Star Wars OPEN Before the New Sith Trials: 138 ABY

138 ABY: Together, Alone

”The legacy of what came before played out anew. After nearly a century of peace, the galaxy could not heal the scars left by the Yuuzhan Vong War. When the Jedi championed the Yuuzhan Vong cause, the One Sith sabotaged their terraforming project, and the Moff’s of the Empire blamed the former invaders. The Jedi, knowing that someone was responsible but unsure who, stood by the Yuuzhan Vong and convinced the Alliance to do so too - triggering a civil war. The Moffs used this to start the Sith-Imperial War, and the One Sith came to their aid; within three years, the Alliance surrendered, the Jedi were massacred, and Darth Krayt overthrew the Emperor.

The Sith had won.

All those lives lost in the war had been for naught, even the Imperial ones. Many veterans felt betrayed, and disillusioned, as the Alliance and Empire accepted Sith rule, even though the Emperor had survived the coup. Seven years passed, and eventually the Alliance, True Empire and Jedi managed to find enough common ground to retaliate, triggering the Imperial Civil War - even killing Darth Krayt.

But now he has returned from death stronger than ever... and the call is out to those selfsame disillusioned soldiers, pilots and even ex-Jedi to step up before the Sith succeed in snuffing out the light for good.

Will they reply?”

The Master, narrating to the Protectors via Holocron.




—-

Welcome to Together, an RP set in 138 ABY, ten years after the events of 128 ABY, and five years after the events of 133 ABY and the defeat of Xenly. Much has been lost, and much is at risk - everything.

The RP is set during issue 1/2 of Legacy: War; Emperor Darth Krayt has taken back the throne, and the One Sith are pressing their numerical advantage against the True Empire and Alliance. The Jedi are hidden in their Temple, but strike back where they can - but their temple is about to be discovered, and the war come to a focal point.

To its end.

Step up, or don’t, and damn the galaxy to its eternal conquest by the One Sith. That is the decision laid out to the galaxy at large. Laid out to you. The story will be split in two - but you’ll see how.

This is the sheet.

Name:
Age:
Species: Pureblood Sith and Rakata are all that are extinct nowadays.
Gender:
Personal effects:
Appearance: Come on, let us know.
Bio:

Rules...

1. No Legends characters, only OC’s.
2. All sheets to Sinrebirth and DarkLordoftheFins, please.





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GMs Approved CS

Sith Name: Darth Bernael

Given Name: Irto Sikrar


Title: Apprentice


Age: ?? but at least 2500 standard years


Sex: Male


Species: Anzati


Home world: Anzat


Languages: Anzat, Basic, Sith, easily picks up other languages in course of a hunt


Occupation: Primary Class: Sith Assassin/Secondary Class: Sith Sorcerer

Height: 1.75m tall


Appearance: Human tan with grey base, hair is black, eyes are silver-grey with black sclera


Clothing:

Constantly wears specially designed light armor that makes no noise when moving,
Chameleon cloak with hood that assists with blending into surroundings.
When necessary will change clothes to those appropriate for the occasion while hunting.
1 Set Phrik/Beskar/Obsidian Light Battle Armor; Light weight; Extreme resistance to lightsabers and blasters; Sigils cover every centimeter, absorbs 99% of Force energy directed at it; Obsidian only in the sigils to reduce weight; Current paint scheme Midnight Blue/Black; Gifted to another Anzat from The Son, poached in my territory, spoils of victory


Weapons:

Has a collection of lightsabers from both Sith and Jedi he has hunted across the years but prefers 2 pistol grip (like Count Dooku) black bladed lightsabers
Collection of knives covered in Force Runes to penetrate shields and get in close in battle that he keeps on his person
2 proboscises kept coiled in cheek pouches to appear more humanoid until use for draining a victims "soup"
1 Pair Combat Lightsabers; Color-Black Blade; Solari and Heart of Darkness crystal embedded, Doubles blade width, More effective at blocking blasters and other lightsabers; Pistol Grip style, i.e. Count Dooku style; Solari and Heart of Darkness crystals taken from same Anzat that the armor came from. As well as the usual controls that would be associated with this assembly, there is also added a Force manipulation switch and a Cell Recogniser, so that he could activate the blade with his mind if he chose and so that only he could activate the blades
2 Blackened Blade Kukri with similar strengths to an ancient Sith swords. Enhanced with runes of Essence Drain, Hunger, and Shatterproof, becoming aware.
When going into battle, Bernael wears his combat armor, has a brace of daggers in various locations, and has his 2 kukri sheathed at the small of his back, for most missions, duels, or battles.

Ships:

Bernael, as with most Anzati, is an accomplished and experienced pilot. Having been behind the controls of various classes of starcraft, from fighters to capital ships, for the last 2300 years has given him a breadth of knowledge, in regard to flying, that few can match. There are those who can outperform him, in their individual specialized experience, but given a ship Bernael can use it to the best of it’s abilities.

Fury Class Interceptor
4 Heavy Laser Cannon
2 Missile Turrets
Upgraded Military Grade Shielding
Experimental Stealth Unit
Class 0.5 Hyperdrive (Class 2 Backup Hyperdrive)

Nune Class Shuttle
Medium Laser Cannon battery
4 Medium Laser Cannon
2 Double Heavy Laser Cannon
Class 1 Hyperdrive (Class 10 Backup Hyperdrive)

Imperial Combat Speeder
2 Laser Cannon
Autonomous Mode available (Piloted by installed combat droid computer)

Snow Speeder
2 Laser Cannon
1 Rear Facing Light Laser Cannon

All Terrain Speeder
2 Laser Cannon
1 Rear Facing Cannon


Force powers:
Mind Trick: 1
Force Defense: 1
Force Jump: 1
Force Push/Pull: 1
Force Speed: 1
Force Drain: 1
Force Lightning: 1
Form VI - Jar Kai: 1


Bernael has studied and utilised Jar'Kai since before he left his home world. Originally it was taught to him by his sire who had learned it from Exar Kun. The dual bladed style always appealed to him, even given its weaknesses against other forms. The fact of the the loose blade work allows him to swiftly draw or holster one or both lightsabers so as to use his force powers or use other weapons he carries. One of the biggest weaknesses being that the form is not designed with power strokes Bernael offsets it with the fact that his natural strength allows the blows to fall stronger than otherwise. And, as needed, he incorporates parts of other forms such as Ataru, Soresu, and Dun Moch while he fights. Ataru allows him to swiftly move around a battle space and is more effective in a large scale battle area, especially facing multiple opponents. Soresu mixes with that, especially when facing opponents who do not use lightsabers, but rather ranged weapons. Dun Moch works extremely well with the mental abilities of an Anzat. As the primary execution of Dun Moch is centered around using the Force as a psychological weapon, Bernael closely couples it with any of the other forms he uses that utilise bladework.

