Ask Obsidian Ascension

[Darth Tempest]

.

For all of her experience as a sith, Vahliri couldn’t deny that the current expedition made her extremely nervous. Weeks had been spent to carefully prepare and carve a plan of approach, and the half-Annfyn had even been given temporary command of a fleet to execute her own strategy. It was due to her own track record of successes and military victories that she’d been granted such credence, and yet none of that could’ve prepared her for the stakes placed upon her in that moment. Perhaps because Thule was a planet like few others - if any - within the Galaxy.

In days of ancient past, Thule had been a Fortress-world of the Ancient Sith - a bastion of the martial tradition established by Kravos and his heirs, and a center of learning for new generations of the Sith Order. Its populace had been bred with those same ideals - sworn in undying loyalty to the Drast Monarchs of old. Even as the Empire faded from power, the people of Thule had held true to their principles, and it was thought the conflict of a dozen warlords that a new King and dynasty arose to claim sovereignty of its surface.

Eons had passed, and the people of Thule had survived the ages - their proud, Temple-cities still prosperous and the dynasty of its king unbroken.

By now, Thule had reverted to a position of xenophobic isolationism. The Empire had come again - but it seemed that the current monarch, a man seated the throne for less than a year, was none-too-keen to relinquish the authority his family had commanded for generations. Neutrality had been their shield against the flames of war, and not a single Imperial envoy had been allowed onto the surface of the planet. Those who attempted to bypass such rules and land anywhere were, unsurprisingly, never heard from again.

It was past time that things changed, and Vahliri would be the one to see things through. All the same, she knew that a direct attack on the planet would be nothing short of a bloodbath. Thule was heavily fortified, with trained legions and artillery mounted close to the capital that would tear through any invading force before they reached the surface. And it was for precisely that reason the half-Annfyn had discreetly taken a shuttle into the canyons outside the capital, avoiding detection thus far. While a larger force wouldn’t be able to slip through undetected, perhaps she wouldn’t need one.

For now, Vahliri waited behind the cover of stone - her weight leaned against a tall, ancient treetrunk. She was dressed a bit more subtle than normal, with her lightsaber tucked out of sight and black hair tied back into a loose bun. She couldn't afford the risk of a campfire, but instead the half-Annfyn positioend herself out of the bitter wind. It wouldn't be terribly long, she knew. A quick glance down at her chrono reveleaed her partner in the operation would be arriving shortly, and then matters could truly begin.

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Why was Varyn so kriffing indecisive? Just couldn't find the right fit even after how many years? He'd been in the Sith now for three years, he'd been in the Jedi longer than that, and he was still looking for his fit. The bad interactions with Altair recently had just seemed to amplify that even more after he'd told the Tiefling about his history as a Jedi.

Though the recent report tampering and rooting out of spies and preparations for the Yavin operation had pointed out to him that maybe his skills he had picked up as a Shadow could translate well to the Sith. To the ISB specifically. Maybe that was what he was really built for: minimum killing and maximum effect of those deaths he did cause.

First it was military officer, then it was Blademaster, now it was an audition with the ISB. He was frankly starting to wonder if he was going to be one of those Sith who never really found a niche or specialization. A jack-of-all-trades who dabbled in everything but never truly found a spot.

Well, whatever the answer, he'd been sent out as the ISB representation in support of the Thule operation. He'd kitted up in civilian clothes, both lightsabers tucked away and a small assortment of other B&E gear stashed in a small bag on his back. Imagine his surprise when he'd found out who the Champion behind the operation was.

Varyn had incredibly mixed feelings about working with Vahl, and with the recent drama with Altair, his state of mind was in even more upheaval than normal. To his credit, he had locked it down. Apparently the masking skills he had learned as a Shadow translated well into other areas, and he kept a straight face as he slid into the clearing.

Hey Vahl, he said, moving on almost immediately to the job at hand. That would probably be easiest for everyone involved, right?

I've run over all the intel so far. Taking down key defensive points sounds good. Might also be smart to assassinate some of the key generals to throw things into chaos when the main assault comes, he said.

 

[Darth Tempest]

Several minutes passed, and Vahliri didn’t wander very far from her little alcove - deliberately keeping herself tucked behind canyon walls of black stone. Thule was crawling with patrols and armed forces, and the half-Annfyn had no desire to reveal herself inadvertently. Not to mention, the canyons provided a good buffer from the cold. She tugged the cloak of her attire a bit tighter around her body, weight pressed back against the wall while she waited.

