Star Wars CLOSED Star Wars: Ronin: The Curse of Qalydon

IC: Nin Aima

As the Dark Lord ceased their cruelty to the twin princes so would Nin sheath his white lightsaber. He would then listen to the next step of commands of the Emperor

“The Sith will be your targets. If the Empire attack’s them directly, it will not help matters among the Fallen Worlds, so you will take Taung Mandalorian’s. Clan Kouwr, their leader, Vhett. He’ll brief you on the data you’ve brought to us.”

Nin's eyebrow raised, he had agreed to nothing and now he was being ordered around. Hmm... Nin did not know what to do in his current situation, but he knew an impulsive decision would more than likely end up poorly. He was no fan of the Sith, nor the Jedi either... both had now committed evil acts... he gave a sigh. He had hoped that he would have lived a life of example, to find and cultivate the next generation with his teachings on the Path of Nin.

For to him that was the only way to end the cycle... with slow, pain-staking change.

The idea of being attached to a counter-coup marred that. He had however been tracking down Sith prior to this point, usually unsuccessful so it just happened that his own goals and the Emperor's aligned.

Though the dirty taste of becoming embroiled in the politics of the Empire left a foul lingering stain in Nin Aima's mouth. One of his new companions was distracted it seemed with what the Emperor was speaking to the man that had collapsed. He was not really a fan of being accompanied by Mandalorians either.

Though Nin was fundamentally a solitary figure, not that he was problematic in a team, merely preferring to work and journey alone. If anything one thing was keeping Nin's attention engaged.

The Dark Lord.

A part of him felt that he needed to get to know the man... that Nin's work could not finish until he did so.

His eyes looked to that of Marcus and Maldael...

"Hunting Sith..." he mused. "I'm ready whenever you too are..." he spoke indicating towards Vhett who would brief them on data.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @CosmoHender @darthbernael

 

IC: Marcus Dren

Ghost Prison

Mandalorians. Previously Marcus had only heard of them, this was his first time actually seeing them in person.

They were said to be the most skilled fighters in the galaxy and to have a strict code of honor, though Marcus also heard that they usually would not stray far from the Mandalore sector. Obviously this was an exception.

Then there were his targets: the Sith.

Well, Marcus didn't disagree that the galaxy would be a better place with a few less Sith in it. And he was more than willing to play along.

As for working with the Jedi he encountered on Kijimi... it was necessary. Maldael may have been his daughter's life at risk once, but now the Jedi was his best hope of being with her again. And that goal was more important than any grudge Marcus might have had against Maldael. The Jedi was safe as long as he was useful...

And to his surprise, Marcus recognized the other person he was going to be working with. Wasn't Nin one of the Dark Jedi who had been at the Battle of Corbos twenty years prior?

Marcus didn't have time to dwell on that though. He had more important matters to focus on.

"Let's just get this over with..." he said with a huff.

TAGS: @Sinrebirth @darthbernael @Jerjerrod-Lennox @Mitth_Fisto @greyjedi125 @Shadowsun

 

OOC: A combo with @Mitth_Fisto and @Sinrebirth

IC: Janus Jerjerrod, Kazu
Location: Ghost Prison

Antilles at least was with Janus, and he was grateful at least for the Captain's support. After all, he couldn't command a ship alone.

Janus looked around the room. It wast the Dark Lord, Antillies, him and the droid. Where was the armoured man?

So it was down to business…and the Jedi Lady that belonged to Janus's family was first on the target list. Of course she was.

The Dark Lord outlined that the droid in the room was a war droid. Interesting.

"Your plan milord is quite interesting I may say, but do you think the Jedi Lady from my House is just going to spill out where the Admiralty and Senate are? She is tougher than you think. She is my sister after all".

He looked at the droid "I assume that's where you come in if she doesn't cooperate.."

K4-ZU-P8489 or Kazu was left without much to add after they had proceeded to the meeting room. Listening to the opening statements of the organics Kazu paused for a momentary systems analysis to make sure none of the systems upgrades had been irreparably damaged in this unit's capture.

A few agonising seconds later the droid shifted his broad domes main eye between the two primary speakers. "This unit has been modified. This unit has minimal software upgrades at this time. Further improvements would not be remiss." Kazu stated before refocusing on the other speaker. The Admiral without a fleet. "Mission parameters have not yet reached the stage where individual assignments have been allotted. If your words are a remiss inquiry, please add additional vocal inflection for clearer understanding in the future. This unit could attempt such a function, although this unit does not possess the proper software package for extended interrogation techniques."

The Dark Lord chuckled, as did the Storm Corps troopers assigned to them.

"Let us focus. We shall target the Admiral's sister's Estate on Tinnel. Once we have isolated her, we'll take her off-world and figure out our next step." He regarded the two of them; Jerjerrod and Kazu. "She's a Force User. She'll detect my presence, and the presence of troops, so the two of you will be paired up, to call me in when you need a distraction to escape."

Antilles looked opposed to leaving the Admiral.

"Can you two work together?"

Janus had to shake his head at the droid. This would be a strange one to work with but he could get used to the droid eventually.

"She'll probably sense me too since I am familiar to her and even though I am not Force sensitive myself. Hopefully she will see me as a family member and not as a threat".

