Open Judgment

[Darth Tempest]

.

Incarceration on Thule would not be kind to Cremek and his followers.

Decades of isolation had been interrupted by Mandalorian invasion - foreigners who sought to threaten the life, security and religious practices of millions. Most had been promptly sent with their tail between their legs, taking shelter on the lifeless moons of Thule before fleeing the system entirely. But the traitor himself would find no such luck, and no mercy from the men and women who placed him in manacles.

The sons and daughters of House Varsuuth were tortured without mercy - subjected to alchemical experimentation, interrogations, beatings and every manner of heinous abuse. Many did not survive the process, but Cremek and those closest to him were kept alive deliberately. The Beskar they so proudly wore was stripped from their bodies, along with any weapons or functional ships still in their possession.

Weeks would pass before Tempest finally saw fit to pass judgment upon the traitor and his kin - discreetly transporting her prisoners from Thule to Mustafar. Sedated and restrained, dozens of Mandalorian warriors were brought into the throne room of Fortress Vader - brought to their knees before the Dark Lord of the Sith. All were left bloodied and bruised from the past weeks, barely clothed or shielded from the elements.

While most were blindfolded, Cremek would witness every agonizing moment soon to occur.

Tempest was seated upon her obsidian throne - adorned in the same armor that had become infamous across the Galaxy, dual lightsabers clipped to her belt. Her visor tilted down to regard the prisoners that had been brought before her, while Cremek’s own Mandalorian helmet was casually placed on the armrest beside her.

Galleries surrounding the Throne Room were left open - members of the Sith Order encouraged to attend the proceedings. Cremek’s fate would be their entertainment for the evening, and would serve as a reminder to anyone who might share his notions of betrayal.

They would be given only minutes to arrive before Tempest began.

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

Cremek was waiting to be brought before the throne room, still wearing the same cruel smile he always did, even if there were, despite the horrible treatment, and loss of his armor, he would not beg, after all, those who begged for their mercy were always, always, too weak to deserve it, such was the way of the sith, such was the way of the universe.

When he was finnaly brought in,
His gaze wandered to where his helmet lay, before he collected himself, his cruel smile being suppressed to a cold, emotionless mask, he had long accepted what was to come, his time in the cell granted him the time needed.

"all this for me? jeez.."
the mad mandalorian silently mused to himself internally

was it finally time for him to join the manda?.. a familiar wave of the most peculiar feeling washed over him, the same taste he felt when he was at lord raze's mercy, was it fear?... no.. desperation?.. no... ah yes.. it was acceptance, like he was watching the sands of time slip away, a knowledge that there was little he could do here, this should have brought his hopes low, crushed his pride, yet all it did was bring a sense of peace over him, to feel his fate in the hands of another.. to not have the ability to choose.. it was almost soothing..

@Altaris

 

[Darth Arcanos]

“No,” Azar said flatly, “Change out of that right now,” He glared, crossing his arms over his chest, “You wore those pants yesterday, so absolutely not,” If they were going somewhere together, Karys was not going to look frumpy, which is exactly where he was leaning. The man had gotten entirely too comfortable with blaming his growing size for poor fashion choices and Azar finally put his foot down.

“Sith were encouraged to go, so technically you don’t have to,” Azar said as he put his own clothing on, “It’s mandatory for me because of my rank,” He couldn’t help the smug grin as he gazed into the mirror, genuinely proud of the ascension to Master. Azar also knew Mustafar would be the bane of Karys’ existence and he would have to deal with an entire evening of non-stop whining.

“All right I have an idea,” He said suddenly, walking over to grab a few things to put together an outfit composed of their ancestral traditional garb and trinkets combined on top of Karys' existing clothing. It wouldn’t make Karys any less miserable, but he wouldn’t overheat in layers of clothes. Unfortunately, this made them late because Azar hardly had time to focus on himself. He quickly finished up his own complicated robes.

