.

So what was a warrior to do without a war?

He chuckled pensively. "I think I need the hijinks, the constant outside threats of annihilation. It's all I've known for near half my life, feels like. It was easy to imagine, to daydream what life might be like once it's all over, because with our nature, my nature, I knew that it couldn't happen."

Iudex's grip around Shimmer's hand tightened as his eyes hardened. "You've given me a taste of what that dream could feel like. I would like to experience it again, after all this.." The words came out awkwardly, almost unwillingly free of his characteristic deception. For the first time in what felt like years, the fate of the Sith faded from the forefront of his mind, replaced simply by this warm, private moment they shared.

"You're here, I'm here.. That's enough for me." He repeated softly, lightly pressing his forehead against hers.

"Well, while we have the room..." she smiled softly, her forehead touching his. "I'm sure we could increase Azy's annoyance with us if we delay him... or perhaps we should take some time on the trip? That'll be extra awkward."

Shimmer grinned. It was very clear just how much she loved him. There was that carnal edge, yes, but also the genuine warmth, a playful nature that delighted in nothing more or less than the simple pleasure of drawing a genuine smile from Iudex.

Iudex chuckled, a warm smile spreading across his lips. "I think the young Lord has enough on his plate to fuss over, hm? Who knows, the man could be downright pleasant if he were to relax a little." He said, before turning his gaze reluctantly over to the door. As much as he wanted this moment to last, to push back against the responsibilities that lay snarling and clawing at the door for just a few minutes longer, he simply couldn't. Just wasn't how he was wired in the end.

Iudex idly stroked Shimmer's cheek, a content look in his eyes. "Let's not keep the man waiting love, someone's got to temper his indignation, and I doubt Lord Hunger'll volunteer himself.."

Tags: @Sinrebirth @darthbernael @Shadowsun

 

IC: Madelyn Linnett
Courscant

Madelyn turned her head away as glass shattered throughout the room, hand instinctively going to her blade as she moved in front of the senator to protect him. Her red blade came to life as she took up a protective stance, and used her lightsaber to send their attack back. She breathed slowly as she stared at the night sisters. Assasins.

"You're either very bold or very stupid." Madelyn said quietly, ready to fight. "To go up against trained Sith." She loosened her grip and kept an eye on them. Maybe they are a bit of both.

She heard Cera and nodded at her to let her know she heard. "She's right Senator. You're safety is our priority. I can escort you out of here and we can find a safer location to fight. It is too open in here." Madelyn reached down and helped him up, protecting his body with hers and a little bit of the force.

Tag: @Sinrebirth @Corellian_Outrider @TheAdmiral @ConservativeJedi321

 

OOC: A combo with @darthbernael

IC: Bernael and Azathoth
Final Preparations

Bernael shook his head as the gathering split apart, Azathoth stalking over toward the craft they could choose from to begin their mission. He could feel the younger man’s energy, his anger. It drew a sigh from the old Anzati. He often forgot the problems of youth, then he had to snort, to him most beings in the galaxy were youths. His age, his own path, often too didn’t hide but made him indifferent to or not paying attention to some of the smaller things. He turned to follow but a whisper, a thought intruded into his mind.

He was annoyed at the intrusion. There were very few beings that could do so. He paused, letting the thoughts and visions it sent wash over him. That Hekate was in danger was not too much of a surprise. He’d asked where she intended to go and she’d possibly not checked all the intelligence they had before she chose.

She could die. Then what will you be?

His eyebrows rose as he realized he recognized the voice. He knew that being and he owed that being a death, a final one. ’Inexor, you are a fool…I now know you are here and that I can finally put paid a debt. As to Hekate, she is a Sith Lord and I know she can handle the situation. Fool I name you twice and Fool I name you thrice, sealing the truth.’ he sent after the trail of the voice.

A dark smile crossed his face as he began to move. It was only a couple moments before he joined Azathoth. ”I know you’re a bit miffed in how I addressed you but it was needed to get us all moving. And…I may have some intel that can help or at least warn us.”

