Ask For the Greater Good

[Darth Tiamat]

Dathomir

There were some things in this galaxy that should not be permitted to go unchecked even in the dark side.

There were numerous things that happened in the Korriban's invasion, the deaths of many, the killiks setting foot on their sacred world, but what bothered her the most were the books found in the acolyte's possession. They were restricted, but something was overlooked, and it shocked her the archivists did not flag the books as missing or being in the hands of the Overseer, especially given it was not too long ago the galaxy was facing the threat of the Entity and the return of the true Eternal. She was not entirely sure what the ISB was doing to look into it, but the woman decided she would not sit and wait since they had no clue what was happening when the joiners had slipped into the Empire's highest circles.

Tiamat had invited a couple others to join her in this task, one she wasn't entirely sure what to call it to make it sound cool, but she had filled them in on what she knew already. She let them know what was found on Korriban in the joiner's possession and the significance of the books, how she was there when she accepted the mask of the Eternal and how she was there when she had her interactions with the Entity. She had further explained the power behind such malevolent beings, it was the dark side in its greatest purity of darkness and corruption; it tasted so good and left the darkest marks on the souls of those who would touch it, and Tiamat was not spared from such marks herself.

Draugr and Valhiri would join her on Dathomir to speak to one other who had lead an earlier task team to put the Entity away for good. That was until someone came along and unsealed it, but that was why Tiamat had called upon Draugr and Vahl, to help begin the task of protecting the Empire from a threat that only could be monitored by those who served the darkness.

Having been staying on Dathomir since the fiasco of the social, Tiamat stood in the throne room near the Nightsister's Queen mother, Renfry. She was dressed in her armor and her hair held several decorative braids thanks to some of the younger nightsisters who seemed mesmerized by the woman's red hair. She waited silently for the others to arrive, and then they would start.

@Phoenix @Altaris @Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr had received the brief on the situation with the Eternal, the Entity, and all of the other juicy details. Why he was kept out of the loop for so long was a question he had but held back. The situation was too serious for a pissing match, so he would make his way to the Queen's palace. The Queen and Lady Tiamat both awaited the arrival of himself and Vahliri.

Arriving he would wear his Sith robes and carry his three sabers in their respective placements. Entering the throne room he would pass many Nightsisters and make his way forward to Queen Renfry. Once he had arrived before the two he took a respectful kneel before his Queen as he would greet her, "My Queen, good evening." As soon as he lotted the chance to stand once more he would greet Tiamat as well with a tilt of his head forward and a, "Lady Tiamat."

Now he would wait for Vahliri to make her approach and greetings to start tonights gathering. Something along these lines trumps whatever else may be happening aside from a few things. Draugr had his hood down the entire time to show a courtesy to his Queen by showing his face.

@GABA @Phoenix @Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

While Vahliri had been preoccupied during the attack on Korriban, she was wholeheartedly dedicated to its immediate aftermath. The half-Annfyn had traveled to Korriban to help dispatch any remaining Kilik’s on the planet, and had promptly redirected to Dathomir at Tiamat’s summons. She knew what the Sith Master had divulged through their correspondence, in addition to some independent research into the Eternal of her own accord. The implications of what Tiamat theorized were dire, and Vahliri wasted no time in reaching the home of the Nightsister’s.

Though she didn’t say it - there was a large part of the half-Annfyn that was absolutely giddy to know that Andruil was their host and would herself be in attendance. She was good friends with Arla, and it was no secret that Vahliri admired the former-Empress greatly. None of it manifested on the surface though, maintaining an air of professionalism.

It didn’t take long before her shuttle touched down on the surface of Dathomir - and was promptly followed by the half-Annfyn marching down the ramp and towards the palace. She was adorned in her signature red-and-black robes, accompanied by the hood that covered the upper hemisphere of her face. A pair of lightsabers were clipped to her belt, alongside a satchel slung over her shoulder that contained research notes, tomes and records containing anything mentioning the Eternal or Entity.