Non-force Strengths/Abilities:


As with any Anzat of Bernael's age, early middle age for an Anzat, he is extremely fast; has a natural stealth ability; can be highly charismatic (allows him to get close to targets more easily); has a high degree of mind control without using the Force power; is highly intelligent but after so many years of life easily bored with most subjects; at his weakest point is stronger than 5 humans combined; master of many martial arts from across the galaxy; has a voracious hunger, that can be stretched out for months due to age, for sentient beings essence but prefers Force users; and can regenerate from almost any wound once out of battle due to his physiology. These are not learned skills but rather are part of an Anzat from birth and become stronger as an Anzat ages.



Personality:

Often seen as cold and calculating. He is not a “people person”. He has a strict code and does not tolerate foolishness when he works. He can appreciate humor and can joke if necessary to blend in but prefers to stand alone.

Bio:

Bernael was born on Anzat as all Anzati are. He was trained during his first two centuries, the youth of an Anzat, to be a hunter of any being by his sire. He respected both his sire and grandsire as he was raised on the stories of them associating with some of the greatest Sith, such as Exar Kun. His sire had trained in the double bladed Form of Jar Kai while in the company of Exar Kun.

When Bernael left at a young age to travel the galaxy and hunt he chose his given name to blend in with other races. While out and hunting he began to realize that much of the truth or learning that had been passed of his species had either disappeared entirely from the galaxy or had been spun into myth and legend. In some ways this made it easier to survive as all Anzati do by draining life essence and “luck” or “soup”, also known as the mind and force essence. Because of his nature he quickly learned he had to move from planet to planet as once found out most societies would willingly scorch their own planet to destroy him.

At one time, during a hunt he was discovered by a Sith assassin, named Darth Kwaad, while in the process of draining said assassin’s apprentice. He fought the Sith to a standstill before agreeing to become his new apprentice to learn his Sith arts. On a mission his master perished and he continued across the galaxy seeking out more Force users to drain. During his studies under the assassin he learned that the best meals were Force users and that doing so increased his own strength in the Force.

At his current age he must feed only infrequently so only does so in the course of an assassination or if his client is unworthy upon completion of the task at hand. His strength in the Force is such it has greatly reduced his need to feed.

For the last 500 years he has travelled the galaxy, searching out nexuses of both Dark Side and Light Side energy, studying them, and removing artifacts of great power from such before the unworthy could find or utilise them. Recently he has heard of an Order that has grown, fought, ruled, and fought again to consolidate their rule. He has observed, from a distance, as these events occurred, only entering their space covertly, to rescue powerful artifacts that were threatened by the wars. Having seen the consolidation, in 130 ABY, he finally decided that this Order was one that he could take an interest in, to take part in. Now 138 ABY, he had followed the trails of energy that have led him to the One Sith.

Origin of Bernael’s Darth Name:
2000 BBY Ziost

"Has he chosen a name for himself for when he ascends, or have you decided what he will be known as?" inquired the Emperor, Darth Ruin. The more he heard of this unusual being the more he was certain Kwaad and his apprentice were the only two who could accomplish the mission he had yet to announce.

"I have chosen for him Lord. As is usual among his kind he would not desire a name that would instantly evoke thoughts of him, but rather something that any being could hear and soon forget if they did not cross paths with him. He will be known as Bernael."

The Emperor thought over what Darth Kwaad said and, again based on the research, agreed with the assassin. "Since he has only one final Trial, it is my will that he be given his Sith name now. With his power I doubt he will fail and if he does, that name, as you said, is easily forgettable. Irto Sikrar, bow before me and receive your name."

Irto bowed low and waited for the Emperor's words.

“Henceforth you will be known as Bernael and, based on the information I have gleaned from the records of the missions you have undertaken for your master, you will be given the appellation of ‘The Invisible One’, to every being in my empire and all who learn of you."

"Thank you, High Lord." Irto ne Bernael stated.

At a gesture, Bernael rose and resumed his place at his master's side. As he did so, he heard a muffled snort from Darth Kwaad. The Emperor looked to Kwaad, "Is there something humorous in what I said?"

Kwaad returned the look of his Emperor and replied "Lord, I have learned much of Bernael's kind while he has been in service to me. The Anzat are one of the earliest races, and in that time have seen the rise and fall of many Empires and Republics. His name I am sure he will carry forward but an appellation I am almost certain invokes no pride in him."

"Why then is he studying to be a Darth?" the Emperor asked, some confusion in his voice.

"I chose to have him come with me many years ago and he chose to stay to learn more about the Sith and our ways. He has said the title of Darth, to him, is useful in that it would allow him to travel through and ply his trade in any Sith space without most giving him a second glance.”

Excerpt from short story -Bernael’s Lightsabers-



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IC: Sith Emperor Darth Krayt
Coruscant

The Sith-Imperial fleet was gathered for the end of the enemy.

The True Empire was being conquered in a tremendous war of attrition, even as the Alliance struck back at them the Sith Empire. The gel that was threatening to unite them all the more was the Jedi Order, which was beginning to recover from the massacre at Ossus eight years ago - the one which slaughtered half the Jedi and killed Kol Skywalker.

But the One Sith has discovered the location of the Hidden Jedi Temple, and their fleet was being assembled to strike it. The Moffs and Admirals were tasked with this, though it might be as simple as the Imperials simply bombarding the planet from orbit. Nonetheless, the Sith would support the Empire today, but it would be glorious.

So said Darth Krayt, the reborn leader of the One Sith. His Fist, Nihl, his Hand, Talon, and his trusted advisor, Havok, stood in-front of the collected senior One Sith - all Darth’s. Krayt rued the inevitable death of individuality within the Sith. Many of the Sith were nothing more than tattooed Dark Jedi, with the greater and more distinctive skills beyond them. A Sith Lord was often one who had not dove into the mysteries and the culture of the Order.



Darth Krayt



Darth Nihl



Darth Talon

Krayt, Nihl, Talon, and the absent Maladi, as well as Havok - they formed his inner circle for just that reason. They were truly Sith, and powerfully so. Even the late Wyyyrlok III and Insipid had a wider view of matters, traitors though they were. Deceased ones at that. But a hierarchy had formed - those born One Sith, and those that had become One Sith. It was hypocritical, for Krayt had once been a Jedi, a hundred and fifty years ago - but he had curried the heart of the One Sith as an Order, not just a cult of personality.

So Nihl, Havok and Maladi would always be on the edge of his hierarchy, while Talon, Wyyrlok and others had always been true One Sith. Darth Krayt thought all of this as his eyes swept across Rauder, who would lead their fighters into battle with Skull Squadron. Stryfe, who would lead the ground forces. Prowl would command the fleet from the War Hammer. Born One Sith. Of course, there were not just former Jedi or Imperial Knights among his One Sith.



Darth Rauder



Darth Stryfe

There were also former Sith.

He eyed one of them now, gathered in the ready-room. Darth Bernael, an Anzati who had not tattooed himself as most other members of the Order had. Their traditional tattoos were a reflection of Darth Maul, and they had eliminated much individuality among the One Sith. Not born a One Sith. But a Sith, indeed, of an older and defeated lineage.