Azathoth looked to the three shuttles, a happy distraction from the conversation before. He contemplated briefly the list of benefits and weaknesses of each. What would be best suited for their mission and how best the three...

Right.

He cast a half glance to Shimmer in the distance. And then back towards Bernael who was now speaking to him. Azathoth looking to the Anzat.

"I wish your inappropriate addressal of me was the chief of my concerns." He said with wave of his hand, turning back to view the hanger. His issue with Shimmer was not a matter of trust. He had little suspicion that she was indeed a spy, though the possibility was not zero. No, it was about security and not about trust. It irritated him that if it had been the two Emperors and the Emperess on a mission that only they were to enact such as this it was it would be clear that Shimmer just turning up would likely be met with a raised eyebrow and a firm dismissal. This was no different in Azathoth's mind.

"Shimmer should not be coming on the mission Circle Lord Bernael. If she chooses to tail us that is not a reason she should be allowed to tag along, and she should know that such a move would just place herself and Circle Lord Iudex at risk. I cannot bring myself to allow one that is reckless and imprudent to jeopardize this mission. It is her judgment that is now called into question based on her actions and her responses. Even if she is well skilled."

He had needed a moment to think before he responded as he did. He could not respond in his anger. Not at this moment. He was curious if Bernael could quell his concerns, ever watching over his shoulder.

"This intel. What is it?"

Bernael had nodded slightly as Azathoth had vented about Shimmer. He understood the young Lord’s concerns but he also knew how things would turn out with Soliloquy’s apprentice. It had before and probably would again. But that would be something that Azathoth would have to take care of himself, if it became an issue and he would want to see how he dealt with it.

Shaking his head for a moment, a dark chuckle emerged. ”I believe that someone, one I have known in the past, has allowed his hand to begin to be shown. Tell me, do you know the name of a Sith called Darth Inexor, and if so, who he was associated with?”

Azathoth viewed Bernael slightly for a moment, viewing the shaking of his head as Azathoth then looked back towards the shuttles. So he still thought it was okay.

Hmm.

Azathoth looked down at his metal arm, flexing the fingers one by one in idle thought. His mind shifted through his studies of the Sith of old.

"Inexor, one of Krayt's men. What makes you think that Darth Inexor is alive?"

A nod, ”I would know that voice anywhere, he and I have…history. His soul is mine to end for eternity. But he believes he has a hold on me, due to that history. And if he is here…”

Bernael nodded slightly, ”It adds complications. But, Azathoth you do have the final say in our compliment and if you say Shimmer does not come that is your choice. I cannot say if it will mean she doesn’t follow or join us, she is…persistent.”

Azathoth mused slightly, tilting his head. That did complicate things.

"She can come... but your eye Circle Lord Bernael, as it watches over me so too I ask it watches over Shimmer," That's all we would say on the matter, for now. He was not thrilled about the prospect... recklessness unnerved him, too much risk... but if...

"If Inexor is alive does that mean that Krayt is too? At least in your mind?"

Dealing with the triple threat of Palpatine, Luke Skywalker, and now potentially Darth Krayt... Well, Luke was his father's problem, not his. Azathoth felt ill at ease, there was much outside his grasp. So many little pieces floating in the air, it was proving a nuisance at how complicated things were getting.

Bernael’s smile, behind the mask, was thin lipped. ”I am to not just watch over you alone. Admittedly, it is somewhat…difficult to fulfill the brief the Emperor gave me as there are just the four of us here, the remainder back on Coruscant.” He sighed, ”I do, suspect, others are to ensure that group remains on track, which I have a niggling feeling about, but we shall see.”

He thought for a moment about Inexor, ”Inexor does not have the power, ability, to have come to this time, or timeline possibly, on his own. Something tells me that we have yet another major threat that is beginning to rear its head. Or,” his head tilted to the side considering recent events, ”perhaps finally more coming out of the shadows.”

"Timeline..." Azathoth's mind echoed with what Palpatine had told him what he wanted to achieve. Echo in the Force... a being that could transverse realities. Was it possible that Palpatine had brought Inexor into this time? A single Sith alone seemed unlikely. If it was indeed true.

