Ask A Tib in the Water

[Wodan]

A small black shuttle descended slightly through the midnight clouds around the capital city of Tibrina, its engines were on standby, only small manoeuvring thrusters preventing them from burning up in the atmosphere. Inside all lights were off apart from the glow of a small amber light which gave them just enough light to not stack it over one another.

Wodan’s all black Imperial Armour almost blended smoothly into the dark interior of the shutte. He shook from side to side as the turbulence finally gave way, a moment later a swift yank as the trail shoots on the shuttle opened, a moment after the main shutes slowing their fall. Although the shuttle was equipped with enough thrust to easily move within the atmosphere of Tibrin as well as escape into space, today’s mission required complete stealth so a cold drop was the only reasonable option.

The Assisination and removal of one head of state for another required complete secrecy and avoidance of blame for the incoming head. Wodan had already secured the loyalty of a rival claimant to the title of Kalikeedan the highest ranking spiritual leader of the Ishi Tib on Tibrin. So today’s plan was simple: remove the current sitting Kalikeedan and allow his new friend to deliver the planet to Wodan and the Sith.

Looking over through the dark to Vahliri he smiled. “A bit bumpier than usual.”

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

Settled within the passenger compartment of the shuttle, Vahliri closed her eyes and casually leaned her head back against the seat - riding out the rough turbulence as they approached they destination. In truth, the half-Anndyn wasn’t particularly looking forward to this Imperial mission - and it had nothing to do with the fellow Champion assigned with her. Subterfuge and assassination simply wasn’t Vahliri’s style, and she had no desire to go crawling through sewers of ventilation systems to reach their objective and install some figurehead who would bow and scrap.

All the same, Vahliri was committed to seeing it through - regardless of her personal feelings on the matter. Wodan had requested her assistance personally, and the half-Annfyn owed the man after that entire ordeal back at the Imperial Research Station.

As expected, Vahliri was properly outfitted for the task ahead of them. She was adorned in his signature red-and-black robes as per usual - though wore a black cloak over the top of them to further provide anonymity. Her dark hair was loosely styled and left to cascade in soft waves and curls along her shoulders. A pair of lightsabers was clipped to her belt, just barely catching the orange glow of the shuttle light.

She finally opened her eyes again when Wodan spoke, tilting her head down to regard the man. He had come far since their first mission together - and they now faced Tibrin as equals in rank. Wodan was one of the people within the Sith she genuinely liked and held her respect - and the half-Annfyn was, at the very least, confident in their collective ability to get things done. She grinned at him, tilting her head a bit. “Don’t tell me you’re getting queasy,” The half-Annfyn quipped playfully, shaking her head a bit.

It wasn’t long before the shuttle touched down on the surface of Tibrin - positioned just outside the capital city to avoid detection. They landed deep into the towering, coral forests - where the sandbar rose only a few meters above the planet’s vast, shallow oceans. “This is it, My Lord. My Lady,” The voice of an Imperial pilot echoed from the cockpit, the man’s face hidden behind the standard-issue helmet he wore. “This is as close as I can take you,”

Without delay, Vahliri gave a nod - unstrapping herself from her seat. She double-checked her attire and belongings before marching down the durasteel ramp of the shuttle - having no qualms about taking the lead and forging the path forward.

“So, why Tibrin?” She glanced back at Wodan.

@Braden

 

[Wodan]

Wodan smiled at the Half-Annfyn, the dim light reflecting off his sharp canine teeth. “I may need you to hold me just in case.” He joked back at Vahliri, the rumble within the Shuttle increased as the thrusters began to fire intermittently, stabilising their descent and aligning them with the sandbar which would be their home.

The landing was slightly more violent than normal, but the hydraulic shocks took most of the strain as the landing gear sank into the sand beneath them. Wodan looked over at the pilot with a peculiar look on his face, he was still unaccustomed to being called Mr Lord by the Imperials. A bonus of his thanks to recent increase in rank to that of Champion, one step closer to his goal.

Vahliri was quick out of her harness and made for the ramp towards the rear of the ship. Wodan wasn’t far behind, attaching a single lightsaber to his hip. His personal spear was too clumsy and shiny for a covert mission such as this so was left back in Sith Space. The sound of lightly rolling waves cascaded over him as he stepped out of the musty confines of the shuttle and onto the planet's surface.