Krayt tuned into Nihl’s orders. He and the other senior Sith would be in orbit, though the Sith Emperor himself would remain on Coruscant. There were other enemies than just the Jedi, after all.

“The Moffs will spearhead the offensive with us in the rear. Moff Geist will lead Imperial ground forces if a landing is necessary, including the smaller walkers, suitable for the rocky terrain. Moff Yage aboard the War Hammer will lead the Imperial fleet. If it comes to ground combat, is important that we take advantage of our numbers to push the enemy back, as the Jedi will be undoubtedly be able to setup choke-points. When they do, we shall take up the charge and break those hard-points, allowing the Empire to step in the 502nd, 212th and 908th divisions.”



Moff Yage



Moff Geist

The dozens of Sith present in the Temple, and many more in hologram form, said very little. Everyone knew that the key Imperial components would be supervised by the Sith. But it was an all-out assault, thought Coruscant had its defence grid and Moff Veed would hold the planet from any True Empire or Alliance strikes in the meantime. Moff Fehlaaur was attempting to provide them with Intel on Taivas, the target world, but he had only recently taken over Imperial Intelligence.



Moff Veed



Moff Fehlaaur

Cutting the Jedi out would be the end of the resistance. The siege of Bastion, the True Imperial capital and fortress world, would commence once the Jedi were removed from the equation. The surviving Imperial Knights were too few in number to upset the balance. It was, of course, general knowledge that the conquest of Bastion would be so costly that the Sith Empire would not have the strength to hold the galaxy. But nobody would dare remind the reborn Sith Emperor of that.

Krayt spoke for the first time since the meeting began. “Do you all understand?”

TAG: @darthbernael
—
IC: Shado Vao
Hidden Jedi Temple, Taivas

Time was rapidly running out. The Sith Empire would be en route from Coruscant soon enough, and the Jedi were preparing for them. But every single Jedi would count, and matter.

The Jedi had not yet recovered from Ossus, but Cade Skywalker had convinced the Council to step up while the galaxy was still able to resist. The Second Imperial Civil War has raged for a year, and for a time the galaxy had came to realise that the One Sith truly were monsters that had to be resisted - especially after the genocide on Mon Calamari. Krayt had been supposedly killed, and the resistance had gained momentum, with the True Empire under Emperor Fel and the Alliance under Admiral Stazi working together against the Sith-Imperials, winning several key raids.



Cade Skywalker



Emperor Fel



Admiral Stazi

But now Krayt was back, and the One Sith had been strengthened by his return. The galaxy was under siege, and even neutral worlds were attacked. War had spread to a higher and greater level than ever before. When it came to Taivas, it was intended that the Jedi would hold the line, and finally turn back the tide.

Thus, the Council had decreed that any and all Jedi on their rolls who had refused to fight any longer, for whatever reason, were to be tracked down and contacted. Many Jedi had been isolated by the massacre at Ossus nearly eight years ago. The Order had taken them in, or protected them, keeping the Sith Empire off their backs while they found their way.

Some had been grateful. Some had not.

Cade had been among the latter until recently, Jedi Knight Shado rued. But times change. As Shado keyed in the code to contact Tenk Qatar, hero of the southern front of the Sith-Imperial War, he hoped that Tenk had too.



Shado Vao

“Jedi Qatar, I have been bid by the Council to contact you. It is our hour of need - the Sith have found the Hidden Temple.”

TAG: @Sarge221 (Cameo appearance).


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IC: Darth Bernael
Location: Command Briefing

Standing back from the main gathering, just inside earshot so as to take in the briefing, Bernael thought on why he was here. He could feel the power, the energy of the group of Sith gathered around Lord Krayt, could feel Lord Krayt's contemplation of them, and him, even peripherally.

There was annoyance, pleasure, and displeasure among those thoughts, as well as a slight curiosity where it came to him. He knew such gatherings and was usually one who was not present at such. Bernael had a warrior's spirit, yes, but his nature, his being, was not one for direct assault. He was built and even preferred the shadows, a kill here, a disabling there, to allow those warriors an edge in their confrontations.

To have been included meant that what was to come would need every resource Lord Krayt had brought here. He listened to the plans laid out and, internally, approved of such minimalistic planning. 'The plan is the first casualty of contact with your foe' he thought. As he continued to listen, he made a mental list of anything he may need, that he did not have on his person. His matte black, insignia-less, Fury had deposited him at this vessel, for the briefing, and was now holding station with the fleet should he need it to reach the surface.

From the other Sith he could feel anticipation, anxiety, competitiveness, anger. He knew each would be vying for the attention of their Lord, to gain the greatest favor of him. Which would make his work even more vital, as he would probably have to flit from conflict to conflict, where needed, to keep their individualistic approaches from hazarding the outcome of this conflict, if such was necessary. Of course, not having received direct orders, he would wait and see what was given as his charge.

The briefing began to wind down and he could sense the anticipation increase. These Sith had seen much conflict, but many were still as new troops, excited for the fight. He hoped their internal desires for glory would not negatively impact the course of battle, that they were united enough to win the day, but being newly come to this group he would withhold opinion on the matter until he had seen them in action.

A muted snort sounded behind his mask, the sound not reaching past his hood, 'Defeated lineage indeed, the Sith have lost much over the eons, from even before when I served Darth Ruin's empire, to this day. Hopefully this is a true resurrection.' he thought.

His musings were interrupted by seeing Lord Krayt stirring. A deep voice sounded from his lips, "Do you all understand?" Being the newest come, and not in the formal hierarchy, Bernael withheld comment until those of higher rank and station had their say, if such was to come.

Tag: @Sinrebirth



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IC: Darth Krayt
Coruscant

Even as a hologram, Sith Emperor Krayt, one of the very few Sith to have held the title at all, had a piercing gaze. As it swept the room; the Sith individually affirmed their agreement or saluted by slamming their fists into the opposite shoulder.

The Force boiled with anticipation and bloodlust. The hated Jedi had convalesced like an infection in a wound, curdling and spreading. Only a handful of Jedi had been accounted for from those not culled by the Fourth Great Jedi Purge - Krayt’s Purge. Sufficient time had passed to allow new Jedi to be trained, albeit young and inexperienced ones.

The names of the greatest of the Jedi targets were illuminated across the walls.



T’ra Saa



K’Kruhk



Nat Skywalker

The former were two Jedi Masters of the Old Republic that had emerged from hiding after the Third Great Jedi Purge to bolster the Jedi ranks. The One Sith suspected that they had given shape to the Jedi strategy of the late Grandmaster Kol Skywalker to create a Hidden Temple, much as K’Kruhk and T’ra Saa had seemingly done after the Second Great Jedi Purge - Palpatine’s Purge.