Janus looked to Antillies "I need you as backup. If it goes wrong you will need to lead the Twelfth fleet or to lead in general when the time comes".

To the droid "I will work with you, but you will need to work with me. If we are to work effectively as a team, I need to know that you are willing to help"

Kazu stood straight, shaking his head slightly with a minor hip servo activation. "This unit has no contradictions to processes for working with the indicated individual nor in helping with stated goals. This unit will keep an photodetector on him until understanding of hierarchical safety from or actions of such subject has been verified." It was a complicated method of stating what Kazu in retro analysis realised it could of stated more succinctly in an organic idiom - I'll keep my eye on you, but let's do this. Or some such turn of phrase.

Antilles nodded to Janus. "I will do whatever you ask of me, Admiral." He even saluted.

The Dark Lord smothered a snort.

"The two of you will take a shuttle to the Tinnel system; I and my team will be a light-year away, ready to jump in when we receive the signal," he said firmly. "So, shall we?"

He indicated the exit. "We have a galaxy to save."

Janus snorted at the droid's comment. What, the droid was afraid Jsnus was going to do a runner? No way, not now, not ever. He was all in.

Although killing your own sister was in no way going to be enjoyable.

"Indeed we do" Janus simply said and abruptly turned and headed for the exit.

"By your command." Kazu intoned before following the Admiral to the exit.

TAG: @Mitth_Fisto , @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: Combo with @Sinrebirth

IC: Sheev Tapani & No One
Concerned, but on an aside

His old friend seemed lost, as if he had been unhinged by the twists and turns.

By the omissions, those which had amounted to treachery, perhaps.

As the groups split between the Dark Lord, the Mandalorians, and Ku'ar Danar, he opted to take the Grand Vizier aside. He adopted a tone, teasing, as they had back on Qalydon all those centuries ago. "You sly fox, go on, speak your mind."

It was a jibe, back to when the Regent crushed him at chess.

"Sly fox?" murmured No One, as if recalling some distant memory. "I am no sly fox, I am but a fool," he spoke regarding his clothing, distracted.

"I was on the precipe of all that I worked for, only for it to be stolen from me at the finish line..." his eyes looked to Tapani and then back again. "but what disgust me most was that I could not even see it..."

Sheev walked him out of the hangar, to a room.

It had been setup for them, much like their school on Nouane, back when they'd been teens; complete with holographic back-image.



"You weren't on the cusp, my old friend, that's the issue." His voice was gentle. "The Jedi Lords had decided that my advanced age was a liability." His half-Sephi ears twitched at that. "That you were not to be trusted. Ductavis always had in the back of his mind that the Jedi could - or perhaps even should - seize control of the Empire, like they did the Pius Dea regime four millennia ago."

He spoke truth.

"I had to recuse myself, to appear the doddering old man, or they would have killed us many years ago."

"Well, I see that now..." spoke No One. Sheev would know that his old friend simply loathed losing, but worse he hated losing when he was dealing with incomplete information. No One moved to the game set before them, looking at the white pieces. Even in his sour mood he could not help but have a small smile drift onto his face.

"You certainly fooled me with that old man act, I was ready to take over and put you out of your misery," he spoke with a chuckle. He sat behind the white pieces, his hand hovering as he made an opening move, one that his friend had lost to time and time again.

He sat on the windowsill, and for a moment Sheev was that young, young man of centuries ago. Before the Unification War, before he was even adopted into House Tapani. It was a fond memory.



He placed his hand on the same piece he always started with.

"I remember this game so well. I used to assign names and faces to these pieces." He regarded them. "Figures from our Politics lessons." He hefted the black piece. He had always been black. The 'Villain' of the game, he liked to think. "So I could weave them going forward."

He smiled slightly.

"I'd have been disappointed in you if you hadn't planned to take me down. For Order, we must do anything that we have to. To see beyond the Twilight War." He grimaced, a little.

No One smiled, his fingers hovering over the white pieces... playing the hero trying to resist the corruption of the dark. The memory of him choking the admiral played out in his mind. He was not a faultless hero no doubt.

Hero... no, perhaps not. Perhaps he was just a villain in another form. He smiled as he recognized the move of the Emperor, moving another piece as he formed his side of the board. It was still early, so many possibilities that in time would slowly be reduced to one.

"Anything? Including working with former Sith?" he asked. Even despite his errors, his slips of judgment to his core he loathed the Dark Side... he viewed it as a path of cheap, ineffectual, and corrupting power. The Emperor knew this well, it stemmed all the way back to their days of orphans.

"The Sith we know nowadays are the corrupted remnants of the Jedi and the Republic," Sheev said, firmly. "They are not True Sith." He moved a piece, the same as always again, but not yet in range of his old friend. "They're merely levers now. Ones which stain me as a mortal, yes, but the immortal soul of the Force is untouched by their machinations, for the most part."

"True Sith or no..." he began once more, moving another piece "they carry darkness within them and that darkness has the capacity to corrupt," His eyes looked up Sheev. "To utterly destroy that Order which we both seek,"

"Can they not be made into tools of Order?" He shifted a third piece. Once again, the plays he had always used. "This is what we often disagreed about. Whether the darkness was needed or not."

