Star Wars OPEN New Sith Trials: Dark Reach: Episode I: An Order Remade

IC: Emperor Soliloquy The Reluctant.
Throne Room - Tending the garden

Making sure that plenty of bio-mater with proper nutrition was evenly distributed in the food tanks, well it was not a cheering process. He was an Emperor now, he was respectable, and he was seen always. It was rather confining. No servants could randomly go missing to fill his tanks, and all his experiments were being done by Forceless scientists light-years away! It was atrocious! Why today alone he had to have three conference calls and forty seven messages about how some idiot had laid the piping in a cloning machine backwards and another had pressed a wrong button, not to mention one had gotten himself eaten. Sadly he was not the one responsible for either of the prior lab errors. This was not even taking into account keeping an Empire running - there was another few conferences and another about to begin. Paperwork was one thing, but so many things required face time and so much gabba-yabba it was exhausting!

Then he felt it and all these first being problems melted away!

He was here! Eyes closed he summoned his baby, he could feel the mind jump at his touch and rise in glee! Whatever contained it could not now that it knew that it's parent was here and with an abstract thought he pushed a button to alert his guards. "MY BABIES HOME! Don't shoot!" The message was relayed as he felt the startled and consternation of beings in the Force grow his child escaped the confines of the shuttle Shimmer had brought him in and began skittering and flying his way to Soliloquy. Then at last he felt his guards surprise and pushed the button to open his doors.

"Blightling my handsome boy! Who's been a good boy! Who's been a good boy! Yes, you have! Yes, you have!" Kneeling he hugged his precious Blightling as it pranced and danced on exoskeletal tips, wrapping it's now large head over his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around it's neck. His little prince was home!


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Rubbing his head he looked up at the high ceiling as he felt his babies warm breath. "I think you just might be big enough and this room just large enough. . .wanna fly?" he calmly asked his baby who leaped up on beating wings to the question, "I know! I know! But how about you let me grab a tablet and then you can fly me around for a bit, eh? Let's give it try big boy. Let's give it a go!" with that Soliloquy find a mote of joy and familiarity of something akin to happiness as he laid tucked in between his babies beating wings in an otherwise wholly uncomfortable position, having to make himself lighter for it to yet work. Rubbing a spike to then graze around a breathing tubes opening he sighed in contentment as his pad alerted him to the meeting starting - or trial. Another thing he was duty bound to attend to. If only he didn't have a responsibility ethic he could leave this all to someone else to handle. Sadly if wanted it done right, as the old adage went, you had to do it yourself.

TAG: @Sinrebirth & No one really.

 

Jungle, Korunnai Temple

She could feel it.

Emptiness. Emptiness of her second Kyber.

The elder tips his hand and It clatters to the floor.

Claiomh feels her eyes focus and refocus as rage, pain and loss fills her. The lack of connection, her connection.

He had cleansed it.

The scream of anger and pain that erupted from her could be heard from outside the temple walls. As she completes her dodge, she senses the incoming shield. The two lightsiders were indeed working in tandem. Remembering what the doctor had told her earlier, she quickly shifts her energy. The lightning on her fingertips cools into a jet of force pull as she seizes the incoming shield.

“You will suffer for this! It was mine! You had no right!” She screams and sends the shield flying - edge forward - towards the slugthrower and the throat of its operator.

The short man loses his head, and the big man takes advantage of her focus to launch forward and slam his fist into her cheek. Claiomh had no time to revel in the moment the shield separated his head from his neck. As it tumbles a spiral of blood is left in its wake. the fist of the second lightsider comes in like a missile towards her face.

The force he applies is incredible; he is all muscle, and has the Force behind him as well. It was telegraphed, but with her need to send the shield through the other man her attention was divided.

She could feel it was a force assisted punch, and the man who produced it was big, very big.

It was also very dedicated. Everything he had was in that one attack which meant he was unlikely to change direction. Claiomh didn’t have time to move. But she could rotate.

As the fist came in, she shifted her weight to the front foot, moving her left hip back it swings that side of her body, like a door, as she steps back with her other foot. As her body continues the rotation, she swings her right saber upwards - instinctively aiming for the shoulder joint via the armpit of his outstretched arm.

It wasn’t enough.

The side of his fist connects with her face. It drives the inner flesh of her cheek into her teeth and she suddenly tastes the bitter metallic of blood.

Her attempt to evade was partially successful. She avoided the full force of the punch, but not the Force energy that hit her. She felt the air leave her lungs but her body automatically folded and softened to reduce the damage of the blow. As she flew backwards sparks arched up as he instinctively brought his shield around just in time to protect himself from her strike.

She allowed the energy to carry her. Tumbling in midair, using the Force strike to her benefit rather than fighting against it. Her saber screams as it leaves a trail of brilliant red sparks in their wake. Claiomh gasps, air filling her lungs as she lands and slides backwards in a crouched position.

A whisper of the Force drew the second shield, that Claiomh used to decapitate the other man, back to his arm. He leaped, teeth of the shields whirring first, like a panther uncoiling -

He was not only strong, he was fast.
Predatory, even.

She scarcely had time to completely fill her lungs and he was already launching himself at her; both shields poised edge first. With her free hand she sends a massive Force push at him; and charges.

The Korunnai held in the air for the briefest of moments, as if his very body was resisting the push. He rolled his neck, and the push broke apart under his own Force push back, but he dropped to the floor, feet heavy, and his buzzing shields continued on, one slashing at her neck, the other held close like a bareknuckled ring fighter.

Taking advantage of his momentary pause Claiomh continues her charge. As his feet hit heavily upon the floor he slashes out with the edge of his shield.

She feels the disturbance of the air as the blades seek out her throat.

Her saber comes around like a shield of her own. Aiming for the teeth, her back leg steps in back of her front. Getting off the line of attack and staying behind her saber she allows the kinetic energy of his attack to carry past her.

Using a force assisted leap she lands one foot upon the face of the shield. Her other foot aimed for the top of his head to fracture his neck with a Force assisted stomp.

The man was surprised that she didn't launch an attack, and went evasive, he blinked as she stood on the shield - nowhere near the sharpened edges - and just about managed to summon the Force to prevent his neck from being fractured. He still went down hard, and into unconsciousness, landing face-down, the weapons chittering away as they were automated.

He lay there motionless as his weapons clattered away. For a moment she wanted to return to him and take her time carving him apart but the glint of something on the floor caught her eye and she was instantly snapped to attention.

Her Kyber.

She rushes to it and picks up the gem; holding it for a moment in her hand. She reaches out to it.

“Remember me, remember me,” she chants in her mind.

It didn't.

It was confused, but it resisted her.

Kybers are sentient, and not all that malleable. She could sense it wanted to bond with her, to give her a rhyme and reason by colour. The crystal filled her mind with a version of herself, younger, with a green lightsaber. She was a Jedi - a hero, being applauded by a group of civilian she had just saved from Trandoshan slavers.

Claiomh blinked.

She had never owned a green lightsaber. Cursing the man who twisted her Kyber, she places it in a pocket. Turning, she ignites her saber and it’s blade snarls to life, bright, brilliant red dancing across all services.

“Like this,” she speaks to the Kyber in her pocket. “This is your twin.” She hoped the presence of her other saber would spark a memory - it resisted- but she didn’t have time to properly bleed it now. Extinguishing the saber she ran towards the door where the elder had escaped earlier.

Not only did she need her other items, she needed to know what lies he filled her Kyber with, and his head on a sharpened stick.

As she passed through the door she saw her other items spread out on a table, all present - as if examined in context of the others. She ran over to the table and began grabbing her things. They were later out as if being studied. She frowned. Why were they so interested in studying her things yet so absolute in killing her.

The elder was nowhere to be seen, but just as suddenly, a surge of the Force occurred and the wall exploded over her and the room - the big Korunnai was awake, roaring apart the room she was in.

Claiomh did not have time to contemplate. With her Dao wrapped in her synthweave armor she dashes back the way she came to escape. Reaching back she motions - using a Force pull to assist the Korunnai in destroying his own temple.

He bounded out of the debris, his golden shields glowing even as the Temple set fire. He looked her in with intelligent eyes as she dashed away, and glowered. He wasn't giving up, clearly!

I see you.

The words rolled around her mind.

She answers, not with her mind, but her voice. Not words per se, yet distinctively clearer.

From her hand irrupts a volly of Force Lightning.

Partly at him, but also to ensure the destruction of their temple and hopefully the elder who harmed her Kyber.

His armor protected him, and the man pushed through it, swinging a shield-blade at her neck.

Feeling her lightning redirected by the shields, Claiomh ignites her saber. Stepping off the line and to the diagonal she brings her blade vertical and in front of her body to redirect the edge of his shield as she steps. Her left hand draws one of the force imbued twin dao from the scabbard resting across the small of her back. They most likely would need a recharge of her energy, but even without it, they were a wicked set of blades.

As her weight shifts completing the evasion, she brings the Dao, hidden by his own shield - its edge intended for her neck-, up for a thrust to the side of his groin. The strike is intended to damage the hip joint from that access point as most armor can not protect that area.

Claiomh feels her Dao sink true and as her evade completes she feels him begin to sink forward grunting in pain. In his pain he swings a backhand, catching her with the flat of his shield across her face, as he sags to one knee, looking down at the wound. He grits his teeth and looks at her with crazed eyes, two massive hands outstretched to throttle her with the Force

A long ribbon of blood streaks outward from her mouth. She flies back using every ounce of skill to keep herself headed away from him rather than simply spinning.

Landing with a wobble in her half crouch, she lifts her head in time to see his hands reach out towards her. Claiomh screams a battle cry splattering the floor with her blood, as she raises her brilliant red blade; the sliver red splattered edge of her dao flashes behind it.

Launching herself in a force assisted leap she somersaults over him and whatever he was going to produce from those hands. Her saber thrusts to the back of his neck while the edge of her Dao slashed at his crazed eyes.

The blade took off his neck, she could feel his life resist then fade as her lightsaber hit true. The head fell to the ground with a massive chunk - the sound of wet flesh hitting the stone floor. His body sagged, and her adrenaline gave out as the immediate threat ended.

She landed on her feet, wobbled, then felt the floor touch her knees. She swallowed hard and grimaced. Claiomh could feel bruising on her throat, he had come close to seizing her that one last time. Every breath told her the location of bloody gashs on her body.

The tiny presence of her Kyber was a small comfort. But it didn’t know her. And the price it cost to get it back made her almost unable to fight. She looked down at the shirt and found it laced with her own blood. A painful sob swelled in her throat.

Acidic.

Finally allowing herself - she bends, curling herself as she feels the sob escape.

@Sinrebirth @E. L.Knight


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Darth Cocytus
A long awaited contact
A Cold Sickness in battle
Vengean’s End

Cocytus stared at the rebel ship around the homeworld of the Twi'leks. His eyes narrowed at the furthering signs that the First Order was at the end of it's rope, being overrun by the countless uprisings throughout the galaxy alongside the main Rebel Alliance, or The Resistance, as they call themselves now. It was all the same to the Kaminoan. Fortunately, though, they now have a true Dark Lord of the Sith to once again Shepherd them to victory with the power of the Dark Side.

Speaking of which...

A message in the darkness.

The kaminoan smiled thinly.

"It's her. Darth Styx knows I have her apprentice. So my gamble paid off." Cocytus told him with a wicked smile. "She will be coming for us no doubt. Tell her that we are busy at the moment with rebels. If she wants to find us, home is where we shall meet., where I shall present a most valuable gift to the First Order as a whole."

The kaminoan cleared his throat as they were suddenly hit with fire from the enemy. "In the meantime, your current orders are to destroy those cruisers and send out reinforcements to help out our comrades. I shall give aid by means of battle meditation, using the force to boost our morale, stamina and overall battle prowess while in turn reducing the might and will power of the rebels."

"Those are your current orders. Carry them out with full effectiveness while seeking out contact with any possible allies to bring additional aid."

The comm officer nodded. "Yes, my Lord."

Commander Sellik similarly concurred. He gave the orders, and the Dauntless opened fire on the two cruisers. The Mon Calamari ships were just over a third as long as the Resurgent-class, but better shielded, meaning they were an even match.

Their fire wore away at the Star Destroyer, as much as they chewed at their shields. They launched what TIE fighters they had, but there were definitely more enemy craft present than they had. Sellik narrowed his eyes. "Open fire on the surface too, let's keep them occupied saving lives rather than firing at us."

That left Cocytus to weave his magic - and an update from the comms officer. "My Lord, they signed off the channel, leaving this message."

Vengean was a failure of an apprentice. I have a better candidate in mind already.

Darth Cocytus's eyes narrowed at the message. So that was why Darth Vengean was all alone on the Rishi moon. Darth Styx basically cut him loose from the Master-Apprentice Relationship. This still leaves a problem in the tenants of the Rule of Two due to cryptic words of a candidate for a new Sith Apprentice his former pupil may still have in mind. "See if you can track the origins of the message channel." the kaminoan commanded, "Vengean has proven his value but keep him still under lock and key. His fate shall be decided later. For the meantime, I must be alone and undisturbed for my battle meditation."