As she stepped into the throne room, Vahliri reached up to lower her hood to greet the other three Sith. Her black hair was pulled back away from her face and braided, falling down to the middle of her back. As soon as she reached the dias, Vahliri smiled dipped low before Andruil, “My Queen,” She lingered there for a long moment before rising, her gaze flicking first to Draugr, “Master Draugr,” She nodded towards him, amber eyes hanging on his own before finally flicking to Tiamat. “Master Tiamat,” Her expression tugged a bit warmer just then.

She folded her arms against the small of her back, gaze flicking between the two women in front. She expected it would be one of them to kick off proceedings.

@Phoenix @GABA @Scoobert

 

[Arla]

Arla was excited and nervous about the prospect of joining this... mission. She was growing in her experience of the arcane and her skills - hopefully - should prove valuable. She'd spoken at length with her mother about the Entity which also meant she was a wealth of information for the others.

Before the greetings began, Arla snuck over and bumped intentionally and playfully into Vahliri, Hey, welcome! she said with a wide smile. Though she typically tried to hide who she was when she was in Sith space, everyone here was already aware of her identity and her mother's reputation, which gave Arla a slight feeling of levity and less pressure to keep herself concealed.

Master Draugr, Master Tiamat, she said with smiles and nods to both of them. She took a stand along with the others as the meeting began, and listened with curiosity and baited breath to what would come next.

 

[Renfry]

Renfry was no stranger to the Entity. In fact, she was probably the leading expert on the topic in the galaxy. It had first come to the galaxy's attention here on Dathomir, in this very temple they now stood in, but that had been many years ago.

Of course, Renfry knew everyone who was here. Despite technically being an Imperial world, Imperials were only really allowed here by invitation and those invitations were difficult to obtain. Of course, Draugr as a native of Dathomir and one of her leading hands on the planet was here all the time without need for her leave.

Tiamat was her guest and long time friend, always good to see even though she seemed to be suffering from some recent personal upheavals. And finally there was Vahliri. The young Sephi-looking girl was well-known to Renfry by reputation after a thorough questioning of Arla, and she found herself glad that her daughter had found an ally within the Sith.

The final surprise guest was Arla who made her appearance just as Renfry was about to begin.

Good to see you, Warden, she said to Draugr. He'd done some excellent work with the Nightbrothers and she still had hopes for what would happen going forward. He'd helped turn them into a proper fighting force for Dathomir.

Vahliri, welcome to Dathomir, she said. It was ambitious for the young woman to be taking part in this, but then, Renfry was sending Arla as well.

Tiamat and Arla she had already seen numerous times over the last several hours so she felt no further need to greet either of them.

It's my understanding you all are going to be chasing down leads on the Entity. What do you already know and what do you need from me? she asked.

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Tiamat greeted her companions in return, Draugr, followed with Vahliri, who she know would do all the research she could before arriving, and lastly to arrive was Arla. There was a confidence in the competency in those who joined her today to learn more about the Entity. It was for certain there were a lot of unknowns that weighed more on the redhead shoulders than the actual knowns and that was the purpose of this type of expedition, to ensure the Empire was not threatened by a power that should not go unchecked.

Her attention turned to Renfry as she spoke, describing what she knew as far as their interests go, and what else they would need from her on the topic. Tiamat nodded in agreement, "Yes, my Queen." she stated and then continued.

"It was revealed on Korriban that the Killiks and their Joiners have taken an interest in the Entity and the Eternal after uncovering books on the dark side beings within their possession. It may also be reason for their interest in Korriban's powerful nexus and attempted invasion." Tiamat paused, feeling a small sense of relief knowing they were successful that day to drive off Killik forces, she couldn't imagine the consequences they would be facing now if they would have lost, "I believe we thwarted any plans and stopped the killiks from bringing such power to our realm that day, however, what sits unsettled, is they have this information within their collective mind. What we don't know is, will they continue to search for a way to lift the shroud and allow it to have power here, under the hive mind." the redhead explained.

