Ask Outcasts and Exiles

[Vossari Khaldun]

The Talcene Transit was a spoke off of the Perlimian Trade Route, and a chain of planets that connected the economic hub of Saleucami to the rest of the galaxy. Consolidating the foothold Azar and him had built on an unforgettable night on Saleucami all those years ago was about more than tying up loose ends. Here and now, Vossari would carve out his destiny, using the tools Azar had given him, with a touch of personal flavor. Vossari had grown. In his studies on the occult, he found that the war-torn world of Saluecami, and several other colonies on the Transit, were home to a matriarchal Dark Side cult who were practically dependent on Saleucami's medicinal Busbee tree. Vossari used his contacts in government to acquire not just a shipment, but a factory to process the tree. If he was careful and shrewd enough, he could slowly acquire the entire population of the Busbee tree, and keep the planet's cult in his pocket.

There was still a greater goal. Cults were a means to an end, on the one hand, but a powerful asset on the other. Having now seen the full might of a cult of Sorceresses, Vossari now had the single, burning desire to command one of the zealous instruments. Towards that goal, the Zealots of Tsusan would be an excellent test subject. To pursue this lead, Vossari had contacted Serene. She was relatively unknown to him, but she had once offered him aid, in Karys's fight against Cyutadakr. He knew of little else besides her dabbling into witchcraft and the occult herself. Truthfully, Vossari benefitted from another hand in the pot. While working with Karys, Vossari learned the importance of strategic allies and the delegation of tasks, especially in delicate manipulations. It would be too obvious if it was Vossari alone pulling all the strings.

But perhaps he could still find a way to puppeteer this whole planet. From within the lounge of a modest factory, where the swamp meets the city within the heart of Saleucami, Vossari saw a tangible opportunity to advance himself. He invited Serene to visit and help iron out the details, his eyes lost in the details of the massive fish tank this building's lounge possessed.

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

Spoiler: Music

Song

Saleucami was near the Perlimian Trade Route and as such was fairly secure space even after Coruscant had been taken over by Raze's abominations. Now with the changes made to the Empire thanks to the Hutts, the Perlimian Trade Group were finding their presence was highly valued common merchants but it made traveling unnoticed a little more difficult. All the same, the Thistle Oasis would travel to Saleucami in a quick and even pace that rivaled the opulence of a Hutt's pleasure yacht. Meanwhile, members of the Coven of Shadows on board made ready for arriving on the planet ahead. It was fitting this would be the ship's first mission for the Coven since the planet was nicknamed Oasis. Information about the planet made them think it was a good investment along with the cult that called it home.

Serene resided in her meditation chambers as she focused on the future. Her will perceived the intensity of emotions, the resolve and motivations that would pull people through fate. There were certainly some she sensed in the future, and some she did not.

Formerly an acolyte, ow Champion Vossari Khaldun, he was an interesting individual for a multitude of reasons. The young man's skill potential, his personal connections, and the chaotic nature of his personality all intrigued Serene while simultaneously making her equally cautious.

The Comet class star yacht made a smooth and subtle landing. A moment later four figures would exit the large ship. Leading them was the hooded figure of Serene Graves while the three acolytes that joined her were wearing robes and cloaks of unique and dark designs. Isolde , Elandra, and Lirael joined their matron while Morwyn and Vessandra were to remain on the ship and work from there until told otherwise.

The group was followed on the ground by the woman's feline protocol droid Rupert while an similar avian familiar took flight from one of the acolyte's shoulder. The skies overhead would slowly become overcast and it felt like there could be precipitation in the future or a storm. Vessandra was already getting to work it seemed. The champion smiled as she moved covertly with her entourage of witches.

The factory doors opened before they arrived and the lights dimmed momentarily as Serene stepped into view. She looked around at the factory lounge, noting the large fish tank and the animals inside it. A few skittered to the far side of the tank at the witches' presence. As they stepped into the lounge and removed their hoods and Serene doffed her helmet, Vossari would see each of them were beautiful women though their expressions seemed all seemed fairly stoic.

"Hello Champion Khaldun. How are you doing?" The sorceress smiled warmly despite the professional nature of this meeting. She held her helmet under her left arm and began to pace around the room, moving closer to the fish tank to examine it. "Did you have this installed?" The other members of the Coven did as they pleased with the silver haired Lairel standing near the door and leaning against it. Elandra pulled out her dataphone, lowered its brightness and then checked in with her familiar. Lastly, Isolde approached Vossari and sat in a chair a few seats away from where Serene would eventually sit but her green eyes seemed to primarily regard the Wrean sith with a sense of curiosity.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Champion Khaldun. A title that, once, seemed unattainable. Yet today, nothing felt out of reach for Vossari. His confidence had always been unwavering, but it had before been based on true instability, the defiant impulse of an acolyte from the outskirts of society. Now, as he looked at the factory around him, he felt his confidence return as a foundation of his strength.