Another Master, though not a Council member, had proven an annoyance as well, and he was on their List as well. Nihl had repeatedly crossed blades with this Jedi Master, removing his hand, though that had not stopped the Jedi. Krayt approved of that.



Wolf Sazen

As his gaze drifted over Skull Squadron, Rauder shouting the loudest, seemingly to prove her command. Krayt softly snorted, but did so as his eyes slid to Bernael, the Anzati.

TAG: @darthbernael


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IC: Darth Bernael
Location: Command Briefing

Bernael gave a quiet acknowledgement of the question, a deep nod, but otherwise allowed the others to show their eager anticipation of the upcoming battle. He and his first Sith master, Darth Kwaad, had faced Jedi many times, during the rule of Emperor Darth Ruin, and knew they could be foes to reckon with.

Studying the major targets, Bernael gave only half attention to the raucousness of the warriors. Knowing these Jedi, their habits, their fighting styles, their outlooks was more important, for the moment, than trying to outshout any others.

Through the din, Bernael could feel Lord Krayt studying, judging all in the conference room. He continued his observation of the Jedi Masters even as he felt the gaze and judgment sweep toward him.

Those eyes, boring into him, finally took him into their gaze. He knew the Lord knew his history, knew what he had faced in the past. His past, should records of that time be available, would show his work, his missions with Darth Kwaad. He likewise knew his silence and observation was being judged as well. He was an assassin, not a warrior, and as such silence and knowledge were his greatest weapons.

He was not an official member of Skull Squadron, still an outsider to a degree. He was not of the One Sith, but rather of darkness itself. His mission here, he was sure, would be in line with what the Squadron was tasked, but with more flexibility. These thoughts flitted through his mind as the Emperor's gaze scoured him.

His faceless mask dipped in recognition of Lord Krayt’s studious gaze. No words issued from his lips but the knowledge passed between them that Bernael would undertake the mission given, destroy what foe he was sent against, and aid the battle to destroy the temple.

Tag: @Sinrebirth


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GMs Approved!

Name: Aryan Graul
Age: 35
Species: Human
Gender: Male
Personal effects: A holdout blaster attached to a shoulder holster and concealed within his jacket; a vibroknife sheathed to the inside of his boot; personal datapad, wrist comlink, and a gold-banded wedding ring
Appearance:


Bio: Aryan was born on Nubia as the only child to Norin and Ashaiya Graul. His parents were the proprietors of a rather large mining and shipping company, which included several bronzium processing plants in the capital region of Rordis. As the sole heir, Aryan would one day have a stake in the company for his namesake alone, but his dreams and aspirations remained elsewhere...among the stars.

He had a natural love for flying and tinkering with starships. This translated into wild excursions across the Nubian frontier in a modified snub fighter Aryan had restored and maintained himself in his youth. When the time came for him to announce his desire to join the Academy and become a pilot, his father was not thrilled with the proposition. However, he was willing to acquiesce under certain terms – Aryan must attend one of the major universities to earn a ‘proper’ education before he could ‘pursue a childish ambition.’

Aryan abided by his father’s wishes and enrolled at the University of Corellia to major in business and galactic relations. Shortly after graduation, he finally joined the Galactic Alliance to follow his passions and become a pilot.

His military career was littered with excellence, and he eventually rose to the rank of Commander, becoming a hometown hero in the process. With each passing achievement, he became more and more convinced that a career as a fully commissioned officer was the way to go, but that all came to a crashing end when he was seriously wounded in a scuffle in the Mid Rim. His injuries were extensive enough that he ended up losing his left leg, and he was medically retired from the military at the age of 28.

During his tenure in the Navy, he met his wife, Lyzia Eross; the two were married in 126 ABY, with their only son, Arek, being born two years later. It was Lyzia who served as Aryan’s lifeline and moral support during the intervening months following his injury. As a philanthropist, she actively traveled around to various worlds stricken by the war to offer assistance and provide for those people in need. She also held rallies on notable worlds to garner support for her cause, mostly siding with the Alliance and their ideals. Aryan often accompanied her, and it was soon discovered that he had a natural talent for interacting with the public and charming a crowd. His speeches were often engaging, and he soon gained the attention of a prominent politician working within the Senate – Garrit Pilleu, a member of the Nubian Ruling Council and aide to the current Senator of Nubia.

The politician was infatuated by the young man’s passion and took him under his wing to help him learn the ropes. With Pilleu’s help, Aryan’s impact over the people remained strong. When the time was right, it was the older man who ultimately pushed Graul to seek elected office.

At the age of 33, Aryan won his first public seat beside his mentor on the Nubian Ruling Council. For the next two years, he continued to make a name for himself by steadily gaining influence and fame within his home system. He was young, and many considered him an attractive and charismatic politician; a fresh face among the usual line-up of tired old bureaucrats. He had the hearts and minds of the people. But when it came to the war that was ravaging the galaxy, Aryan vowed to remain neutral...at least, that's what he professed outwardly.

 

IC: Darth Krayt
Coruscant, hologram to the briefing

The Emperor’s gaze shifted from Bernael with a slight smile, and he appraised the rest of the Sith gathered with little more else to note. His eyes met Nihl’s, who nodded, though similarly present by hologram.

The Nagai spoke up. “Lord Bernael, you shall support Moff Geist should it be necessary. You shall be his personal liaison.” The charcoal skinned Moff turned to regard the Anzati, clearly unhappy, but he spoke swiftly.

“Of course, Lord Nihl. Lord Bernael, if you would.” He eyed Rauder. “Skull Squadron shall supply air support if so required?” There was a general expectation that the Imperial Army would have to get its hands dirty today - orbital assaults were one thing, but they’d need to be sure the Jedi perished. Even if their attack caught the Jedi, some would survive. So Sith would be needed to ensure the troops made any headway.

Rauder replies, but it was more sneer. “Of course we will, Moff Geist.” She turned to look at one of her pilots, who visibly bristled. “We have Moff Yage’s daughter among us, after all. She will have to redeem her family name after what Moff Calixte did.” This also drew the stony gaze of Yage, who would be commanding the fleet. His ex-wife, former head of Imperial Intelligence, had betrayed the Empire, leaning vital data to Roan Fel.



Nyna Calixte



Gunn Yage

Yage might have known better than to riposte against a Sith Lord, but he would not allow the barb to go unchallenged. “I am glad to hear that Moff Calixte’s current partner will be under similar scrutiny.” He of course referred to Grand Admiral Veed, who glowered at Yage via hologram. He was about to respond when Krayt cut across.

“Enough,” rumbled Krayt. “The failures or successes of the Moff Council are not relevant to the circumstances we find ourselves in. Sith have failed to serve us adequately, too, and we shall be watching all of you.”

Stryfe, who had failed to complete the genocide of the Mon Calamari, and Nihl, who was generally considered to have been a collaborator in the recent attempted coup against Krayt - by his own Voice, at that, did not respond, though Talon’s lekku curled and uncurled as she eyed up Nihl as if she wanted to kill him.

