Ask The Legend of 'Excalibur'

[Malou D'Amaris]

// Serenno - Castle Wessex

"Artorgias." Her master had been dead for half a year now. It'd been difficult at first, but the more months that went by, the easier it was. She'd kept herself busy - albeit out of the spotlight - after a short period of mourning; actions which were, in part, due to her friendship with Veles. If he'd been around to help, she might have even asked him, but in the end, the Miralukan had reached out to someone she'd known almost just as long.

"Jaikus." Malou greeted the older man by name when he came into view. They'd known each other (or, at least, know of each other) since that fateful party back on Serenno when she was a young acolyte. They weren't particularly close, but out of everyone she knew, he seemed like the best person to reach out to for this. He worked with the ISB, which meant he was no stranger to secrecy, and his recent blunder with Dantooine had the woman convinced he would be willing to help her. "Long time no see."

Malou stood in front of her ship, a Nightsweeper she'd finally caved in and bought after years of using nothing more than the TIE Hunter Artorgias had given her so long ago. It would make the journey to Exegol from Serenno much more comfortable. He would, of course, know the details and reason for the trip. Once he'd agreed to help, she'd revealed privately that they would be traveling first to Exegol to try and find clues as to where her master's lost ship might be. She hadn't told him much more than that though, or why she even knew the location of the lost planet.

"Everything's pretty much ready to go on my part. And yes - I can fly just fine." Though her expression under her blindfold had been only a slight smile until then, her lips widened when she assured him she could fly just fine.

tag: @Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus couldn’t deny being slightly surprised when Malou reached out to him for this particular expedition. It had been months since the Axxilan had last worked with the Miralukan, and while the two Champions had known each other for years at this point, they weren’t particularly close. Nevertheless, she was someone that Jaikus respected and was more than willing to aid her on this venture. Moreover, the Axxilan had taken every opportunity to make up for his blunder on Dantooine, and this would be no exception to that.

The details of this expedition - and the fact that it would take them to Exegol - was something that immediately caught Jaikus’ attention as an academic. While he lacks any significant details, the Axxilan was aware of both the planet’s rediscovery and its ties to Exegol - having learned of both from Renfry after his fiancee had been critically injured on Junction. The fact that Malou was connected to the planet - as the late Sith Councilor’s apprentice - didn’t come as a monumental surprise.

“Malou,” He said smoothly, approaching the Nightsweeper Yacht she stood in front of. The Axxilan had arrived at Castle Wessex adorned in his signature Sith armor - though he opted to omit the helmet for the time being - dark hair combed neatly into place. The hilt of his lightsaber and an accompanying vibroblade hung at his waist.

“It is good to see you again,” He tilted his head towards her, offering the Miralukan a smile as he came to a stop. A droid carried a small bundle of the Axxilan’s belongings onto the ship, packing rather light for this expedition. Once it was loaded, Jaikus came a small nod. “I am ready when you are.” He said, unable to help the way his lips tugged upwards when the girl mentioned flying.

“I never had any doubts about that. I am sure you are an excellent pilot.” He said, a bit of sarcasm dripping into his words. The Axxilan shook his head a bit before stepping towards the ramp, climbing his way into the yacht with Malou. After a few moments, he glanced back at her - citrine eyes meeting the Miralukan. “How have you been?” Neither of them had really spoken since Junction, and Jaikus knew that what happened there had effected them both - albeit for different reasons.

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

Jaikus wore his armor, but the Serennian herself was dressed in plain travel garments. On the contrary, her blindfold was explicitly ornate - burgundy silk embroidered with the eye of D'Amaris in golden thread. It had been a long, long time since Malou had chosen to wear anything with her family's symbol on it that wasn't her signet ring.

"C'mon now, I'm such a good pilot I could fly with my eyes closed," she responded dryly, though as she turned to lead them into the ship, the edge of her lip quirked up into the beginning of a smirk. It was once they'd gotten into the ship that he asked her how she'd been, and the edge of a smile slipped off her features.