It wasn’t much brighter out here than inside the shuttle, the light of the moon was able to outline the silhouette of Vahliri as well as the major features on her face but nothing more. In the near distance, the lights of the capital city illuminated the coral skyscrapers in a multitude of different colours. “It’s location was one aspect, but it was our friend Suri Treab who sealed the deal. Much easier for the Sith to rule over a planet if it's natural ruler already favours us.”

His feet sank slightly in the sand as he began following Vahliri across the sandbar towards the city beyond. “We don’t have the men or resources to fight the Killik’s, protect our borders against terrorists as well as forcefully govern planets we take over.”

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Wodan’s cheesy line, a faint grin tugging at the corners of her lips. “How ‘bout we save the cuddling for after the mission - assuming we survive,” She tilted her head towards him, her amber gaze lingering for a few moments. The half-Annfyn didn’t hesitate once they landed, immediately gathering her belonging and proceeding to disembark from the shuttle. Even in the midst of their conversation, she was a woman on a mission - reflected in the she carried herself. At once, the half-Annfyn’s fluted ears twitched ever-so-slightly - taking in all the sights, smells and sounds of Tibrin for the first time. She heard the gentle waves that lapped at the sandbar and stretched on for miles, and felt the cool salt breeze that rustled through her black hair. Unlike a great many of the planets Vahliri was sent to, Tibrin was gorgeous to behold - even the way the moonlight shimmered across the shallow, reef-filled seas.

“Sounds like you’ve certainly done your research,” She commented towards Wodan, nodding along slightly when he spoke. In truth, the half-Annfyn couldn’t argue with his logic. With the Galaxy in crisis on a multitude of fronts, the Empire simply couldn’t spare the resources to chance another planetary assault - least of all in the Southern Reaches and away from the Imperial Core.

Vahliri marched ahead - feeling as her boots sank a bit into the sand with each step. The gentle lapping of waves and the cry of seabirds gradually faded into the background, instead replaced by hum of activity coming from the capital city. The Ish Tib were notorious environmentalists, and it was reflected the plasma-based illumination of their technology and the natural elegance of their cities. There were no smog-producing speeders or metallic skyscrapers to be seen - with almost every structure carved into the natural, coral spires of the planet. The lights reflected off the spires with an almost prismatic quality, painting entire plazas with a gorgeous glow.

“Our first obstacle will be getting into the Palace,” Vahliri began, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Wodan. It didn’t take them long to reach the city proper - casually making their way through one of the bustling market districts. Produce from across the ocean world - everything from exotic cuisine, pearls and sea-silk garments were on full display, attended to be Ish Tib merchants attempting to catch the attention of nearby tourists.

“Snagging ourselves some uniforms might be a start,”

@Braden

 

[Wodan]

“Then I will make sure we survive.” He quipped back, his own golden eyes meeting the amber orbs of the half-Annfyn just before they left the confines of the shuttle.

Wodan followed a few steps behind Vahliri, the sandbar they were on wasn’t that large, normally sunk beneath the surface at high tide so Wodan wanted to avoid the noise of splashing feet through the waves if he could. Though it did seem that once again the Firrerrian was following the bouncing booty of the Half-Annfyn through the dark.

As they neared the city, the sandbank slowly rose as the sounds of the sea and nature faded away, replaced by the ambient noises of the city. The sand became wide enough for them to walk side by side just before it broke away from nature into the solid streets of the city. Anyone who gave them a second look would assume they were partners who had taken a stroll along the sand.

With a light press of the outside of his palm on her arm, Wodan guided Vahliri right towards a nearby stall, which had a collection of coral jewellery, necklaces, rings, ear rings. “Why don’t you pick something out. My treat.” He said aloud, as a pair of guards walked by. “All the guards are Ish Tib, so we may have to get in as the help.” He said quietly under his breath.

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri couldn’t help but crack a grin ever-so-slightly. “Is that such a motivator?” She tilted her head a bit, allowing her gaze to linger on the Firrerreo as they crossed the sands and approached the coral-carved capital of Tibrin just up ahead. If anything, she enjoyed Wodan’s company more than some of the others she’d been assigned on missions with. She had no qualms with taking the lead, regardless of where Wodan was - unbeknownst to her - letting his eyes wander. Her own amber gaze swept across the coral-carved structures of the capital city, alongside the soft glow of lights fueled by the natural plasma reserves of the planet. It was gorgeous to behold, and it was almost surprising to thing such a picturesque world was ruled by a vicious dictator.