Which, of course, she did - they had both been Hand to Krayt, when ordinarily only one would exist. The old Hand, Darth Insipid, had been killed by Krayt himself, and Talon had not been old enough to take the role. Nihl had taken it after Insipid’s successor had mysteriously died, ascending from Fist to Hand. Talon’s eventual training completing had resulting in Krayt rising her to the position of Hand too - to Nihl’s unending ire. The present Fist, Stryfe, remained silent.

The command structure was riven with these rivalries, but violence which undermined the cause was strictly forbidden. Unlike in the times of the Rule of the Strong, in Bernael’s time, that is.

The entire interplay was over shortly, an Rauder, who had yet to fail a single mission she had led, simply glared at everyone, daring them to say anything. She eventually settled on Bernael, who was a newcomer to these circumstances, though not to Sith politics.

Krayt noticed that she, too, was suspicious of Bernael, and allowed the moment to play out. The Force stilled, and Bernael was clearly expected to react.

TAG: @darthbernael
—-
IC: Darth Insipid
Vjun, orbit

Rather alive and well, Darth Insipid stared down at an ugly world. Mostly uninhabited since acid rain had taken over the planet, Vjun had been all but abandoned for over a century. Once a bustling world with a strong nobility, said nobility had experimented on themselves to increase their Force sensitivity in the years before the Battle of Naboo, resulting in a catching madness that had seen the planet depopulated.



Bast Castle now stood alone as the only location of note, a castle created by Darth Vader as one of his retreats, much like his castle on Mustafar or his residence on Coruscant. Following Vader’s demise the Reborn Emperor’s Dark Jedi had made use of the world until his final defeat, leaving the Castle to Sith cultists and ersatz Prophets of the Dark Side. But about the time of the fall of the Second Imperium, someone had reactivated or tripped the security systems that Vader had originally installed and it had been impossible to access the Castle and its potential treasure trove of secrets.

Several had tried, and failed.

But none had been assisted by the agent designated as Vader’s Daughter. Helinith, a Sith initiate, now stood beside him viewing a world she had not seen for a century and a half. He’d given her a brief history lesson, of course, but now the time was to go forward... assuming her boredom had not driven her mad. The woman had been trapped in an oubliette for years - and her angst with staying still usually showed.

Insipid was grateful to her, though, for having assisted him with a troop of rakghouls that had attacked him. Even a decade after his murder at the hands of Krayt, Insipid was still not as strong as he had once been, and the scars on his soul ran deep. Helinith was both asset and threat, but that was the case with any apprentice, and Insipid had to take advantage of the chaos of the war to obtain what he could. If anything, his weakened state made Helinith a more challenging reward, and Insipid would train her with the finest skills he had.

“Well?” He said, sharply. “You’ve a test, apprentice.”

TAG: @darthhelinith
—-
IC: Ona Antilles
Nubia, docks to the main spaceport



Galactic Alliance commander Ona Antilles hated these supply runs, as they inevitably took them into hostile territory, and the Core Worlds were the definition of that. Even with tacit support of the Alliance from world’s such as Corellia, Chandrila and here on Nubia, the Sith-Imperials were not idiots and they were happy to patrol and increase the pressure on the populace for the smallest infraction, especially with the war heating up so.

The Reborn Emperor Krayt was leading an epic offensive across the galaxy, even striking neutral powers in the conflict. Ona didn’t understand the logic of making more enemies when you were already on the back-foot, but she knew the Vong did the same thing when they started losing and they came pretty close to winning in the end.

Of course that meant the supply run to Nubia even more important. The next big push was planned, and even Ona, who spent most of her time away from the Core Fleet, could feel the anticipation building in the fleet. A big move was being planned, and they’d need the supplies that the local coordinator, a former Alliance pilot and now political stalwart, Aryan Graul. Nubia was not a fan of Rebels, having been burned when the New Republic was unable to assist the locals in overthrowing the Old Empire for years after the Battle of Endor, but the Sith were monsters and everyone saw it - though Aryan had been supplying them even before the genocide on Mon Calamari.

Ona was meeting him today, picking up a newly constructed Crossfire fighter, completed at a secret location and shipped to Nubia, fuel and supplies and all. The secret warehouse they used remained unnoticed, and Ona was almost confident about the run, but that didn’t stop her being surprised when she blurted out. “Don’t you want to do more, Aryan?”

She reassessed before he could reply, and spoke again. “You used to fly these things, didn’t you? I mean, years ago?” Of course, the Sith has ruled the galaxy for nearly eight years now, so years ago was more likely to mean ‘during the Sith-Imperial War’. The war her father had lost for the galaxy as co-Chief of State in the Alliance Triumvirate. Their fathers might have known each other, for all Ona knew. But she’d been making this run for a while now, and Aryan always put himself in more and more danger with the increasing amount of materiel he gathered for the cause.

“Don’t you think you could do more good in a cockpit, than nibbling at the edges - I mean, your network is self-sustaining now. It’s not as if you need to handle drop-off’s yourself.” She vaguely gestured at the pre-programmes droids.

TAG: @HanSolo29


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IC: Darth Bernael

Location: Command Briefing


Feeling Rauder’s glare settle on him, easy enough to single him out as he was an outsider, Bernael allowed a low, dark laugh to sound from behind the faceless mask over his visage. “Such a reminder of times past, but so very restrained. Naga Sadow, Ludo Kressh, and Emperor Vitiate would be rolling in their graves to see Sith of today.” Times had changed indeed, order in the Sith Order was well and good, but there was a vitality, a sense of growth that seemed missing from such a hierarchical setup.


He could feel the waves of animosity that rolled off those gathered here, Sith or not, as he spoke, but allowed such to just wash over and through him. It mattered little, the battle and the destruction of the Jedi and the Temple was the goal, at this time. “Moff Geist, your feelings toward having me accompany you aside, I will assist where and as needed.” Knowing the Skull Squadron would scratch their backs, so to speak, freed him to concentrate on the Jedi that were sure to accompany the troops set against Moff Geist’s forces.


Bernael glanced, first at Rauder then at Emperor Krayt and saw both annoyance at his rebuke of the system, then the slight humor that, at least, one still felt unbound by the present system. He knew that his different outlook would keep him from being in the highest echelons of power but, being what he was, that was of little import. The battle, being able to feed and grow, were what drove him.


Looking once again at the portraits of the Jedi who they would face, Bernael suppressed another chuckle, ‘Renn would be annoyed if he knew I faced a female of his kind and he was not here to either attempt to convert her or face her himself.’ This battle, given not only the forces they faced but also the infighting he knew would take place among the Imperial forces as each jockeyed to appear the most successful to the Emperor would mean it would be a chaotic affair, to say the least.


The orders given, the various tasks handed out to those here, all that remained was to carry out those commands, win or die. “Moff Geist, as your liaison, where in your line of battle do you need my presence most?”