But there were other ways to cross realities. Azathoth knew that well. He looked to the three shuttles again, with so many threats stealth was of paramount importance.

"The Lambda shuttle should serve us well, it would be prudent if what you say is true,"

”Well…if I am correct, we shall soon be experiencing more.” A chuckle broke off, ”Although, my explanation would also explain the Sith who assisted Iudex and Shimmer at Chandrila then disappeared. That would have been Darth Wyyrlok IV then, another of Krayt’s lieutenants.”

He glanced at the Lambda shuttle, ”A mix of speed, stealth, armament, and armor. Probably the best choice overall in that case, yes.” he mused. ”These new foes…if they are there they will do their all to divide us, to make us betray each other, or simply try to strike us down or weaken us, at any opportunity they get.”

Azathoth's eyes remained looking to the Shuttle, listening to Bernael's words. It was certainly possible that this was someone else impersonating this 'Inexor', such a thing was known to happen. But the possibility was firmly logged into Azathoth's mind. Enemies from another timeline... a troubling prospect.

"I'm glad you agree... these potential new foes... yes a harrowing possibility. We must stay vigilant Circle Lord Bernael, with so many enemies... having one to watch your back is a welcome gift,"

He turned to view the man, his sith-colored eyes glinting at the mask Bernael wore.

"I trust almost no-one Circle Lord Bernael, such is my nature as you know already. But I can respect someone's power, their skill, their prowess... but what I seek most of all is their judgment. A far more difficult quality to come by."

He turned his head back towards the shuttle.

"I do not expect Circle Lord Iudex to give me an honest answer which is why I ask you this. Shimmer's judgment. Do you respect it? Can you vouch for her judgment?"

”To begin, let us get this out of the way, you know and acknowledge that I am a Circle Lord, you need not include the title every time we speak, it will grow tedious otherwise.” Bernael said, in a dry, wry tone.

”Next, yes, I know what has been asked of me,” he chuckled, ”by more than one, and I will observe and be vigilant. For all our sakes.”

He hummed for a moment, talons rasping over the featureless mask, ”As to Shimmer. She does have her own priorities, ones that may not always be in line with our own but she is nothing but persistent, especially if it involves Iudex. Which is, in a way, as Hekate is with me, when she has the opportunity.”

His fingers curled into a fist then lowered, ”I doubt that Shimmer has traitorous, ulterior motives, but she is Sith and therefore could have those buried deeply. Her judgement, that I’ve seen, is related to Iudex and ensuring they survive, that their relationship deepens.”

Azathoth turned around once more his sharp, sith-colored eyes looking to the featureless mask.

"Circle Lord Bernael... I did not ask if Shimmer is traitorous, what her priorities are or what her judgment is related to. Answer my question."

His eyes glinted, for whatever reason Azathoth insisted on addressing Bernael and Iudex for that matter by their title each and every time.

"From what you have seen of Shimmer can you vouch for her judgment? Do you respect it?"

Bernael let the corner of his mouth turn up in a smile. ”You’re asking one of the five that rule the Sith whether I trust the judgement of an Apprentice? Do you not see the irony in that?” Thinking for a moment, ”What I know of her judgement is that she will do all she can to aid, to help Iudex. Whether that furthers the mission or not, it is what I believe she will do. And, with your skepticism, I believe she will question your decisions even more. She is a strong willed and persistent woman and will work to complete the task we have set ourselves.” he said slowly as he thought through the best way to respond to Azathoth.

"You ask me to drop your title, to reduce the formality between us, and yet you cannot listen to my question."

He looked to Bernael, studying his featureless mask once more, an almost look of disdain on Azathoth's face as they stood there in silence for a moment.

​

"The only irony I see is that you were the one assigned to watch and listen over me and yet you cannot do that," spoke Azathoth, his eyes remaining resolute in their near disgust.

"Respect and trust are not the same thing, Circle Lord Bernael. Which is why I did not ask you if you trusted her judgment but if you respected it."