"I've been worse," she answered truthfully, albeit vaguely. The Miralukan had no plans to go into the process of grieving, nor how she'd lost a hand, and definitely not how she'd gotten her mind invaded and messed with one-too-many times in the past couple of months. At least she got a holocron out of one of those events. "How about yourself?"

She expected a similarly vague answer, so she gestured for him to follow her as they talked. She led him to one of the two VIP quarters on the ship - the one which wasn't hers, and therefore the guest room. Once they got there and once he finished answering her question, she would say, "You can put your stuff in here." The room itself was nice, but void of any decorations and made up of painfully sterile colors. It was clear it'd been left as it had come since she'd acquired the ship.

"I'll be up in the cockpit. You're welcome to join me if you want. Otherwise, I'll let you know before we jump to hyperspace." The Miralukan would then turn to leave, make her way through the ship, and settle down in front of the ship's controls. The air around the ship would suddenly feel much more present with the Force as Malou's vision extended out all around the ship, and within a few minutes, she had them headed out of the atmosphere.

tag: @Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

“Why of course. How could I not see such skill behind the controls?” Jaikus quipped right back at Malou as he climbed into the ship, his lips immediately curling upwards into a sly, amused smirk. If the Miralukan believed she was going to be spared from the Axxilan’s constant quips and witticisms, she was about to be sorely mistaken. The topic quickly turned a bit more serious with Jaikus’ own question - the grin on his lips tempering down to a more neutral expression. While he didn’t know either Malou or Artorigas intimately well - nor did he particularly like the latter - he could imagine well enough that his sudden death was likely devastating for her. He didn’t pry for more information, giving a solemn nod when Malou answered.

He was silent for a long moment, mulling the question over in his mind when it was turned back on him. “I’ve been better.” The Axxilan said grimly. His mind still hung on everything that had occurred on Dantooine, and his summons to Korriban immediately afterwards. It wasn’t something he felt entirely inclined to go into the details about, at least at that moment. Thus, the Axxilan didn’t elaborate further - opting to follow Malou deeper into the ship.

He glanced inside the guest room, giving the Miralukan a nod as he went to place his belongings down in the middle of the room. He briefly glanced around the room, but otherwise didn’t make any comments about the incredibly drab decorations. “And deprive you of my company by staying cooped up in here?” He said with a faint smirk, tilting his head a bit before jutting his chin towards the cockpit. He followed closely behind as she went, settling himself into the co-pilot’s chair and reclining ever-so-slightly.

He waited until they had punched out of the atmosphere before he glanced towards her again. “I take it, this’ll be your first time back in quite some time?”

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

She didn't say it, but she was glad the man had followed her up to the cockpit. It might've been a little weird if he would've hidden away for the entirety of the trip. If they were going to be in semi-close quarters for most of this, even the reserved Miralukan would prefer some sort of familiarity.

"I was there when he was- when he died," she answered as she began to prep the hyperdrive. "I stuck around for a little bit, but I eventually just came back to Serenno." Exegol was depressing on its own without grief hanging over her shoulders. It was probably a good thing she'd moved on to mourn in a castle, at least. "Jumping to hyperspace in three...two...one."

---

// Hyperspace - Celanon Spur

"Are you interested in history at all?" Malou was pretty sure he was to some degree, but she couldn't quite pinpoint if it was that or something adjacent. "You'll like Exegol for the history if nothing else. The planet itself is just as dead as Moraband or Korriban, just...more grey. Windy. Cooler."

She'd gotten her armor from there, and her late master, his sword. There were old vaults filled with all sorts of interesting things, and the databanks were worth scouring through for sure. That wasn't their reason for going there, but since they'd be looking around the databanks for clues anyways, they'd probably come across something.

They'd be on the Celanon Spur for a few days, at least. Might as well strike up a conversation in between.

tag: @Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus allowed himself to sink a bit deeper into the cushions of the co-pilot’s chair, his arms coming to splay across the armrests on either side of the seat. His citrine gaze lingered out the viewport for a moment or two - flicking between the glint of stars on the horizon - before turning back to Malou when the Miralukan answered his question. He heard the way the fellow Champion hesitated in her description of what had occurred to Artorigas, and the revelation that she had been on Exegol when it had occurred. “You have my condolences.” He said after a long moment, a faint frown tugging at the Axxilan’s lips.