"I do not wish to give an opportunity if it can be prevented. I know the Enteral and the Entity are not objects or beings that can be controlled or destroyed, but I know we can set up safeguards to protect our homes, the galaxy, and the Empire. Seals, enchantments, knowledge - whatever would help us know if the Entity was released and ways we can keep the shroud between it and us a bit harder to break through." Tiamat knew firsthand the power that laid within the Eternal and the Entity; she had come to believe the corruption and chaos it brought was never meant for power in what mortals sought.

@Phoenix @Scoobert @Altaris

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr would give nods to all who greeted him except for the Queen, she received a bow and a response for obvious reason, "Always a privilege to be in your presence My Queen." Draugr then turned his attention to Tiamat as she would begin to explain the entire reason for this meeting. It was an interesting topic. The Eternal, the Entity. Why was Draugr left in the dark on all of this? As much as he was capable of, and how much he could have found out for them while fighting the creepy crawlies on Thyferra. This was not something he appreciated.

"This is far more dangerous than anticipated.." Draugr stated as he stood tall with a thinking face. "If this is a case there are other major targets aside from Korriban's Nexus that can be at risk. Many of the Sith planets are at risk, I believe you are at Risk my Queen.." Draugr faced Renfry for a moment then toward Tiamat, "You as well if what you had briefed me on was true."

The Zabrak cleared his throat and then turned to Renfry and spoke up, "If the Nexus is their primary target we should be able to defend it, but I will not leave you and Dathomir vulnerable. With that said, I do feel the person here with the most knowledge is you my Queen.." The Dathomirian native would leave it at that awaiting the answer the Queen may have. He had said his peace, and if his Queen requests something of him, he will see it done as the Warden of Dathomir should.

 

[Darth Tempest]

While Vahliri was entirely serious and business-minded as they strolled through the palace entrance, she couldn’t entirely mask the way her eyes flicked around the corridors - curious to see it a certain someone would make an appearance. Sure enough, it didn’t take long for Arla to arrive - and a wide smile soon found its way right onto the half-Annfyn’s lips. “Hey!” She returned the playful nudge, friendliness and warmth reserved only for those she cared about.

As she stepped into the Throne room, Vahliri nodded back towards Renfry - the faintest hints of a smile tugging at her lips before her expression returned to its serious, deadpan countenance. “Thank you, My Queen,” She listened to the three senior Sith speak, keeping her hands folded against the small of her back the entire time. There was much of the topic that she didn’t understand, but the bits that she did were terrifying.

The Entity was strong enough to strike fear into the most powerful Sith, and it made the spirit herself and Arla had encountered seem like child's play.

“If,” Vahliri began at last, allowing her amber gaze to flick between those assembled, “..The power of the Nexus is their target, it stands to reason they will look for other sources of power to accomplish their goals. The Twins are of concern - Korriban and Ziost both being the strongest - but there are others. Dagobah, Ziost, Mustafar. Dathomir,” She glanced between Arla and Renfry.

She gaze returned to Tiamat. “You mentioned the Eternal, as well as the Entity. How is the Mask involved?” She tilted her head a bit. “I was under the impression that it vanished after the attack on Yavin.” There was no lack of mystery surrounding the Eternal and what had become of it. As far as most were aware, it had vanished as abruptly as it had resurfaced.

 

[Renfry]

This was all a topic that Renfry was intimiately familiar with and the problems it might present were probably not known to anyone as well as they were known to her. And yet, as Draugr and Vahliri had both pointed out, there was a possibility that Dathomir was vulnerable.

But there was still so much that they were in the dark about. It was part of the reason that she had asked Arla here despite her daughter being one of the junior-most members involved.

As you point out, I'm not going to leave Dathomir vulnerable, she said. I'll stay here to make sure nothing goes wrong and Arla can go with you to provide further insight, she said.