He tilted his head and tapped his chin.

"For I do not trust you but I do respect you. So I ask one final time. Her judgment. Her ability to not be reckless and not put the group in danger. Intentionally or otherwise, and not her intentions as you have described to me so eloquently and which I already know. Nay her situational judgment. Do you respect it?"

There was another pause.

"A simple yes or no will suffice,"

A slight sense of amusement, tempered by a serenity of sorts, as well as the Circle Lord’s own annoyance drifted from Bernael. The silver of his eyes dulled to a grey tinged with black. ”Despite your birth, Azathoth, I do not simply watch over you, arrogance alone assumes that.”



His posture appeared nonthreatening, or as nonthreatening as what and who he was could appear, as he faced Azathoth. ”Presuming to make demands is a poor way to begin this ‘adventure’. I choose, prefer, to remain impartial but will make and keep my own judgments on each, until requested by Lord Insipid to be passed on confidentially. Unless,” This time humor was the dominant emotion that seemed to come from him, ”he wishes it to be…public.”

“Of those involved, I trust Iudex’s judgement most, I shall say, but that is based on joint experiences.” He admitted. ”Now, do you plan on asking more questions that I do not plan on answering directly or shall we ensure the shuttle is prepared with all that may be needed?”

A broad, sardonic smile spread across Azathoth's face.

​

"Oh, I get it..." Azathoth began laughing, a maddening hysterical laugh.

​

This went on for several moments as his glee roiled in the Force. His sadistic laugh billowed outwards from him, echoing in the space they were in.

"You threaten me with that?" His laugh echoed once more before finally subduing into the sardonic smile.

"Very well Bernael, if you want to be so familial. I think I now understand why my father respects you so."

He tilted his head in further amusement. "Twist my words all you like, it no longer aggravates me. Keep watch then Bernael, perform your duty so amicably. But on this mission, you cannot simply just keep watch. For there will come a time when you must act.

I doubt father would be very pleased if you return with the corpses of Iudex, of Shimmer, of myself simply because you were so ever dutifully bound to keeping watch. So do not pretend, do not lie to yourself that you are some passive entity. For you cannot simply watch. Every question I ask of you is for the success of this mission, of this singular goal we have been entrusted with. But no Bernael. Oh, ever mysterious Bernael. Stay silent. The watcher that allows failure to slip by..."

Azathoth then began laughing again, his eyes glinting as he viewed Bernael.

"If you wish to address and reference my ties in an inappropriate manner... then how about we go the other way, shall we? Will you simply watch when Hekate and your children face impossible odds that even she cannot face alone? You'll simply be a passive watcher... always watching... Does your love triumph your duty? Or do you pick and choose where you act and where you watch?

Do not delude yourself Bernael you are no impartial observer. For you cannot aid in this mission if you are to act impartial, to act with neutrality.... neutrality? Such a foreign concept to a Sith. I asked you here to advise, to lend your strength, for your sage wisdom of over two millennia. My father, as you so like to point out, asked you to watch... the two are not mutually exclusive Bernael. You can watch and advise me"

Azathoth eyes looked to Bernael.

"Well Lord Pride, come then I do not want you to miss the show...come view us complete this mission"

The emotions that Bernael had been allowing to roll free suddenly ceased, there was nothing to read in him. He was still as a statue, his eyes faded back to silver. He didn’t move and that, that absolute stillness of being with not even a heartbeat or breath noticeable, was something that had unnerved many over the millennia.

A toneless voice emerged, ”I have not and will not threaten. Nor will I claim the title that I suspect will be yours when you earn it. I am, however, Lord Hunger so if the mission requires I doubt that Lord Insipid would bat an eye if I returned alone.”

“It is ironic that you attempt the same ploy that Inexor just attempted. I have buried more beings that I actually care about than you’ll ever know and yet I remain. Hekate is Sith and if she cannot overcome the odds she faces, in such a situation, then I will add her to the list of those etched into my memory for eternity.”