He watched as a veritable Coven piled into the office room. Great - more sorceresses. He assumed these ones would be more agreeable than the Tundians, and if not, that Serene would keep them in line. They moved with purpose. Why didn’t Vossari have a cool, loyal army of magic bodyguards yet?

“Champion Graves. I am doing wonderfully, because today is a wonderful day.”

The fish tank? It was pre-built. None of this was of his design. Nothing in the galaxy was, yet. But, like a leech, he would start with a host site and grow.

The coven looked dangerous. Vossari didn’t like his odds if they attacked him at once. “Caf, anyone?” Voss sipped on a cortadito as he considered how to proceed.

“I figured you would show alone, Selene, but bringing your acolytes here was a prescient move. The Zealots are matriarchal, too.” The Coven could act as an interlocutor between Vossari and his goals, total domination of the cults holdings across Saleucami and surrounding space.

“We have the merchandise.” The factory was a processing plant for the Busbee Tree. “We have the team. Now all we need is a deal.”

He took another long, pointed sip from his coffee cup. “What is it you want, Serene?” He was curious about her intentions for this deal, but he also was curious for her deeper desires. His eyes focused in on hers, piercing towards her cognition. “How can I help you make your dreams come true?”

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

"That awaits to be seen." She replied in a playful tone and continued the smile to keep up the pleasant expression. Serene did wish to have the luxury of optimism but instead she was more of a pragmatist. Serene walked over towards the seats and sat down.

The wrean Sith seemed to give the tank a look that said he was not especially fond of it. Not like one own's personal choices. But then again a man like him maybe just kept it out of sentiment for his homeworld. She took no offence to his silence since maybe he also thought she was asking rhetorically. The lady moved passed the chit chat and shook her head at the offer of caf. Her acolytes were well versed in espionage and had been told about the last time their matron had gone to Zeltros. Vossari had spiked some drinks then and they were never keen to consume drinks they did not prepare themselves. It certainly prevented undesirable side effects. "No, thank you. We had our fill on the ride over."

She had tried to do her research on the cult but they were still fairly secretive and it yielded limited results. "The Dark Side has an interesting way of manifesting fate." It is with that message that they would likely convert the higher echelons to their way of thinking.Her instincts, training and the foresight granted by the Force were primarily what helped her in these uncertain times. She did not need her acolytes to attend but it was for their benefit primarily that Serene had brought them along.

"I'm curious to know what you think of them. They still have a lot to learn but after having dinner with your master it seemed appropriate to begin teaching others. That is Isolde, Elandra and that is Lirael." She gestured with her head in each of the acolyte's respective directions. The women each gave their official greeting which was a silent smile, nod and chin jut.

When Vossari mentioned a deal she thought he was talking about the cult. She raised a curious eyebrow and her smile widened. "I bet you talk to all the girls this way." A hint of innocent flirtation came through her voice as she batted her eyes playfully. She took a deep breath and exhaled with her grin perpetuating. Serene enjoyed being asked what could be done for her. The way Vossari had asked her was something she could get used to. But she was well aware of the other part of a deal.

"Hmm..." The Champion gave it some thought as she looked her newly promoted peer. Her head tilted to the side like she was a tailor sizing up a new customer and wanted to be fitted for a new suit. "What do you have to offer?" Her eyes lingered on the ear accessory he wore and the individual possessions he had equipped. Serene was not thinking about just some material object. But she wanted to hear what worth he placed on her and the job ahead before giving him a price.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari chuckled dryly at Serene's cheerful responses. She was rather upbeat, at least. Vossari had gotten rather...dour lately, as he mused over fate and purpose. Returning to Saleucami, his first mission as an Acolyte, would allow him to recapture the splendor of those moments. Although he was here without Azar, it would still be interesting to build something of substance here, all this time later.

"I offer new stock for your Coven." Vossari noted her trepidation. She didn't see this mission as already complete, the way Vossari did. Perhaps it was his naiveté, arrogance, at work again, to think he could easily subdivide the cult before they even met. Saleucami would be his, that much was clear. Controlling the cult would be the final nail in the coffin to crush the resistance. Then, the swamp planet would be his personal playground. "I believe they are training witches in the powers of the Dark Side, to carve out a place in the galaxy for themselves and not the Sith." He imagined that the Sisters of Sanguine would be interested in their recruits, as well. Vossari already had his hands full at the academy and with his acolyte Nash; he didn't have the time to fully maturate the force skills of an entire cult. But Serene's Coven might use them as another asset.