As they entered the city, Vahliri opted to play up appearances just a bit. Her arm hooked around the Firrerreo’s lower back - a smile brushing her lips as she did so. To anyone watching, they looked like any other tourist couple, and the guards didn’t really offer either of them a second glance. Her gaze flicked over to the jewelry stall, eyes sweeping over the pieces. Her gaze settled on a seashell necklace, which practically caused the stall vendor’s mouth to start watering as credits flashed before his eyes.

She picked up the piece for a long moment, inspecting it in her hands. “How much?” She arched a brow, looking over at the Ish Tib. “Three-hundred crowns, ma’am. A fair price for an even fairer woman like yourself.” He said charmingly, clearly attempting to flatter his way to a sale.

“Three-hundred, huh?” She rolled the chain of the necklace in her hands, inspecting it closely. Everything from the mother of pearl details and rare, polish shells that made up the pendant. “That’s ridiculous - I’ve seen better for half that price.” She said curtly, eyeing him for a long moment. “Two hundred and ten.” She placed the necklace down, crossing her arms over her chest.

The Ish tib, vendor, practically dropped his jaw. “T-that is ridiculous!” He sneered, not at all amused by her haggling. “I will lower my price to two-hundred and seventy. That is a steal.”

“For only an aurodium plated chain?" She gestured to the metal that held the necklace together. "Two-hundred and ten.” She repeated without missing a beat. The half-Annfyn had no lack of experience haggling - especially when it came to jewelry vendors like this one. Indupar was famous for them, and some of her favorite pieces she owned were won after intense debate. The vendor, meanwhile, looked like he was going to pop a gasket.

“Two-hundred and fifty.”

Vahliri arched a brow. “Two-hundred and thirty?”

He exhaled sharply, pondering the price. Half because he wanted the sale even for a reduced price, and partially cause he wanted the half-Annfyn away from his stall. “Sold.” He said with a hiss, jutting his chin to the necklace.Vahliri grinned victoriously. She immediately reached into her pocket - prepared to pay for the piece of jewelry herself instead of holding Wodan to his offer, one made to clearly play up their little ruse.

“Wonderful,” Vahliri muttered quietly, not looking particularly surprised by the prospect of dressing as the help - while also not looking particularly entertained by it. She thought for a long moment, going over their options. “Kitchens?” She glanced over to him. “Should have relatively low security to get in, we can snag a uniform or two.. And no one will question once we’re inside.” She shrugged a bit.

@Braden

 

[Wodan]

He stiffened for a moment as Vahliri’s hand slid along the base of his back. But a few steps and he had relaxed a little, a smile reaching his own lips to match her own as they neared the stalls. The smile shaped into a grin as he listened to Vahliri haggle with the vendor, smashing down the price almost by a third.

Wodan was slowly starting to get the support from the Sith Empire that he desired both financially and physically so he had been given more than enough to cover most expenses for the mission. But the Induparian’s tenacity to cut the price by nearly a third was appreciated; he only had so much in smaller bills. As the price was agreed on he stepped forward pulling out the crowns from inside his jacket. “You are lucky she really likes it.” Wodan said to the vendor or just grunted his thanks before turning away from the pair.

“Here let me.” He said, offering to place the necklace around her neck. If she let him, he would lean close to her ear to whisper. “Well I heard your people are great cooks. The main compound is South West, I would assume we will find some of the help in that direction.” He finished pulling away from her ear. Wodan would then offer his arm again and begin heading in the direction of the compound.

As they neared the Ishi Tab guards became more numerous and alert, meaning whatever they did had to be done quietly and quickly. Rounding a corner he spotted a pair of humanoids in what appeared to be Kitchenware darting into an alley, both giddy and blushing.

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri grinned widely, completely reveling in her victory over the Ish Tib merchant. Even if the necklace was - in all reality - fairly priced, the half-Annfyn wouldn’t be caught dead capitulating to the asking price without a bit of haggling. It frankly didn’t matter how much it was, or the fact she could’ve easily afforded much more. He grinned lingered until Wodan approach, giving him a small nod to put the necklace on. “Thank you,”

“A trait I didn’t inherit, sadly.” She said with a smirk. Despite her love of Induparan cuisine, the half-Annfyn was genuinely awful when it came to cooking much of anything. A childhood spend being waited upon and pampered hardly impacted culinary wisdom. “I assume we would,” She nodded in agreement, adjusting the necklace before jutting her chin forward. “Shall we?” She accepted his arm - continuing to play up the act as they moved in that direction.