The half-Annfyn couldn’t help but blink a few times when it was Varyn who rounded the corner.

Her feelings towards him were.. Complicated, to say the least. While Vahliri had hoped to still be friends with him, there was no denying that their relationship was awkward after the Eriadu party - and a part of her wasn’t.. Really looking forward to a mission together. Thule was important to her and the half-Annfyn didn’t want things to devolve into more drama along the way.

“Hey Varyn,” She said, flashing him a small smile. Vahliri watched as Varyn slid into the alcove and jumped straight into business - his voice curt, professional and right to the point. Perhaps that was easiest for everyone, and yet a part of it bothered her still. Her face was blank for a moment or two, deadpan and impossible to read.

That moment passed, and Vahliri promptly turned on a heel, jutting her chin towards a map that was set out with a few of her supplies. “Hurom is only two klicks away - landing any closer would’ve been too risky, with patrols and sensors most concentrated around the capital.” She pointed to a spot on the map. “Our biggest task will be getting past the city walls and inside. Vegetation is already sparse on the planet, and what does exist has been cleared around the city boundary. There’ll be no sneakingly walking in the back door.” She waved a hand. “They’ll have patrols around the perimeter and sentries manning every inch of those walls.”

She crossed her arms over my chest. “My thought.. There are Ore-trucks that drive into the capital every afternoon from nearby mines - bringing metals for Thuleian refineries and factories. Commendering or sneaking onto one of those will get us inside the capital, in theory.” She shrugged. “After that? We’ll hit the large defenses. Artillery stations, comms towers,”

@Phoenix

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Vahliri may have thought she was being blank-faced and impossible to read, but that in and of itself told a story to Varyn. He had spent too much time around her to not know that she was more than a little conflicted and her sabaac face wasn't as strong as she thought.

Still, she pressed on as well, so it seemed... it was all going to be business. Ha, yeah, he somehow doubted that would last. You had two people on a single mission with way too much history and way too little impulse control. Varyn knew it wasn't going to last.

He was going to suggest using the Force to cloak themselves, but it seemed Vahliri had already thought of that. Of course, he really shouldn't have been surprised by that. She was thorough.

He nodded along. [color=tealGood, sounds like a good plan.[/color]

Sneaking in is probably best. We won't have the clearances and IDs for a full hijack, he said.

We good to go? he asked. He almost blurted out a comment about not making this weird, but held his tongue if only barely. He started heading out unless she stopped him, moving quickly and quietly along the ridge and getting a good glimpse of the capital in distance. He found himself stopping if only for a moment to really take it in. It was an impressive and terrifying creation and somehow he wasn't surprised that Vahl had been drawn to it.

Have a plan for keeping control once you've deposed the leaders? he asked. This was the kind of world he could see becoming particularly stubborn and unruly.

 

[Darth Tempest]

Though she said nothing, there was a faint flicking of Vahliri’s fluted ears. Despite her own conflicted feelings, the half-Anfynn was ultimately grateful that Varyn skipped through the bullshit and intended to keep things strictly business. Fine. Things were likely easier that way, and she had her own goals to pursue in that moment as it was.

She nodded at his approval, turning back to face her own little alcove. With a pull of the Force, she yanked the satchel and a few other items back onto her person, tucking them into place before jutting her head ahead. “Agreed. We only need to disable things for the larger force to arrive - sneaking is our best option.”

Vahliri followed right along when Varyn started to leave, keeping pace as they scaled the ridge. The half-Annfyn was swift and agile, leaping and vaulting up the stone cliff-face until they reached its apex. Only then did she take in the familiar sight of the capital, exhaling through her nostrils as she stared across the black, arid plains. She’d studied it for weeks, and yet the sight never quite failed to take her breath away.

From behind its obsidian walls, Huron stood as it had for untold centuries. It’s clustered and busy streets were plunged into shadow by the colossal, black pyramids that rose up from the surface - carved and built on the back of slaves, and home to the most senior members of government. Smoke and other toxins plummed from the multitude of factories that were squeezed between other infrastructure, the very heart and soul of Thule’s militant culture. Perhaps the most imposing feature, though, was the Palace that dominated the skyline. The tall, indomitable spire rose hundreds of feet into the air, home to every warlord and monarch since the days of Good King Siris.