"I have connections to Saleucami's ruling powers that we will leverage to sell these cultists their tree plants." That was the point of the factory. "But there is a wrinkle. Spies in the Saleucami military noted that they are lead by a prophetess." The threat was clear - another Force User could be a powerhouse. "I see today as an opportunity to supplant her rule. Two birds, one stone. I bring my medicine to market..." The way he said that may give some pause. "You gain some valuable sisters in your sorority. A win/win."

The sale of goods to them was a pretext for infiltration, dependency, and control. "Your Coven may assist in this. They infiltrate the base of the Zealots, while we make a 'deal' with the sorceress and the cult as a whole."

He took another sip of caf, as a long eel wriggled in the fish tank behind him.

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

Serene was in the process of building a power base and so the offer of additions to the Coven were intriguing. They could screen and vet them. Furthermore they could shape them to be more effective future members of the Sith Order. Serene herself was a sorceress of the dark side and Champion of the Sith Order. She considered herself still very much a student of the galaxy and its mysteries. The fact that she was ignorant of many things was ever present in her mind. The mention of witches sparked interest in Serene's eyes and a genuine curl of her lips.

While the cult might end up being deceived and manipulated they could learn the secrets of this prophetess and her witches. She was more than happy to pluck and take what she deemed worth keeping, cherry picking as she saw fit. Whether they provided ample stock or not would be seen in due time. These cult witches would have the present acolytes of the Coven of Shadows to contend with as well. They would become their seniors if they survived and would not allow weakness to hinder them.

Her smile continued with a nod, keeping an air of aristocracy as she spoke. "I am agreeable to this though I will add something. I should have members of my Coven infiltrate the ruling powers you mentioned. If they are to keep control of these local cultists it is better done with partial control of the supply and not solely as anonymous operatives, at least not each of them." It seemed like the more sure fire way to ensure the local cult remained under control and inevitably molded to their preferred design. The cult would seek to preserve the interests of the rulling powers, the ruling powers in turn to serve the Sith's. The Coven would have direct involvement in the leadership of the cult and the layer above. Only those in this room would know about the plan going forward unless Vossari wished to share it.

There was the off chance that leaders of the planet could be swayed, eliminated or removed and this way it assured their agendas would be stopped before they even started. "How high up do these Ruling Powers know about your connections to the Sith Order and the Bogan?" She used the archaic word for dark side. "There may be the chance that some of them become followers of this cult if it is convincing enough or the cult in turn gains leverage against them That is the ironic obstacle when trying to control faith." It meant a lot of lies, deception but most importantly, enforcement. Saluecami would essentially have a secret sorceress inquisition working from the shadows to correct any insurrection or rebellion, unless of course Vossari disagreed. Serene had also taken on so many acolytes because she fully intended to lend them out as honor guards and liaisons to other sects of the Sith Order. It was only a matter of time before delegation was unavoidable and she sought to get ahead of the need for it.

Regardless of whether or not he fully accepted her suggestion she was amenable to the plan. Her head turned to look at each of her witches. "Yes. I think they are up for the task." The acolytes could reconnect with eachother and proceed from there. Though she let them choose whether or not to take on the goal as just a trio. If so, it would be more impressive than if there were five of them. "As am I." Her eyes returned to Vossari.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Meanwhile...

The Zealots of Tsusaan did not idly wait for the Sith to plot against her. Indeed, the Prophetess scryed on the meeting between Vossari and the Coven, a scowl emerging upon her wrinkled face as she saw their plots against her. She knew the Sith had sought them ought for a meeting. And now, these same Sith thought she was too stupid to attack them? Did they not realize it was she, the Prophetess, who truly pulled the strings on Saleucami? Whether aligned with the resistance or the dictators, all came to her for their fortunes to be read, all begged for her protection in battle. What were two Sith before the living God of Saleucami?

"Now, now, NOW!" Her tea kettle voice carried through her lair. "Destroy those impudent monsters!"

____________________________

"I believe we have a deal then, Serene." He raised his cup of Caf towards her as he sipped. "Let's make it formal. I'll draw up the paperwo-" A deafening explosion silenced their conversation, as a hail of blaster fire followed through the freshly opened hole in the factory walls. A battalion of droid soldiers marched through the breach robotically, as clandestine, robed cultists charged in behind them.

Vossari sprung into action, flinging his coffee cup at the first droid that he saw. His lightsaber was at his desk - he sprung towards it, scrambling for defense.