It didn’t take them long to approach the exterior of the compound, and Vahliri’s attention was immediately drawn to the sight of two Kitchen-worker’s darting into the private, dark alley. Vahliri blinked a few times, casting Wodan a knowing look before starting to move in that direction. She released his arm, moving quietly to follow them around the corner and behind some overflowing dumpsters.

Neither Wodan - nor Vahliri with her sensitive hearing - would have to actually see the pair to get a sense of what was going on, based on the shuffling and hushed noises coming from around the corner. By the time they did arrive, the Sith would be greeted to the sight of the humanoids wrapped up in each others arms and in the midst of removing each others clothes. The male humanoid in particular already had his pants half-way down and to his knees.

Vahliri didn’t even wait for either of them to notice before reaching out with the Force - allowing it to billow forth as a concussive wave. It carried enough strength to slam the pair into the adjacent, duracrete wall - knocking them both unconscious to collapse into a sweaty, half-clothed heap on the ground. The half-Annfyn merely stared at them for a moment before looking back to Wodan.

“Looks like we found our uniforms,” He jutted her chin to the dude, “And this one is already half undressed anyway. All the easier for you.”

@Braden

 

[Wodan]

Wodan followed Vahliri as she made a beeline for the kitchen lovers, a smirk lifted itself onto his lips as he heard the two confess their love for each other as they ripped the clothes from their bodies. He was content to allow them to do all the work of removing their garments but it seemed the the Half-Annfyn had other plans, unleashing a wave of energy that clattered the pair into the wall knocking them both unconscious.

“Well if you need a hand undressing yourself. I would be more than willing to help.” He cheekily replied, a little bit of tongue shown between his teeth. As he went about stripping the remaining clothes from the male. Luckily they were not too far off his size, he would need to make do with his own boots however, the man having extremely large feet for someone of his stature. Perhaps that contributed to the woman’s quick desire to undress him.

Once he was done he waited at the end of the little alley for Vahliri to finish getting changed herself, once she arrived he would lead them in the direction of the rear door into the buildings kitchens.

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri glanced back over her shoulder and towards Wodan, rolling her eyes ever-so-slightly at his cheeky comment. “In some dark alley? Focus on your own pants for now,” She said with a smirk, strolling towards the woman she’d knocked unconscious. She had no qualms about swiping the woman’s uniform without blinking, before promptly slipping around a corner to switch into the newfound clothes.

By the time she re-emerged, Vahliri had completely swapped out her civilian attire for the wait-staff uniform - black hair tied back into a neat bun. She adjusted the buttons on the cuff of her shirt a bit, smoothing out the material before jutting her chin towards the back entrance. Considering they’d taken the poor peoples clothes, Vahliri was confident the unconscious pair of lovers weren’t going to be heading back into the government building any time soon.

“Who’d’ve thought,” Vahliri tilted her head a bit, “Prince dressed as a butler,” She commented playfully towards the Firrerreo before strolling towards the rear doors. Much to her pleasure, upon passing the threshold, they were acknowledged by no one at all. The entire kitchen was in a frenzy, as waiters and cooks rushed about to prepare for whatever event was taking place that evening. It wasn’t until Vahliri began making her way towards the doors at the end of the kitchen that she and Wodan would be stopped.

“Hey! Both of you!” The voice of a particularly stout, grumpy-looking Ish Tib boomed, followed by the offending man beginning to stomp towards the pair. “What do you both think you're doing!? The joint chiefs of the Armed Forces are here, and you both are talking around like Batha in headlights!” He grumbled, promptly shoving two trays into Vahliri and Wodan’s hands. “Make yourselves useful and get these out into the feast hall.”

Vahliri blinked, “Right away, sir.”

The man squinted a bit. “Why haven’t I seen either of you before? What are you new hires?” He glanced between them, waving a hand before Vahliri could come up with an answer. “Doesn’t matter. Get the hell to work or it’ll be your last day as well as your first.”

@Braden