As she stared out over the capital, Vahliri considered Varyn’s question. “For generations, Thule has been ruled through brutality and iron will. It’s people either live in fear of - or possess a fanatical, cult-like devotion to - the monarch and Sith ideals.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Unyielding strength has kept the population in line for centuries. And that is what will keep it in line going forward.” She began to walk once again, amber eyes fixed straight ahead.

“The public execution of the King and his chief advisors will be a necessity, of course. The strongest rule on this planet - and the masses will need to see that in order to ensure a smooth transition to whomever reigns as his successor. Admissions of fealty by militant leaders will be televised and widely broadcast, and the bulk resources will be directed towards quietly and brutally rooting out further dissent. Let the people see how the tides have shifted, and that rebellion is a fool's errand.”

“The rest of the Royal family will be dispatched to ensure no competitor to the Throne can rally support.” She said, listing off her plan as easily as if recounting a recipe for chocolate chip cookies. “Public resources will be brought in to appease the masses. Foodstuffs from neighboring Raxus and Toprawa, and medical care from the Star Guardians. They will gain the benefits of trade, industry and Imperial protection. All the things they never had under the previous, isolationist regime.” She spoke as they approached the opposite end of the ridge.

“There,” Vahliri pointed across the ridge, towards a roughly paved road that lead from the canyons and towards the capital. “Shipments tend to travel from there and past security checkpoints.”

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Varyn listened to her plan and... well, it was a Vahliri plan. It pretty much boiled down to "kill everyone" with at least a sprinkling of "bring in some humanitarian aid" that he was pretty sure was just to do precisely what she said: appease the masses.

He supposed it was efficient, and it would probably work so he shouldn't have been judging. Besides, it wasn't like the people she was killing were exactly innocents. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he realized he should have probably been completel unboard with it. Deep down, he knew that the issue he was taking with the plan had everything to do with Eriadu and nothing to do with Thule.

Instead he bit back the comment about the "sledgehammer approach" and decided to be a better man than that.

He didn't really have any productive comment on the topic, it seemed, so he pressed on, letting his attention fall on what she was pointing to for a security checkpoint. Maybe he'd spent too much time working the military side of things lately, but he found himself wishing for a few IAC troopers, some silenced slugthrowers, and a clean line of sight.

He only had one of those three things and it wasn't the first two so he'd have to make due.

I'm assuming we want to not leave a trail of bodies, so it's the tough way, he said. But the tough way was exactly how he'd been doing things while undercover in the Sith, so it was just another Tuesday.

He slipped down, using a series of rocks for cover and heading toward one of the trucks. He reached out to the Force, letting it trigger a small trail of pebbles and stones that tumbled down the ridge. It drew the attention of the guards and he quickly slipped over, sliding into the rear of the truck and plopping down behind a set of crates filled with some sort of mineral and waiting to make sure Vahl made it as well.

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri kept her eyes fixed straight ahead - carefully watching the ridge as he scaled down the narrow pathway. All the same, she didn’t miss the prolonged silence from Varyn - with not a single word spoken in response to her plan. She didn’t have to guess that he likely didn’t approve - but the half-Annfyn wasn’t deterred. This was her operation, and her ruthless methods hadn’t failed her yet. Least of all on a planet that had recognized the Rule of Strength for generations at this point.

She practically beamed with confidence as she made her way down the ridge - gracefully slipping behind boulders and stone outcroppings in order to keep herself hidden from sight. She took advantage of the cover that Varyn provided, allowing the Force to flow through her extremities as she ducked inside the truck - her back pressing against one of the ore-filled crates stacked nearly to the ceiling of the container.

“At this stage of the operation? No.” Vahliri answered back. There would be bloodshed before long - but it would be long after Thuleian artillery and defenses were neutralized. For now, they needed to be subtle.

Vahliri paused for a moment or two, listening for any movement outside the truck. Much to her pleasure, the vehicle continued to cruise right ahead - unwittingly carrying the pair of Sith right to their destination. They would still need to avoid detection upon arrival - and Vahliri had yet to map out their escape from the vehicle.. But things were going smoothly thus far. The sound of chatter from the drivers could be heard from the other side, heavily accented voices speaking in broken Galactic Basic.