Darth Cocytus moved to his quarters, silent and remote away from the noise and action of the bridge that would otherwise disturb him. The kaminoan never actually performed Battle meditation in a long time, but he has studied it and performed simulations in his training thoroughly enough to hopefully do so regardless. He sat crisscross in a meditative position on the cabin floor and began to focus, reaching out into the Force and into the minds of all participants on the battlefield, rejuvenating the morale and stamina of First Order forces while invoking terror into the minds of the enemy.

The comms officer began to attempt a trace, and otherwise Cocytus was secluded from the others.

The two Mon Cal cruisers were fighting fit, their Calamari officers resolute - they had been preparing for this war for some years, dispersing their vessels to many locations for the last seven years. The destruction of Hosnian Prime had seen their resolve shatter, and the Mon Calamari had declared neutrality, but the subsequent invasion by the First Order had ignited their desire to resist again. Shipyards dispersed throughout their home sector had been working tirelessly.

That flash of insight into them was evident via his battle meditation.

The First Order forces were invigorated by his pressure, and pushed against the allied forces.

The Mon Calamari began to fire upon unseen targets in their fear, defusing their focus, and Sellik gave the order the advance upon one of the two ships to finish the vessel. But the cruiser was less than half of the Star Destroyer in size, after all, one-on-one it had no chance.

Fighters swarmed the Dauntless, losing torpedoes that taxed their defences, but they held.

All-in-all, it would seem the tide was turning against the enemy - though there was suddenly, as Cocytus' battle meditation spread, he would feel the pressure of the overall tide he was fighting against as a great wave - he was being told that more ships were on the way, indeed, his gaze was becoming galactic, broadening, showing that there were whole eddies and whorls of activity throughout this region of the Outer Rim, corresponding to Eriadu, Bothawui, Ando, Nal Hutta -

The sheer magnitude of the task of Battle Meditation was astonishing for Darth Cocytus, preforming for the first time on a true battlefield. For any lesser being it would have been overwhelming and broken them instantly he figured to himself, but he pressed on through sheer will. Already he felt in complete and utter control of the battle at hand, pushing the First Order forces nearer to victory against the rebels than they were before.

However, no sooner did the pressure begin to amount against him as his vision became spread far and wide throughout the Galaxy. The sheer power of his all encompassing vision is overwhelming, but not to a breaking point for the kaminoan, hanging on by might of mind. So much action on so many worlds as uprisings continued against what remained of the First Order. Yet, there was so little unity among his would-be Empire, as if each First Order fleet acted as though they were all that were left of their kind.

No. That would not do. Cocytus thought as he immersed himself further into the Dark Side with his anger and hate. If he is to establish a Galactic Imperium, all Imperial forces must be united under a single banner once more. More ships are coming. All who defy my will shall be destroyed.

Through defiant rage and hatred, the kaminoan pushed back against the wave that was against him, evoking further terror into the rebels while trying to motivate the First Order, not just at Ryloth, but throughout the Galaxy, with that same bitter hate and anger he held against those who threatened his power.

His anger and hate, should become the First Order's anger and hate, united in the Dark Side of the Force.

He pushed hard, he truly did, and it enfolded the star system, but he fell short of impacting the galaxy. His strength was untested in this regard, and he was not fully recovered - indeed, he would feel a weakness within him, evidence perhaps of some kind long-term harm within -

He hadn't had a medical, one could argue. The otherwise-silent spirits chuckled slightly, examining the cold within him, and suddenly they vanished, leaving Cocytus be.

The ship shook with fire, but the shields took it, and Sellik reported that one of the cruisers had been destroyed. The Allies were in full retreat for the time being, and a stream of First Order shuttles and transports were launching from the surface with soldiers, pilots, techs, and supplies. Enough to replenish the Dauntless' stocks fully and to give them excess crew to secure another ship - even extra pilots.

It was indeed a victory, and it rippled, lessening the pressure upon Cocytus approaching from all sides. There was still a force approaching but not yet - not yet.

They had time to make a decision or two before it did.

Cocytus broke the mediation as the First Order prevailed victory over Ryloth under his guidance, giving him relief among the pressure. He breathed heavily, finding the effort he put into to be quite exhausting, which made him glare furiously glowing yellow eyes out into the distance as he realized that his power, his inner spirit, was still damaged. The chuckling of the spirits, still in his head to be fended off, didn't help at all, but it made him realize and come into acceptance that there was still much for him to work on so as to truly establish his power as the Dark Lord of the Sith.

But more, much than that... something was coming, but what or who?

"Good work, Ladies and Gentlemen." Cocytus commended upon his return to the bridge as he gazed upon the world, "But our work is not yet over. Our main and primary objective as of now is the reunification of the entire First Order Fleet, at least within the Outer Rim as to form a counter offensive against the Allies.."

"Another force is coming towards us. however..." The Sith Lord added, "Whether they be rebels or something else remains to be seen."

"Suggestions, Commander?" Cocytus asked, his gaze at Sellik for military advice, "We must act swiftly."

Sellik swallowed. “Sir, we can’t hold Ryloth with the forces we have. I would recommend we locate a well-equipped world and take position there.” He called up records he’d been consulting overnight.

“Historically, when the old Empire fell, the fighter aces known as Shadow Wing set up a fortress world at a fuelling world and offered aid to whatever Imperial faction required it. They had began to form the nucleus of a confederation. With resources, the factions will have no choice but to come to us. It also concentrates our might.”

His eyes unfocused. “If we keep up these raids of assistance and retreat with more than we spent time and time again, we can build. As such I recommend we damage Ryloth as we depart to deny it as an asset to the enemy.”

Darth Cocytus nodded in thought. That was exactly what he was thinking, only more vague and in need of a true military mind to give it shape and structure. "Your military wisdom is sound. Very good, Commander." He concurred, before giving the order, "Current orders are to bombard Ryloth as much as deemed necessary, quickly and effectively. When you are done, set a course for the Shadow Wing's Fortress World while continuing the trajectory of aid and retreat with all First Order forces we come across along the way."

The kaminoan paused in thought. "Have you traced the origins of Darth Styx's message, yet?" He asked, "Her existence is a wild card to our plans and we must be wary of her. I fully expect her to attempt to track us down so as to test her mettle against her master and overthrow me. It is fully in the nature of the Sith and in accordance with the Rule of Two."

"As for our guest down in the brig, Vengean has served his purpose, catching the attention of my pupil." Cocytus noted, "I respect Darth Styx's wisdom and agree that he is a failed apprentice, considering my duel with him on Rishi, and his purpose there to begin with. Have him ejected out of the airlock, which I shall personally oversee."

Sellik looked a bit caught out. "My Lord, Shadow Wing were driven from that world when the Rebels set fire to the atmosphere - a terror attack if I ever saw. But it is an idea. I shall seek out an equivalent world for you, however." He bowed, and directed guns to open fire on Ryloth as they withdrew, still taking on shuttles and supplies.

There was a flutter of pseudo-motion and three more Mon Calamari cruisers arrived, escorted by a pair of Bothan Assault Cruisers - far too much for them to fight, but at least they were withdrawing. Sellik shifted fire to harass them, but continued the move towards the hyperspace jump.

Otherwise, two Stormtroopers sidled up to escort the Dark Lord to the brig, towards Darth Vengean. When they reached the cell, he wasn't evident, but the security droid guarding him pointed up. "He's on the ceiling, sir. Almost feral."

Indeed, Cocytus would sense that the amalgamation of Sith spirits had taken up residence within the man. He was scratching at the roof of the ship, bloodying the tips of his hands, tongue hanging from his mouth like a rabid animal.

The cold within Cocytus ebbed a little, but it was still there, in his core muscles.

The kaminoan blinked in thought. "Oh. Very Good, Commander." Darth Cocytus noted with a hint of embarrassment at the miscommunication between him and Sellik. It appeared to be another difficulty with the time jump and alternate timeline. The confusion will have to be something that the Sith Lord will have to work with. "Proceed with your duties with the alternations then."

Cocytus left the bridge with the two stormtroopers, leaving the Captain to his work, while he attended with the prisoner down below. The kaminoan stared at the former Sith Apprentice turned mad man, overtaken by the Sith Spirits who moved into his mind. The kaminoan wondered why they were so quiet as of late aside from the occasional chuckle. Still, not only this proved that Vengean was weak in skill but weak of mind and will as well to allow himself to be overwhelmed.

A failed apprentice indeed.

“Put him out of his misery.” Darth Cocytus ordered simply to the droid and stormtroopers, "Careful. He may be no Sith Lord, but he may still be dangerous nonetheless."

They lowered the forcefield and rushed in, blasters raised, and just as suddenly their heads twisted around with a loud crack.

Vengean - if he could even be called that anymore - bounded down from the ceiling and launched forward, snarling, the Force accelerating his motions and a malevolent cackle of cackles within the Force -

The ship shook as it entered hyperspace -

Darth Cocytus sighed and shook his head. A waste of useful soldiers.

The Kaminoan quickly unhooked one of his lightsabers and got into a soresu stance. He glared at Vengean with a surge of anger before force shoving the madman with the release of Sith Lightning as to slam him against the cell wall.

The Sith Lord defeated Vengean while he had his mind intact. Cocytus figured he was perfectly capable of finishing the job now that Vengean's mind was lost.

The creature slammed to the wall, electrified, and struggled to rise. The man was staring at Cocytus, blood-rage in his eyes, but he couldn't move. He cracked bones and reversed his arms and legs, as if a man possessed - which of course he was. His neck twisted at an unholy angle, and his eyes penetrated Cocytus, the cold in his chest expanding, shortening his breath -

Darth Cocytus hatefully stared back in disgust at the being that was once Darth Vengean, now completely something else entirely at the hands of the Sith Spirits. The kaminoan ignored the coldness in his chest, standing his ground in defiance against the mangled near dead creature. He reached out into the Force again, this time Force crushing what was left of the Sith Apprentice while further roasting him with an even more intense dose of Sith Lightning from his fingertips.

"Be gone, Spirits." Darth Cocytus spoke coldly, 'The Dead are of little use for the Living... except to teach from their mistakes."

The Sith - the creature - he was crushed, cracked, bloodied. It wasn’t alive, not at all. Fried and broken and undone.

The spirits were undone, untethered, and they floated up, and dissipated with many, many howls.

The cold, however, it remained, within him, deeper than it ever was.

Darth Cocytus breathed heavily and placed a hand on his chest. The kaminoan was always cold in personality and cunning. However, this, this was different. It felt unnatural, like an illness no Sith or Jedi alike should ever have. What was happening to him? Cocytus wondered with narrow eyes. As far as the Sith Lord knew there was at least something he can start with to uncover his ailment, something that he was long overdue to look over.

That Holocron… Cocytus thought in anger as he returned to his chamber, telling an officer to clean up the mess he left behind, Will have to start with that... whoever it might belong to…

Hopefully it still worked considering it was cracked...

@Sinrebirth







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OOC: A fun little combo w/ @Sinrebirth

IC: Iudex and Shimmer
Hapes, Royal Palace

Darth Iudex stepped into the hangar just as the alarm klaxons began to ring out. He paid them no mind, instead slinging slinging the rucksack he had packed over his shoulder. Spying Shimmer standing by a shuttle, Iudex approached, the clanking of his armor announcing his arrival to all around.

He smiled humorlessly at Shimmer's remark. "Strange, I was thinking the same thing. How long until this," He gestured at the shuttle, "Is ready to depart? We've been dispatched to Oba Diah, a mission of possibly great importance."

The hangar became a bustle of movement, with Hapan workers of all sorts rushing about as the nature of the klaxons became clear. The New Republic had come knocking.

Iudex crossed his arms, surveying the commotion with noticeably little interest. "I would assume our traditional Hyperspace Lanes are being blockaded, or are at least in the process of being so. So we'll be traveling through the Mists." He stated matter-of-factly. "Objections?"

Shimmer was just about keeping up. "That makes sense," she said. "The New Republic blockade was quick, I didn't expect a democracy to be able to pull it off..." As she turned and led the Falleen back up the ramp, she continued speaking. "I guess they had already planned and prepared to invade and settled on this."

It did make sense; if the Senate had declared war on Hapes and the military then took a week to get ready, they would have been exposed to a strike. So Ackbar and Leia had this in motion already even before the Senate voted.

"Never underestimate the New Republic's, or rather, Leia's, distaste for the Sith." Iudex said, following Shimmer up the ramp into the shuttle. "It'll take some clever politicking to keep the New Republic's blockade of us. Too much force, and they'll invade. If we don't provide enough of a threat, they'll leave, and Snoke will invade. A, hmm, delicate, situation, to be sure."

Iudex slid into the co-pilots seat, gesturing with a hand for Shimmer to take the Helm. "But I'm sure your Master has everything under control." He said with a glimmer of sarcasm. "I'll explain our mission as we go, it'll be a waste of breath if we get caught by the blockade."

"Packed a few weeks of provisions." He stated simply, slinging the rucksack over the back of his seat. "Doubt we'll need 'em, but you know how our luck's been recently. Come on, faster we're moving, better a chance we have of slipping through the New Republic's fingers."