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

At the private hangar the two coven members still on the Thistle Oasis would likely be ignorant of the strike on the factory at first. Thanks to the portending capabilities of the Prophetess a small squad of cultists and droids were sent to the parked star yacht. The pair of witches would have to fend for themselves and protect the ship on their own until the danger at the factory was finished. It was a well timed and simultaneous strike on the Zealots side.

Perhaps the first hint that something was wrong was Elandra Nyx's brow furrowing as she gazed at her dataphone. The avian droid on the other end sounded like it was about to report something amiss when it was silenced. A moment later the alabaster skinned witch clutched her head from the resulting feedback of the owl droids complete destruction. She had connected in a combination of digital and force bonding to the machine and now was paying for it. "My lady..." The Zealots had noticed the flying machine and eliminated it with extreme prejudice and were now making their move.

Serene's head turned to look over her shoulder as she reacted to her subordinates distress. But before the subordinate witch could give a word of warning the wall exploded. Rubble and smoke flew into the room. Serene instinctively brought both hands in front while she willed the Dark Side to surround her defensively in a force barrier. Chunks of rock glanced off the slightly visible sphere of protection and a blaster bolt was stopped completely as it made contact. Serene's helmet had been knocked away in the chaos. Her face was an expression of annoyance and loathing.

Isolde Veil, who had been sitting with Serene and Vossari was either not as skilled in defensive techniques or had terrible luck. A piece of rubble had caught her in her left upper back just above the shoulder blade. Isolde's once pretty face was now covered in dirt, grime and had scrapes to match the other superficial injuries. The young acolyte was far from out of the fight though and rose to her feet, albeit shakily and coughing.

By the time Isolde got to her feet Serene had shifted her focus to the offensive. Blaster rifles from the first rank of droids were raised and swept for targets. "Rude." Before they could pull the trigger Serene, aided by Lirael Vespera, brought her hands close to her chest and shoved them back out towards the attackers in a rapid push. A wave of telekinetic energy from the two surged forth and sent the first rank of droids clattering back several meters and impacting all of the droids and cultists behind them in the process. Some of them were thrown back outside while others were pushed flat on their back or sprawling on top of one another. It would at least give the group of Sith time to recover and counter attack.

Smoke continued to pour into the room. Over the sound of the chaos there was another noise that reached Serene's ears. Once again she looked over her shoulder to see a spiderweb of cracks forming along the giant aquarium wall. "To me." She spoke clearly to her cohorts. In a few seconds anything not at least three feet off the ground was going to get soaked. Having her companions nearby limited what offensive techniques she could employ. Serene actually liked her coven and Vossari.

Dropping down to one knee, the woman placed both palms on the ground. The sorceress brought both hands up to form fists at shoulder height. Simultaneously she rose firmly from the kneeling pose to transition to another. As a result a five meter wide stage or "island" of rock broke through the lounge's floor, elevating Serene and everyone around her above the inevitable flood. It was her first combat application of terrakineses but it would do the job. It was far more taxing than Serene liked but against large number she needed to work smarter, not harder.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

The spiderweb cracks on the aquarium fully shattered as Vossari retreated and grabbed his lightsaber. He threw down the desk to cover himself from blaster fire, as he manipulated the water to shatter entirely. From the backline, he manipulated the water to spray harmlessly on all the attackers, doing his best to avoid getting even a single drop on his current allies.

With a snap of his fingers, Acridia ignited, and the harmless water turned to acid, burning through the enemy cultists and droids effortlessly. Combined with the efforts of Selene and her coven, the assassins were foiled.

Serene’s floating rock trick was pretty cool, too, so Vossari hopped on. “Oh boy - a rock! The pilgrims used to ride these babies for miles. Could you plot a course? We have a slight change of plans.” Namely, assassinating the prophetess and claiming her title to be the foothold of their rule. “To the headquarters!”

With the Prophetess scrying on them, it would be difficult to attack without running right into her forces. But this was the only path available, and Vossari would seize the momentum and drive forward.

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

Serene watched in amazement as Vossari alchemically altered the liquid to become a caustic acid. The sorceress had her own intentions for what previously had been water but it hardly mattered now. The acolytes and their mistress took a step back from the edge as an extra precaution, recognizing the danger of getting to close to the dangerous substance.

Screams and cries from droid voice boxes and organic cultists alike replaced the sounds of blaster fire. The Sith would be safe for the time being as the cultists had no other choice but to fall back or be melted. It was a temporary setback for the Zealots and one that would see them recovering from in due time. The dark siders did not have much time but it was better than nothing. The large numbers of the cultists were their main strength and were now significantly reduced.