"Indeed, it was" A fourth move, it was a new one this time... A moment of quiet as he viewed the board. "Darkness seeks disorder, and can change from controlled to uncontrolled within a moment's notice... though..." his thoughts turned to that of the Jedi. "It would seem that is true Light as well,"

The Emperor allowed a frown. He had lost many times over to his old friend playing a certain way, why change? Because obviously, he wasn't falling for the trap - the trap of predictability. Sheev smiled, and looked around their illusionary room; at the Forcesaber hilt hanging from the wall, a centrepiece enshrined in a clock that included the symbols of the Jedi and Sith.

Watching.

An Eye within it, Legend said.

He looked back to the board.

"The Light becomes restrictive; hidebound. Ossified. And when the natural flow of life seeks to break that cage - it strikes back." A snort, as he made a new move; a path they'd never taken. He had two pieces imperilled, suddenly, but only one would allow him a counter. "A Jedi coup against the Empire was inevitable. When the Republic falls below their expectations, they are given two choices. To act as the Recusant, and let the tragedy play out - as they did at Desevro, during the Pius Dea Crusades - or to take action, as they eventually did against Constispex, against me, against you."

"Light becomes restrictive?" began the Regent questioningly "Or the Jedi?" his hand hovering over the pieces, a smile wafting onto his face.

"There is more to Light than meets the eye, more than just the Jedi... you see..." his hand settled on a piece.

"...Light has a habit of surprising you," and then he moved it. "And that's perhaps most of all why I will continue my struggle to achieve it, as imperfect as I am,"

He laughed, caught out, a piece down. But he struck back. "And the Darkness is always upon your heels, do not worry about that."

"Oh this is a fun memory," he said, drily. "I am glad I asked for this room to be setup. I suspected we may need to... renew our friendship."

No One smiled as the Emperor made a bold move.

"Yes perhaps we did, I am pleased to see you have not become the doddering old fool I took you for," another moving, pressing the advantage he had gained.

"Though... if you ever keep me out of the loop of your plans like that again... I will kill you," he spoke this in a joking fashion, laughing gleefully though there was that tinge of seriousness to it that the Emperor would feel.

Sheev laughed. "Oh I am sure I won't earn my retirement among the Gungans. I've started down the forbidden path." He touched a piece he had not yet, and opened a whole new front with one swift action. "And so I must pay the ultimate price," he said, rueful.

"Ultimate price?" inquired No One simply, pushing a piece in defense. He had a question to ask, but he wanted to know how far Sheev was going to go this time.

"Why, death, of course," Sheev said sadly. "I am an old, old, old man, my friend." He pursued the piece that retreated with another, expanding the frontline.

"I see," spoke No One, pressing forward with his own frontline. "And what use am I to you, old friend... I have made a... poor impression on our fellows here. And I am no guerilla leader. I do not see what I can do for you,"

"Keep me keen, as ever, no?" Sheev smiled sadly. "Prevent me from falling, from becoming what I seek to prevent." He checked his frontline, sought to shorten his exposure and maximise the casualties that his friend would have to take to break through.

"I've been playing watchkeeper for our whole lives..." he smiled as he looked at the pieces, making a sacrificial move in a bid to gain an advantageous position. "I wonder if I'll ever get bored of it," he murmured.

The move worked, and Sheev began a whole-sole retreat...

"I have no doubt you will. But we both know that I want to see what's after the Change..." A wry smirk. "And you don't think I should risk it."

There was a commotion in the Force; violence in the lower levels.

"Well, something is happening, at very least."

He stroked his chin.

"Tell me what you want, my old friend, and I'll grant it, if it is within my power."​

"What I want?" repeated No One allowed. Pressing further with his advantage.

"You cannot possible give me what I want,"

The retreat allowed defences to overlap, but the Emperor didn't seem able to achieve it in time. Pieces were lost, and his old friend advanced firmly into his half of the board, remnant pieces retreating to three sides of the board -

"Try me."

No One contemplated for a moment, his quiet blue eyes meeting the amber of the Emperor

"I want you to arrange a method to kill all the Sith. Former or otherwise. Ready to be implemented as soon as they are no longer needed," He viewed the divided pieces of the Emperor, weakened in their separation. No One plunged further into the heart of the battle... towards the Emperor's king. Seeking to commence his impending doom.

Sheev hesitated, and his distraction meant he moved a piece without thinking, making his circumstances worse.

He had been thrown off, but he recovered, speaking firmly. "Deal."

"Careful now," spoke No One with poised diligence as he did not make the Emperor's position any easier. Both on the board and in reality.

"Not thinking things through and hesitation will lead to our demise,"

"Deal, I said," Sheev grinned. He touched his lead piece, and put it down.

"You win, my old friend." He looked back up at the man from the board. "So what shall I call you now?"

"You can call me..." the raven-haired man thought again finger brought to his chin. "...Licht,"

Note: Hair is still long, not short as depicted above
​

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: Combo w/ @CosmoHender @Sinrebirth

IC: Marcus & Nin
Ghost Prison

Marcus stayed silent as Vhett went over the information they had available. He remembered both XoXann and Karness Murr, having met the two of them prior to the Battle of Corbos. XoXann, he recalled, had been a stubborn woman who believed that the path to the galaxy's greater truths could be found in the ways of the dark side. Marcus was far more familiar with Karness Murr, who had engineered the leviathans. Both Murr and XoXann were skilled dark side healers, but Murr could also use the dark side to twist, prolong, and preserve life. Marcus remembered how Murr used to delve into the arcane practices of the dark side, including alchemy...