“Once we’re inside, we’ll have a better idea of where military facilities are located.” She spoke quietly so only Varyn could hear.

Vahliri paused for a moment or two. “Lucky for us, we might just have two uniforms to slip into.” She jutted her chin towards the driver compartment.”

@Phoenix

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Why did Varyn spend so much time in his own head? It had made him a loner for virtually his entire life, and it may yet strangle out what relationships he had left. At least when combined with the revelation about what he had been when he first came to the Sith.

His retreat into his own mind behind the mental shields he had erected long ago seemed to only further be triggered by the hope of keeping his own emotions in check and his uncertainty with exactly how to interact with Vahliri now. In other words, she would see - if she looked closely enough - that same, somewhat-awkward guy that she had initially reached out to.

The truck chugged along for quite some time, and Varyn settled back with his back against the truck's bulkhead. Sneaking into places he wasn't supposed to be had become something of a hobby for him, it seemed. Maybe this really was where he was meant to be.

I'd never even heard of Thule before the pre-briefing. Why here? he asked. It wasn't like it had shipyards like Bilbringi, but he supposed it did have the rich history with the Sith at least.

 

[Darth Tempest]

Though she actively tried to remain focused on the mission, Vahliri didn’t miss the changes in Varyn’s behavior. It was no mystery that their relationship had been on uncertain grounds ever since Eriadu, and the half-Annfyn had honored his request of needing space. In that moment, though? It was entirely too clear how the man withdrew into his own mind and shut her out, rather than attempting to confront the awkwardness between them. Despite their difficulties, it was a change between them that bothered her far more than she’d ever say.

As the truck continued to move along, Vahliri sunk down and took a seat on the floor of the cargo container - her back and head pressed against a stack of ore-filled crates. Her fingers drummed against the floor, and it wasn’t until he spoke that the half-Annfyn glanced down, pondering for a moment before responding.

“Thule has history with the Sith Empires,” She began, her head tilted back against the crates. “It has a strategic position between Imperial territory, and its people have been pledged in service to the Sith for generations. While the current monarchs might claim themselves to be heirs of that legacy, I believe they can be swayed into loyalty to us.” Vahliri glanced down at Varyn. “They may be isolationists, but their legions and special forces are well renowned, and would be incredibly useful in the war effort.”

Vahliri paused for a long moment before she continued. “And I think it has the potential to be a prime location for the next Sith Academy.” It was the first time the half-Annfyn had voiced her intentions or what she was planning. “Dromund Kaas has only just started to become operational again, and the academy on Dagobah failed before it even began. Taris is a joke, and Korriban was only just attacked.”

“I want to create something feared and respected across the Galaxy. A center of Sith teaching without equal to train the next generation. Proof that the fuckers who attacked Dromund Kaas accomplished nothing. If this invasion goes off without complication, I’ll have the resources and authority on the planet to make it happen.”

She continued to study him for a long moment, her gaze hanging on his own. “Why did you choose this assignment Var?” Vahliri finally asked. He could have requested reassignment or sent someone else upon learning that the half-Annfyn was leading it.

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Varyn's head quirked to the side as she mentioned a new academy. That hadn't been what he had expected. He had heard her talk before about the potential of doing something in the academies, but he hadn't heard her mention it at all recently.

Hey! he objected when she disparaged Taris. I graduated from Taris, he said, feigning being grumpy. The reality was that most of his "training" had officially been completed by his Master in the field with a short stint before graduation at Taris. But still!

Her mention of the people who attacked Dromuund Kaas made him want to shift uncomfortably, but he suppressed it. Would she just kill him if she ever found out? Would she never speak to him again? He wanted to spit it out now, but he didn't. For so many reasons he couldn't: because at this point Altair would kill him, because Yavin wasn't done, because the ISB didn't know yet.

Her question caught him off guard and he looked back at her. He wanted to just... climb across the truck and kiss her. Why the kriff did he still have to have feelings for her?

I didn't, I just had it assigned to me. You'd have preferred I didn't come? he asked.

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri couldn’t help but roll her eyes a bit when Varyn protested about Taris’ reputation, her lips almost immediately tugging towards a grin. “Perhaps there are some exceptions to the rule,” She quipped right back, the amusement dancing clearly in her eyes. It was one of the few times Varyn would’ve seen it since Eriadu, momentarily free from anything else between them.