"Rocks don't float..." The stone, much to Vossari's dismay, was not floating but was in fact attached still to the ground. Terrakinesis was still new to Serene's and repeatedly using it would probably tire her out rapidly. "Ice bergs on the other hand..." Serene held out a hand and made several rapid gesticulations followed by mutterings in ur-Kittât. A few heartbeats later and the acid that continued to eat away at even the ground would begin to freeze.

Serene focused on crafting an island of frozen acid, unmored like the previous earthen formation. "...or I guess an acid-berg in this case work wonders." The dangerous substance would not burn through their feet so long as it remained in its solidified state. The acid required moisture to react and as acid it would also not be effected by the relative pond of acid surrounding it. Once they all stepped on, the island of solid acid would begin floating along like a speedy hoverboat.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Now this is pod racing! Vossari had never thought to fly an iceberg ahead, but it was clearly the only way to travel. Vossari rose to his feet and hydromancy'd himself a personal ice surfboard, coasting through the swamp with ease as they made their way towards the Prophetess's headquarters. "She's a real power player here, you know." He signaled telepathically to Serene. "It might be worth keeping her alive." Even if she had attacked them first, she could still be a tool in their schemes. That was, if she was carefully controlled and monitored. Ruling from the shadows, here, would be preferential to open rule.

As they made their way through the swamp world, they would come across a military blockade, heavily armed and armored with troops, vehicles, and artillery encamped behind duracrete barriers and sandbags. Vossari signaled for them to stop ahead. "Sneak your acolytes ahead, Serene. Let's see if we can negotiate." Unless she had a better idea, of course.

Vossari was always content to drown the whole lot of them and keeping it pushing, but these guys had rolled a 17/20 for strength, so it wouldn't be easy.

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

Serene could tell based off of the weather changes overhead that Morwyn and Vessandra were certainly busy on the ship and devoting all their attention to defending themselves. Hopefully the Thistle Oasis was still in one piece when this was over but she was confident in the two left behind. Their presence in the Dark Side was still there and their motivation clear to their matron.

Not having to concern herself with her far away subordinates, the Sith Champion took stock of the trio that were nearby. Isolde had mostly recovered from her earlier injury. The green eyed acolyte determined expression was marked with dirt and shared with fair haired Elandra. Elandra shook the remnants of destracting pain away from her head and readied a pouch from inside her dark cloak.

Meanwhile Lirael interestingly produced a small mirror that appeared matte black at first glance until its flat surface rippled and began to take on an image. In the silver haired witches' other hand she held a staff and was the only ones aside from Serene that had an obvious weapon on hand. But the Champion would not draw a weapon yet. She remained focused on guiding the floating acidberg to their destination.

It was clear to Serene from what Vossari had said so far that he wished to take the Prophetess alive. She was indifferent and so was fine to humor his request. It was one of the few things the sorceress could do to earn some good favor and showcase her superiority to the cult leader. "Very well. If that's what you want." She replied telepathically in kind. The man would perhaps feel how secure and locked tight the woman's own mind was making it unclear if she even recieved his thoughts. It was an extra layer of caution to prevent any mental intrusions but it still allowed her to communicate. A lot of the Coven's communications were done through telepathy but they each needed to be protected against mental attacks as well.

When the Sith party came upon a blockade the witch slowed the iceberg's approach until it fully stopped. They remained at a distance and out of sight while observing them. Vossari's suggestion made her look at the trio of witches that were her apprentices. "We're up for it." Lirael and Isolde whispered almost simultaneously. Elandra nodded and gave a murmur of agreement. "Do your best." She ordered like a proper matron and sent them ahead. With their combination of skills they would provide excellent reconnaissance and be able to infiltrate if given the opportunity.

After the acolytes left Serene looked sideways at Vossari. Her helmet had been melted accidentally by Vossari's trinket and hydrokinesis. But she was not sentamental or bothered by its distruction. The swamp air flowed around her, mostly stagnant and humid. The natural cacophony of wildlife made quiet chatter safe. They had a few minutes as members of the coven moved into position. "Should we ask the Prophetess to just meet us? What do you have in mind?" Maybe her peer was expecting her apprentices to capture someone or something of significant leverage. But Serene would wait to hear it from Vossari.

Spoiler: Dice

Morwyn and Vessandra 6/20 , barely a success

Isolde, Elandra and Lirael 3/20, mild fail

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari quirked an eyebrow at Serene. Having her coven here gave them a deniable asset - assassins, witches, who could move at the speed of the wind. They had no reason to be chained to Vossari and Serene, who could spearhead this operation themselves.