"I think dividing our numbers would be foolish," Marcus finally said. "Taking down just one Shadow Sith will not be an easy task and I think it is better for us to devote our resources into eliminating one and succeed rather than splitting our resources into going after both and failing. If we split up, the chance of failure for both missions is greater. Between the two of them, I think we should go after Murr. In my opinion, he is much more dangerous than XoXann so it is important that he gets taken out sooner."

"I would agree, a surgical focused assault will bolster the advantage we already have..." he mused looking at the worlds that were displayed. "That they are not expecting us," This was not his preferred method of going about his Pathway of Nin, but perhaps... maybe... he would find a suitable apprentice along the way. "I have no particular preference in which one we hunt first," he continued.

The Mandalorian nodded. "Agreed. It is unlikely Muur will communicate with XoXaan - the Shadow Lords are all rivals after all. They seek to undermine the other." A gesture, nonchalant. "It was Tulak Hord who sent XoXaan's Black Knights to Kijimi, after all."

A nod. "I shall have a dozen warriors ready. Four for each of us. We can pose as mercenaries seeking work, unless you have a better idea." A pause. "Does Muur personally know either of you?"

"He knows me," Marcus confirmed. "I worked with him during the Hundred Year Darkness. I've seen what he can do. I know how dangerous he is."

"No," spoke Nin simply his eyes watching the Mandolorian carefully. He had never met a Mandolorian before, despite all his travels. He was still yet unsure what to make of them beyond myth and legend.

"So," the Mandalorian scoffed. "He knows one of you."

A musing. "Muur apparently wants Force-sensitive specimens for his experiments..." He regarded Marcus and Nin. "Shall we have Nin here 'capture' you, Marcus, and get an in before we rock up to cause a distraction? In the middle of it all, the two of you can kill Muur, and we'll move on."

The Mandalorian's made a guttural noise of agreement.

Marcus rolled his eyes. "Yeah, because I can't see how that could possibly go wrong. Fake prisoner plans are incredibly risky. I would advise against one."

"Such a plan keeps us with a singular option, restricted to that path, a more covert option would give us greater flexibility..." he spoke directly, unlike the other two here there was no hint of derisiveness in his tone. His head then moved towards Marcus.

"Particularly if something goes awry,"

The Taung shrugged again, plates rustling. "It's your lives, auretiise."

Burly arms folded, the nonhuman shrugged. "Undercover mercs it is, then." He looked to the team. "Move out."

The troops saluted, and began to noisily head to their ship.

Nin gave a nod in agreement, eyeing his lightsaber and taking out a small book, flipping through to eye one of the handwritten passages before placing it away.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @CosmoHender

 

OOC: A combo with @Mitth_Fisto and @Sinrebirth

IC: Janus Jerjerrod, Kazu
Location: Tinnel

Janus never thought he would be back home this early. His wife and son were hopefully still safe here. But his sister…she was about to get an unwelcome visit.

And right in front of him….the Electrostar. Still looking bad even though she was supposed to be in for repairs. Had his sister commandeered her? He would be getting the ship back no questions asked.

He sent a message to Electrostar: STAND BY, THE EAGLE HAS LANDED. Hopefully if the comm officers were still his loyal crew they would get the coded message he was back. And maybe if there were any traitors aboard they would be dealt with.

To the comm channel "Hello sister, this is your brother. Now I think it's time for a civilised chat since you seem to have turned traitor and seem to have grabbed my ship whilst it's being repaired".

Janus muted thier end of the channel and looked to Kazu "We need a good cover story for you, do you have on in mind?"

K4-ZU-P8489 or Kazu found the trip a perfect instance to decompile and scan this units systems for errors or damage that might alter this unit's functionality. Upon arrival the comms went off and conversations brought this unit back to full standby. The Admiral without a fleet asked a question concerning a cover story for this unit. "This unit is a combat unit from two decades prior. This unit could be seen as an antique or as a repurposed bodyguard unit. False designation left to organic consideration to decide." Kazu calmly stated as he unplugged from the shuttle's recharge port.

WE AWAIT THE EAGLE TO SOAR.

The crew responded! Loyally, at that.

High Lady of the Jedi Order Jerjerrod appeared on the screen; she had converted the channel to image.

"Janus, you appear to have embroiled the family in quite the drama. Could you not read the room, proverbially speaking, and follow what High Lord Veers was suggesting? The Emperor obviously had to be removed, and you rather obviously rebuffed our offer." She huffed.

"Bodyguard it is then" Janus said "Stand by, if things get rather fraught I may need you on weapons duty here".

He smiled though as the message from the Electrostar "We have extra backup as well. My ship over there which is my flagship has sent the correct signal back to my original message. We may have some extra firepower".

He unmuted the channel after his sister spoke "Dear sister do uou not see your folly? You appear to be on the wrong side. Only the Emperor can lead us to victory against the Sith, you know that yet you chose to mutiny".