“Leia will likely not let the blockade fall away any time soon,” Shimmer said carefully as she slid into the pilots seat and began to prep the ship for launch. “Which means she’ll be spending her political cachet on it, especially as the Imperial remnants are still out there. Win win win, if we can keep this going.”

The ship was up and out the hangar in a moment, and she began to drift out the Hapes system. She paused. “I’m not sure how to do this, I’ll admit. Esme, the woman I’m cloned from, she never had to handle it so I’ve not the skills... though she didn’t have a political bone in her body and I got the gist of that.”

She eyed the Mists, light years away but still a presence in the distance, dimming the system. “Want to take the helm?”

Iudex stroked his chin, agreeing with Shimmer's assessment. "True, but as you've probably deduced, Leia is most likely leading a large cohort of senators who want to invade the Hapes Consortium. Emperor Soliloquy will have their work cut out for them, riding that line.."

He shooed away her concerns with an idle wave. "Head south, hug the Lorell Hyperspace route, but remain within the Mists. Use the route as a guide. If I were to guess, the northern route will be blockaded first, due to it's proximity to the Permian Hyperspace lane. Consider this a test of your abilities if that gets you to do it." A faint chuckle reverberated from his throat. "I'll man the sensor suite. If we detect any New Republic forces, hide in the Mists, or if you think you can safely Jump, go for it."

Iudex rolled his shoulders as he settled into his absurdly comfortable chair. "Once we clear Zeltros, should be smooth sailing till we hit Oba Diah." He said with a barely stifled yawn. "Chop Chop, burnin' daylight here." Iudex lazily pointed forwards as he spoke.

She had hoped he would take over, but no luck. Shimmer turned to head south, smirking slightly. "You know, I'm the Emperor's apprentice. I'm pretty sure that makes me his successor - maybe I should order you to pilot?" She glanced at him, stuck out her tongue, and turned back, diving along the Mists. They were difficult to navigate, but also, relatively, safe - though having no stars to reference was a little disorienting. As she poked the ship's nose out, sensors chimed -

Two X-wings, their tails to them, completing a sweep -

Iudex snorted. "Don't let him hear you talkin' like that, he might just give you the job outright." Although, that did bring up a good point. What was the line of succession anyway? Or, more importantly, who would even accept the job? Iudex knew he wouldn't, that's for sure. Something to ponder about during some down time, if he ever got any.

"So what, no questions about the mission or anything? Pfft, you're no fun..-" Iudex went quiet, studying the twin blips which appeared on their sensors. "Hold up, got two signatures, look to be starfighters, based on size, I would say X-Wings.." He murmured. X-Wings were expected, but just with the rest of the New Republic's forces, the speed in which they were deployed were surprising, to say the least. It was becoming more and more clear that this was originally an invasion force. Iudex wondered how little it would take for them to revert to one.

"Doesn't look like they see us. Buuut, I'm going to power down our secondary and tertiary systems, give 'em less of a profile to spot.." He said, already in the process of flipping switches. "Slip back into the Mists for a moment, let them pass. I'm not detecting additional patrols at the moment, we should be able to sneak by them in a moment.."

Shimmer abandoned her banter as the X-wings soared off. They hadn't seen them, so that was something. In the darkness of the dimmed ship, she looked at him. "My apologies, I didn't know we got briefings nowadays. It's been one crisis after another this month!"

She hadn't even left Kamino before all this.

Now she as a Sith apprentice.

The X-wings circled around the Mists, disappearing from sight.

"Go on then, Iudex. Dazzle me with our mission."

"As I said.." He murmured, making a mental note of their coordinates as the X-Wings soared away. "We've been having some bad luck as of late.." Iudex chose to withhold the fact that he shared similar feelings, and that the never ending crisis after crisis was beginning to wear on him as well. Sharing such feelings wouldn't do anyone any good. The illusion of control needed to be upheld. At least for the time being.

Once he was certain those X-wings weren't going to double back on them, Iudex relaxed, once more leaning back into his seat. "I'll make it quick." He said simply, as he began feeding power back into the shuttle's non-critical subsystems. "The Pyke Syndicate's fortress world of Oba Diah just got hit. As in, within a standard day. No one knows who did it, not for sure, but we can rule out who it wasn't. Namely, the New Republic or a rival Syndicate."

Iudex looked at Shimmer, a brow raised. "Heard a number of rumors, none from sources I would consider verifiable, all saying Oba Diah was taken by two individuals. Some say they both used lightsabers, some say they simply 'willed' the Pykes to kill themselves.. Hell, I head one account that someone ate them all." Iudex frowned, crossing his arms across his chest. "Nothing about slave revolts, or hostile takeovers, you know, the usual culprits. But.. It doesn't matter now, planet's gone dark."

He cleared his throat. "Mission is simple. Get to Oba Diah, find out what happened, report back to your Master, and get back in time for Tea. Any questions?"

Shimmer snorted. “Not much else to ask about it, really. I imagine there are red lightsabers involved... and someone being eaten...”

“Sounds like an Anzati, at very least.” She moved them to jump position, waiting for the hyperdrive to chime. “Not much of a break.” As much as the Falleen could be unreadable, in that very reptilian way, she felt that he emphasised with her about their stress level.

“Did you want to let off some steam?”

Her sentence was loaded with heavy subtext, and the route was expected to take a few hours anyway. It was just an arrangement, that’s all, she was conscious of the Emperor being a father-hen. Or a mother-hen, maybe - Soliloquy’s gender wasn’t exactly fixed.

"Indeed.. And we just recently lost our own Anzati. What are the odds, eh? Wonder if his comrade made it back with 'em.." Iudex said, before kicking his feet up onto the dash, just as the Hyperdrive began to chime. Finally. As comfortable as the shuttle was, it certainly left certain aspects of travel to be desired. Just something else he would have to look into once he got back.

The Resurgent-class SD's that had been captured might have some Lamdas on board. Iudex had always wanted to travel by one..

His train of thought came to a screeching, catastrophic halt. Cautiously, he glanced over at Shimmer, and despaired. This was clearly a set up, orchestrated by the Emperor. Clearly. It was too soon otherwise.

Clearly.

Iudex shook his head and gestured back towards the crew quarters. "Must have lost control of my pheromones for a second there, apologies. Go. Rest up. Have a long couple days ahead of us." He said sternly, staring directly out the main viewport into the void of Hyperspace. Oh how he wished he could just shut off certain aspects of his physiology. Would make things so much easier.

“I mean, he taught me how to control the pheromones impact on me,” Shimmer said playfully. “I just thought it’d be more fun to unwind together, and keep it from everyone. Just a one-time deal - to let some steam off.”

She stood with a smile. “Your choice, Iudex. I’m going to have a shower - did you know this ship is so luxurious it uses real water?” She stripped off her attire and made her way into the room.

Shimmer was definitely teasing him.

Iudex chuckled, shaking his head. "We can relax after Oba Diah. Eh?" He said, waving her away. They had a few hours before they exited Hypersapce, if everything went well. Time which could be be put to good use meditating, or planning, or sleeping. Reveling in the pleasures of the flesh had a time and a place.

Besides, Iudex was pretty sure this was still just a set-up created by Soliloquy. ..Moderately sure.

Hearing Shimmer begin to walk away, Iudex quickly glanced over his shoulder and watched her leave, a frown forming on his face.

"I might be overthinking this.."

Tags: @Sinrebirth , @Mitth_Fisto , @darthbernael , @greyjedi125

 

OOC: Combo with @Sinrebirth and @Lady Belligerent

IC: Darth Azathoth and Doctor Cal
Aboard the Luxury Elite, Coruscant system

Insipid was not alone in his own personal musings, Azathoth himself let his mind adrift, contemplating the nature of his relationship to Insipid. After all, he was the only being that had ever formulated any semblance of kindness to the young man, in some ways Azathoth was becoming to view him as his new adoptive father, one that his old father Mikh Brug had never granted him. Azathoth did appreciate the push and tutelage his master had granted him, and while both his 'fathers', neither of which were his true father, did inflict pain on him Insipid's always had a lesson behind it, it had a logic and reason to it, other than the cruel sadism of his father. Which of course this sadism had been passed down to Azathoth although he would never admit it.

As they turned the corner he would find himself blocked by an individual he did not recognize, a deep frown sat upon their face. He paid no attention to it.

"Sorry excuse me," he muttered making his way to move past them.

“Hold on,” Dr. Jepsun turned to face the young man. He rubbed his bloodshot eyes and cleared his throat to give himself a moment to think, “er, are you my new research assistant?”

Cal had been expecting a new hire, he’d been nagging the powers that be to get him some help because Cheryl was slow and complained about everything. He had to keep Cheryl and Olag around though because they knew about, and supported, his research. He studied the man in front of him closer and waited, “well?” Cal practically snapped at him.

Azathoth looked up at the man. Damn. He thought to himself, well this was certainly going to complicate things, Azathoth responded with a gut instinct.

"Yes that's me, sorry I got lost,"

Why did you say that? He thought desperately to himself, well better press forward.

Cal rubbed his hands together and grinned, “follow me and I will get you settled.” He steered the man down the corridor and into an unmarked door.

“That’s Cheryl,” Cal nodded towards a Gamorrean clothed in a bright fuchsia gown, “he’s the lead assistant here in the lab. You’ll go to him with any questions or concerns.” Cheryl scowled at the new arrival then yawned. He pulled open a desk drawer and took out a packet that he shoved towards Azahoth. “Thanks, Cheryl,” Cal said before leading the new assistant into the laboratory. It was a brilliantly lit space lined with shelves and various equipment.

“Here’s your workspace, keep it clean or Cheryl will get uppity. Trust me, you don’t want to piss him off,” Cal cringed at the memory of the last time Cheryl went off on an untidy assistant. “The refresher is over there,” Cal pointed out a door, “take that packet and there’s a container for a urine specimen. When you’re done, Dr. Olag will take some blood and tissue samples. Any questions?”

The Sith apprentice silently moaned as followed the doctor? That would certainly make sense if they needed a lab assistant. Azathoth took the packet, inspecting its contents. Cheryl was certainly a friendly individual. He nodded to Cal, noting where his 'workspace' was.

"No, I don't have any questions, thank you," Azathoth then swiftly made his way to the refresher, he locked himself in a stall, and tapped on the earpiece Insipid had given him earlier.

"Master? What do I do?"

Insipid responded fairly swiftly. "Play along, Azathoth. I shall head deeper into the ship... your use of the Force to unlock the crank on the lift; it was sensed. You must not use the Force whatsoever for the duration. The use of Doubt Shroud must be at an extreme last resort until I say."

His voice was firm; murderously so.

"I will collect you when I can."

At that, he signed off.

Cal pounded on the refresher door, “you okay in there?” He shouted and muttered about how the kids always talked to themselves.

Olag entered from Cheryl’s office and greeted Cal before dropping on to a stool at his workstation. “I was just checking on Anark, there’s still no medical reason that he’s not waking up,” Olag reported, “we could always try some electrical shock treatments?”

“I’ll consider that,” Cal replied, “for now I want you to train the lab assistant. He’s in the refresher, but he should be out soon.”

Azathoth nodded to himself as Insipid issued his new instructions. He jumped slightly as the doctor, Azathoth wasn't sure if he caught his name or not pounded on the door.

"Yes, I'm coming one moment"

Azathoth took a moment to collect himself, the idea of working in a lab did appeal to him, he had always thought that in a different life he would have been an engineer or scientist. He popped his head out, looking round to Olag.

"Where do you want me?"

Olag blinked and gazed at this newcomer, in fact his goal was to make him as uncomfortable as possible. “Where do you want to be?” Olag finally asked mildly, and then continued as if he hadn’t answered a question, “are you bothered by dealing with remains?”

Azathoth grinned, if only this Olag knew, the things Azathoth had done and seen. His head tilted, perhaps this little side adventure would prove to be fun after all.

"No not all"

Olag nodded thoughtfully and then walked over to a freezer built into the wall behind him. He opened the door and slid a tray partially out and stopped himself before using the Force to move it to the table. “Come take this tray,” he motioned to Azahoth, “it’s pieces and organs that Dr Jepsun needs some samples from for his...uh, research.”

Olag turned away before rolling his eyes. He had little faith that Cal would ever create a Force user, in his opinion they are born with it or not. It had been an ongoing argument between them for a very long time now.

Azathoth took the sample tray his curiosity peaked. He noted Olag's use of the Force, he sighed slightly at not being able to use it himself, it would certainly make things easier.

"What exactly is Dr. Jepsun's research if you don't mind me asking?"

“Do I mind you asking?” Olag drawled the words as he looked thoughtfully at the body parts in the tray. His eyes settled on a glistening eyeball, one that was roughly human sized with a deep green iris. The corner of his mouth twitched and then the eye rolled slightly until it could focus on Azahoth. The pupil slowly growing and shrinking.
“I guess I don’t mind,” Olag finally answered, “but Dr. Jepsun might, so you’ll have to put your questions to him. All I can tell you is that it’s very important, so don’t screw up.”

Azathoth nodded, this Olag was certainly a strange one.

"Alright understood" he muttered, his attention focusing on the task at hand. Taking the tray he began to walk, eyeing Olag.

"So where exactly am I going?"

“Put that tray down before you drop it!”