“There are other planets, but.. Thule has the history. The archives stores here, a Nexus.. And I’ll have the clout to get the project rolling without pushback like I would elsewhere.” She was leading the invasion and would be heavily involved with the planet going forward, and it made her plans far more realistic versus operating inside pre-established Imperial territory. “I want it to succeed.” She said a bit more quietly. Vahliri was confident in the success of her endeavors and was driven to see it through, but even she knew that it was a daunting project.

As the topic shifted, though, the half-Annfyn stared at Varyn blankly. “If I didn’t want you here, I would’ve said that Varyn.” Vahliri was never the type to mince words or beat around the bush, least of all with the people who knew her well.

“But you told me you need space, and can hardly look or speak to me.” She stared directly back at him.

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Varyn had the chuckle as she mentioned some exceptions coming out of Taris, and before he even knew what he was saying, he was quipping back again.

Typical richie, hating on the poor people's academy, he shook his head, and for a moment it felt just like old times. Just like it had been before he'd found out her lingerings feelings for Altair.

Her direct comment about if she hadn't wanted him here did earn a slight snort primarily because he knew how true it was. He nodded along in agreement, but her next comment caught him off guard. Varyn was often shifty and difficult to pin down, but despite that - and perhaps seemingly oxymoronically - he was quite precise when he did say or do things.

I never said that, he said before deciding he needed to elaborate. Needing space, sure, but I never said I couldn't speak or look at you, he said. She always had to make things difficult, didn't she? Yes, because he was the king of keeping things simple. Said no one ever.

Vahl... he sighed. Why did he have to talk about feelings. And why did he have to be so bad at talking about feelings.

Kriff it, Vahl, I'm in love with you. And I know you aren't with me, so I'm not really sure how I'm supposed to deal with that, so if you have any suggestions, I'm all ears, he said, spitting it out before he could second guess himself further.

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri groaned a bit at Varyn’s response. His ‘richie’ comment wasn’t the least bit surprising, and the half-Annfyn had to resist the urge for her eyes to aggressively roll back into her head, fall out and proceed to continue rolling across the floor. “Well they don’t exactly make it difficult..” Vahliri quipped right back at Taris, arching a brow playfully in Varyn’s direction.

Of course, her smile faded a bit as the topic shifted to something more serious. She couldn’t help but sigh, her expression a bit more somber as Varyn fired back his own response to her accusation.

It was the last thing that he said that caused Vahliri’s amber gaze to snap up, a bit wider than before. Deep in her core, she knew that Varyn loved her. In ways that she didn’t love him back - and like she loved Altair - and no small part of that tore her up inside. She knew, all to well, the type of longing and pain that he experienced.

“I know you do,” She said quietly, exhaling through her nostrils. “And I’m sorry. I’m sorry for how you feel, and for all the pain that I’ve caused you.” She shook her head a bit. “It isn’t a choice - I swear that to you.”

“I don’t have a suggestion for you, because I don’t know how to deal with it myself,” The half-Annfyn shifted a bit. “I care about to, Varyn. But I can’t stand to see the way it tears you apart,”

She tilted her head back. “Can we even b—“ Before she could delve any deeper into her thoughts, Vahliri felt as the truck abruptly came to a halt. The sound of doors opening and closing could be heard outside, alongside commotion that suggested several others had approached the vehicle.

 

[Varyn Atrix]

You knew the situation was bad if even Vahliri Kahtal didn't have an opinion about how to go about fixing it. The woman had opinions on literally everything, and she didn't know what he should do next.

He hated that the thought crossed his mind, but he wondered to himself if it was time for him to genuinely distance from her. He wondered if it was a mistake to even allow himself to be put on this operation. True, he hadn't intentionally picked it, but he likely could have weaseled his way out. He hadn't.

She didn't even finish her final sentence, but she didn't need to. Varyn already knew what she was going to say, and truthfully he couldn't decide if it was better or worse that they were cut off by this stupid mission.

Stupid kriffing idiotic... I don't even want to do this mission right now. I want to fix this, he thought. But the problem was there was nothing he could do to fix it. It was well outside of his control, and that was the worst part. He hated being helpless. He always hated it, and somehow that's what he always was.

His fist clenched and he resisted the urge to throttle one of their targets. They needed to not leave a trail of bodies, but in that moment, that was what he really wanted to do.