Whatever his personal opinions of the Councilor or what has occurred on Junction, he certainly wasn’t going to let any of that bubble to the surface in the face of Malou grieving the man’s loss.

---​

An indistinct amount of time had passed before Malou broke the silence within the cockpit - drawing Jaikus’ attention from wandering within his own mind and back to reality. The question immediately perked his interest - that glint briefly manifesting in his eyes as the topic turned to matters of history. “I am.” He nodded. “It is what I have my degree in.” While the Axxilan’s work with the ISB was well-known, his passion for Galactic history was less so.

“Oh yeah, sounds like paradise,” He said, words dripping with sarcasm in response to Malou’s description of Exegol. Having grown up on an hot, densely populated planet like Axxila meant that Jaikus wasn’t particularly fond of the characterization of Exegol. Nevertheless, any opinions about weather were immediately sidelined by the historical significance of the location. He drummed his fingers against the armrest as he thought. “I would certainly enjoy the opportunity to see whatever parts of it I can. There are few places in the Galaxy as steeped in our history.” Jaikus reclined ever-so-slightly. “What facilities are still functional?” While he knew of the planet’s rediscovery, Jaikus knew next to nothing about the details or the work that the late Councilor had conducted there.

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

"You have a degree in history?" It was just an off-handed comment before he continued on, but it got the gears of the "what-if" machine turning in her head. Malou had never gone to any sort of college or university because at the ripe age of fifteen she'd tucked herself until Artorgias' wing and never looked back. She had always loved history though, and failing to pursue higher education herself hadn't stopped her from sticking her nose into books, scrolling through databases, or researching the Consiliul de Sapte. "But what if I had?" The Miralukan figured that maybe she'd feel more secure in her place in life. On the downside, she'd probably be tied up in the politics of the Serennian Great Houses.

"It's not that bad," she would assure in response to his sarcasm. It wasn't great, but she had hardly ever found herself outside the complex there, and the inside was just as imperial as any other Sith establishment. "Many of the facilities that were no longer functional have been restored. You'll see when we get there. It's...impressive."

And it had to be in order to make ships like the Andraste, or the Excalibur which they sought. There were hundreds of people stationed there, overseeing the planet, potentially including a man by the name of Master Tor. Malou never really learned his full name, but she would be curious to see if he still remained in charge of operations on the planet.

Since the ship was on autopilot, Malou also took the opportunity to recline in her seat. "...but, I mean, it's a lot like any other imperial outpost, other than being a giant...trapezoidal prism. Smooth, boring walls...probably dimly lit in red..." She'd never had the desire to look around without her Sight, so she couldn't say much on that end. "People - mostly droids, granted - but some people live there, so there are facilities and such. Its location is still secret, I believe, so they can't leave." At least, Malou hadn't heard anything contradicting her belief in that. She was one of only a few people alive who knew its location, though a few more knew that it had been rediscovered.

"You'll probably have time to look through some of the historic databases if you want."

tag: @Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

“I do,”

Jaikus said after a long moment, allowing himself to recline a bit further into the plush cushions of the yacht. While the Axxilan had long neglected replacing his starfighter that was destroyed on Keldooine, even he couldn’t deny that the extra, fine details - such as the comfortable seating - that came with the Nightsweeper yacht were.. Pretty damn nice. “I graduated from the University of Axxila while I was still an Acolyte. It has certainly come in handy over the years.” Whatever commitments Jaikus had to the Empire or to the ISB in particular, it was no secret that he was an academic at heart.

No matter how many missions of subterfuge or assassinations he participated in, the Axxilan was always happiest delving into the ancient histories and pouring over dusty relics within the comfort of his study.

Jaikus offered Malou a very unconvinced ‘mhm’ when she mentioned that Exegol wasn’t ‘that bad’. He was entirely anticipating the ancient Sith world to be a frigid hellscape, but for the moment he opted not to complain about it any further - saving such opinions for after that actually got to Exegol. He didn’t miss Malou’s description of the planet’s facilities as ‘impressive’, causing the Axxilan to quirk a brow. He supposed they had to be, given what they were looking for and other stories he had heard about the ancient Sith world.