Olag grabbed the tray and pulled it away from Azahoth and sat it back on the table. “You’ll work right here where I can watch you.”

Azathoth scratched his head, somewhat confused.

"Didn't you say 'take the tray'... oh you meant you want me to take samples from this in preparation, alright, alright, a simple misunderstanding"

Azathoth then plucked from a nearby surgical kit, making his movements to slice away the samples that Dr. Jepsun required, while not without it's merit, slicing through flesh that was not screaming in pain was so much less fun.

Olag felt a tingle on the back of his neck, which was normally a sign something was happening...soon.

He sat on a stool across from Azahoth and pulled a bar from his pocket. “You hungry?” Olag asked as he removed the wrapping from his snack. “Cheryl makes these,” he removed a second bar from his pocket and laid it on the tabletop, “you have to get past the scent and then they are quite tasty.”

Cheryl must have heard his name mentioned because he now stood in the doorway. He pointed to the tray and made some guttural sounds that Olag understood. “No, he’s working on the parts in this tray still, you can have them once he’s taken enough samples.” Cheryl grunted and waved a wooden spoon at Azahoth and went back into his office.

Azathoth accepted the bar, inspecting it for a moment before wolfing it down. Indeed the smell was quite pungent but quite delicious.

Diligently he pressed on, continuing to slice away at the organs, he chuckled somewhat at Cheryl, the wooden spoon waving comically through the air. His eyes returned to his work, becoming mesmerized by the patterns, the ripples, and flows of the organic matter. It was all rather fascinating, he could do this for hours, lost in a sea of curiosity.

“Do you feel any different?” Olag quietly asked.

Azathoth furrowed his eyebrow in confusion. Do I feel any different.

"What do you-" he stopped, it suddenly clicked in his mind, he had been a fool to so casually accept food from this unknown, there must be something in it and would affect him in some infernal way.

"What did I eat?"

Olag picked up a hand from the tray and waved it around, “Cheryl uses the leftovers to make those bars. It would be a shame to waste anything,” Olag dropped the hand and shrugged. “Some species we have studied have unnatural abilities, so we have tested ways to see if it’s possible to...uh, transfer those unnatural abilities to others.”

The apprentice began to calm down, it seemed they had no intentionally drugged him. He gave a firm nod, continuing to collect the organic samples.

"What kind of unnatural abilities?"

Olag studied Azahoth in silence, he was quite suspicious of the newcomer. “I believe that should be obvious, since you seem to be of at least average intelligence,” Olag shrugged. “What do you think it means?”

Azathoth gave a smirk at Olag's response.

"At least average intelligence? I suppose so," he sliced through another part of the organic matter, placing it to one side as he paused and then resumed speaking.

"Well I suppose you speak of the Force"

Olag chuckled softly, “indeed the Force, unless you believe in fairy tales.” With a flourish he raised the eyeball from the tray and smashed it against the wall.

Azathoth smirked not batting an eye at Olag's gruesome display, finishing off the sample collection before turning to Olag.

"Is this sufficient, what else do you require?"

TAG: @Sinrebirth @Lady Belligerent

 

Leaving the Jungle

When Claiomh heard, and sensed, someone approaching she readied herself for another fight, abet painfully. Her body needed rest and healing but the current circumstances made that a distant luxury. She could sense in the Force that it was not the Elder. For he, in typical Alshla fashion, abandoned his followers to her sabers saving himself.

When Morrigan appeared, Claiomh straightened herself. She didn’t want to show weakness and hid her injuries as best she could. But the way she move was telling to her current state.

As Morrigan picked her way across the wreckage, Claiomh nodded to her and scanned the doorway for her Lord. Her curiosity was short lived as the woman informed her that Hades was pulled away on personal business.

“Understandable,” she said in a matter of fact tone, suppressing a wince.

“I am most eager to get off this miserable rock and join the other. Let’s go.”

@Sinrebirth


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Darth Cocytus
The Dauntless

The kaminoan considered the recommendation of going to Bespin and accepted it, giving the Order to do so as suggested. More so, for the time being, he delegated all further military operations to Commander Sellik to carry out as he deems best, even to seek out that second ship that might be needed. The Sith Lord was going to be busy for a while and it was best that he remained as alone and undisturbed as he was when battle meditating.

Alone, in his quarters, Darth Cocytus stared reverently at the image of Darth Noctyss that appeared before him in the Holocron he collected. His eyes glowed with desire at the mention of immortality, wondering for a moment if she would be more cooperative with sharing the secret than Darth Andeddu. However, the kaminoan shook those thoughts away, storing them as a mental note for the time being.

"I am Darth Cocytus." the Sith Lord replied, "Among the last of our order and the final hope for us to establish imperial rule over this Galaxy."

Cocytus grimaced a bit. "However, something is wrong." He went on, "There is a coldness, a sickness or wound, within my essence, something holding me back from my full true potential of dominance and power in the Dark Side..."

His eyes narrowed.

"I am powerful still, but not as powerful as I should be..."

Noctyss peered back at him. "You do not know yourself? Is that not the first lesson of the Sith?" She had a slight snort, and pointed at him with her sickle blade as if pronouncing. "You ask me, who dominated the Sith, and grew bored, to tutor you? You may as well seek our Darth Siberus, surely?"

Darth Cocytus peered back at the image of the female Sith Lord with slightly gritted teeth. Great. Another holocron that is likely more troublesome than it’s worth, the Sith Lord thought to himself. “There is always more to learn about one self.” The kaminoan replied with a shrug, “But what is happening to me as of this day is akin to sickness or injury and whatever it is shortens my breath from time to time.”

Cocytus examined the Sith Lady. “Interesting lightsaber. Quite exotic. I do like curved lightsaber hilts, but a curved blade itself is one I never heard of before…” He commented thoughtfully, “Tell me about this Darth Siberus and where I may find them…”

"Oh," she waved a hand. "Everyone knows the folklore. She is a princess sealed in carbonite with the location of her treasure. If you want to find her, you should speak to a commoner - preferably human. They'll know the legends."

"I hope she was correctly frozen..." Noctyss said with a leering voice. "Or she might have carbonite poisoning."

Darth Cocytus's eyes narrowed. "Carbonite poisoning?" He repeated. That cursed Skywalker must not have known what he was doing when locking him in that prison. Or the Jedi knew exactly what he had in mind in case the kaminoan ever got free. "I must thank you, Darth Noctyss. You have, intentionally or not, answered the riddle of my ailment. Tell me, is there a cure or remedy to such poisoning?"

She chuckled, a musical noise. "I'm not an expert in such things, but I am sure modern medicine can assist... or indeed, Princess Siberus!" She laughed even more, mocking a wiped tear at her amusement. "I'd ask for a refund from whoever put you in carbonite!"

Of course, the beskar box had been dipped liberally in the carbonite after it fell into Palpatine's possession, so the fault was with him, who of course didn't care about the contents of his wall ornament…

Cocytus nodded slowly, eyes narrowing at the mockery with fury but also with a hint of embarrassment. No doubt this ship would have the supplies necessary to treat such poisoning compared to Darth Nycross's time. He sent the image of the Sith Lady back to her Holocron, putting away her knowledge of immortality for later us.

Cocytus had more immediate needs than a would be goose chase for some millenia old secret that the ancient Sith guard with apparent jealousy.

The kaminoan returned to the bridge with a grave look on his face. On further recollection, he put the blame on Palpatine for his predictions, however, it was yet another cost of his current position.

"Commander, do we have any medical supplies necessary to treat carbonite poison?" *He asked, grimacing only slightly as he fought with his will over the Force to keep the growing and retracting coldness at bay* "I am apparently in need of such treatment as soon as possible..."

Commander Sellik looked at him, baffled. "Carbonite poisoning, my Lord? There hasn't been a case of that for... oh, many years. I can inquire, but it may need specific medicine." He cringed a little. "Might I inquire exactly how long you were in carbonite? It is the thirty-fifth year since the Battle of Yavin, if that helps?"

Darth Cocytus's eyes narrowed in thought. So it's going to take longer than he hoped. Hopefully not too long still. "Approximately twenty eight years ago. Or around seven years after the Battle of Yavin." The kaminoan answered with a slightly worried look and a grimace. "Surely that's not too long, right, Commander?"

The Commander looked as if he was keeping bad news off his face. "My Lord, that would mean you have been poisoned for at least the majority of that timescale, even if slowly." He saluted. "I shall consult the medics, and our resources and supplies, of which we have ample of. Because carbonite has not been used to transport sentients since before the invention of the hyperdrive."

He swallowed audibly. "I am aware that the late Lord Vader did use it rather infamously on the recently deceased rebel Han Solo, but it's not a recentproblem. I am sure we can resurrect the art, however... I believe that it is used to transport cattle sometimes..." His eyes lit up. "Or by bounty hunters, of course."

Darth Cocytus was less than pleased with his current circumstance, that Palpatine mostly likely did on purpose. Still, one way or the other, the kaminoan swore, he will have the last laugh in the end. "Very good, Commander Sellik." Cocytus replied, his anger cold but well audible in his voice, "We shall do what we can with what we have and work our way from there..."

The kaminoan thought back on the Holocron of Darth Nocryss. If all else fails, he may have another use for her, this time as the self-proclaimed Master of Immortality…

@Sinrebirth





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IC: Emperor Soliloquy The Reluctant - A Combo with Sinre
The Throne Room - gardens

The Holocron of Darth Insipid lounged in thought as the Emperor joyrode on his Blightling. The Sith were going out doing what they did best. It was idle, at best, and after a moment he piped up. "So, Emperor, what is the plan? Are we leaving Hapes for your farms? Heading out of the Cluster? Devising a way to lock away the Sith?"

He stretched. "Y'know, Insipid wondered if the Transitory Mists were artificial, designed to trap something eldritch in here. With the other barriers the Celestials erected, there was some mechanism to it... there could be here, in theory?"

"Just a thought..." He waved a finger. "Similarly, there is the Shadow Hand to consider." Insipid pointed to the corner of the garden, shadowed as only a Sith could do so.

Soliloquy gave a heavy sigh at this information, he knew it of course, but having someone shove it in your face was somehow appreciated. After all, he had recently, in all practicality, doubled his considerable lifespan on the memories he had acquired. Memories he was still digesting, and when you try to remember things in chronological order but have the multifaceted memories of having been in three different or four different places doing different things for differing reasons. . .it was a good deal to digest! Looking in the proffered direction he spotted the Keshiri - Takaris Yur - who bowed deeply. "Emperor Soliloquy, I have returned from the task that my Master gave me."

"Governor Eccressys, of the Velcar Sector, he is open to a financial arrangement with the Acolytes of the Beyond, and access to his shipyards - secretly that is." The Velcar Sector included what could be described as a mini-Corporate Sector, which would be handy for their efforts. "I offered him a supply of slave labour, as instructed."

"Wonderful. Speaking of eldritch horrors, Little Insipid, remind me later when I finally get my base projects self sufficient I was going to build a few of my own modeled after The Crucible Skreapers. Sea slug, orchid, and basal blend. Patrol the transitory mists and free up more ships." Patting Blightling the little gentleman landed, and once Soliloquy had dismounted he had laid down infront of the throne with his wings tucked back, but eyes glued on the Keshiri.

Soliloquy took the spin and drop to his seat as he waved the next meeting to come on in closer. "So, slaves. I wonder if the Crucible is still viable, we could just pillage them. It would likely be doing those slaves a favor. Or was there a target in mind already?" He asked with some distraction as he waved his hands to cause revealed decanter and glasses to start performing a little dance that would end in a glass for him and the Keshiri.

"Crucible Skeapers?" Insipid repeated. "Huh. Sure, shall we head there now?"

The Keshiri bowed. "My master suggested that we use Keshiri. They are loyal to us as if the Sith were truly Gods, and they may give us a platform to seize the shipyards from Eccressys when he inevitably betrays us."

"Oooooh," the holocron responded. "Smart man."

Glaring at the holocron Soliloquy rolled his eyes. “Is it still brown nosing when it’s you’re own creators and mirrors self that you are doing it to?” Looking away a second he looked right back, “Skeapers?!? Really?!? Next time just ask if you’re clueless. A retrieval and ship ensnaring tool from before the Mandalorian war that gave Revan his rise.”

With a snickering sigh, in part also because the holocron was making him feel old, Soliloquy looked up at the Keshiri. “What do you think of such a plan? Would your people accept that terrible risk, degradation, and abuse? Would they be up to a challenge of rebellion and capturing the shipyards?”

Insipid's hologram shrugged. "I am what I was programmed to be, Emperor Soliloquy."

Takaris Yur paused. "If sufficiently incentivised, I have faith in my species. Some kind of... afterlife spiel? A comment from the reigning Emperor, a pithy speech?" The Keshiri was actively betraying his people, but one day he foresaw that they would stand beside the Sith as members. He doubted he would see an Emperor of his species, but he could only hope it would one day happen. "We do have a HoloNet transceiver set up in Tahv now."

The Holocron chuckled. "Oh, I would love to see you make a speech as a God."

Looking down on the holocron Soliloquy sighed, light and airy, “Don’t say I never did anything for you.”