"But I am here as your brother, not an Admiral. Can we not be family just for once? Let me and my bodyguard land, let us speak as we once did. I'm sure my wife and Artemis would like to hear that thier family member treated me well. Artemis misses his aunt you know…"

Kazu did his best to stay back, still, nondescript and as well out of the holoreceptors pickup as he could manage. There was nothing for this unit to do now until such time either combat or in person negotiations began.

"Bodyguard?" The woman sounded curt. "I do not sense anyone with the Force... show me this bodyguard, while I grant permission to land."

She turned aside for a moment and barked orders, and a pair of SIE Fighters moved up to escort them down before she looked back -

That it seemed was Kazu's cue so Janus nodded for the droid to come forward if it wished to.

The unit did not wish to. It knew it had based on the psychological profile and reaction of this Admiral's family to date. Why the man had indicated him had merit, but also was point this unit had thought was open to leave unstated in polite upper echelons of society. Still, the issue had been pressed.

Stepping forward this unit gave a crisp salute. To a member of the republic. Of the Jedi. Disdain was not even calculable in the programming tide of its circuits. "Bodyguard Unit K4-ZU-P8489 presenting for inspection. Primary protectee, Admiral. Secondary protected class - Republic. Tertiary protection for self minimized. Does the Admiral wish to add or change this listing for this units sole function?" It was lies, but it was the best this unit could do with the limited processing time.

The Jedi High Lord paused, regarding the droid. "Interesting. A Sith war droid. Very rare now," she sounded thoughtful. "And very dangerous." Her voice was raised. "K4, be sure to add myself to your protection protocols."

Her eyes cut to Janus. "Authorise as much, please."

"No, I do not wish to change your designation" he responded to the droid as he continued to bring the shuttle down "But perhaps add my sister to protection protocols as ordered". He was going to play along with the droid.

That would keep her quiet, of course he hoped the droid would not actually do it, or could do something to pass inspection at least.

Kazu performed a cursory nod, "Unit designation maintained. Individual identified as Sister added to protection protocols. Unable to finalize 'sister' in protection protocols. Sister must present for retinal, biological, and vocal harmonic scans to prevent impersonation suspicion for future protection actions. Protection Protocol Update incomplete. Please address missing data to complete Protection Protocol Update at your earliest convenience." With a loud servo whir for dramatic effect this unit backed away from the holo-transceiver to once more stand at its taken place to stand by.

The Jedi High Lord was annoyed. “Fine, fine. Come to the coordinates. Immediately.”

At that, Jerjerrod cut off.

Janus nearly snorted at the droid's response. But at least they could come down now, so he did so moving the shuttle to the coordinates.

He felt a little better now they had extra backup with the Electrostar confirming it was still loyal to him. But he couldn't count on it as the poor ship still looked battered.

"This is your first test Kazu" he said to the droid "If we are to defeat the Jedi Lords we will need to use every trick we have. I hope you have some measures to deal with my sister should things turn nasty…."

Kazu blinked his photoreceptors slowly, "This model unit performed best in tangent for lower level Jedi. Present methods for dealing with a Lord that are available are untested. If you wish for the unit to act to in a surprise fashion to initiate the 'turn nasty' course of events, would you like to set a code word or gesture?"

"Well then maybe we get to see how good you are against a Jedi Lord, or in this case Lady" Janus responded.

"And I think you'll know when it turns nasty because she'll get her lightsaber out and try and kill us both. Maybe just a gesture will do" he performed a gesture which was basically a wave of his left hand.

"Then you can fully unleash yourself…."

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @Mitth_Fisto

 

IC: Akuma-Oni
The Code

The Dread Lord was down.

But not out.

Though the dark chains had fallen away from his neck, Akuma-Oni did not extinguish his flame sword, which bristled with incandescence as an extension of his will.

The maddening images swirling within his mind subsided for the moment, even as his masked visage regarded the form of he who had beckoned them.

Peace was a lie - and an animal was most dangerous when wounded. For still, the Dread Lord’s power resonated all around them. He was not to be trusted, but tested. He had to be found worthy.

Worthy of the tenets that were held as true.

As for Maldael, something most uncanny had occurred. For a lucid fraction of a second, Akuma-Oni had felt great surge of familiarity, the moment the two of them battled against their common foe. Images which faded as soon as they had appread, flashed in his mind’s eye, before vanishing in the mist of his failing recollection. However, the strong feeling of something akin to a past bond did linger, uncomfortably so.

Such a thing seemed impossible and inexplicable, yet it was.

Not wishing to be distracted by this, the masked warrior nodded to the sephi, before addressing the Dread Lord.

“Are we still immaterial to today’s events…?”

A dark rasp.

Akuma-Oni’s eyes narrowed to a piercing gaze behind his mask.

“Or is this all some insipid posturing on your part?”

Dun Möch

The former Dark Retainer remained focused on the Dread Lord as he sought to elicit a response from the being, while in the back of his mind, he did wonder if anyone on the floor above could sense the conflict, especially Ajunta Pall.


Tag: @Sinrebirth, @darthbernael

 

IC: Akuma-Oni
Unamused

The Dread Lord was dead...

...Or so it seemed.

Akuma-Oni observed the slowly decaying form with due suspicion; suspicion which was rewarded within moments, as a spectral form rose from the dying mound.