The two bickered the entire speed walk over through the corridors towards the throne room, “-Honestly just helpless without me putting your wardrobe together,” Azar could be heard rapidly saying, “I can’t believe you were in the clearance section. Relinquishing Sadow does not mean embracing trash hobo,” He huffed. Once they arrived at the door, he collected himself, placed any idle strands of hair back into place, and did the same for Karys. Before he opened the door, he gave a half smile, the first all evening since their complaining, “Love you,” He said affectionately before they entered the halls together.

Azar gazed down from the gallery, spotting the Mandalorians along with former Sith Master Cremek. How had he mucked things up on such a colossal scale to end up like this? He was all but safely away in Mandalorian space and instead he managed to get himself caught. Azar stood next to Karys, calmly assessing the situation and hoping for bloodshed.

@Altaris @Apollyon

 

[Mjan Adas iv Sadow]

Mjan would enter the scene casually, his known entourage in tow as he sat down to watch the show. His gaze fell upon the being in question, that which had dared defied the Sith'ari, and from the petty creature to the embodiment of the Darkside upon a pleasant shift, Mjan would gaze opposite upon the Concurrent Crowned Sith'ari. With a smitten smirk, Mjan would watch the events unfold from his perch, as would all of the Order.

His intent wasn't so much in enjoying the show. No. He was as any other Sith, though more openly spoken about it, and he was here to witness judgement for failure first hand. It was a fine line to walk upon, a exquisite blade of fate to walk between commitment to one's beliefs and the ambitions of one's soul without being torn asunder. This would serve as a burning reminder. Not just to those around him, but in his own endeavors. Crossing his fingers as he leaned into his relaxed elbows, he watched feverously.

@Altaris

 

[Karys]

Karys grimaced at Azar as his lover barked for him to change from his clothes. But Azar’s assessment hadn’t been entirely true, Karys had worn those pants for three days in a row, the first had just been under his robes. Karys huffed and rolled his eyes before he jerked the pants down around his ankles.

<This wouldn’t be so bad if I could stop fucking growing…> He mumbled angrily.

Karys watched as Azar disappeared into their refresher once more. He’d recently had it expanded for the two of them to ensure it wasn’t so crowded. Azar clearly thought the extra counter space just meant more room for him. The refresher was an organized mess of his skin care products, different pieces of jewelry, and countless other things that Karys didn’t recognize or care about.

But Azar did and so he never complained.

Instead of firing back with some quippy remark, Karys leaned against the door frame in nothing but an ill-fitting dress shirt and watched as Azar got ready. Despite being annoyed by it all, Karys still found a tiny smile that tugged at the corner of his lips. He even ignored Azar’s needling about their different ranks now. He knew how proud Azar was of reaching Master and Karys was too.

<You look amazing babe.> He told his lover as he reached out and gripped his arm affectionately.

Maybe it was his compliment or his affectionate touch, but Azar suddenly had an outfit idea for him. It was definitely a traditional garb and Karys stared at it for a moment. While Azar meant for him to wear it over his clothes, Karys instead would ditch the shirt and just wear the outfit he’d been given. It’s be cooler in it and he’d worked hard for these abs.

The pair bickered back and forth as the made their way through the corridors of Vader’s palace. Karys smirked and nodded his head as Azar complained and nitpicked. <You’re right babe, I’d be helpless without you.> He replied teasingly as he glanced down at his lover. He laughed at Azar’s clearance bin comment and gave him a devilish grin. <After I saw all you had picked out, I was just preparing myself is all!> He quipped in reply.

However, when the pair reached the throne room, all pretense of their banter and bickering faded. Karys gently took Azar’s hand in his own and affectionately gazed at the man who’d became his whole galaxy. He soft smile touched his lips when Azar said those words.

<I love you too.> He replied, his words resounded off the walls and echoed down the hall as well.

There was a depth of pride in him simply because he could say those words with no fear now.