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Aryan Graul
Eastern Docks, Nuba City Spaceport, Nubia

Nuba City’s western spaceport was a mecca of activity. Nestled on the fields that bordered the metropolitan center, the spaceport served as the main transit hub for the capital itself, supplying a wide range of services, including repair and refueling facilities and hotels and restaurants for the weary traveler. The Nuba City monorail also operated a station here, which offered convenient transport to and from the city at regular intervals. It was no wonder that the locals referred to it as the ‘spaceport that never slept.’

And that’s exactly why Aryan Graul had chosen this particular spot as a cover for his covert operations. The crowds made it easy to move about freely without drawing too much attention to himself. It also helped that half of the beings that passed through here were usually far too absorbed in their own affairs to even perceive what was going on directly in front of them. This allowed him to essentially hide in plain sight. It was the perfect setup.

But it had taken considerable effort to attain this status, particularly when trying to balance his burgeoning political career. Conflicts were bound to happen, but he had ultimately found a way to cope...and perhaps even twist things to his advantage.

When he had started out on this venture, he never expected it to reach this far, nor for it to consume so much of his time. As always, it began as a small task, a favor that he owed an old friend from his time in the service. Aryan had agreed to offer his assistance and tapped into his wife’s reserves – she had established quite a network herself through her charity work – and used some of her contacts to deliver rations and ammo to a worn-torn planet on the fringes of the Outer Rim.

This humanitarian act became the basis for many more to come, and naturally, it didn’t take long for word of his actions to reach the upper echelons of the Galactic Alliance through their intelligence grid. That’s when things escalated; Aryan soon found himself managing his own underground network through the intricate channels entrenched within Nuba City’s premier spaceport. With assistance from his wife and her strong connections within the city, his operation rapidly grew over the subsequent months from handling food rations and small goods to include weapons, fuel sources, building materials, and starfighters.

But it didn’t come without a price. The threat of exposure hung like an ominous shadow over everything he had assembled here, particularly as he gathered more resources for the cause. Aryan recognized that he could fall under the scrutiny of the Empire or their Sith overlords at any moment. And yet, it was that very risk that seemed to drive his resolve and inspire him to carry on, almost as if he viewed it as a game.

Catch me if you can.

It was a very dangerous game, but one he was willing to chance after the Empire had crushed his dreams and robbed him of his dignity, all in one swift action above the jungle world of Kashyyyk nearly seven years ago today…

That thought lingered, even as the female voice broke into his reverie and brought him back from the precipice of his own mind. “Don’t you want to do more, Aryan?”

Clenching his jaw, Aryan now turned to face Ona Antilles with furrowed brow. The woman was ambling along beside him at a steady pace, her hips swaying with purpose as they diverted from the main thoroughfare on their way to the eastern docks. She had been silent up until this point, and considering her assignment, he didn’t blame her for keeping a low profile. Antilles represented the top brass of the Galactic Alliance and had become one of his most reliable clients. She had agreed to meet with him today to procure a newly constructed Crossfire starfighter that had arrived several days ago from their source company. The Alliance did not want to risk leaving a breadcrumb trail by shipping the fighter directly from the facility with the war in full force, so they had both agreed to use Nubia as a way station until they could send someone to pick it up personally.

It was no surprise that Ona had volunteered for the job. But judging from her blunt inquiry, she had ulterior motives for her current visit – recruitment.

Aryan slowed his forward progress at that realization and scrutinized her under a hooded gaze. Ona, sensing his aversion, quickly pushed ahead in an attempt to explain herself. “You used to fly these things, didn’t you?” she urged with nettled brow. “I mean, years ago?”

Pressing his lips into a thin line, Aryan canted his head marginally and looked away, hoping his actions were enough to dissuade her from carrying on with this subject. While it was true that he did pilot the Crossfire during the war and flying remained his passion, he did not want to become tempted by more childish fantasies, specifically ones that should stay in the past. He couldn’t get involved in that way, not now…

Unfortunately, his silence only seemed to fuel her passion. “Don’t you think you could do more good in a cockpit, than nibbling at the edges - I mean, your network is self-sustaining now. It’s not as if you need to handle drop-off’s yourself.”

“No, I don’t,” he finally muttered under his breath, coming to a halt and following her gaze to the droids milling about the exterior of one of the private warehouses that dotted the dock’s outer perimeter. “But it gives me peace of mind when you have machines handling some of the more precious cargo.” He made no attempt to hide his disdain for droids, referring to them as ‘machines’ instead of sentient beings. In this line of work, he considered them a necessary evil.

But in the end, he knew he was only making excuses. Ona seemed to pick up on that as well, for her expression remained adamant. She wasn’t going to budge on her position.

Placing his hands on his hips, Aryan sighed as if to admit defeat, his blue-gray eyes finally straying to meet her gaze. “Look, I’ve already had a close call,” he began candidly, a rueful smile lifting one corner of his mouth as he pulled up his left pant leg to the knee. He then rapped his knuckles against the limb to demonstrate that it was made of synthflesh and mechanical parts. A simple prosthetic.

“I gave it up after that; I didn’t have a choice,” he continued with sincerity, shaking his head slowly. “I promised my wife that I would keep my feet on the ground and spare her the anguish. It’s too much of a risk...especially with a ten-year-old at home. He needs both of us, now more than ever. I can’t stand to make them suffer through that nightmare all over again. Plus, I have a responsibility here with the people and the Ruling Council.”

He inhaled deeply and set his jaw to emphasize his point. “That’s why we decided to do things this way – we can still contribute to the cause without compromising our safety on the front lines. Surely, you can respect that decision?”

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Moff Geist
Aboard the War Hammer, Coruscant orbit

The Moff grimaced as the Sith bristled against each other, and then shifted their focus to the Sith-Imperials in the room, as they usually did when these briefings deteriorated. With that in mind, Geist shook his head. "If you would follow me, Lord Bernael, we can discuss specifics as we go." He strode out the room, for the hundredth time resenting that the Sith were here. It had been bad enough under Fel and his Imperial Knights blocking the Moff's, but now the Sith micromanaged them, keeping them around only because the Empire was split between Fel and Krayt.

As much as the Empire had taken back the initiative, Geist often wondered what would happen when they won, and Fel was dead. Krayt would simply not need them, of course.

Geist did not immediately speak as they took the turbolift. Eventually the Moff decided to see how his relationship would pan out with Bernael. Stryfe had Force choked him for daring to suggest they retreat rather than waste the fleet at Mon Calamari, leaving Krayt's genocide incomplete - only 27 billion dead. Geist was unfazed by the numbers. The Mon Calamari had been a thorn in the side of the Empire since day one, and the sooner that poisonous pool of rebellion was cut out the better. But Stryfe had been almost unable to bend from orders he had received in absentia even when the situation changed - that was tactical suicide and Geist needed to know if Bernael was like that. He wasn't tattooed like the other freaks so...