The Dread Lord spoke, declaring how death was only the beginning, but continued on, speaking more lies and contradictions.

If it wished for death, then it was death by the hands of another. Now it insinuated that it needed life. With his words, he said he would 'take', but his actions indicted otherwise, because if he could take anyone, it would have done so already. If he thought any within the room would simply 'volunteer'......

The former Dark Retainer scoffed at the apparition.

"The dead can make no demands here. However powerful you were in life, though not powerful enough to prevent falling to our combined efforts, you appear to posses insufficient strength to take anyone by force. Your present 'weakness' is more than apparent. Begone, or seek some vermin in this prison to possess and begin the cycle anew."

Akuma-Oni's irritation grew in intensity. That he should need to speak at length was annoying, but the encounter with the Dread Lord had been more disappointing than he cared to admit to himself. Odd. What had he been expecting?

"Begone!" he repeated, waving his flame sword, even as he waited for oblivion to take the untethered spirit.


Tag: @Sinrebirth , @darthbernael

 

IC: Licht

“Wasn’t there a thirteen prisoner?”

Licht tilted his head. "Yes, there was, a fellow in a black coat that accompanied me, I wonder where he went off to..." he inclined his head as he considered the previous question of his old friend.

“Do you want to speak to my sons, or to Maldael and Akuma-Oni? They should have dealt with the prisoner by now. A deal undoubtedly.” He sniffed. “Wasn’t there a thirteen prisoner?”

"Those boys of yours, pitiful as ever," mused Licht, his disdain at their inability to work together, it sickened him to see such pampered babies.

"Yes, I might as well meet these 'Sith' if we are going to work with them," The word Sith was spoken with disdain. "Your boys can wait,"

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: A combo with @Mitth_Fisto and @Sinrebirth

IC: Janus Jerjerrod, Kazu
Location: Tinnel

And so they arrived at his sister's place. Which compared to his place was positively huge.

Hands behind his back he descended the ramp of the shuttle. And his sister got right down to it. Janus was not sure how Kazu would react to being ordered about.

"And hello to you too sister" Janus replied stony faced "And I would advise keeping that tone out of your voice. I am not here for you to play mind games. I am here because we need to deal with traitors".

"And do not forget this droid is currently my bodyguard, it does not take orders from you currently but I believe it still has the protection protocol to run on you…."

Looking for a moment at Janus K4-ZU-P8489 or Kazu made sure to subtly reinforce the point the man was saying before turning to walk toward this man's sister. "Height measurements complete. Please expose footwear that adjustments can be made if alternative foot coverings or lack thereof are used. Once within range cranial and facial scans will be completed. Iris scan will be required for either eye. Hand scans and dental recommended for worst case identification failsafe's. If you could wear the halo a proper brain wavelength and biorhythm can be obtained as the other scans are measurements are done." removing the item from a satchel what he held was a circlet with various arrays of sensors clustered together. This was not a truly functional set as advertised, but also had the benefit of being able to discharge a stun charge if in contact with an organic if remotely triggered. With a Jedi Lord it was best to have contingencies already in place before a battle began to try and avoid open conflict in any prolonged fashion.

Jedi Lord Jerjerrod snorted. "Let's not play."

A bolt of lightning emerged from her fingers, striking Kazu. She assumed it would fry him completely, and a flex of her hand would send the droid tumbling.

"You're the traitor, Janus. To the House; to the Navy; to the Empire. The Emperor was senile, he was going to let his sons tear apart the galaxy, and leave us exposed to the Shadow Sith." Her finger flexed. "I could kill you right here, if I didn't have a need for you."

Janus watched Kazu go down and get thrown aside. Looked like his sister was not going to play around. He just hoped Kazu had not been completely taken out of the picture.

He of course had no weapons thanks to his blaster and sword being destroyed aboard Quantum.

He snorted "I think you have it the wrong way around. It is you that is the traitor, and I will make sure you, the other Jedi Lords, and all the other traitors are exposed and taken care of".

"And you will spend the rest of your life in a cell, wondering why you chose the wrong side. The Sith must be laughing their heads off thanks to this coup. I will bring glory to the Empire and our House, and you will be ruined".

"But humour me, what do you need me for?"

"I need a loyal Admiral," she said, simply, not paying any heed to the downed droid.

Kazu, as a Sith war bot, had redundancies against a fellow darksider taking issue with his behaviour. Processors would be hardened, and the lightning bolt, while damaging, was not nearly as crippling as High Lord Jerjerrod thought it would be. He was, for the moment, unattended, and about 65% unharmed.

"So will you be accepting..." A set of rather wicked looking yellow-knifes appeared in her hands. Plated with phrik, the daggers could stand up to lightsabers; she preferred them to drawn out duels. "Or do I need to find another candidate? Your protégé, perhaps? Antilles?"

ERROR - ERROR - SYSTEMS ERROR -

Kazu's systems and processes screamed from the burden that was placed upon them. The droid reflexively went limp, unlocking all servos and systems so that when it was tossed aside it fell like a rag doll. The collar had been dropped, skidding forward from momentum and possible explosive arcing electricity to skid along the ground toward the Lord that had electrocuted him.

Systems lights stayed muted after the assault. Program 64 was being executed. Pacification through prostration protocol.