I don't think anyone really knows what the Entity is, but the best I can figure out is that it's a manifestation of sentient Dark Side. Maybe built around a Spirit or something else, I can't be sure, she said.

Legend has it that it used to devour worlds before a grouping of my Sisters many, many years ago found a way to hold it back through ritual. The last of that group - the Forgotten - had siphoned off the life energy of people she lured here in order to keep the barrier in place, she said. She still remembered the day the off-worlders had killed the Forgotten and the role that Renfry had played in that.

When the Forgotten was banished, the Entity wasn't held back anymore, but she used her final energy to drive it away. I led an expedition to the Unknown Region in pursuit of it. While we were there, we found a former... possibly Jedi expedition and used another device they had to drive the Entity back even further, she said. And it had been silent since then. Renfry had believed it to be banished or disbanded, but now she wasn't as sure.

I thought it was gone permanently. We haven't seen any sign of it since then. That's also where the Eternal mask was recovered. There's no records dating back that far, but I... have speculated that the Entity may have created the Mask, she said. Though it had certainly taken on a life of its own, the two seemed to be in some way linked.

 

[Arla]

Arla nodded without argument. As a child of the Forgotten Valley Clan, it was their clan who had lived so near this very temple in all those years it had kept the Entity at bay. It had been part of her duty and her Clan's history to learn about it. The fact that her mother had also seen fit to educate her about the Eternal's role with it was only made all the more obvious due to Arla's travels with the Sith.

It was only after her mother finished speaking that Arla spoke up to address the group.

I was at Thyferra, she started, then motioned to Draugr And so were you, and while I sensed some very powerful Force-users, I didn't sense anything like an Entity controlling the Killiks, she said. There was, of course, much she still had to learn, but she was quickly becoming more and more versed in these types of topics... sometimes the hard way. She thought about how she and Vahliri still needed to track down... whatever they had released on Wilbur's homeworld.

I haven't sensed the Entity's hand directly in any of this, she said. Did you have a way of tracking it down? she asked Tiamat.

@GABA @Scoobert @Altaris

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Tiamat listened carefully as everyone took turns speaking, Draugr immediately pledging a defense of his world and his queen. Tia didn't think Renfry would allow her world to be vulnerable as she would confirm in a few short moments. She understood how what they faced could be unpredictable and dangerous if left unchecked especially when a greater danger threatened the entire galaxy's autonomy under the Killiks.

Renfry seemed to answer Vahl's question regarding the mask and its connection to the Entity. Tiamat also suspected such a connection, but never had the opportunity to plunge that far into the darkness of the Mask and its previous owners. Though, part of her glad she didn't, she was certain she would never find her way back to the surface if she did. Her attention turned to Arla who spoke about Thyferra; there was certainly a difference between powerful force users and the darkside from which the Entity resides.

It was more insidious, old, heavy, and it certainly did not care for the flesh that roamed in this realm.

Her blue eyes flickered to Arla who asked if she were able to track it down. The woman pursed her lips in thought, though it was more the anticipation that she would have to share more on the Eternal. "Possibly." she started, her gaze shared across the room to everyone, "I can still feel something, its distant, but it is still present. I assumed the Jedi would have destroyed the Mask and no longer would I feel it. That hasn't been the case, something is still there, whether physically present in the galaxy or in another realm where it waits to be released." Tiamat explained.

"If the mask is an extension of the Entity, then perhaps following this feeling would lead us to where we need to start, and from there, either return or seal to ensure no one else can easily release it." She said. Despite the Killik threat, she felt the galaxy could handle the bug problem, but their naivety to the dark side frightened her the most. The Entity would certainly look for any way to be released, and if the Killiks were successful, it would not be the bug controlling the invasion, it would be the Entity itself.