He didn't even really remember what their plan was anymore, but he forced his mind back into the task at hand.

He moved toward the rear of the vehicle before dropping to the ground outside. They were through the front gates, which meant if they moved away from this area they should be able to blend in as normal civilians.

He glanced back to see if Vahliri was following before moving along in the direction of the palace grounds. He could already tell there was no shortage of guards, but his eye caught something of use to them and he motioned to Vahliri in the direction of a sign for the barracks. The perfect place to get a disguise without dropping bodies.

 

[Darth Tempest]

Abrupt as it was, Vahliri couldn’t quite decide if she was grateful for the distraction or not. Her honeyed gaze flicked in the direction of the noise, and it drew her away from a conversation she didn’t really have answers to. It was a sense of uncertainty that caused her stomach to turn, even as she began to voice what came next.

Though she said nothing, Varyn would immediately notice the way her fluted ears flattened against the sides of her skull in irritation. Crouching forward, Vahliri moved out the back of the truck and away from the area - attempting to follow behind him and blend in with the common civilian. At once, the pair would notice the more militant environment of Hurom - complete with constant, regimented patrols through the city. Soldiers were adorned in bright, crimson armor that concealed every inch of their flesh - complete with saber pikes held vertically.

Naturally, Vahliri did her damndest to avoid their gaze. For an isolationist and largely humanocentric society, she had no intention of flaunting her fluted eyes and drawing any more attention than was necessary.

As her gaze turned to the barracks, Vahliri couldn’t help but let out a single breath of relief. She immediately began to stroll her way towards the building, slipping beyond the front entrance to walk down an alley adjacent to the building. Ducking out of sight, she gestured to a second-story window of the barracks - clearly intending upon making her entrance there, versus walking in the front before.

“I’ll go up first, follow me once I signal the coast is clear,” She said with a huff, allowing her gaze to linger on Varyn. Without another word, she bent at the knees - leaping up towards the window to pull herself inside.

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Varyn had the advantage of actually being human on this world, so he drew fewer gazes than she did as they passed through the streets. Fortunately, it seemed no one was really that interested in stopping them and asking them questions. After all, most people just wanted to get through the patrol and go home. It was one of the things Varyn had found ways to exploit over the years: the general mediocrity of so many guards.

As Vahl made it to the barracks and leapt up, Varyn kept watch below, hand falling down to brush the hilt of his lightsaber from under his clothes.

As Vahl made her way into the barracks, she would be met by an initially empty room and no sooner would she have climbed inside than the door slid open and a man stood there staring at her for a split second.

You?! They got me you as my birthday present? he asked. You're... very exotic, the man said, looking at her ears. He made his way forward, his intentions quite clear in his gaze as he had very clearly missed the small package on the floor next to his bed... the real present he'd been told to come find.

 

[Darth Tempest]

Initially, Vahliri was rather pleased with her entrance into the barrack room. Slipping past security, the half-Annfyn was confident that she wouldn’t be noticed - further supported by both the lights being off, and the fact she couldn’t sense any sentient life within the room prior to slipping into the window. She expected to flag Varyn down without a moment of delay and continue right along.

Thus, Vahliri couldn’t help but snap to attention when the door slid open - revealing the man on the other side. Almost at once, the half-Annfyn’s hand brushed to where her lightsaber was clipped, amber eyes narrowed upon the man. Of course, she didn’t miss his words - nor the lustious look in his eyes. It didn’t take Vahliri more than a moment or two in order to discern his meaning and intention as he approached.

Her fingers curled quietly towards a fist, feeling that familiar spike of rage surged through her. Where they in any other scenario, the half-Annfyn would’ve loudly sent the man sailing out a window, face first. But she had a cover to keep, and couldn’t really afford the attention.

Instead, Vahliri allowed the man to get a few steps closer before lifting a hand towards the soldier - coiling the Force around his neck to hoist him off the ground. “Happy birthday,” She growled, flicking her wrist to pin the man against an adjacent wall. She stepped towards him, mere inches away from the soldier - unflinching as he kicked and struggled in her grasp. “Which way to the armory?” She asked coldly. If he attempted to scream or call out, the half-Annfyn was prepared to further constrict his throat, transitioning from uncomfortable to strangling.

Meanwhile, Varyn would have no indication of what was going on in the building - except for the fact that Vahliri didn’t immediately flag him inside. Before he could investigate, though, he would be greeted by a trio of civilians who crowded into the dirty alley.