"The military is both our ally and hers. We can use them to protect us from another assassination attempt." The Sith had stomped out the resistance on the planet's surface some time ago, earning them the loyalty of the dictatorship. If they could remove this planet's spiritual leader from power, or convert her to their side...well, then, the planet might as well fly the colors of the Stygian Caldera. "Let's see if they can contact her, bring her to neutral ground. Keep your sisters in position."

Vossari hopped off an ice barge and flagged an officer to explain their situation. He was recognized, both as the partner to Lord Arcanos who had once destroyed the resistance, and as the owner of factories deep in the heart of the swamp. It was a little bureaucratic, at first, but he slowly made his way up the chain of command until he contacted someone who could arrange a meeting with the Prophetess. General Brattic - a Twi'Lek with a mean demeanor.

Vossari gestured to himself and Serene and...told the truth. "We were unilaterally struck by the assassins of the Prophetess. I know you all love her, but...your army is the sole military, no?" He tilted his head. "Surely, a meeting with the Prophetess would prevent this violence from spilling out."

Brattic groaned, quietly, as she considered her approach. "The Prophetess is a woman of extreme importance, Sith. I hope you can substantiate your claims with evidence..." Serene's melted-off helmet was enough to indicate that they had escaped a fight. She waved a hand. "Fine. Follow us to our camp. I will see if Her Divinity would attend such a meeting."

Voss shrugged at Serene. "Better than nothing." He whispered to her, as the soldiers made their plans. "Could your sisters scout out the area, let us know what we're in for?" The military summoned them, and they began to move with the convoy.

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

Vossari had indeed orchestrated a sufficient hold over the planet's military. She was glad to see it put to use. She had no objections to his plan and was keen to see it play out. Vossari was the face of interactions thus far but it would pay for Serene to show her's as well if her Coven was going to be influence the locals and their beliefs. Seeing was believing, at least for many galactic citizens it was.

The frozen acid-barge slowed to a stop, allowing the pair of Sith to disembark onto relatively dry and solid land. The two garnered a lot of stares and glances though they appeared to be a feeling of wonder and curiosity along with the ever present caution on all soldiers' minds. They were calm, but ever on guard as their training told them to be.

"My entourage was attacked in the space port by more of these would-be assassins and may be dead. If you have soldiers near there it may be behoove you to intercept any other assailants." She did not ask them to go and check on the well being of her subordinates. If they had survived then they would be rewarded. Death earns no reward.

There would be bodies there and if her apprentices were slain then they would have at least taken down a few of the cultists leaving a trail. Serene refrained from putting all her trust in the local law and instead relied on her own capability and that of her companion. With time she might be able to lean on the planet's infrastructure but until they removed the Zealots or brought them under their control. Until then, the system was unreliable.

It appeared that the Wrean's plan was going well for now. She hoped it continued that way. She was interested to meet this prophetess and kept her senses on alert.

They began to move with the convoy and Vossari asked him to delegate to the acolytes nearby. Serene reached out mentally to the Coven members that were still relatively nearby. However they responded with an alert that made the Champion sigh. Apparently they had been side tracked by a pair of feisty Nexu. "They'll get ahead in a moment they're..." she gave a disapproving sigh at the inconvenience of the wild encounter. "....dealing with something." The sorceresses in training had a lot to learn and that included navigating swamps apparently. Practical training was a good teacher though and Serene liked to think she was a patient mentor.

As they moved, the two Sith had time to talk and kill the time. "How long have you been practicing hydromancy? I'm interested in learning." Serene was skilled in shadows, lightening and ice, dabbling a little in earth with potential for fire however she had done little in the way of water manipulation in her years. Learning some tricks from an expert could be invaluable especially in an environment such as the swamp.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

"You're interested in learning? I'm interested in teaching...for a fee." Vossari's mind leapt back in time to a fateful day on Taris, where Cyu and Karys had fatefully dueled. The woman revealed then she was pregnant - news that only mattered to Voss as of very recently. Importantly, though, Serene had been there. As a sorceress - perhaps she had a lead to her flesh and blood. Perhaps she had an angle that could lead them to Cyutadakr's child.

"What do you remember of Taris?"

As Vossari and Serene walked, Vossari flowed through the swamp. Water was his element - the one that only he could master. If he could step beyond the limitations of hydromancy through use of Blood Sorcery...he knew that his future would be secure. That is, if no one assassinated him first.

The armored convoy kept moving towards a neutral zone - less in the swamp, more in the city. Squat buildings built by old duracrete emerged from the fog and despair. The general approached them, regarding the pair of Sith with an ever-shifting eye. "The Prophetess will meet you here." She gestured ahead, to an especially small hovel with a curtain for a door. "Our forces will prevent any outside interruption. Her security is paramount." It was obvious they were more friendly with the Prophetess than these two random Sith.