With a wave he nodded. “Make sure we have a secure transmission. I will make a speech. It’s been a while since I did the whole deity spiels, and I wish I could do it in person.” Another sigh, “Only way would be if I split myself and frankly after fifteen thousand years as a singular person I am in no mood to divide now. Not to mention I’m still digesting my last self re-absorption. . . When can it be prepared? We will need to assure a good turn out of numbers directly reached, and you will have to deliver an injection to all those that go. My labs should have that item ready by now.”

The Keshiri nodded, and made the preparations. In short order, Soliloquy was connected. Takaris, aping a holodrama he had watched, became to count down, practicing his Basic. "Five, four -"

"Don't forget they don't know Insipid is dead," the Holocron threw out there at the very last moment.

Takaris mouthed one, and the transmission began.

Soliloquy made sure everything was prim and proper for this call. Backlighting - check. Front lighting - check. Make a super clean and glowing complexion? Check. Forget that no one knows the Emperor is out of action and he is filling in. . .Double Check! Solemn continence? Of course now!

"Keshiri. I call to you today on behalf of all Protectors, with a heavy heart. Emperor Insipid and his two best warriors are busy chasing a lead and fighting possible Destructors. One thing we hoped to never have to ask, was for your help as we are about to. To strengthen our position in the deep skies and throughout this galaxy - we need ships." Pause for dramatic effect, push a little emotional draw into the Force but keep it subtle. "We have found a corrupt and vile man that has offered us ships, and shown his true colors in exchange for slaves. This is a dangerous - - very dangerous mission. We will do what we can to prepare and enable those that volunteer to meet the needs of this mission to do so, and to prepare - everyone - for the day we eventually liberate that facility! When we will cleanse it! And we will bring it to Kesh! Bring it, to where it will be free to aid and produce for the Protectors and all Kesh!" Stand with a serious and intense facial features, looking out and around to the viewers with a fist raising dramatically, "To ensure peace and avoid devastation! Not just for Kesh! Not just for Hapes! But for the galaxy!" Fist unclench, fingers as though reaching and releasing into the great beyond, a touch more Force behind the emotions of hope and inspiration.

"For the Future!"

Solemn pause, "Sadly I cannot promise all will make it, I cannot promise you will not be hurt, harmed, or die despite my best efforts before we undertake this venture. I will not lie to you, this will be hard, and the time when this will end depends on too many variables as the galaxy shifts and alters in turmoil. I can only promise your sacrifice will be for the greater good, that I and the Emperor will never forget you! And that I will come for you! All of you that undertake this venture! And that your families and you will be elevated for this sacrifice!"

A tip of the head, a meaningful gaze through the projector as though staring into the audiences very soul. "What say you? Who will fight this fight with us! So that inch by inch we will save everything!"

There was a roar of responses from across Kesh, both Keshtah Minor and Alanciar, the two nations having been joined by Insipid in the years since he'd journeyed to the world and prepared it as a Sith base. Indeed, Emperor Soliloquy's greatest problem would be the overwhelming number of volunteers.

Takaris Yur watched from his datapad, the Holocron peaking over his shoulder. It was a strong speech - it had appealed to the Keshiri sense of righteousness, their desire to join the side of good and save the galaxy from the return of the Destructors.

The Keshiri apprentice waved his hand, and the link faded away. He bowed. "It is done, my Lord."

"I shall arrange the training and preparation and so forth, with your permission." He dropped to one knee. "Are there any other tasks your magnificence requires me to perform?"

"Yes, drop the magnificence poodoo. I am what I am, no matter my form or physicality, and I want to see this done right." Stretching a little he nodded a couple times. "There is something I will need you pick up from my lab on my desert world. I will instruct them to have the yorrik corral and implanters prepared. This is my own variant, and should strengthen the nerves and insulate them more so than torture them. This should when the time comes make them able to better rebel safely without the shock collars, whips, or prods doing substantial damage as they normally would. Make sure any that hold your similar aptitude do not receive this though. I'm not far enough along in the experimentation process to know long term effects to Force users."

Scratching his flowing tendrils he sighed, "If you come back stop by the same lab, if I haven't been able to go there myself or send anyone else they should have a sensitive package for you to deliver to me by then."

The Keshiri looked concerned. "Implantation?" He wiped the concern from his face, and nodded. "Of course, your Imperial Highness." The Insipid Holocron snorted.

"I shall depart, as you direct, and return with your package, my Liege." Takaris stood, slammed a fist to his chest, and bowed, ready to be dismissed.

"Force will be with you." Emperor Soliloquy intoned solemnly, waiting for him to turn to go before adding, "And when you return I will teach you something new." Always good to wet the appetite.

Takaris's eyebrows raised, and he was both surprised and hungry. He had not taken it for granted that his apprenticeship would continue under the Emperor, especially as Soliloquy already had another, and he bowed. "Thank you, Master."

At that, he left.

The Holocron spoke into the silence. "You're testing surge-coral on the Keshiri... are you worried that they'll rebel?"

Making sure the room was secure for their private conversation he shook his head. "No. But these things do need testing, and when the time comes to take the stations the surge corral can be used to make sure that everyone is able to do their part. I'm hoping my alterations will make it less painful, or even painless."

He shrugged as he retook his seat, and removing a rag before he began polishing the holocron. "Why?"

"The way Takaris stiffened when you suggested implantation, it was curious." He gestured lazily. "You're the Force user, you tell me."

Hmm. "Might be a part of their legends of the Protectors and Destructors. Honestly, probably should visit the south pole and learn all I can at some point about all their beliefs and history legends." He scoffed a bit then, glancing meaningfully at the image of Insipid. "Course that will take a while."

"I mean," the Holocron said with a shrug. "If I had a body, I could do all manner of investigations for you, Emperor..."

"... though of course, I could regale you with the tales of the Doomed, if you so wish. A curious interpretation of the Jedi and Sith Codes. Not an extension like the Sixth Line, nor as derivative as the Creed of Ruin..." Insipid cleared his throat, ignoring that he was being polished.

War is a lie
There is no defeat—there is serenity
There is no victory—there is death
Through power I am enslaved
Through the Force I am doomed.

"Nice try, delightfully unrelated information though." Soliloquy stated with a grin as he turned the holocron to polish another panel. "I cannot recall any information on Protectors or Destructors that might cause the fear of implantation. Maybe he is just afraid of it naturally, did Insipid ever do any fear dives on him yet?"

“Um,” Insipid shrugged. “He didn’t record much about Takaris. He wasn’t that important, I suppose.”

He fluttered a hand, as Insipid did. “The Vong used eldritch biotech, I’m pretty sure it’s original Destructor-stuff. Sentient weapons, grown ships... probably some old-style reptilian memories in there.”

He tapped a chin. “I’m pretty sure that the original Gods of the Sith correspond to the archetypes that all the servants of the Old Ones used; the Yun-Gods, the Machine Gods of Zakuul, etc etc.” A shrug.

“So are we going, not going?” He eyed the Emperor. “Body? No body? Or do you want to keep an eye on the Queen Mother still?”

"Queen Mother can keep an eye on herself. No body for you, you have too much of an impish side. Useful, but you have too much of your base code and too little mindful learning yet. As for going, we are going with the diplomatic group to the Rebel Fleet." Standing he stretched. "Although I could suppose I shall need to be a Hapan woman for this, haven't tried that look out in a long time. And yes, yes. I know - New Republic! Or whatever drivel."

Flipping the Holocron in the air he put it back inside his right leg. It was time to go be the committee, and meet one as well.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: General Astarta and Admiral Tomsini
Prelude to war

The General's mouth was still agape when she was led from the arena by an attendant. Even with his Sith history, some deaths are a shock. The death of little Deathy on Mortis sprung to mind. Still, some part of him was relieved that Sing was gone. She shook it off. There were responsibilities to attend to.

She turned to the Admiral. "You've got your orders. I somewhat thought you'd have more shake-down time. How do you feel?"

Estrella remained still, her hand clasped behind her back and a stoic expression. "How do I feel?" She repeated the question in a lower tone, "Discombobulated." It was a simple word. "Justice under this new leadership is swift, and somewhat violent. I will have to keep that in mind although I suspect the was part of the reason I was witness too it." She added so as only Astarta to hear. "Message received clearly."

Discombobulated, she thought. That was a good word for it. She nodded. "True. Though, as you know, Hapan royalty has never been what one would call forgiving." She thought back to the Hapan history she'd studied. Of the many times the Chume'da was killed by a jealous royal to take over, or when that royal failed and was executed herself. Hapan history was bloody. And because of that, the Queen Mother's position is usually ruled by someone who is one card short of Sabacc. Either Helinith is play-acting to stay in character, or she'd really gone around the bend. Either way, Astarta intended to check in on her former apprentice when this crisis was passed.

She turned to walk with the Admiral back to her office. "Will your command group be ready to take on this mission? Or, do you think you could use some assistance?"

Her hands still clasped in a show of control over her emotions Estrella spoke. "Command group? What I have is the broken survivors of a war, hardly a Command Group. As for assistance, it would be greatly appreciated. Guidance to avoid being squashed is now paramount." Her current thoughts were her own, well, she hoped they were now that she was clear of the Prince Regent. She'd have to keep that little tidbit in mind in future.

Astarta nodded and frowned as they walked. "You'll need to promote and recruit heavily. In the mean time I and some of my officers will come along to help out." Astarta scanned her as carefully as she could. She sensed confusion

Estrella regarded her counterpart evenly before looking forward. "It will be difficult, the war has jaded many and few are willing to sacrifice for a not to noble cause. We need a hook, as it were, to fire the passions and encourage those unwilling to find a cause they believe in." She paused, "Freedom is a good start....and hope." She frowned. "We need a figure head, someone to inspire the masses and fire up our cause." She had no one in mind but pushed on. "Someone who sees our vision and will follow our instructions. Suggestions?" She asked with a glance.

"Hmmm... have you ever seen the holonet show Military Age? The host Ronjus Ellory used to be in the Hapan army as an NCO." This was an interesting plan. Sure to bring in some good quality cadets. Though a part of her cringed at a man being the face of the military.

"Hmm, tis a good suggestion but I do wonder how a male may ignite the fire in warrior women." [/COLOR] They rounded a corner to an empty corridor. "Oh please do not get me wrong, men have their place, but prefer to work with fellow females, I find them easier to read the nuances of." Estrella gave a cold smirk. "Men have few nuances." She stopped and turned to Astarta. "And I honestly do appreciate your assistance in all this." She gave a sage nod.

Astarta thought more. Then she let out a groan. The actual Astarta part of her couldn't believe what came to mind. The male consciousnesses, Rendarr and even Serapis, considered it a great idea. She stopped walking and held her head in embarrassment. "I can't believe I'm considering this. There's always Zephyrine Starstriker. Call me... conservative. I've never much cared for her style, but she does have the right attitude."

Estrella rolled her eyes. "I do recall the Holo series, and it was rather bad by my recollection, but, had a rather large cult following. Both male and female. You may well be on to something." She conceded.

Astarta stood for what seemed like an hour, but it was likely just a few minutes. She was trying to reconcile the internal monologue, Rendarr vs Astarta with the A.I. Ser@pis trying to bring peace. Serapis withdrew from it to reengage with the Admiral. Shaking her head, she looked at her counterpart and took a deep breath. "Since you're short staff, I'll assign someone to reach out. In other news, how's the shipyards coming on your flagship?"

"I appreciate the staff." Estrella said evenly. "As for the fleet, the shipyards are working overtime, double time in some cases but its the best that can be done." She gave a sage nod. "The Thundercrest is coming along well, she's sustained little damage and and seems to be a sturdy craft. Your thoughts would be appreciated as well."

With Astarta and Rendarr arguing women's rights in the back of his brain, Serapis was left on his own. The former trader knew a bit about flying ships, but little about building them, and certainly nothing about capital ships. Though, this is one time that the truth could be useful. "I feel a bit distracted. Can we explore this later? A lot has happened recently."

Estrella stopped and assessed Astarta. "Of course." She conceded. "We can resume in the morning, I suspect a good nights sleep is required all round."

Tags: @Sinrebirth, @Adalia-Durron

 

Departing Haruun Kal

As Claiomh moved about the ship drinking in with her eyes the black architecture she suddenly felt Morrigan’s eyes on her. At first it caused her body to tense and coil. Being alone in hostile areas for so long had made her overly sensitive and quick to react. But in the next moment she realized the woman ment her no malice, and she relaxed. A little.

Claiomh was quiet; focused on appearing uninjured was taking a great deal. She would not allow herself to appear weak around Morrigan. The pain however was mounting. It needed to be faced soon as it would not be ignored for much longer.

As Morrigan manipulated the controls to the ship Claiomh stole glances at her. She had Sith tattoos, and yet proclaimed herself a servant. The whole story seemed unlikely, and yet she had been true to every word. As she worked Claiomh could feel a very familiar emotion seeping from her. The woman was attempting to hide it of course. But Claiomh could feel it. And while it was like handing her a dagger with the point aimed at Morrigan’s own chest, she would not use it against her. Claiomh did not know the woman well, but she was fairly certain she was an ally.