@Phoenix @Scoobert @Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri couldn’t help the way that her eyes widened, genuine surprise flashing across her features. Both the Entity and Eternal were shrouded in mystery, whispered and vaguely mentioned. But only now was the half-Annfyn keyed in on any of the legitimate context behind the two. Her gaze flicked towards Tiamat, blinking a few times when the Sith Master revealed her own connection to the Mask.

It was Renfry’s words, though, that piqued her interest the most. “Nothing stays buried..” She said quietly. Her own experiences with Arla had been testament to that fact. The half-Annfyn pursed her lips, pondering quietly for a moment while the Nightsister Queen spoke.

“To what end?” Vahliri asked after a moment, her gaze lingering upon Renfry. If the Queen’s hypothesis was accurate - if the Entity had created the Eternal Mask.. Why? What did the Being gain through its creation? From the histories that Vahliri knew, every incarnation of the Eternal had largely served their own agenda, answerable only to the Emperor or Empress. How it was connected to some ancient Force spirit or why was entirely beyond her understanding, and she doubted anyone in the room had an answer either.

Vahliri tilted her head a bit when Tiamat mentioned the lingering connection to herself and the Entity. Or the Mask. Or both.

“Is there any ritual that can be conducted to divine its location from Dathomir - using Master Tiamat’s own connection?” She arched a brow. “Then we wouldn’t be wandering blind into this. If the Kilik’s have taken possession of the Mask, or are connected to the Entity, perhaps it will lead us back to the Kilik Nest that was discovered on Korriban.”

@GABA @Phoenix @Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr listened on of the details on the matter. The Entity being as powerful as stated isn't something to take lightly especially if it had hold of the mask, or soon to have hold. The problem needed dealt with. When Tiamat said she could still feel it, Draugr's brow cocked slightly. It might be a good way to track it down, get to it before further damage could be caused. Then Vahliri brought up an interesting idea. A ritual of some sort to find it. The Zabrak turned to his Queen,

"Your Majesty, I do believe it may come at a risk. If Tiamat is still connected to it and can feel its presence, who's to say it does not feel her and wants to lead her into danger?" Draugr sighed and then looked around the room, "I want this Entity destroyed the same as you, but for now we have little to no information. A ritual could help but it is costly. Not to mention that the surge in Tiamat's connection could give away a strong presence in the dark side on Dathomir.. leading to another dangerous invasion."

The Red Warden would stand tall and then finish with, "Whatever we decide, it must be quick and by the gods it better work."

@Phoenix @GABA @Altaris

 

[Renfry]

Renfry tapped her foot in thought as they discussed the next step.

I don't disagree with you, she said to Draugr. Dathomir had already been put in the crosshairs of the Entity once before and she didn't fancy it happening again.

Can someone review what we know about the Entity and the Killiks? I'm not excited about endangering Dathomir by performing these rituals here and certainly not seeking this thing out unless we're going on extremely solid intelligence, she said, looking around to each of those gathered here.

Renfry looked over to Vahliri when she asked the "why." Of course, there was no knowing for certain, but in the years that Renfry had pondered this, she had come up with guesses of her own.

Why does anyone have eyes? So they can keep tabs on what's going on, she said.

 

[Arla]

Arla listened to the exchange and thought about the different angles. She'd considered these things as well, but lacked the experience her mother did.

If all we know is that the Killiks are interested in it, then maybe they're hunting it, too, she suggested.

Or maybe they don't even know what they're hunting. Maybe they crossed paths with the Entity or the Eternal and just wanted to take advantage of the resources on Korriban to make an inquiry of their own, she said. It was difficult to know for sure, but they were reasonable speculations.

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Tiamat stood silently as she listened to everyone speak, internally she felt some recoil from the ignorance displayed by Vahl and Draugr, but she decided to let it pass since they were not as experienced with such force entities as herself and Renfry.