When Azar stepped into the room, Karys was at his right hand side. They weren’t equals in the hierarchy, but most of the Order knew of their relationship. And since Trokien, they knew what would happen if they jeopardized it too. Karys’ golden eyes searched the crowd for familiar faces before finally turning to Cremek, the shamed Master and then rising to Darth Tempest adorned in her battle plate.

Soon the likely end of Cremek would begin.

@Altaris @Sreeya

 

[Nevizkas]

It seemed fate was poetic after all, as the Sith returned to Vaders fortress. The first time Cyutadakyr had met Cremek, right here in these very halls, the pureblood had stabbed him for his obstinacy. Now it seemed that their last meeting would have a similar thread, but perhaps more permanent this time.

Dressing up, dolled and heeled, the crimson woman entered the hallowed halls in silence to take her place among the forefront.

 

[Wikkwok]

Skyshriek the condor dragon was absolutely loving the fiery atmosphere of Mustafar as he swooped and spared throughout the ashy sky. Wikkwok watched his friend - he didn't believe in the concept of "pets" - dance around with a smile on his face. The Ewok was diminutive but he admired the savagery and power found in nature.

Whoa.

Who was the stunner in red? Wikkwok hadn't been with the Sith long but most of them were wrinkly or decrepit or had yellow eyes and yellower teeth? But this gal? She was a stunner and a half, no question about it. Wikkwok had always been considered a bit of freak in his Ewok tribe for preferring taller gals but hey, he liked what he liked.

"Good to day you, madam. My name is Wikkwok and may I say your radiance today outshines even the magma on this planet." Wikkwok greeted Cyutadakyr, as Skyshriek landed on his shoulder.

@Altaris @Sreeya @Xorism

 

[Anai Skhess]

It was funnier and funnier to think of Prakith with each day that passed. There were a total of six sith that took part of that mission, two of them being sith masters back then. In that very mission, one of the sith masters got killed unceremoniously, showing that some useless people managed to worm their way up to paths of power no matter how cuthroat the environment was. Then Zorya was exiled, a fate she thought deserved after what she pulled back on Prakith and, of course, Cremek ended up like this. No wonder their mission was such a struggle, half the group had turned out to be unworthy, she wouldn't be surprised if Trael turned out to be a jedi in disguise by now.

Compared to the last party, Anai dressed as if she was going to go to battle, wearing the same armor she had worn to the battlefield many times in the past, the only ornamental piece of clothing added to it being a black cape over one of her shoulders adorned with golden touches. The Kaleesh simply looked forward, waiting for the very deserved fate of the Mandalorian...Not the first time Cremek would suffer for their enjoyment, but probably the last.

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Well, it seemed like this was it for Cremek Candorous. Ayomi had never met the traitorous Mandalorian, but they'd heard plenty about them; further still they were connected by the Tiefling's new apprentice, the traitor's adopted daughter Feifi. It was important for the girl to see what became of traitors and those who dared to stand in the way of the Sith, in the way of Darth Tempest herself. For Ayomi's part, it was important to be present for this kind of event regardless of any connections; it reinforced the cost of failure on the path to power.

They wore a more formal outfit than they normally would have for the occasion; no comfortable leather today, though the blues accented their own similar skin tones. They made their way through eerily silent halls and made their way into the gallery, settling down amongst the other Sith, several of whom they now recognized after a long night on Nar Shaddaa: massive Karys and the potionmaster Azar, the dazzling Cyutadakyr, the Kaleesh woman Anai, and of course the vomitting brute Trodai was related to.

@Altaris @Hastur

 

[Serene]

Spoiler: Music

Song

This was the second time Serene had come to Mustafar. For a second time, the trip involved the exiled mandalorian, Cremek Candorous. For a second time Serene expected to be disappointed.

Serene was not wearing her usual armor today, but instead a revealing black dress. She felt it was fitting to wear black to a funeral. Her vibroclaws adorned the digits of each hand except for the pinky and ring fingers of both. Her C4T droid, Rupert, followed a few feet behind her, padding quietly along the corridors of the famed Fortress Vader.