“You Theo?” One of the men asked, his eyes slightly glazed over and twitchy. It was clear that Varyn and Vahliri had unknowingly wandered into a spice-deal about to go down, and the Champion was presumed to be their resident dealer. He patted his pocket. “I got the cash - everything that was agreed.”

One of the other civilians shifted a bit, speaking up regardless of what Varyn did. “Come on man,” He glanced over his shoulder. “We don’t have all day - you know patrols have been cracking down.”

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Varyn lingered down in the alley, waiting for Vahl and thinking he felt the fluctuations of the Force, though exactly what that was, he wasn't sure. He was starting to get a little nervous now, glancing up toward the window again as others approached.

He was caught off guard by the others appearing, and considered pretending to be their dealer. To his credit, his mind worked quickly in these situations and he'd been forced to live a lie for his entire adult life now.

You too? Dude, I've been kriffing waiting for him for thirty minutes and he hasn't showed up, he said, putting a growl of fake anger into his tone.

I'm kriffing leaving, man. I ain't getting caught by these patrols just because that fierfek no-showed, he said, shaking his head side to side and storming off without giving them an opportunity to stop him.

He'd have to find his own way inside now... greeeeeat.

Meanwhile inside, the man went from "I'm having a good time" to "get this kriffer away from me" in about 1 second flat. Fear popped into his eyes (or was that just his eyes starting to pop out from being strangled) and he tried to choke out a word through the grip on his throat.

Well, as it turned out, maybe he had an underlying medical condition or she just squeezed a bit harder than intended, but it was a full send. Rather than a light choke, it outright killed the man and in a mixture of spasms and strangled shrieks, he died a violent and un-peaceful death over the course of about a minute. Oh joy.

 

[Darth Tempest]

...Awesome.

Of all the reactions Vahliri expected from the soldier, up and dying wasn’t really one of them. She was an experienced Sith Champion, and the half-Annfyn knew precisely how much pressure was necessary to torment someone verus killing them. Thus, Vahliri was almost positive that his sudden demise had more to do with some latent heart condition that was entirely too convenient and entirely annoying.

“Fuck.” Vahliri growled, allowing the dead man to fall onto the ground. She had hoped to get through their operation without leaving a trail of bodies - and the half-Annfyn immediately began to consider how to dispose of the soldier quietly. Once again, simply throwing him out the window wasn’t an option right now. Before she could come up with a solid plan, Vahliri’s fluted ears twitched at attention - picking up on the sound of footsteps further down the hall.

“So Thorton, what do you think of the gift?” A voice called out.

Vahliri’s eyes widened, knowing she only had a moment to respond. Without giving it much more thought, the half-Annfyn lifted the soldier with the Force, shoving his corpse into a cluttered closet at the edge of the room. She jammed herself inside it as well, closing the door a few seconds before the other men arrived at the barrack room.

While things went great for Vahliri inside, Varyn would find his situation not much better outside the building. While the two spice-addicts didn’t prevent the Champion from storming off, he wouldn’t get far before the sound of commotion erupted back in the alley - clearly audible even as he rounded a corner. “Halt right there!” A modulated voice called out. “You’re both under arrest!” It clearly belonged to one of the soldiers, having arrived to crack down on the planned drug deal just as was predicted.

“The other one went that way!” Within a split moment, Varyn would be able to a hear a storm of armored footsteps approaching from behind.

@Phoenix

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Varyn was already on his way down the alley when he heard the shouting to stop and that he was under arrest. He hadn't even done anything! He didn't think they'd care, and even if they did listen to him and decide to let him go, it'd be after a lengthy look into who he was, and that wasn't okay.

He darted around the corner, sending into a full sprint as he decided this was the best and only way to get out of here. The heavy footfalls of the troopers behind him were a pretty good indicator that they were still close.

He moved down a side alley before leaping up and squarely into a dumpster... oh that was gross. He tried not to think too much about what the squelching he felt under his boot was or the wet thing he'd just put his hand in...

I hate everything, he thought to himself as he heard them pass by outside.

Meanwhile, Vahliri would find the soldiers coming to check on their friends opened the door to a mixture of puzzlement and surprise.

Who are you? What are you doing here? Where's Thorton? the man asked, each question becoming slightly more hostile than the last.