"Lord Bernael, Anzati tend to adopt a longer view of matters, from my understanding, due to their age. How does that translate into battlefield strategy for you personally?"

TAG: @darthbernael
---
IC: Darth Insipid
Vjun, orbit

A test? Ah yes. Helinith had been asleep for more than a century. Almost everything he had said to her required context. She had been entombed during the Dark Times so the principle remained the same; Empire ascendant, Jedi purged, Rebels causing grief, but a lot had happened in-between that she had missed, and the Sith had completely abandoned the Rule of Two, and the names had completely changed. There was even a rogue Emperor and his Imperial Knights running around.

A lot to absorb, especially what with her father figure, Lord Vader, being long, long dead. He would need to take her to his tomb on Korriban at some point, perhaps. Insipid filed that little aside away for later. Vader had never occupied it, of course, but that did not mean that there were not secrets to be had.

Secrets, after all, were why they were here.

"Not a test, apprentice," Insipid said, not quite sneering. He was falling into the typical-snark Sith mastering that he loathed, but Helinith was a special case. His first apprentice since... well, since most of his other apprentices were killed by Krayt and his Sith. Idoneus had been quite a loss. Either way. "I need your expertise about your Father," he said, gesturing to the castle shown on-screen.

"It has sealed itself, and various teams have died trying to break in. I want it. The castle will be the perfect base of operations in Imperial space. I suspect that a code interrogative, or perhaps voice recognition, will result in it opening up. It has been sealed since just before the Yuuzhan Vong War." He refused to detail what that was. Helinith would have to do her own legwork, or ask questions. Spoon-feeding was for spoon-benders, and he was no Jedi.

He nodded to the display. "We are out of the established range of the weapons, so we are in theory safe here. But I do not trust castles with high-tech defenses, especially not Sith-built castles."

TAG: @darthhelinith
---
IC: Ona Antilles
Nubia, Eastern Docks, City Spaceport

The droids fueled and armed the Crossfire while Ona thought about what Aryan had said. He was right, of course, but Ona was also conscious that he was wrong. This entire network could be discovered by the Sith and crushed in mere days, and no amount of resources would mean anything if nobody was willing to pull the trigger and risk their life on the frontline. It was a different sentiment to secretly supporting the Alliance, which of course had its risks, but to openly Rebel had always struck Ona as more honest.

But Ona had not gone through what Aryan had. She knew; she had read his war record.

"I can respect that, even if I, honestly here, do not believe that is enough." She held up her hands. "I'm sorry, but I do not. We need what you are doing, definitely, but we won't win without pilots and soldiers and gunners. We simply won't."

"But I would not, even if I could, force you to step up, Graul." Ona looked apologetic. "I just wanted to try, in-case you had been thinking about it but needed someone to help you come to a decision. We sorely need more people on the front line, especially with the Sith having abandoned strategic sense and gone on the offensive. The Empire is so vulnerable to our hit-and-fade attacks now. If we push hard enough right now, before the True Imperials cave, we'll have done so much damage that the Sith can't hold the galaxy anymore. They'll have to pull back, and reinforce the Core, but it might all collapse, if we push hard enough."

"If," she said, shrugging.

TAG: @HanSolo29

 

IC: Darth Bernael
Briefing room/Turbolift

"If you would follow me, Lord Bernael, we can discuss specifics as we go." Striding alongside Moff Geist, Bernael left the welter of emotions, mostly extreme annoyance at the outsider Sith who dared criticize the status quo of the hierarchy, behind as the door slid shut behind them. Walking down the hall with the Moff he could feel the emotions, did not even need to exert himself to know, the frustration and annoyance radiating from the military man having to deal with Force Users and their feuds.

He could feel the worry from the Moff that such as he was expendable once the wars were won. That the Sith of this time saw no need for powerful yet non Force sensitive beings having any power. Admittedly, the Sith of old that he knew were often the same. He didn’t read the Moff’s mind, but could feel frustration of past operations, that he had had, on multiple occasions, poor experiences dealing with such as were still in the briefing room.

They entered the turbolift and the silence dragged on, the Moff still lost in his thoughts. Bernael did not mind, his own thoughts were on the Sith as well, that things had changed since he last took part in major operations with them. And then the silence broke, "Lord Bernael, Anzati tend to adopt a longer view of matters, from my understanding, due to their age. How does that translate into battlefield strategy for you personally?"

The hood of Bernael’s cloak turned, the silver eyes behind the mask looked at the Moff for a moment, before he spoke. “Another time, I would be interested to know how much information about my kind has become general knowledge.” The hood returned to facing forward as he spoke again, “But….to answer your question, I have always believed in an old idiom, that the first casualty of battle is the plan.”

He thought a few more moments, before continuing, “I know the objective here, but if the means to achieve that must change to do so then they must. A brittle strategy only wastes one’s force, a fluid one means the battle is won with less casualties.” He wouldn’t say that that meant that more food stock survived for later consumption, if needed, but he was sure the Moff knew how his kind fed. “I can not speak to the current situation of the Sith, I came to power in another age and belief, but a good resource should never be wasted, when another path is available. My mission, as far as I’ve been briefed, is to deal with those forces beyond your or your troops abilities, so that you can meet your objectives.” A tight, unseen smile flickered across his face, “And if an outsider Sith of an older path and a keen minded Moff such as you win the day, what then can these modern Sith do but gnash their teeth in frustration.”

As he finished the turbolift reached their deck and he waited for the Moff to take him further to his own command area, so that they could begin the execution of their portion of the operation.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Aryan Graul
Eastern Docks, Nuba City Spaceport, Nubia

A wry grin tugged at the corner of Aryan’s mouth and he lowered his chin, seeming to busy himself with the datapad perched within his palm. “If…” he repeated with an incredulous scoff, shaking his head lightly. He tried to play it coy as if he wasn’t interested, but in truth, she had planted that single seed...

Damn her.

Antilles always had that alluring effect on people; that’s probably how she managed to secure such a vital role within the ranks of the Alliance. She was very persuasive with her approach and never accepted ‘no’ for an answer. The top brass certainly knew what they were doing when they assigned her to carry out this mission – it was both clever and cunning. Aryan would have cursed himself for not recognizing it sooner if he wasn’t already in awe of her talents. If anything, she had gained his respect.

But that alone wouldn’t solve his new predicament.

Despite his prior excuses and his commitment to protect his family, he did feel that subtle pull to return to the stars. Flying was his passion; it was another extension of himself and nothing could ever replace the exhilaration and freedom he felt every time he got inside a cockpit. The only thing that concerned him was returning to combat, particularly after he had already experienced a close brush with death. How could he ever explain that to Lyz? He had promised her that he would step away and never willfully endanger himself in that way again.

And yet, didn’t Ona Antilles have a point? He could be doing so much more to contribute to the cause. He had the initiative, the talent…

No. Stay firm.