Shifting a bit painfully in the seat as they jumped to hyperspace, Claiomh couldn’t help the wince. Thankful that Morrigan was piloting the ship and she was in the back, Claiomh grasped her sides as the ship settled into its track. Her eyes glanced to the walls but were focused on things far within herself and far outside herself.

She knew all to well the feelings that radiated from Morrigan. With Hades called away, the feelings of never seeing him again could mount into an ocean so deep that even a powerful will would drown in its dismay. Her thoughts were cut short as Morrigan entered the back. Claiomh straightened herself; hiding her physical and emotional pain.

"The shower has actual water - Hapan ships don't go without it," Morrigan said. Claiomh cocked an eyebrow at this and her mindset shifted to her current physical state. This was further supported by the woman’s next words. Drawing attention to her blood covered clothes, and the offer to wash them.

“Yes, thank you. That is most…” her eyes glanced down at herself and took in the sight of gore, bruises, and contusions. “...appreciated.”

Morrigan continued to tell her the length of the trip to catching up with the rest of the Sith. Claiomh struggled to focus on such topics. She had a cleared Kyber to bleed, and her own body to heal. Out of the worst of her physical injuries was a wound on her neck. Claiomh attempted to not draw attention to it, but Morrigan offered the location of medical supplies and Claiomh’s eyes were fast to take notice of that.

Finding a place of privacy she removed the bloody clothes to be washed. Not so much out of bashfulness, but needing to conceal the amount, location and extent of her injuries. She turned on the water and let it warm to just about blood temperature. And those were just her physical injuries. There was another issue that was an even greater concern.

Claiomh gets into the shower, taking her lightsaber with her. More out of habit than anything else. Her sabers never left her side. They were with her when she ate, meditated, bathed, and most certainly...most absolutely...when she slept. She lived by them. One on her left, and one on her right.

But one was missing.

As she cleansed her wounds, her mind drifted to the cleared Kyber. Her sabers were closely bound to her. The clearing of the Kyber had introduced a persistent and aggressive amount of Ashla - which at every moment - attempted to infiltrate the part of herself in the Kyber.

Once finished, Claiomh doesn’t think twice about drying herself and bloodying a towel. Wrapping it around herself she heads to the med cabinet and begins addressing her injuries. As she does so she looks upon her saber, kyber slowly pulsating red within its hilt, resting on the same table as her medical items. On another table rested the cleared Kyber.

She glared at it.

Applying a bacta patch to her neck she began to plan. Morrigan was not aware of the little “issue” regarding the Kyber. And it was going to stay that way. She would begin immediately bleeding the Kyber as soon as she finished with her wounds.

Throwing the towels aside, she dons a robe, and picking up her saber and the Kyber- wrapped in a bit of cloth- she begins her search for a suitable place to begin. On her way she pauses as she passes the command station.

“I am going to meditate for a time. Thank you again for your assistance.” Claiomh turns to leave, but pauses, her eyes slide to Morrigan while facing the hallway. A moment passes, then in a low, but even voice she says, “Use it. Use the pain. Burn it, use it, and keep moving forward. Her head turns to the woman, “If you stagnate - it will drown you.”

Without waiting for a reply, Claiomh turns back to the hallway and continues down the passage to the private quarters. For that moment the Kyber in her saber glows a strong, intense red, the light reflecting against the dark walls - And only disappearing as Claiomh vanishes down the hallway.

@Sinrebirth


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Darth Cocytus
Polis Massa
In Search of a cure

I am a fool. Darth Cocytus thought as it occurred to him inside in his quarters of the Dauntless the usefulness of the Sith spirits who once resided in his mind, now gone and waisted. He grimaced in ruefulness as he focused on the Dark Side of the Force with anger and hate towards the aliment as well as the aid of medical serums to fend off the poison that targeted his already damaged organs. The kaminoan kept Darth Noctyss's Holocron at his side. No matter, no matter... I will survive this, one way, or another…

Polis Massa? Cocytus thought as the Commander gave him the suggestion. His eyes glowed in memory.

"Don't they have a more proper medical facility on Polis Massa?" The Sith Lord asked, now thinking out loud, "No doubt they would have knowledge on my circumstance and the betterment to treat it..."

Darth Cocytus rose to his feet, focusing more on the force than usual to give him strength. He may use some aid on that asteroid world and it's best not to risk going alone. "Very well, Commander. Prepare my forces to set course to Polis Massa as soon as possible."

Commander Sellik nodded, and in short order Colonel Todo, a thin-faced Atrisian with a scowl on his face, had six troop transports fully prepared, and there were four squadrons of TIE/SF fighters ready. A single TIE Whisper - the most modern fighter in the First Order repertoire, was evident, though one could draw upon a litany of prototypes favoured by the aces - the TIE Silencer, the TIE Baron, the interceptor variant of the Whisper... not that any of those ships were aboard the Dauntless.

He saluted the Kaminoan, indicating the Whisper, but also a First Order Command Shuttle, a big and frankly over-sized black ship. "My Lord, we are ready to depart as instructed." He eyed the deployment of TIE/FOs and other transports gearing up for the raid on Fondor. He clearly would have preferred to be assisting there, but he served as directed by the Commander.

Sellik was a Navy lifer, and Todo, a veteran of the old Empire, respected that. Sellik's daughter was on her way to becoming a Commander in a few years - if there was a First Order left. With Palpatine dead again he doubted they'd last the year.

Darth Cocytus walked into the hanger bay of the Dauntless and gazed upon the selection of Imperial Fighters that would be accompanying him. They were quite decent, in the kaminoan's opinion, but the shuttle was unnecessarily big, which granted is a staple of the First Order and its Imperial predecessor. Between the multiple Superweapons and the absurdly enormous Supremacy it was as if someone was compensating for something, he thought distastefully. Under his Imperium, there would be a shift in military policy, aiming for practicality and quality rather than sheer size and mass destruction.

"Very good, Colonel." Darth Cocytus nodded as he boarded his Shuttle, "Prepare for take off when ready."

Cocytus sat down and waited with the best patience his current mood will muster.

The medical facility at Polis Massa, the Dark Lord hoped, will be the location of First Order's rebirth, where he may rid himself of this poison and truly position himself on the path to supremacy over the Galaxy.

If not...

Darth Cocytus held the Holocron of Darth Noctyss in the palm of his hand.

The small task force vanished into hyperspace, and the Holocron activated at its own accord, looking at Cocytus. “What?”

"You mentioned earlier that you are a Master of Immortality." Darth Cocytus replied in his calm voice, eyeing the projection of the Dark Lady of the Sith with glowing yellow eyes, "I once had another Holocron, that of Darth Andeddu, who also mastered immortality, the Art of Essence Transfer. However he wasn't cooperative with sharing his secrets. I am wondering if you would be more willing to share as a backup plan as I am treated for my ailment. Turns out Carbonite poisoning isn't as common an occurrence anymore. I have much to do to reestablish Sith Rule over the Galaxy and a time limit hanging over me, death by poison no less, will just not be tolerable."

“The great Sith, killed by poison...” she shuddered somewhat. “Not the best ring to it.” She wondered aloud. “At best modern medicine could delay the inevitable, but recovering ancient medical knowledge may take time you don’t have. There is my technique, of course, but I would have to guide you to a world in the Unknown Regions... where my laboratory remains.”

Noctyss seemed cooperative for the moment, perhaps because Cocytus was in a bind, and because she could use him somehow. “My form of immortality however involves extending your physical life; you would essentially be frozen at a cellular level, to prevent any further degradation thereafter.” She looked up at him. “Essence transfer is too dangerous; your spirit is extremely vulnerable between receptacles.”

“Before you ask my price, it will simply be that you track down Darth Siberus and kill her. She was a rival of mine, in life... but after I made this Holocron I discovered her carbonite trickery...” A snort. “You’d need to head to Atrisia, in the Core Worlds, for her.”

Of course, that raised the spectre of abandoning the First Order for two missions. Sellik was loyal, but if matters went awry, then...

Time had warped while they spoke, and the task force arrived at Polis Massa, a single Nebulon G frigate in orbit. Cocytus would hear Todo from the cockpit; “Troop transports one through three - I want that frigate! Everyone else, to the surface!”

The enemy - if it was one - was ill-prepared for a command shuttle, six troop ships and some forty TIEs to emerge from hyperspace. It was a strong raiding party, after all.

Darth Cocytus nodded as he listened closely to the projection of Darth Noctyss and smiled thinly. Much more promising than Darth Andeddu ever was, even with a probable form of immortality. At least buy him enough time to get his current affairs in order for the most part. To rebuild the Empire and create his own Holocron before a hopeful final confrontation with Darth Styx.

If that were to ever happen at least. Death in combat by the blade of the apprentice is much preferable for a Sith Master than slowly wasting away to poison nonetheless...

"Oh I know first hand the dangers of Essence Transfer." The kaminoan commented, "Sooner or later you're either gonna run out of bodies to possess or someone may very well get their hands on an amulet designed to destroy the spirit itself. Lastly even if one actually takes possession of someone, it is a fight to actually take control and failure is oblivion. "

Cocytus pondered on Noctyss's alternative. "To extend the life by freezing the degradation of the genetic cellular level." He spoke thoughtfully, "Makes me wonder how my people didn't think of it, the proud race of geneticists they are..."

His eyes glowed at the price of this knowledge. Guess there was another reason why Noctyss brought up Siberus. "The task you give me is simple, even if it draws my eyes away rebuilding for a time."

The kaminoan's attention was caught by the voices from the cockpit. "I have a task at hand already." Darth Cocytus concluded as he got up to join the men, "After Polis Massa is mine, shall I destroy Darth Siberus."

Todo looked at the Kaminoan as he joined them, and bowed. "Yes, my Lord." He frowned a little. "I thought that was a fairy-tale, sir?"

The pilot weaved the shuttle by laser fire from the frigate, spotty as it was. "My wife reads the story to my daughter all the time - it's her favorite, sir."

"Aboard the Dauntless?"

"Yes, sir. We were going to settle down on Coruscant but -" A bolt creased their shields, and he grimaced. "Sorry, sir, I need to concentrate."

"Get us to the surface, son, and we can get this over and done with." While the fighters brought down the frigates' shields, and troopships boarded them, the landing force was almost unopposed. Indeed, a diminutive alien stepped to the landing bay and held up his hands in surrender. Todo aimed his personal blaster, and regarded Cocytus at the top of the ramp.

"My Lord?" The alien was harmless, completely unarmed, too. He seemed relieved in the Force, actually.

Darth Cocytus smiled thinly at the conversation. "There is much of what is considered legend that is actual history compared to what is actually taught as history." The kaminoan stated plainly. "When we are done here a group of you will accompany me to Atrisia then later certain world in the Unknown Regions. If not for protection, then as an insurance policy. I have been betrayed before. I will not allow it to happen again."

Once they have landed, Darth Cocytus merely observes that First Order forces took the asteroid as close to unopposed as they then get. When the alien approached them in apparent surrender, the kaminoan eyed the individual, unarmed and harmless. He raised his hand to Todo as a commanding signal to lower his gun. "What is your name, Sir?" the Sith Lord asked, "The people here, such as yourself, are wise to surrender to us and you will all be well treated under our care."

"Atrisia!" The pilot said. "Yeah, that's where the legends said Princess Siberus was!"

Todo glared at him, and he grew silent. The alien - a Polis Massan, waved slightly. "We are Polis 2, the Second here." He gestured a three-fingered hand at Cocytus. "You are of the same species as the Creators; of course you would save us from the pirates above. Thank you, Lord Creator."

He pressed his hands together and bowed over their steeple.

Darth Cocytus eyed the alien, his curiosity now at full front. So his people created the Polis Massans? The kaminoan wasn't sure if this was true in his native timeline as well. "Walk with me, Polis Massan." He replied in his calm demeanor, "Tell me of the history between Polis Massa and Kamino. Then perhaps you would also do something else for your Lord Creator..."

An appearance of opportunity to rid himself of the poison was clear to him that he just could not pass up. Then he would go to Atrisia and begin his journey for immortality…

The Massan nodded, and bowed. "We were created," he said, waving his hand and forming a type of shovel with it. "An order was made to allow for the excavation of artefacts here, and a modicum of resources were discovered, especially useful in the treatment of sentients. Once the project was done, we were left to maintain and continue the research.. until Subtext Mining went under, of course." A human-style shrug.

"We were unnoticed during the Clone Wars, in-spite of our tie to Kamino, but we were indeed one of many clone workforces they had created... the Empire intervened here, and then the Rebels, but all before the second Death Star was destroyed. Thereafter, we were left to our devices, and have remained, here, at the edge of the galaxy, plying our medical expertise to any who require it in the southern quadrant."

Darth Cocytus nodded as he listened to the Massan's story of their creation. However, what truly caught his attention was the mention of medical expertise. "Very good, Massan." the kaminoan replied casually, yet respectfully. He was essentially a god to these people. So he may as well exploit that. "Now, you have mentioned medical expertise. No doubt you have taken on the kaminoan skill in genetics. Tell me, what medical knowledge does your people possess in treating carbonite poisoning? I have had an... unfortunate incident that led to the ailment."