The sith champion found her own place in the front row near a familiar sith pureblood, Cyutadakyr. Rupert sat near her feet obediently. Eventually there would be others that arrived but for now she quietly looked forward to the main event. She could not help but give the ewok that approached a glance.

Rupert cocked its feline head to the side, also looking at the small acolyte. A voice from the cat came forth. "Who is your master?"

@Fantasy Liver @Xorism

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Mustafar, the planet that Darth Vader had chosen to build his fortress, was now filled with Sith. All of them were eager to watch what was going to happen with Cremek, the Traitor. All of them expecting their Dark Lady to enact justice upon the Mandalorian, like vultures wait for the predator to kill their prey so they can feast on their remains.

Obviously, Caerllion wasn't going to miss this event. Dressed in a outfit that would suit the moment, he was waiting among the crowd for the proceedings to start. He wanted to see what Darth Tempest, now seated in her throne, would do with the traitor. The Annfyn knew very well the Mandalorian was close to his last hours. The Dark Lady would not give mercy to him.

His curiosity was more about how she would finish Cremek. Hopefully, it would be very painful.

@Altaris @Hastur

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael had heard of a second execution of the former Sith Master Cremek. Though he thought the man was a wild card he couldn't help but give him props for needing a second time. His actions led to a favorable yet unwanted end to the mission on Verona. He also jeopardized the mission on Prakith by being reckless and causing a quarrel with another Sith during it. Now it seemed his series of unfortunate mistakes would come to an end.

Trael was dressed in a suit made of lighter materials to accommodate for the heat. He was rarely at Mustafar but always enjoyed coming and being able to take in a piece of the Orders history first hand.

As he got into the podiums almost everyone present he had met or dealt with before. It seemed the Sith were staying alive, well all except Cremek, it seemed. He took a seat near the group and turned his focus on the bound Mandalorians. It was shameful of him to bring his own people into this but they chose to follow the wrong man.

 

[Freyja]

It was Freyja's first time on Mustafar and while she find the lava rivers and devastated soil intriguing, the sheer darkness the planet's foundation was drenched in fascinated her even more...it was powerful, intoxicating even, yet the heat outside had bothered her a little, given that she was simply used to colder climates.

She was quite excited as she quickly made her way into the throne room. She was grateful for the opportunity to not only to witness this unique occasion first-handedly, but even more thrilled about getting to see the Dark Lord herself. She arrived timely, having left the Academy on Umbara with some other acolyte right away and was dressed in her acolyte robes.

Once inside, her eyes immediately searched for her master and as she found him not far away, she quickly made her way over to take her place to watch by his side. She greeted both men, her master and the Champion besides him, with a respectful nod before the yellow eyes eagerly flicked over to the traitor below.

@Sreeya @Apollyon

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai walked in beside his Master, Caerllion. It was expected of him and so he obliged, to watch and learn a valuable lesson and get some entertainment while they were at it. Trodai hoped Azar would be here, he had not stopped thinking about him since Nar Shadda. And what to say in a few days when they were due to go to Korriban.

Wearing his Traditional Apprentice Robes and Mask he followed close. And there he saw him, Azar along with Karys. He shot Azar a knowing glance, a smile formed beneath his mask where he could hide it. Azar looked wonderful in robes, he wondered what else he would look good in besides his coat which he still had. He Telepathically sent a small message.

"Greetings Azar. Come to watch this evening's entertainment have we? I can't wait for Korriban."

He saw Trael, but elected to ignore him. He looked up, finally seeing their elusive Dark Lord for the first time since he joined. She felt of pure power, strength. Of everything Sith aspired to be. Intoxicating with Darkness. He then looked below seeing a former ally. He should of known it would end up like this. Cremek was very volatile and unpredictable when he last saw him too. It was only a matter of time before something like this happened.