Voss shrugged, and looked at Serene. "Ready to go?"

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

"The greatest things don't come free. " Serene was no stranger to trade and as long as it was a fair deal she was willing to indulge Vossari.

"A lot." She understated how wild the trip had been. "The shredding of Cremek, Karys's duel with C-... Nevizkas. I remember you did not take me up on my offer for assistance in the moment. Now it's my turn to ask you how to make your dreams come true." A slight smile poked through her otherwise severe expression. The Champion had calmed and recovered somewhat after their earlier combat. The sharp pains had receded to only dull aches while her malice simmered.

Serene joined the Saluecami Defense Force on their hovercraft, willing to let someone else chauffer her through the swamp. The witch desired to conserve her strength in the vent this prophetess was more powerful than expected. From the transport she could remain within a comfortable range of her fellow Champion to speak. The subject would probably not be the type he wished to discuss openly so she would expect telepathy going forward for anything confidential.

Eventually Serene would relay information from her acolytes as they made progress ahead. They had driven the Nexu away using non-lethal methods and mind tricks, their specialty. Indeed there are no ambushers waiting for us unless they are all inside that building. She spoke telepathically to Vossari., relaying her Coven's surveillance report like it was her own personal divination. However, the two sith had just traveled with the S.D.F. so perhaps they could be the instruments of this prophetess. How the General spoke about the leader of the Zealots did not instill confidence.

"Indubitably." Despite her reputation as a witch, she preferred the lap of luxury and the finer things in life. These aesthetes of the cult would be interesting to converse with. Beauty was highly valued by Serene but she had to acknowledge the power and strength that came with the "uglier" parts of the galaxy.

Elandra located the power for the building which happened to be a gonk droid around back. Lirael used her illusory specialty to keep them hidden while scouting thanks to the help of her enchanted mirror. Isolde meanwhile was great at sensing minds and intent while remaining secret herself. For now the trio would remain in hiding and only move if the need arose.


@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Voss entered into the building, pushing the carpet out the way to a smoky, incense-filled den. As Vossari's eyes scanned across the room, he eventually spotted her - three feet tall, scaly, and green. This was the prophetess? No way...

The lizard opened its mouth, practically croaking out a response. "So, you have found me, Sith."

Voss wouldn't underestimate an opponent ever - not even a sentient lizard. "You made it hard not to. I have a legal deal with the Wroonian Council - one that your act of sabotage back at our factory puts into threat."

She scoffed, waving a scaly hand away. "As if such an obvious assault would kill you. Now, you have learned; this world belongs not to the Council, but to me. All requests must be filtered through me."

Voss scoffed as he looked to Serene. Gave a real 'you hearing this?' kinda look under his helmet. "Fine. Let's talk. The Sith's business needs to continue uninterrupted. What would it take for that."

She looked at the pair of them, scratching her scaly glands. "What can you offer?"

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

Vossari would remain silent to Serene's question. They had business to deal with first so maybe they would pick up the conversation later. The question about Taris seemed odd and not without reason.

Serene hid her surprise about the prophetess fairly well after following Vossari into the den of mystics. The two Sith Champions had half a foot in height difference between them with the Wrean being the taller of the two dark siders. Serene had always felt like she was the small, petite and underestimated foe and thus remained on guard. Lessons from her early days returned to the forefront of her mind, reminding her of numerous small force sensitives across history that had made a big impact on the galaxy. Yoda, Fennec, a few faces in holorecords that she could not remember the names but still recalled enough to not underestimate this petite reptile.

Serene's hands remained at her side as she stared at the prophetess. The woman slightly mirrored the man's expression of mild disbelief. The woman never liked hearing that request when the leader of Zealots asked what they could offer. She resisted the urge to snark and offer death. That was not what Vossari wanted and it would only make things worse. The champion was not a prophetess but she could still see the bigger picture.

The Bubse tree was Vossari's business and not Serene's to barter with. If he wanted to use that as an incentive it might help. But the Sith would still make her own offer. The small lizard implied that a covert attack might work but if that were true they may have attempted that. Perhaps the Prophetess's divination revealed her own futility, leading to this moment here and now. "We can prevent this from becoming an ugly affair if you work for the Sith. If you desire all requests to go through you then I do not see why that would be an issue. If you are willing to answer for any shortcomings and deal with the consequences I think it's fair." Serene wanted the Prophetess to know that it was not just the two Sith in front of her she would have to deal with. It was all of the Sith Order.