Now he did move, only to turn, half facing away from the younger Sith. ”I will act as and when I see it necessary. You wish advice, if it were possible, you should ask Vyatoris what Hunger means.”

A dry, toneless chuckle sounded, ”But now that your own annoyance at Shimmer’s flippancy has been replaced with the annoyance you have at me, perhaps we shall complete this mission after all. That went better than I planned.” His silver eyes shone, the black borders a flat color against that shine.

"Not replaced... compiled with, added to," spoke Azathoth with the same sardonic smile. "Oh, the twists and turns never cease do they oh ever prideful Bernael. Overestimating your own worth to Insipid... he who watches the watcher. I know of this Vyatoris already, such an inept and poor comparison. No singular Sith gets to act with utter impunity Bernael not even you."

Azathoth began to laugh again. The delusion of Bernael. It brought him endless humor.

"What use to the mission are you if you act only when you wish to? You and Shimmer make quite the pairing. Blinded by Pride, perhaps all Sith are blinded by it. When it comes down to the moment, to the absolute cause when I ask you to do something... life and death hanging in the balance... I cannot rely on the whim of a prideful Circle Lord. One who is too proud to do as I ask of him for the success of this singular purpose, this singular goal. You are true as you have hinted even less use than that of Shimmer, so utterly deluded by the purpose you have twisted onto yourself."

He tilted his head in further amusement, his head laughing once more.

"We are going to die... doomed by the pride of Sith who are unwilling to conform to what must be done, what is needed to be accomplished..."

Azathoth's hands clasped his knees, his laughter echoing once more almost ceaseless... the laughter of madness. An unwavering, sadistic laugh.

His eyes glinted to Bernael. He could see it, the test before Azathoth.

​

"Bernael I will show you what must be needed to be done. For I am not like you... you say that I am one that is prideful? I am not without pride... but in comparison to yours, I am a mere speck of dust... For you still fail to understand me Bernael... I am the one that seeks to end problems, risks, threats... and I will do whatever is nessaracy. Shimmer and yourself have already proven to be unbending, uncompromising in your pride, in your arrogance in your worth to Insipid."

"So then Bernael Obey or Lead for you cannot sit in this position where you try to play both. You refuse to do as I ask... for the good of this cause, to aid in the threat of stopping Palpatine... so lead us then... does that not make it simpler for you?"

Azathoth laughed again. He knew this was precisely not what Insipid wanted and Bernael knew that too.

"For I will swallow my pride Bernael unlike you. I am willing to do what must be done. To obey and do what is needed, unlike you. So choose Bernael. Obey or Lead. I do not care as long as the mission is accomplished,"

There was an authenticity to Azathoth's words, he was completely serious.

At this Bernael smiled, the mask still making his face seem impassive. ”Oh I do know Insipid would relieve me of myself if I thought above my station. You were tasked to lead this mission but at the same time you have yet to understand that to lead, especially those that are your superiors in the Order, is to herd Loth cats. You chose not to take the Tests to be where I am and I do know you have the strength but you do not now have the authority, even as one to lead a mission, to make demands of a Circle Lord. A leader doesn’t demand, they use subtle influence to have their wishes followed.”

He turned now, fully away from Azathoth, taking the first few steps away, ”A leader that believes that demands work soon finds themselves a leader without those willing to follow where they lead. The Sith, of course, get away with demands because those of lower station realize that to press one of higher is to court destruction. But that of course often ends in a much reduced Order. You forget I’ve seen it happen so many times. I wish you luck, young Azathoth, if Iudex will accede to demands.” He began to head towards his quarters, whether to prepare or to decide what else would be needed to be done he did not say.

Azathoth tilted his head, the smile reducing somewhat. He tilted his head, looking up at the ceiling.

To Azathoth what Bernael said was... somewhat true. But Azathoth's point was that in the moment, in the heat of a situation one needed to obey. Or else you died. Subtle influence was useless when facing a threat that could kill you in an instant. Bernael spoke of political leadership... Azathoth of combat, situationally leadership. To him, Bernael and Shimmer were proving that they would not listen when it came down to the heat of the moment. Bernael proved it in this very moment when Azathoth gave him a very clear choice and utterly refused to answer.