He had no pity or remorse. Traitors deserved a traitors death. The lesson 'Never betray the Sith' was apparent.

@LouJoVi @Sreeya @Apollyon @Altaris @Hastur

 

[Feifi Candorus]

It was a heavy heart that feifi looked on, yes, her father was a madman, yes her father was a traitor, but he was still her father, the man who had taken her from nothing, and made her into a weapon ready to be molded into a sith..



She boasted a new helmet today, she hadn't even bothered to paint beyond the colors aunt rue had given, her father's colors.. she looked down at the helmet that rested on the dark lords arm rest, she couldn't afford to break down, not here.. not with so many eyes watching.. especially not with master jakarta here..



Feifi had to resist the urge to leap in and free her father, give him a warriors death.. but she knew better.. she opened her palms, the saber gauntlets on each arm flicking to the sides of her arms, but not activating, she looked down at her hands, imagining the warmth of fathers in hers, the monotone voice telling her that everything was as the force designed, that in the end, everything was okay, but it was not like she could see anyway, tears long clouding her vision and staining her visor, she didn't make a sound, just stood there gently shaking as she just stared and stared and stared at her saber gauntlets.

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Mustafar was so hot. It dried a fish like Vossari out. But, he had to see whatever strange justice was about to be dispensed. He strode into the throne room, eyes dialing in to Azar and Karys instantly.

For once, he was quiet - he flanked behind his champion, Karys, wordlessly. He figured a typical outburst would wind up with him swiftly thrown into a sea of lava. A remarkably bad end that would be. Clad in his environmental suit, Vossari's face was indiscernible to those around. Inside, he was alight with curiosity. What would this judgement hold?

 

[Khlan Gonk]

Khlan felt like an outsider, and for once, he was happy about it. As much as this occassion was going to be a trial, or execution, or whatever, it was also an opportunity for Khlan, the sole Gank on the planet to show off himself to potential clients. As barbaric and chaotic as the Sith were, even they recognized the need for doctors and, more importantly, cyberneticists, and as Khlan had been discovering lately, his people were some of the best at it. Even if these sith didn't recognize his heritage, they would recognize his home made replacements of eye, leg and arm. Perhaps he would even garnish attention for a master to train himself in their dark arts.

That was part of the reason why Khlan was dressed in simple dark robes that were almost too small for the squat being. Short enough to show off his leg, light enough to help with the heat, and hooded enough to bring out his glowing cybernetic eye. It was a simple outfit, and judging by everyone else, would stand out in its simplicity, but not enough to draw attention away from the main event.

 

[Darth Tempest]

From her seat of obsidian, Darth Tempest watched as members of the Sith Order made their entrance - filling the galleries to observe the execution. Most knew better than to be absent from a proceeding of such importance, while Masters and Sith of superior rank were summoned to Fortress Vader without option. Her predatory gaze drifted across those assembled - and while it wasn’t visible - proceeded to narrow harshly upon Serene, Cyu and Trael.

It was abundantly clear that none understood the severity of the situation, having arrived in what was little more than party attire. None had donned the trappings of their Order, least of all one of the few Masters that remained within their ranks. It was a decision lost entirely on the Dark Lord, but there was little patience afforded for those who used an execution as an opportunity to flaunt tits and ass.

Lingering for only a moment, Tempest shifted her attention to three men in particular - picking the pair of Purebloods and Apprentice out of the crowd. Each had been at the forefront of recent Sith successes - each of them worthy of recognition. But it was not the Dark Lord who stepped forth to address them.

Instead, the sound of soft footsteps preceded the lithe, azure-skinned Tiefling that emerged from the corridors of Fortress Vader. Between both hands was clutched a wooden box, clearly designed to hold valuables. Her head dipped in the presence of Azar, Karys and Vossari - each of them offered the respect of the attendant. “Courtesies of our Lord,” She said, flicking open the lock to open the box. Inside, the trio would find three matching pairs of Beskar Vambraces - freshly forged and glittering silver against the light. Space had been deliberately left on the surface for inscription, prime candidates to be enchanted or used in the creation of artifacts. Those who accepted the Vambraces as they were would enjoy all the benefits of a piece of pure, Beskar armor.