"Carbonite poisoning?" The Massan looked surprised. "There hasn't been a case in a sentent for some time, kind sir, I am sorry to hear of your ailment. I am sure we could cure such a condition, but I would recommend you be put into stasis until we can do so. Such an issue will only be drawn deeper into your circulatory system, from what I recall from my flash learning."

Stasis? That's not good, thought the less than pleased Darth Cocytus. Then again, aside from Darth Noctyss's little errand, the kaminoan may not have much of a choice. Her process of immortality will only forever freeze the poison inside of him, not rid of it entirely. If Cocytus was going to become immortal, even if just for a time, he'd still prefer to actually be cured of the poison indefinitely. "Very well." the Sith Lord said, begrudgingly, "For how long will I be in stasis though? There are other things that will need my attention..."

Of course that would include informing Commander Sellik of the situation and that he will be absent for a while…
".... possibly a year, my Lord," he sounded unhappy with that.

The Holocron of Noctyss rumbled in his pocket. "Fine, fine, I'll tell you another little secret. If it matters..."

She was active, clearly able to listen even when ostensibly inert.

The Massan jumped. "My Lord? Your attire appears to be talking?"

A year?!

Darth Cocytus was angry now, although he knew that it was of no fault of the Massan. The kaminoan was already asleep for twenty eight years and now he was expected to sleep for another? With the very Galaxy itself within his grasp?!

His eyes glowed as the Holocron shook and spoke to him. Cocytus raised a finger at the Massan. "I need a moment alone please, Mister Massan." He replied calmly, although clearly angry with gritted teeth.

Angry with Skywalker, Palpatine, Taun We, and above all himself for his own foolishness.

Once alone in a private room, Cocytus held the Holocron of Darth Noctyss in the palm of his hand. "What is it?" he asked, "Another year of sleep is out of the question with the duties of Supreme Leader and my own Ambitions upon me. I will have to go through your way alone."

"Last time I was gone longer than I expected..." He spoke in venomous remembrance, "My allies betrayed me, even after all I did for them..."

Noctyss waved a hand. "You'll be healed of your current ailments and then frozen, if you follow my ways, my Lord. No year-long wait..."

"You've exhausted modern medicine, my Lord. You could have your little Massan friend work on the cure... and see if you can survive a year outside of stasis..." A holographic shrug. "Or, you can do as I ask and slay Princess Siberia..."

Her tone managed not to sound smug, almost sincere, even.

Darth Cocytus slowly nodded. Yes that was the original plan. Will have to go through with that. "Very well." The kaminoan concurred, "I will hunt down Darth Siberus and eliminate her as you wish."

The kaminoan put the Holocron to his side and returned to the Polis Massan. He, of all creatures, Cocytus was angry with the least. In fact, the near worship the alien had towards the Sith Lord created a sort of affection towards him. His eyes glowed as Cocytus stared at the Polis Massan with utmost curiosity.

"I must thank you for your offer." He replied, his anger brought down to its usual simmer, "However, I have discovered an alternative which requires me to leave. Still, out of thanks and good tidings towards the history between our peoples, I shall leave your world under the care and protection of my men."

The kaminoan glanced at Todo in such a way to let him know that this was a promise he intended to keep, with punishment for those who defied him. Darth Cocytus knew the solution that Polis Massa provided was not as hopeful as what Darth Noctyss offered. However, it was best to leave all options on the table, just in case for all future possibilities...

"Colonel Todo, if there is not much left to be done here, prepare a shuttle for me with a group of men." He spoke in a commanding voice, "And prepare communications with Commander Sellik so that I may inform him that our mission was a success and of my hopefully short absence..."

The Massan bowed deeply and Todo nodded, saluting. Sellik was immediately to hand. “My Lord! Good news! Our raid on Fondor saw us steal three minelayers! I shall be immediately seeking to isolate and reinforce Bespin and plan the conquest of Cloud City and the other Tibanna mines.” He looked quite happy, all in all. “Am I to take it that your mission to Polis Massa was a success? Todo confirmed that he secured a frigate, which is a fine addition to our forces.”

"Very good, Commander Sellik." Darth Cocytus replied in pleased triumph. "And yes our taking of Polis Massa went without a hitch. In fact the local Polis Massans welcomed our arrival. Or rather they welcomed me to be more specific. Apparently my people created the race of Polis Massans and in return they see kaminoans such as myself as sort of gods in a way..."

The kaminoan's glowing eyes narrowed as he went on to the next news he must bring.

"Unfortunately, the medical care they offer for my ailment will take more time than I would hope." Cocytus continued, "However, the Holocron of Darth Noctyss offers an alternative solution... In return for the elimination of an old rival of hers. Which means I am going to be away for a while and for insurance I shall be taking some of your men with me on my journey. Continue your work in my absence and I will make sure to keep in touch."

@Sinrebirth








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OOC: Combo with @Sinrebirth, sorry for the delay my master!

IC: Darth Azathoth
An unexpected development

The sudden appearance of Darth Insipid caught Azathoth by surprise, but by this point, he was becoming used to the nature of his rapidly changing life, twists and turns at every corner and every step of his quest for eternal power.

He took the information his master supplied him weighing it in his mind before his attention was snapped to the doorway, a man with a crimson blade and blonde hair. A Sith perhaps? Most likely, at the very least a dark side user no doubt.

"Who are you and what are you doing aboard this ship?"

Azathoth tilted his head, bemused by the question. He could sense that this one was strong, and what was that? A strange familiarity to him almost as if? A small smile spread across his face. He gripped his lightsaber, not yet igniting it.

"A man from a different time and a different place, I'm simply looking for friends," he paused tilting his head.

"Will you be my friend," barely a whisper on the wind, his calm dead eyes looking into the stranger's.

​

Ike paused. It was an odd gamble, but he wasn’t going to fall for it. He lifted his hand, throat vised, and dragged the long-haired man towards him. When they were close, Ike drew him even closer, his eyes almost upon his.

“Where is Aden.”

Azathoth shrugged, not really caring that the man had ignored his question. He gripped his lightsaber tighter still not igniting it. His eyes narrowing as he was dragged closer to the man. He held out his hand attempting to force push the man away and leap back.

His eyes locked with his, now clearly annoyed.

"I know not of any 'Aden'"

Ike paused. The shift in personality caught him, which suggested this young man had actually been relatively genuine, thus his actual annoyance. Disarmed by the reaction, Ike's expression wavered and Azathoth likely found much of that weakness. But it was an instantaneous moment, and the man's eyes hardened.

He did, however, release the man, and spoke relatively softly, in comparison to his earlier words.

"His Sith name is Darth Insipid. He's my ex-husband."

Azathoth caught the moment of hesitation in this man's face, Azathoth's own expression hardening in response. Pathetic.

He lifted his head high, taking a few steps away from the man. The information that the stranger supplied him with made the Azathoth freeze.

"So my master had a husband, now that is most intriguing," he tilted his head in contemplation. He recalled what his master spoke of before about how this timeline's Insipid was most likely dead, he wondered if this man even knew that.

"But my master is not the Darth Insipid you know, after all, your Insipid is dead, is he not?"

Azathoth tilted his head, a sadistic smile spreading over his face.

"I suspected that he's dead, yes." Ike's expression cooled noticeably. "Which makes it much easier to do this, friend." He swept an arm in a back-handed motion, a Force blow catching Azathoth across the face with some strength. Were Ike balanced, he would have pummelled the man into a bloody mush, but he wasn't, not right now.

That didn't mean it wouldn't hurt!

The blow had been an unexpected one, the anger filled within him, coursing through him with righteous indignation. He reached up to the side of his face, feeling the blood along it, he brought his fingers to his mouth, sucking on them as he looked back to Ike, a certain madness now residing in Azathoth's eyes.

"Pain, blood, suffering, I have endured far worse horrors than a mere slap in the face..." He tilted his head, the same calm sadistic grin spreading over his face.

"...now if you'll let me go perhaps I can show you the way to, as you would say, Aden," a sneer spread over his face, he sensed this Ike was far more powerful than him, his sneer was not one of confidence but at the sheer delight of pain, of knowing that this man would not kill him because Azathoth had something he wanted.

Ike hesitated again. I need to stop doing that, he chastised himself.

His blade ignited, and it revealed a Lightwhip. "No, you need to tell me everything before I remove your head."

There was a colossal clash in the Force - Insipid and Bellorum, but Ike would recognize both, while Azathoth would only recognize one.

However, there was a third entity moving in the Force, one Azathoth would recognise, and Ike wouldn't.

Arb was on the prowl, clearly conscious, and somewhere aboard the ship...

Ike snapped his whip, severing the table of needles and utensils -

Azathoth smirked again. He felt Arb move through the ship, there was no point in hiding anymore.

He stopped hiding his presence in the Force, he could feel Insipid fighting some other force user, one powerful indeed.

"You are rather awful at negotiating,"

With that he waved his hands, sending the contents of the room flying around, particularly the sharp utensils hurtling towards the man. It would only buy him a moment.

During the commotion he quickly ignited his blade pushing it through the floor below him in a wide arc hoping he could drop down to the floor below and make his way to find Arb.

Ike gestured a hand and deflected the attack, lashing out the whip at where Azathoth’s head had been, and in doing so wasted valuable time for the apprentice to cut his hole. The floor dropped, and Ike went to follow him down -

Azathoth dropped down into corridor, glancing around for a brief moment, not sparing any time to look up at his pursuer. He bolted down the hallway reaching out to sense where Arb was. Before he had seen a map of the ship, the residual memory of it still burned in his mind. He needed to find a ship to get off and somehow communicate with his master, the options were either to rendezvous with him now on the ship or at a later date. No longer feeling the need to hide himself in the Force he called out to his master as he ran.

"Master, we need to leave, where are you?"

There was a sense of conflict where Insipid was; of intense confrontation and concentration. For the moment, he was too busy to reply, but by the time Ike dropped, Azathoth was some distance away. Pulling out a comlink, in short order the alarms were sounding out. Following Arb’s sense would lead to a corridor wall that had birthed a secret entrance, and when Azathoth came across Arb he had an ear to a door, attempting to undo some kind of lock on what could only be described as a locker.

“Took you long enough to get here.”

He pointed. “Lightsaber, please.”

It appeared the master was engaged, a possibility Azathoth had fully expected. Turning he came to view Arb standing oddly outside a door. Azathoth looked over to him raising an eyebrow. He assumed Arb was not as foolish as to suggest that Azathoth hand over his lightsaber merely cut through the locker Arb had pointed to.

"For you own benefit you better not be pulling any sort of trickery with me,"

He spat his steely cold, dead eyes locking Arb's for a moment before he ignited his blade and began to cut around a hole to access the locker.

The locker was resisting; it was a kind of beskar, it seemed. As he cut, Arb explained. "You see, the Luxury Elite was actually stolen from a criminal kingpin by the Sith. It had secret parts to it, some shielded in the Force, because even crime lords need Force user security. I, of course, knew all about it."

He looked back down the corridor that Azathoth had rushed through. "Someone following you?"

As he continued to cut he kept half an eye on Arb, still not fully trusting the man. He grunted as continued his way through, annoyed at how long it was taking to cut his way through. He glanced down the hallway keeping the eye out for the man that had been pursuing him.

"You could say something like that," he responded somewhat annoyed.

"Anyone I know?" The metal was continuing to resist Azathoth, and Arb signed. "The hinges, apprentice. Cut the hinges. Thinner."

"What kind of self-respecting criminal syndicate doesn't know how to steal?"

"I do not know, perhaps I did not catch his name, blonde lad, barely dressed had a crimson lightsaber,"

Azathoth grunted, annoyed at his simple oversight, but more so the fact that Arb of all people pointed it out.

"Who ever said I didn't know how to steal?" he glared reaching out to rip the locker door off to find out whatever precious contents were inside.

"Barely dressed?" Arb snorted. "That's Ike - I'll deal with him."

In the locker was a small statuette, red, looking like a kind of royal guard.



It was made of a kind of metal-stone, and very heavy.

"Perfect -"

There was a crack, and a whip lashed out at where they were standing -

"I thought you said he had a lightsaber!"

Azathoth's eyes snapped round in the direction of the whip. He grabbed the miniature, his eyes darting in annoyance.

"Well it got complicated," he hissed in response, he committed the name Ike to memory, he had a feeling he would be seeing him again. With a firm nod to Arb, still not sure why he was helping him, he darted in the opposite direction. Off to either find his master or a vessel off the ship.

Arb watched Azathoth go, and looked back at Ike, dodging a whip.

"It's okay; you can stop the act now."

Ike hesitated, frowning. "What?"

"And put some clothes on, purlease?"

"You know me?"

"Oh my, they did a real number on you, didn't he?" Arb put a hand on his face, shaking it as he stepped forward. "I could probably give you back all your memories, y'know, even if that lover of yours moved you a few bodies just so you were a bit prettier." He laughed.

Azathoth, for his part, was making it deeper into the ship...

And would have heard a fair amount of that.

Azathoth began to run down deeper into the ship but he stopped. The fact that Arb knew Ike, and the latter did not. If Ike had been any other man than his master's ex-husband he perhaps would not have cared but the connection between the two, it intrigued the dark apprentice. He trailed back slightly so he could hear the rest of the conversation, although his body was tensed to run at a moment's notice. His eye's narrowing. An idle thought zipped through his brain.