So he would in turn when it came to the do or die situation. The time when Azathoth would need Bernael to do something... what if he refused as he did now? That created risk, the great possibility of death.

Azathoth looked down at his metal arm. He was not ready to lead. None of them respected him yet, there was little use trying to explain his rationale for something when this was the response he was met with. But at the end of the day, Insipid had placed Azathoth in charge of this mission. And if Bernael respected Insipid he would know there was a reason for it, a reason why Azathoth was behaving this way.

Azathoth sighed, the smile now gone entirely from his face. He looked to his mechanical arm, the legacy of his battle with Snoke.

He knew he was being abrasive to both Bernael and Shimmer... neither of them could stomach Azathoth being placed to lead by Insipid. But could they not even respect Insipid's judgment? This was not the realm of politics... if it were Azathoth would be acting very differently.

Respect... he was too new to the Sith, it was too early to lead. He thought they would be able to swallow their pride and that they would know there was a reason Insipid had placed him here. But maybe he was wrong...

Azathoth then moved to the shuttle, his mind resolute. He still needed to prove himself... but both Shimmer and Bernael... nay... Pride... Shimmer and Pride were acting far too foolishly.

He wandered over to the shuttle, tilting his head for a moment in thought.

He did not know what to do... Bernael was too old, too used to the slow movements and being allowed to do whatever he wanted. Shimmer too use to getting to do whatever she desired... both of these things aggravating Azathoth.

But how was Bernael so utterly blind? What he just said now, it did not even apply to this situation. Well... no it did not apply to the future situation that Azathoth had described... but here, now... well that was the realm of 'politics' as Bernael described. Azathoth clenched his fist.

Azathoth sighed, so be it. Azathoth needed to evolve, but there was still a fundamental issue here. He then turned to the Bernael that was wandering away, grabbing a half-inch thick needle from within his robes.

"Bernael!" called Azathoth, attempting to grab his attention. He then took the needle and plunged it through his only flesh and blood hand.

"You ask me to lead and I ask you to advise and yet you will not... you said it yourself... Krayt and his crew will attempt to divide us. Let us not allow them to do so. I demand that you do your job Bernael as you demand that I lead,"

Azathoth's eyes shone with a fiery determination, an almost maddening look in his eyes. Every word spoken with equal passion.

"I asked you here to advise and assist and you have been tasked to watch. I ask that do as I say so we can succeed for whether you like it or not I was placed as leader of this mission. And when we face the grand threat that awaits us each of you will need to act as is commanded or we will die"

"And I swear on my blood, the blood that runs from Insipid... that we will achieve victory. Will you join me in it?"

Bernael paused as he strode away at the call from Azathoth’s lips. He turned slightly, head cocked to the side, as he listened to the young Sith speak. The corner of his lips turned up, on one side, as he listened, even as his eyes remained firm in their glance.

His eyes tracked the blood that dripped to the floor, a toneless chuckle at that, at the waste of blood. Looking back up to Azathoth, ”I may be ancient, may not be one to act directly, I am no warrior after all. Which is why your father trusts that I will do as I do.”

Stepping closer to the young human, ”I will assist you, yes, if only to keep your father from being…annoyed…that I allowed his son to do something rash, on his own. And you, as leader, must trust that there are occasions where I will act in a way that is not as you expect or is possibly counter to your order because I do see the other path. It may happen and you must realize that.”

He sighed, ”We must discover and end this threat so that it does not hang over our heads as the other threats rear their heads, though. So yes, I will work with you.”

Azathoth smiled, this logic... yes the logic Bernael was speaking now he could agree with.

"If we end in victory so be it, that is all I desire."

TAG: @Sinrebirth @darthbernael

 

IC: Lord Hekate
Location: Face to face with Fraff

The last thing Hekate was expecting was for her ship to taken out by a sonic weapon. Her head hurt like hell when she came to, wait? Were her children safe? They were fussy, but unharmed. Catching her breath, she held them close. She could see the energy field, and the Zabrak speak to her.