A soft analysis saw his systems currently at 65% efficiency. Direct assault advised unless submission was planned. Submission was not an option. With these viabilities foremost in Kazu's processors he triggered a series of servos to aim and fire his flamethrower as his other arm fired slugs at her.

Thankfully Kazu got back up….and started firing at her.

Janus's sister looked ready for a fight. No need to comm for backup yet. If she dropped one of those knives he would join in. For now he was going to stand back and watch the show unfold.

"I think the answer is no," Janus said with a smirk, and he made the gesture he and Kazu had agreed on. Time to unleash the beast.

She flipped to the left, placing her hand on the floor as she did, deftly turning -

A booted foot flicked out at the side of Janus's head, and she landed on her feet, brandishing her daggers and readying them to throw, coruscating with electricity -

But along the way, she had left a handful of daggers on the floor, where she'd had to place her palm on the floor -

Janus took the boot to the head, it wasn't enough to knock him out but it was still quite a whack.

Kazu hadn't unleashed himself yet but Janus couldn't stop to think too much. Instead he dived before his sister could throw any of her knives, grabbed a couple and threw them at her, grabbing a couple more whilst on the floor.

Come on Kazu, now is your chance.

Kazu took a second to reassess the situation. Then a second longer. This Jedi Lord was fighting outside normal parameters. Alternate tactics needed, assessing. . .assessing. . .alternative tactics chosen. Drawing out the Mandalorian steel sword Kazu brought the hilt high, tip held low as he angled to keep her to his side. Dipping his head that operated as a shield hat in such situations Kazu pre-charged his servos capacitors.

Hopefully his armoured sections would be enough to stand up to the more standardised electro daggers that this Jedi Lord favoured. Launching himself forward in a rapid series of randomly selected attack patterns so that there was no choice nor conscious precalculation to killing the Jedi Lord, merely a battle routine being acted out - if someone got in the path of the blade or the randomised squirts of flamethrower fire blasts? Well that was an industrial accident as per most jurisdictions. This preset could be altered if needed based on self preservation detection reaction software. Otherwise minor damage would be acceptable for successful completion.

The Jedi High Lord planted her feet and blinked as she recognised the beskar steel. She flipped a dagger at Janus absently, but it was poorly targeted and whisked past his cheek, raising blood but a mere scratch -

Her daggers rebounded from the droids carapace and then he was all over her, her wielding her last two daggers in a vain attempt to deflect the brute force of his blows, using the Force to nudge aside what she could, wincing in struggle -

Mind reaching out, she sought her other daggers, spying servo motors and joints she could drive her weapons into -

But Janus had several of them in his hands. Her mind sought a mental tug, and the High Lord's face turned to her brother. "Give me!"

This briefly exposed her to whatever Kazu had in mind for her to finish this fight -

Kazu it seemed had unleashed the beast. And the droid was going full throttle. Janus knew his sister would now be struggling against the double attack, as powerful as she was.

Janus was caught by a dagger, but he threw more at her, giving Kazu the chance to give his sister what she deserved.

Which was a good kicking.

Kazu pressed forward, stabbing in a swivel coring motion toward the Jedi Lords chest. She was merely in the way of an industrial accident in progress. Kazu had his free arm with flamethrower jab toward her open mouth. With the plan to spray a moment without ignition prior to ignition. Fireball should cook her internal organs and make flames shoot from her nose. . .or her body would explode, or he might miss and merely burn her. There was not enough information to properly project what would happen, that did not matter. It was a demonstration through a floor routine and she merely was in the way.

There was a bloody detonation, of sorts, but she'd already taken a knife to the forehead when Kazu finished her off.

The body of the Jedi High Lord dropped.

And then it was all over.

His sister was dead. Such a waste.

He didn't know how he was going to explain this to his parents, wife and son. Janus shook his head, taking out his comlink and entering Antilles's code.

"Captain, tell His Lordship Lady Jerjerrod is dead. The Electrostar is here, alert them that they are back under my command, maybe perhaps the Twelfth Fleet will follow as well. "

"Some of Electrostar's crew are hopefully still aboard Roadblock, if we can get them back we can get Electrostar up and running"

He then looked to Kazu "Stand down your weaponry, you have done well" he nodded "One down".

Kazu sheathed his sword after a firm flick to displace the blood and viscera from the blade. His head dipped to the once again Admiral. "This unit is aware. This unit requires repairs before further engagements, current effectiveness greatly below standard." Kazu stated, hoping this ship would have a trustworthy repair crew or else one could be brought in.

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @Mitth_Fisto

 

IC: Akuma-Oni
A Dangerous Gambit

The Red Specter had information. Knowledge; of that he was certain. But could they fill the missing memory gaps that hindered him, plagued his mental state?

Perhaps. Possibly so.

Inside his death mask, Akuma-Oni’s gaze narrowed with purpose and determination as he made a split second decision.

He would get his answers. He needed them.

The Dreaded One was weak and desperately moved for safe harbor. It planned to overtake the Emperor’s body.

Akuma-Oni called on the Force to move- to propel him with blinding speed. In that moment, he was a blur of motion as he timed his actions. The former Dark Retainer would place himself right before the Emperor just as Ku’ar Danar sought to enter the Emperor, forcing him to jump into his own body instead.