Serene continued since she had yet to offer any thing outright. "Your people desire many resources. Priority import and export privileges in and out of the system would be yours'. No longer do you have to wait weeks or months in this...system. The might of the Sith Order would aid you should this world or your interests be put in danger. Furthermore, I will teach along with my apprentices to educate your flock in the advanced aesthetic techniques. It seems they could use it. " The space witch was being candid. The Prophetess would know for certainty that Serene would take no pleasure in wiping them from the galaxy if it came to that. There was a purpose that the Zealots could fulfill. They were simply worth more alive than dead.

"Do you still desire more Prophetess?" Serene had more to offer still. But a growing sensation of future "cost" would be building in the recesses of the reptilian's mind. The more the Zealots wanted from the Sith, the more would be asked of them. It was a double edged blade that cut both ways.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

The lizard looked on with a gleam in her eye as she thought to use the Sith to secure a place of prestige within the galaxy. Yes, she mused, they can be my tools towards my rise to power. Vossari stared silently at the exchange between Serene and the lizard, as the Prophetess considered her options.

"Yes. I desire a seat on the Dark Lord's council. Grant me this and I will consider your req-" Her tirade was cut short by Vossari, who raised a fist. Channeling all of his cold fury into his fist, the Force tightened around her throat as the swamp air around them hung, heavily. She choked on her words, scrambling to call for help or assistance from the guards, as Vossari ignited his lightsaber blade to silence her.

One couldn't make terms with the Sith. "Say anything and you die. The Wroonian Council may kill us. I will definitely kill you." He wasn't afraid of a little mutually assured destruction. He continued to choke the lizard wizard as he approached, lightsaber ignited. "You will accept the deal my comrade presented, as presented."

"You asked what I wanted, Serene." Vossari said, as the little lizard's throat continued to pulse beneath his vice grip. "Your coven can control this worm and her servants." The cult felt meaningless. As long as the Sith held the world, and Vossari could keep his factories, actual power meant nothing to him.

But he had a desire. There was an order from his King. And Serene was the one closest, today, to helping him fulfill this great mission. "I need the blood of Nevizkas and her child."

He eventually let the prophetess breathe again. "This is your deal. Take it or..." He glanced at the lightsaber. Her eyes burned, but she nodded along compliantly. "I trust you to manage her, Serene."

Finally, years later, it was his. Finally, after his first visit with Azar, King Arcanos's alliance with the Wroonians meant complete political and social control of the world of Saleucami. Vossari disengaged his lightsaber as he prepared to leave the planet.

@Darasuum
[/abox3]

 

[Serene]

Serene managed to raise an eyebrow though she would have inevitably acted similarly to Vossari. Hearing an audaciouss claim was entertaining at the very least and might have even garnered a cackle from the Sith. As her fellow Champion ignited his weapon she could appreciate the absolute nature of his statement.

The woman's eyes watched the small Prophetess squirm. Serene took in a visible slow breath which only served to likely worsen the sensation of choking in their victim. She knew how unpleasant it was but simply looked to the man who brought the hint of a smile to the corner of her mouth. Vossari's words were what brought her satisfaction and not the pain of the prophetess or the display of power.

Serene tilted her head slightly to the side. She wondered how he was confident she possessed the purblood's essence. Serene had indeed collected the woman's blood on Taris. But rather than wonder at whys and hows, she would simple answer. "You will have it." Now was not the time to tell him Serene did not have the child's blood. The life that had been growing inside Nevizkas was too small for Serene to do anything with at the time without risking complications or consequences. The details of her operations could even make the most hardened Sith feel queasy. But Serene expected the mother would in turn lead to the child. If Vossari wanted her expertise or a member of her Coven to assisst than both would be available as well.

The released Prophetess gasped, heaving on the ground in a manner that many Sith had experienced. Serene's eyes flicked to Vossari as he gave their ultimatum. Never one to be surprised, Serene almost expected their former foe to try her luck. But she obeyed none-the-less and so too would the Zealots of Psusan in time. "You can rely on me, Vossari." She gave a small nod whether he saw it or not.

Turning to the only one remaining in the room, Serene's eyes stared at the lizard unblinking. The dark side witch would remain on the planet along with her Coven. "Tell me what I want to know and I won't rip it from your mind." The next few days and weeks would see to it that the Coven of Shadows established themselves as the orchestrators of the cult and learn the true width and breadth of the cult's reach. The Zealots had sects on half a dozen worlds most notably of which was Corsucant and Kuat. Maybe they would be the next stop for Serene and her Coven of Shadows. One covered in abominations and exalted whilst the other was one of the largest starship manufacturers in the galaxy. The cult could end up proving more useful than initially realized.

End Thread​

@Fine Dining Set