"Who are you?"

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

IC Will Tyrell
Courscant

The desk careened through the window, only taking one attacker with it, though they did meet with a grizzly end. Taking the opportunity William rushed towards the armed assailants, shield gauntlet lit up. Before one of the thugs could raise his weapon again Will ran him through with his silver blade. Feeling threat coming from his side the knight wheeled around just getting his shield up to deflect the shots coming in. With a slight turn of his arm a shot bounced off his glowing shield, the still dangerous blast caught another attacker in the head sending him falling to the ground in a heap.

Calling on the Force he felt power in his legs that he used to take an explosive step instantly closing the gap between him and his target. Swinging his arm his shield knocked the heavy blaster off line and slashed his blade across the man's leg causing the terrorist to topple over in pain.

In a flash the rest of the assailants were dead or incapacitated, all without nearly a scratch on the two knights…well maybe one scratch. Across Will's shoulder was a black mark. Then the pain set in, the adrenaline starting to fade. Yeah, that hurt a bit, but it wouldn't be enough to stop him.

He watched as the aide grabbed hold of the leader brining her over to the cylinder and pressing her face to it. Will rolled his shoulder as radiated out. Taking a moment while the Emperor and his aide chatted Will moved around the room removing weapons and doing what he could to restrain the living attackers.

He turned his head as he heard the call out of the Knights rising to his feet he looked to the captured leader he then looked to the Emperor as he walked away.

"Your Majesty, should we not accompany you?"


TAG: @Lady Belligerent @HanSolo29 @Silvertough

 

IC: Imperial Knight, Blue Deck’nd/ Emte’ir’astov
LOCATION: Outside the Atrium Entrance to the Coruscant Pediatric Hospital

Eiras felt herself slipping down from over a massive shoulder like a sack of grain, her vision clearing, pulled up from the deep trance into which she’d sought to slow her blood loss. It was Belloram’s voice that touched her mind with a directive, but the sensing of an approaching new threat woke her with alarm. Red eyes flashing brilliantly up to Aima’s helm, Eiras gasped looking past him, stretching out her hand, directing the knight to follow the Empress and the mechanized menace about to fire on them.

With a searing flash of vision, Eiras, gritted her teeth and caught up the first assassin droid in her force grasp, spinning its torso with a shearing of gears about face to send its first fire back at the accompanying cadry of 4 other droids.

TAG: @Lady Belligerent @HanSolo29 @Ananta Chetan @Shadowsun
@CosmoHender @Sinrebirth

 

~IC~ Aveline Lawson
Location: Coronation Room - Coruscant


A series of overlapping events played out. Walce took down one assailant admirably. Almost as though toying with them.

Cera charged while ordering to take the senator away. Logical directive to make.

Just as Madelyn mimicked her own defensive stance beside her to protect their ‘objective’. Instead of using her blade to ward off the projectiles, she redirected it back.

Did the fanatic just call herself a trained Sith?

Something for Aveline to file away for later.

As she sensed Madelyn follow up on Cera’s directive and move behind her to help the Senator up, Aveline repositioned herself to protect the two from what inbound projectiles their assailants may try to use against them.

Why here? Why Now?

The windows. Weakest part of a structure and potential entry zone to get to their target. The Senator was scheduled to be here... did they know his schedule from observation or pulled from his secretary? Question them later.

If this attempt fails?

No doubt there usually is a secondary group somewhere making the long way around.

Aveline stepped back and swapped her channel to the building’s security frequency.

“Agent ISB-157, calling B.O.L.O.* for infiltrators. Assassins - three - have breached the Coronation Room. Base level force abilities demonstrated. More maybe in the building.” Aveline informed security. With her boot, she nudged the body of the fallen assailant to get a closer look. “Potentially Dathomiri of origins but that could be a rouse.”

She kept her com on so she could listen and coordinate with the security as she bound the downed assailant as a precaution.