With a resigned sigh, Aryan pressed his lips together firmly and tightened his resolve. He was still scrolling idly through the items on his datapad when he lifted his gaze to search her face. “I’ve made my decision,” he reiterated in a flat tone, his eyes seeming to reflect a hint of regret. “I understand these are desperate times, but--”

He winced as he trailed off, continuing to wrestle with his thoughts. He realized with some reluctance that he did have another option...even if it was a long shot. He presented this to her now with careful precision; he didn't want to get her hopes up. “Look, the most I can do under these circumstances is discuss it with my wife. I can pose the idea and see what she thinks, but I can’t make any guarantees. I’m pretty sure I can already predict how that conversation will unfold.” Aryan flashed a knowing grin, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. “Until then, my place is here.”

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Moff Geist
Aboard the War Hammer, Coruscant orbit

"Well said," the Moff agreed, nodding. Geist had high hopes for his relationship with Bernael. A thoughtful and prudent Sith, what a surprise. Of course, Geist had divined that Bernael was a Sith, not necessarily a One Sith, and the Moffs were keenly aware of those who were born Sith and those which were not. Half the tension in the One Sith hierarchy as of late had been caused by that difference. If the Moffs were ever to be rid of Sith rule, then they would need to become more aware of the faultline's running through the Order... even if the later breeds of Sith seemed to have figured out how to cooperate without destroying what they had achieved.

Geist thought aloud. "I studied the Sith, of course, when you emerged from hiding again ten years ago. I was not involved in the initial contact between the Council and the Sith, the late Moff Calixte was, but I agreed to the alliance even without knowing. I find it impressive that the Sith have mastered their issues of long-term cooperation. The Tribe of a century ago lasted for five millennia, I gather, and the One Sith must have been preparing for a century for this moment. It is touching, though legends suggest that Sith like Vitiate, Ruin and Palpatine had greater feats to their names, no?"

They shortly arrived at the hangar, and Geist paused to allow the Sith to precede him.

Manners were a thing, after all.

Geist wanted to show him what they would be commanding from before the fleet launched for the Hidden Jedi Temple.

TAG: @darthbernael
---
IC: Darth Insipid
Vjun orbit

"A key?" Insipid almost hissed the word. "Don't you think, if I had a key, I would be asking for your input, apprentice?" The Force gathered around Helinith's throat, briefly squeezing, and then the Sith Lord released a breath. May the Force be with me, he thought, angrily.

After a moment, he started again. "There is a small launch that comes with this shuttle. Take it to the surface, and call me when you have figured it out." He did not mention that the smaller shuttle had no hyperdrive. If she tried to escape, he would trigger the remote self-destruct. Simple. But Helinith was not a traitor; there was nothing in what records he could find about her to suggest anything but brutally amusing honesty.

"If you need me to distract the guns, I shall make one pass," he said, emphasising that it would be just one. "Then I will join you. Vader's castle is not to be damaged anymore than the past events have already done so. I need a base of operations in known space, and if you are good, I will let you have the castle when we all done with the conquest of the galaxy."

"Deal, apprentice?" Insipid stared at her.

TAG: @darthhelinith
---
IC: Ona Antilles
Eastern Docks, Nuba City Spaceport, Nubia

The droids finished off, completing the fueling of the Crossfire and the topping up of its blaster gas. They even loaded a pair of torpedoes, and that was a small miracle unto itself, because munitions were in harder supply than pilots.

Well, at least Aryan was thinking about it, so that was good. All Ona had to do was put that germ of the idea out there, and usually it took root.

Of course, Lyz Graul was a big factor in Aryan's life, so she might snuff it out. But, Ona thought with a mental shrug, she had done her bit to recruit. Her duty was fulfilled, and she would report back to Admiral Stazi either way. The Duros paid no attention to Aryan, trusting Ona to her task and giving handlers care of the rest, because he was running the entire Alliance and that required his focus, especially now the One Sith had abandoned tactical sense to attack the galaxy wholesale. But he would still read her report, and he might even direct someone to speak to Aryan. With his connections, him returning to the front might convince other parts of his former command and squadrons to defect, as most of them now served in the Sith-Imperial military, which had absorbed much of the standing Alliance military.

That was a good thought, that Ona had started something with far-reaching consequences.

It was also her last thought.

The wall exploded inwards, and Ona vanished into a wave of debris. Stormtroopers began to spill into the room, raising their rifles to fire at the loader droids, but the initial wave of fire was widespread - ill-targeted, just reactionary. Eight troopers - two squads, and a whole in the wall behind it, revealing the walker which had blown the warehouse exit and a -

Sith.

His yellow eyes sought out the occupants of the warehouse, though the lights had cut out when the explosion happened.

TAG: @HanSolo29

 

IC: Darth Bernael
Location: War Hammer

Bernael listened, not just to the words Moff Geist spoke, but also the thoughts flitting through his mind. He revised his, previously high, estimate of the man even higher. Hearing Ruin’s name gave him pause but for a moment before he spoke, “You managed to answer one question without answering the other. No matter, yes many older lineage Sith did wondrous and malevolent things while they lived. The Sith in this age have much to live up to, but are hamstrung by their hierarchy, even if it does reduce, but not eliminate the infighting.”

He thought for a few moments as they proceeded down the corridor. “The battle between Dark and Light seems everlasting, especially as it is but a lesser echo of the battle between what are now considered gods by many species. Unless both sides of the equation are removed, for good, the galaxy will always see a resurgence of one, the other, or both. Even then the Force itself would have to disappear as other beings with the ability to manipulate it would appear. And those not Force sensitive will always be caught in between.”

Thinking over the conversation so far Bernael could sense a trend in its direction. He was not surprised, having known for eons that those who seem to exist at the whim of Force users, no matter the side, do chafe at the fact that there exists very little opportunity to create their own realm while still subjugated. The Sith followed the dark path but the Jedi were no saints, and the upheavals that occurred in their space gave evidence of that as well. The fact that Moff Geist felt he could even subtly lead into such with him spoke of how he already viewed Bernael; that he understood, to a deep degree, the fracture lines of internal Sith politics.

As he came to the end of his ruminations, they reached a portal, and as it swung open the Moff stepped to the side, gesturing for Bernael to enter before him. Having entered a vast hangar space Bernael allowed his gaze to sweep around, taking in the forces gathered there. Knowing the direction the conversation had been flowing Bernael met subtlety with subtlety, “I believe we will work well together, and I will support your operations to the best of my ability, even to the point of shielding them from whatever subtle backstabbing will occur from other Sith. I am a creature of the Dark, not just Sith, and with what I am preserving as much as possible of our forces, while in pursuit of our goals, is preferable to either side reducing the system to slag.”

Bernael stepped to the side after he passed through the portal, his back to the wall, so that the Moff would enter to his side, “I am sure your troops wish to meet the Sith that will be alongside them, if even by holo.” he said as his eyes flashed black then back to silver and his talons emerged then re-sheathed in a moment. “So let us let them see what is watching over them, their dark angel, so to speak.”

TAG: @Sinrebirth