Once that occurred, the two would enter into a struggle for supremacy, and he would wrestle his answers from the weakened spirit.

At least that was his intention.


Tag: @Sinrebirth, @darthbernael

 

IC: Licht, Second Born

The Emperor knew his friend well, clung to the shadows remained Licht. The irony of such a thing was not lost on him. He then felt the back of his neck as a sharp tug from within him rescinded outward, a faint sad smile brushing against his lips.

"Oh gone already Uncle?" murmured the man in a hush whisper to himself, heard only by the darkness that clung to him, and perhaps... his old friend.

His fingers tapped idly as he surveyed the two in question, curious as to how they would perform. All while trying to maintain his composure.

His very reason for being here had quite literally been ripped from his soul, it was hard not to breakdown, even for one such as himself.

For now he would focus on other matters... Licht had no concern that he would need to step in to safeguard the Emperor, it was a clever test. A dual test of loyalty and power...

How well would the two of them do he wondered?

TAG: @greyjedi125 @Sinrebirth @darthbernael

 

OOC: A rather short combo with @Mitth_Fisto and @Sinrebirth

IC: Janus Jerjerrod, Kazu
Location: Tinnel

It was good news regarding the Twelfth Fleet. And an extra bonus, Roadblock had joined too. He was about to thank Antillies before something happened to Kazu.

Best to not keep the Dark Lord waiting.

"Lady Jerjerrod is dead. Kazu was successful in eliminating her. The Twelfth fleet which now includes the dreadnaught Roadblock is ours. Kazu however needs repairs" he looked to the droid to see if he could speak.

Kazu's photo-receptor flared with internal process' that were quick to trace subroutines and self diagnostic coding. Kazu was a blade and an eye. That was all he had been programmed to be and all he had experience being. . .error detected. . .Kazu had been operating outside standard parameters for some time now. Still, to discover a hidden subroutine whereby this unit was reduced to a glorified comm unit was disconcerting. All systems were engaged in analysis of the rogue subroutine and the potential to ensure that it did not impair this unit's ability to function at least outside of working as a comm bearer.

"Excellent," the Dark Lord said, satisfied. "Our allies have gone to Muur, so I imagine he'll be dead soon."

"We shall meet aboard your flagship; commit resources to Kazu's restoration... and we shall see if our newfound allies can track down the rest of the Jedi High Lords." At that, he cut the line.

Janus frowned. Well that was…brief. He looked down at his sister's body "You could have done great things sister. Fought side by side with me like our parents imagined. Instead you brought dishonour to House Jerjerrod and your name will be forever erased".

He nodded to Kazu "Come, the Electrostar awaits. And let's make sure we have you in top shape to slay the next of our traitors"

Notifications spawned as systems came back under the droid's control, but not from its efforts. Analysis and system modifications may be needed. Nodding at the Admiral, Kazu silently fell into step with the man. Onward to repairs.

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @Mitth_Fisto

 

OOC: Combo with @Shadowsun and @Sinrebirth

IC: Marcus and Nin

Kressh. Marcus thought over that name for a moment, trying to remember if he had heard it before or not.

No, he hadn't.

He looked over at Nin. "You want to get this or should I?"

Nin tilted his head, well this was off to a bad start.

"You may take it, it seems you are more familiar with them than I," he murmured, his red robes flowing as he brought a hand to his chin in thought...

Perhaps...

The herald wasn't even that.

It was Karness Muur himself.



"Who dares invade my sanctuary?"

Marcus sighed, collected himself, and decided to speak.

"Hello Murr," he greeted the Dark Lord. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

Nin's eyebrow rose, though he spoke nothing watching Marcus carefully curious as to how he would play out the situation.

The Shadow Sith Lord leaned closer to the screen.

"Marcus Dren. I heard from Tulak Hord that you went rogue on Alderaan." His gaze grew mischievous. "Or perhaps you simply turned aside from that masked freak and chose the true master of the Sith future."

He waved a hand. "Come, land. Your company will prove... useful."

At that, the Sith cut off, leaving them all to their questions... and worries.

The Mandalorians hadn't been idle; they had confirmed something - there were no capital ships in orbit. Where were the ships that worked with XoXaan to strike at Thustra...?

And did they go in?

The question was mainly for Marcus and Nin to decide...

Marcus turned to Nin and the Mandalorians. "So... do we land?" he asked them.

Nin let out a pensive breath, a curl of his fingers as he felt a chill run across his neck.

"Yes, but our guard must be absolute... something is amiss," he spoke, feeling the edges of his lightsaber hilt.

"Yes, let us land," groused Vhett. "We shall do what we must. Any banquet or invitation must be viewed as a trap."

His Taung-gaze took in Nin and Marcus.

"It is the way of the Sith."

He placed his helmet upon his visage.

"We serve as your loyal mercenaries, my Lords." He was already in character...

Marcus nodded to Vhett and turned to Nin. "Then we shouldn't keep Murr waiting..."

Nin's quiet eye stirred, his fingers pulsed in anticipation. He was ill at ease, to be with these people. To be hunting Sith.

It was not his way.

But for now... he needed to adapt. With a resolute nod he arose, ready to play his part.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @Shadowsun