“Cera, Walce. Capture one alive.” Aveline instructed. “I’ll assist Madelyn in getting the senator to safety. Use your coms, keep in touch. There might be more of them.”

TAG: @Sinrebirth @ConservativeJedi321 @TheAdmiral @TheSilentInfluence

*B.O.L.O = Be On Look Out

 

IC: Walce Quia-Vis
Coruscant, Coronation Hall

I am going to die
The thought entered Walce’s mind unbidden the moment he hit the floor, and the air left his lungs. For a moment the man lay, gasping for air, and rolling back and forth in an effort to get off his back. All he could do was imagine the wicked sneer his attacker must have had under her cowl as she pulled the glowing string of her bow, and the arrow that was destined to off him materialized out of thin air.

But the killing blow did not come, while the arrow was still pointed at his face Walce realized the woman was looking past him. A second later the Knights mind registered: one of his companions had said something. In his current haze he wasn’t sure what, but it had distracted the woman that was leering over him. This was an opportunity. Forcing the air back into his lungs, Walce propped himself on his knees and did a duck and roll, just as the arrow that was meant to end him was released from its sheath. The blast itself smacked into the ground only a hair's distance from the top of his head as he was in the middle of that maneuver, which landed him back on his feet behind the woman.

Instantly he mentally yanked the weapon he had thrown to kill the other attacker back to his outstretched palm but did not ignite it. Instead, he used its hilt as a bludgeon, cracking it against the woman’s skull. Once again, she was downed, for how long he could not say. Though he figured a lesser assassin would have been left unconscious, there remained a tension in this one’s limbs that told him she was forcing herself not to give in to the dark abyss.

Finally, he managed to take in the rest of the room. The woman he had halved was flat on her face, arms outstretched not far from where the senator had been. Two of his allies were evacuating Apollin. "I trust you to lead the way, Knight Linnett." he was saying.

The Arkanian was moving for the attack. Well, well, this Jedi was full of surprises. He thought with a wry smirk on his features.
“Bad news ladies.” He turned his attention back to their attackers. “The Senator is evacuating, which just leaves you and us.” He ignited his white blade once-more. “That also means we no longer have any reason to hold back.”
Just then, one of the evacuating Knights shouted back at them. “Cera, Walce. Capture one alive.” She instructed. “I’ll assist Madelyn in getting the senator to safety. Use your coms, keep in touch. There might be more of them.”
Walce made a sarcastic pouty face at that instruction. “What fun is that?” He muttered to himself. The standoff had gotten too long, the woman he had nearly knocked out was back on her feet, bow drawn, her surviving friend not far away. Looking at the woman called ‘Cera’ he pointed at them. “Do you want the honor or should I?” He offered with a soft chuckle.

Tags: @Corellian_Outrider, @TheAdmiral, @TheSilentInfluence, @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Kazan Aima
Assassin Droids...

The moment Blue was entrusted into the care of the young doctor Kazan's helm moved swiftly in the attention of any other possible threats. He performed as instructed to call for further transport, his attention soon diverted once more like the presence of various Assassin droids made themselves known.

At an instant glance, he could tell there were five targets and without question, they would be targeting Bellorum. He could see Blue was attempting to push one into the other four, Kazan did not take the time to see if she succeeded. There was only one sure-fire he knew to do at this moment.

Despite the burst of violent lightning erupting from Bellorum's hand, Kazan moving far faster than one would expect for his size withdrew his white blade, holding it out in a motion to deflect the incoming blaster fire or failing that, allowing them to hit his hulking frame, no doubt piercing through his body. He was over a foot taller than Bellorum so anything that had been aimed at any vital organs would... hopefully... miss. That coupled with any lightning he collided with to shield any blaster fire... well he was going to wake up sore tomorrow.

That was... if he missed any blaster fire with his blade.

He could only trust that at this moment the other three Knights would be able to able to dispatch with the Assassin droids swiftly if all their singular focus was on shooting Bellorum.

TAG: @Lady Belligerent @CosmoHender @pashatemur @Ananta Chetan