It was a public display of the respect each of them had garnered for recent accomplishments - and stood in stark contrast to what others received. Tempest had no qualms announcing who amongst them had earned her favor, and those who had yet to prove themselves useful.

Only then did Tempest’s attention shift to Cremek.

Slowly, the Dark Lord rose from her Throne - immediately bringing a hushed silence to the Throne Room. Her visor tilted down to regard the wretch knelt before her, stripped of his armor and dignity. “You believed yourself beyond my reach,” She said - her modulated voice echoing with every word. “That your betrayal would be without consequence.”

“Allow me to correct your error.”

Without warning, Cremek would feel the Force constrict around the entirety of his body - impossible weight bearing down on him from all directions. His limbs were forced to contort in awkward and painful positions, bones cracking and joints pulled mercilessly out of place. The pain would be excruciating. His screams would echo loud for all to hear. But it was nothing compared to the fate of those Cremek had brought with him.

Tempest extended her free hand - gloves fingers raking through the air - to draw upon the very Life Energy that pooled within the bodies of her prisoners. Wisps of red mist were forcibly pulled from each and every Mandalorian, helpless to the convulsions that followed. Each would witness as their very vitality was stripped from their bodies. Each would witness as they were left as nothing but withered husks on the obsidian floor, bone protruding from malnourished and aged bodies.

Cremek would see it all, and would know that his own suffering as only just begun.

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

"Oh no, I just wanted to die on m-"

Cremeks response was cut off, as his limbs contorted, and the delightful wrath of the dark lord was brought upon him, HAHA YES! he couldn't help but let out a scream of pain, excruciating, delightful, pain!

he hadn't felt like this since he was but a acaloyte, ohhhhh It was a high he had been chasing for AGES, ever since he stabbed his teacher and left her for dead on tatooine!

There was no denying the sheer agony cremek was in, but as he watched the blood flow from his followers, like a flawless.. pure.. ruby kaleidoscope.. he couldn't help but admire the art in the bloodshed.. pure, honest wrath.. the truest of all expressions within the sith, from the lowest acaloytes to lady tempest herself, with wrath, there was no need to back stabbing or plotting, only confrontation, only the strong dominating the weak, innocent or guilty, none of it matters, only punishment, only violence, only an appetite to be filled.. the truest state of nature..

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Damn. That Dark Lord was foine. Was she single? Maybe she was looking for a little bite of Wrean chocolate in her life.

Nah, probably best to worry about that later. Vossari nodded, awestruck that he had been selected to receive the bracers. He turned his helm first to Azar and Karys - silently asking them for permission to take it - before he grabbed the vambraces. Truly, it felt like they hadn't accomplished anything; Azar and Karys were the true movers-and-shakers of the Sith now, while Vossari just happened to be along for the ride.

He wouldn't dream of rejecting such a lovely gift from a lovely woman, though, so he grabbed the bracers from the Tiefling and slid them onto his wrists. The fit naturally, perfectly. It felt good to be on the A Team.

They grimaced at the display of violence that took place before them. But they realized its necessity. Cremek had been a stain on their order's legacy, and the callousness he displayed attacking the Sith again after running away like a coward deserved such a show of force. It commanded loyalty towards Darth Tempest and brought fear to his heart. Such was the purpose of this gesture - why they were all brought here.

Cremek was little more than an example. Should any of them step out of line, the same fate awaited all of them. Bones snapped, comrades murdered, all before the brooding, beautiful eyes of the almighty Dark Lord of the Sith.

Any temptation Vossari had to act insubordinately was drowned by this painful example. He couldn't help but wince when Cremek started screaming, though. It looked like it hurt.

@Sreeya @Apollyon @Altaris @Hastur