"That's the problem," she turned her gaze to Renfry, "The ISB had no idea the Killiks had infiltrated the sith on Korriban; they did not know what they were looking for until we had searched through the belongings of one of the Joiners and found texts on the Entity and the Eternal." Tiamat explained, "As I said, I think it safe to assume we thwarted any attempt by the Killiks to use the nexus on Korriban to access the Entity or the Eternal. That doesn't mean we know their reasoning to reach these force beings or if they are still going to try to access them. I do want to give them any opportunity to do so." the woman said, her eyes flickered to Draugr.

"The Entity and the Eternal cannot be destroyed. However, we can make sure the weak points in the galaxy are secured in case the Killiks are still showing interest in either Force beings." she turned back to Renfry, "We do not need to do that from Dathormir, I know you will not let anything come of your home. I think we have concluded, we still have more questions than we do answers. We will start where I feel the strongest presence though, and from there we will ensure the nexus' are secure." Tiamat glanced between Arla, Vahl, and Draugr.

"Thank you, Renfry, we will be on our way." she bowed, ready to begin the expedition.

@Phoenix @Altaris @Scoobert

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri couldn’t help the slight shift on her countenance as the conversation progressed. The half-Annfyn wasn’t entirely sure what to expect upon arriving to Dathomir, but it seemed that their time on the planet had only resulted in more questions and vague answers. It was an uncomfortable reality, one where it meant largely going tackling the issue blindly. But there was little other option.

“Thank you, My Queen,” Vahliri dipped her head towards Renfry, pushing aside her discomfort with the topic. Whatever else, she was genuinely grateful for whatever help the Nightsister Queen could provide. And also very much pleased to have met the woman.

With that, the half-Annfyn began to turn and leave - following the others out of the palace and back to their ships.

“I suppose we know where to begin,” Vahliri said aloud, glancing between Tiamat and Draugr. Before long, her gaze flicked to Arla - jutting her chin for the Nightsister to follow close to her. Of all the people she was grateful to be working with on this, the fellow Champion was absolutely one of them.

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr wasn't giving up his home to some bugs and an entity. No, he wouldn't give it up for the galaxy. So when Tiamat had explained her knowledge some more on the entity and clarified she would seek to do the ritual when she feels the presence stronger, Draugr had a tad bit of relief but wouldn't show it.

Instead he would look her way and give her nod. It seemed the plan was made, and now all that needed to be done was execution of it. The Zabrak held his right arm up and across his chest as he bowed facing Renfry, "Thank you for your time My Queen." Then he would turn to begin leaving.

As he did such, he looked at the group of individuals he was working with, none of which he had a problem with. This was good, it'd take away any unnecessary drama from the group. It was almost a staple now for the Sith, how annoying. Nevertheless it was time to focus on the mission at hand, and find a way to get rid of this entity.

@Phoenix @GABA @Altaris

 

[Renfry]

Renfry had the feeling that they were unsatisfied with her answers and the course of their meeting, but ultimately, there was only so much to go on. While it was disturbing to hear rumors of the return of the Entity or the Eternal - both individuals who had more than a small personal grudge against her in particular - it was nice to see a group of people she liked.

You all be safe out there, my friends. You know how to contact me if need be, she said. She gave brief smiles in everyone's directions as they left. She moved over and whispered quick words to Arla and gave her a smile before turning back to her own work. There was a great deal for her to consider now.

The first thing to do was search her old records on both creatures and any other histories she might be able to find, either on Dathomir or perhaps even in the Imperial Archives...

 

[Arla]

Arla was scared that she was not going to be able to live up even close to the expectations that were now going to be placed on her. She knew a fraction of what her mother knew, and things were going to be extremely high stakes.

Maybe Renfry knew what she was thinking, but she came over and gave a few words of encouragement and adoration, bringing a slight smile to the young Nightsisters lips.

I love you, too, Mother. I'll be careful, she said, giving her mother a hug before turning to catch up with the others. She knew that things like this was what would make or break a person, their career, and even their mind. She was determined not to fail. She simply couldn't.

I guess, she said to Vahliri, not quite so confident they fully knew where they were heading. But it was a general bearing... time to see how things would play out.