Why is Arb helping me?

He saw no particular reason why he would, there was more at play than Azathoth understood, that much was for certain and he wanted to get to the bottom of it.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

Hyperspace, en route to Hapes

Claiomh shifted on her meditation, Her eyes pressing closed a bit harder. Her Kyber was just as stubborn and relentless cleared, as it was bled. Only now, instead of supporting her, attuned and matched, like an extension of her own will and skills - it filled her mind with images.

Images of Jedi like propaganda. Lies. Half-truths.

It made her soul storm.

The gauntlet has been thrown. It was time to reclaim her jem. To bleed it.

She did not answer to the Kyber’s taunts. The images it layer out before her, in her mind she ignored. Instead she focused on her passion, the anger...so much anger. Memories of a childhood she barely could remember, the death of her first master. Watching his body sink into the swamp, lightsaber wounds still glowing and the sound of her own breath as she ran - the Jedi in close pursuit to end both master and apprentice. That was long ago.

Her mind fixated on another, more recent memory. In a tea house...her speeder lying on the floor with shards of glass hanging… suspended...along with weapons fire and tea cups. There was still movement, only just, as her eyes moved to see Bernael fully engaged in combat. Her own two sabers burning fiercely.

Two bright red sabers

Space twisted and envelop her. Colors blended and stretched as she was ripped from that time. He heard herself call out to Bernael, his name leaving her throat. But there was no response.

She poured the anguish of that pain into the Kyber

Claiomh did not stop there. Her mind was filled with memories of her time out of time. Trapped in an alternate universe and timeline she fought to stay alive. One after another, foes of every shape and size felt the searing heat of her sabers. The withering of their life on her blades, and the saving of her own.

She poured the feeling of those elated victories into the Kyber

Opening her eyes, they now glowed red. In front of her levitated the cleared jem, and to her side rested her second saber. It’s Kyber glowing fiercely red in harmonic vibration to her.

She could feel him now. Somewhere. Somewhere in the galaxy. She couldn’t at first, not when she first stepped through the gate. But now she knew he was out there.

Her eyes focused on the Kyber in front of her. Still not speaking to it. Only focusing on forging a connection, feeling the part of her in the Kyber. Attempting to reignite it’s cold depths with her fire that is her soul.

“Remember me.”

@Sinrebirth
@darthbernael because of mention


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Darth Cocytus
Atrisia

Darth Cocytus listened to the tales of Darth Noctyss with high interest considering the clear historical relationship the world had with the Sith Order of this Timeline. There was much of the Sith in this still alien galaxy that the kaminoan saw that he needed to learn and pass down to the next generation of masters and apprentices...

The Analogy of the Tree the Dark Lady provided seemed much fitting for many incarnations of the Sith, whether it was the Sith Empire of Darth Vitiate, the "True" Sith Empire under Darth Insipid, and even the Old Rule of Two started by Darth Bane. They all became rotten and needed to be torn away so that the life of the Order itself may be saved from extinction. Darth Cocytus saw his new Rule of Two, with Darth Styx doing whatever, as the latest incarnation. Perhaps his own Rule of Two will become rotten within a thousand years or so, and will need another young and ambitious Sith to tear at the tree anew...

Darth Cocytus blinked and glared as he saw the same First Order Cruiser bombarding the planet that was key to his mission. The kaminoan stood up immediately and looked to his men. "Hail that Cruiser immediately." He commanded, "Tell them to cease bombardment of the planet at once by order of the Supreme Leader and Dark Lord of the Sith himself."

The Supreme Leader being himself of course, the kaminoan thought as he glared hatefully at the cruiser ruining what he saw as a treasure trove of Sith History.

The ship came back immediately, on a visual feed. “Supreme Leader Kylo Ren, I did not realise you were here -“ The man narrowed his eyes. “Who are you?”

Noctyss hissed a sibilant laugh.

"Kylo Ren is dead. As is Darth Sidious. I, Darth Cocytus, am the new hope of the First Order." The kaminoan replied with a wave of his hand, "That world you are bombarding is that of the ancient Sith, of which I have important business to attend to. Your orders are to cease bombardment at once."

"I am going to write one last chapter to the tale of Darth Siberus, who still sleeps below us."

“Siberus?” He snorted. “The Princess fairytale?” The officer glowered. “I received orders in the name of Kylo Ren not half an hour ago - a redeployment in the face of the Battle of Exegol.”

“What credentials do you have, long-neck?” His tone was most derogatory.

Strike one. Cocytus thought as his eyes glowed at the screen. This fool was two strikes away from something bad. If the human is cooperative, however, maybe he will let this slide.

"Oh I assure you that it is more than a fairy tale." The kaminoan insisted, "But if you want to continue to believe it as such, by my blade I shall put a final end to such a tale."

Cocytus summoned his lightsaber to his hand with the Force, and released the crimson blade from within.

"Do I need any other credentials to prove myself as Sith, Sir?" The Kaminoan asked, "I recommend that you speak with Commander Sellik if you want further assurance."

“Sellik? Of the Dauntless?” The man bristled. “I’m Admiral Poinard. He abandoned his post at Nirauan, and we’ve been unable to track him down since - then he turns up at Ryloth and takes forces that were earmarked for the Corellian front!”

He pointed at the blade. “A lightsaber is not a credential, fish.”

Strike two.

The kaminoan relished in the Dark Side.

One more act of insolence.

"Galaxy is in Uprising against us, Admiral." Cocytus reminded him, "With Kylo Ren dead, turned traitor as Ben Solo at Exegol, and Palpatine destroyed, the First Order is rudderless and doomed to disintegration without a Dark Lord of the Sith at the helm."

"Commander Sellik is acting under my orders as the new Supreme Leader." The kaminoan stated before glaring intensely. "If you are wise, you would do the same. Our mission is to reunite the Fleet to form a massive counteroffensive against the insurgency before reestablishing order, stability and Imperial Government throughout the Galaxy. We can reach that goal further if you are to join us..."

Darth Cocytus raised a hand out of warning, threatening to lash out with the Force should the human make another insolent statement.

"Do you really want me to show any further credentials of the Dark Lord of the Sith, Admiral Poinard?" He asked as his expression became that of a smirk, cruelty and malice just daring the human to give him a reason.

“You obviously believe me a fool. Supreme Leader Kylo Ren lives, and we have had orders issued to us in his name. His hand will shortly sever the ties between the rebels and their uprising will collapse into chaos,” Poinard sniffed. “Palpatine turned from us and tried to take control with his ‘Snoke’ puppet. But now? Now the Empire is free of him and his madness.”

He thrust out a finger at Cocytus. “You are nothing to Lord Ren.”

Strike three.

The Dark Lord's anger boiled over and his eyes glowed like candles in empty eye sockets as he flexed his fingers for just a moment, an invisible vine ready to tightly snatch the admiral’s neck.

But then a thought prevented such a vine of the Dark Side from grabbing hold.

Darth Cocytus was going to strangle the admiral right then and there from one end of the vastness of space to the other for his continuing insolence. However, Poinard said something that made the kaminoan think, for he was a reasonable being for a Dark Lord of the Sith, and the thought only made his smirk grow.

"You say that Kylo Ren lives, yet I was there at Exegol. Right in the throne room of the resurrected Palpatine himself as he died alongside the traitorous Ben Solo." He explained, extinguishing his lightsaber and holding his hands behind his back . "However, you said earlier that you received orders from a Kylo Ren just a half hour ago."

His eyes glowed in realization.

"Which means... Someone is pretending to be Kylo Ren and you have been taking orders from an Imposter."

"I agree with you about Palpatine, Admiral." Cocytus added, "His insane insistence on the use of Superweapons have always led the Empire to ruin, inviting the very rebellions that destroy us. I intend to lead us back to the Empire's Golden Age, before the first Death Star and the dissolving of the Senate that numbered the days of Imperial Rule."

"But for that to happen, the First Order must be reunited under a single banner." He concluded, "And for that, this Kylo Ren Imposter must be hunted down and eliminated, just as with Siberus who sleeps below us."

"So I am commanding you this one last time." Cocytus spoke plainly, "Allow me safe passage to the world below."

“You obviously believe me a fool. Supreme Leader Kylo Ren lives, and we have had orders issued to us in his name. His hand will shortly sever the ties between the rebels and their uprising will collapse into chaos,” Poinard sniffed. “Palpatine turned from us and tried to take control with his ‘Snoke’ puppet. But now? Now the Empire is free of him and his madness.”

He thrust out a finger at Cocytus. “You are nothing to Lord Ren.”

Admiral Poinard hesitated. "An imposter?"

He waved a hand off-screen. "Ceasefire!" The fire on the planet stopped, and Noctyss whistled slightly, impressed. Thankfully, the noise didn't carry across the channel. "I apologise, I was... desperate to believe. I shall investigate and report back, if that is... sufficient." Poinard was an old white-haired Imperial who had served in the Galactic Civil War, and he swallowed his pride apologetically.

"Obligatory question," whispered Noctyss. "Why attack Atrisia just before we head this way...?" She was thinking aloud. "I wonder if someone knows you have me..."

Darth Cocytus smiled thinly, pleased that he was able to reason with the First Order Admiral and was able to keep himself in check, saving his darker passions for when necessary. Although it did leave a bit of emptiness within the dark core of his being, clearly wanting to do terrible things to Poinard, which certainly can be filled with soon-to-be conflict with Darth Siberus. That will most certainly be exciting considering the history she had to the point of becoming Legend. A legacy he could only dream to have no doubt but will certainly achieve with her death…

The Kaminoan signaled the shuttle pilots to move forward and to land onto the planet. His eyes narrowed at Darth Noctyss’s question and her proposal that gave a clue to the possible identity of this Kylo Ren pretender. “There are only two possible suspects who both know I was on Exegol.” Darth Cocytus replied thoughtfully, “The first would be my pupil, Darth Styx, still out in the shadows likely plotting my death to usurp me like any Sith Apprentice worth their salt. The other would be Darth Sidious who’s true status depends on whether or not his spirit was destroyed as well as his body…”

The Sith Lord’s eyes narrowed. Did you tell her about the amulet, Skywalker? He pondered. Did she use the amulet?

Seems like there is someone else he would need to get into contact with... very carefully…

Poinard huffed. "I hope Palpatine is dead; the First Order was successfully dividing and conquering the Free Worlds, and he went and blew apart all of our strategies with yet another armada of superweapons. Ridiculous. The Resistance never 'lit the spark of rebellion' - Palpatine did! When he blew up Kijimi!"

"No Imperial would ever follow him now," Poinard snarled. "First Order or otherwise."

The shuttle drifted down, and Noctyss twirled her hand to turn the pilots mind correctly. In short order they were by a pyramid in a forested region. "As to your pupil, I could not say, sir," Poinard replied carefully. "I can perform a trace on the orders I received, see if they lead to a location?"

Darth Cocytus smiled thinly, almost forgetting that he still had communications on with the admiral. He was in fact pleased with Poinard's words, feeling that they had a lot in common despite their rough start which will certainly be swept under the rug, but not forgotten. "Oh I very much agree." He replied. "The Disaster at Exegol has certainly put an end to any credibility Darth Sidious had in Imperial Rule, as well as the credibility of Superweapons. Under my rule, any and all such projects for any future superweapons, should they exist, shall be terminated with resources going towards more proper projects as we restore order to the Galaxy."

The kaminoan nodded at the Admiral's suggestion to locate the imposter. "I highly recommend you do just that." Cocytus replied, "In the meantime, stay above us while we are here. We shall come aboard when we finish and shall head to an Unknown Region world for one last mission before meeting up with Commander Sellik."

Speaking of Sellik... Darth Cocytus's eyes glowed in thought at the possibility of treachery among those with him or below him…

Admiral Poinard nodded. “I understand, sir.” He worked on how best to address the Kaminoan. “If I may know where Commander Sellik is, I shall begin coordinating with him immediately - if he still has the Dauntless, it will be needed - especially as three minelayers were just stolen from Fondor that I had earmarked for its defence.” Poinard looked unhappy.“Once I have that trace confirmed, I shall pass it to you as well.”

He went to sign off, as the ramp to the shuttle descended in anticipation, the Admiral sketching a relatively informal salute as he wasn’t strictly clear how the command chain would settle at this stage. “May the Force be with you, sir.”

“Last time I spoke to Commander Sellik he was performing a campaign to take Bespin and claim Cloud City.” The kaminoan replied, “By the time we are finished here and have completed my final task, I believe he will be well underway in doing so. For now, you have your orders…”

“May the Force be with all of us, Admiral.” Darth Cocytus muttered as the coms were closed between him and the admiral. His eyes glowed as he gazed upon the pyramid structure which they now began to land nearby. “We are certainly going to need it if we are to restore our power over this Galaxy.”

The kaminoan took out his own com as he left the shuttle. “Commander Sellik, report.” Cocytus spoke, “I have arrived at Atrisia and made contact with Admiral Poinard. He was… difficult at first, claiming to be taking orders from Kylo Ren, who I may remind you has turned traitor and is dead.”

@Sinrebirth





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