He listened in silence for a minute or two as Malou gave her description of the structures there - at least vaguely matching what the Axxilan had read of the ancient citadel on the planet. Her mention of the people residing on Exegol was enough to give him pause. “I am.. Surprised to know that anyone is still living on Exegol.” He blinked a few times.

“I might just take you up on that, if you don't mind sticking around for an extra couple hours.” He said with a smile at the mention of looking through the databanks. Malou likely didn’t know what she was getting herself into with that offer or the fact that Jaikus had every intention of doing exactly that.

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

"There aren't very many," Malou added for clarification. "Most of the quote on quote "population" is made up of droids. There are some failed acolytes there as well, and very few Imperial officers. Only the very latter are allowed to leave the planet."

As for sticking around a few extra hours, Malou figured she wouldn't mind. She had little idea where to find information on the Excaliber, or even if there would be any, so they'd probably be there for a while anyway. "Just remind me to give you the access code when we get to it," she yawned, stretching her arms out behind her as she reclined into the chair. They'd been traveling for almost a whole day now, and the woman was definitely starting to feel the sleepiness hit hard. As long as they continued to follow hyperspace lanes, it would only take them about two days to reach the lost planet. For now, she was going to go get some sleep.

"I'm going to get some rest while I can," Malou would announce as she stood up from her seat. Sleep sounded better than anything else at the moment, especially when she wasn't sure how much sleep she'd be able to afford later. She and Jaikus could talk more later if he wanted.

---

// Hyperspace - Namadii Corridor

Eight to twelve hours later, Malou had since woken up and decided it was time to eat. The Miralukan could be found in the ship's kitchen, quietly stirring eggs around a skillet while a holonet tv played behind her. Pretty soon they would be making the jump off of the Namadii Corridor and straight into the Unknown Regions. She'd have to take a seat in the cockpit for that period of time, as no matter how many times she'd made the trip, hyperspace travel outside of established hyperlanes could be dangerous. The champion wanted to eat before that.

tag: @Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Hours passed, and Jaikus finally re-emerged from the confines of the cabin he had been allocated. The Axxilan had to admit, the Nightsweeper Yacht was comfortable to travel in - a far cry from the imperial shuttles and starfighters he usually used. Despite his wealthy upbringing, Jaikus had never been particularly materialistic. After his own ship had been destroyed on Keldooine, he had little reason to replace it with anything luxurious.

He glanced down at the chrono on his wrist, checking the time. While he didn’t know their position precisely, he knew that it wouldn’t be long before they reached the Unknown Regions - giving them a bit of time to relax in the meantime.

Drawn by the smell coming from the kitchenet, Jaikus walked down the hallway and rounded the corner - spotting Malou by the stove. “Doesn’t look half-bad. And you didn’t even set the ship ablaze.” He grinned, at the quip, despite himself only very recently advancing past burning everything he attempted to cook. He took a few steps into the kitchen, plopping down into a chair positioned behind the table. The Axxilan carried a small, smooth stone in his left hand - rolling it idly in his palms as he relaxed by the table. After a moment or two, the Axxilan drew a pencil and began to trace small lines across its surface.

He glanced up after a while, citrine eyes fixating back onto Malou. “You knew Caelestis the best. If you had to guess, where do you believe his ship ended up?”

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

"Not every rich kid is helpless in the kitchen," Malou retorted, assuming his comment was about her noble blood rather than her (lack of) eyesight. She didn't sound genuinely irritated though, and she soon followed with, "Do you want any?"

She didn't react visually to the mention of Caelestis' name, but her movements stiffened up for a few moments. Despite, quote on quote, knowing him the best, she never knew that much about him. Once the basics of her training were fulfilled and she could function independently of him, that was pretty much what she did. Hell, for the last year of her training he'd been in seclusion for some reason.

"I think it was left waiting on him, wherever it was. I don't think he got the chance to call it home," she finally replied, still stirring the eggs. If Jaikus had answered affirmatively earlier, more would have been added to the pan. "I'll need to go through the audit logs on Exegol, probably."

tag: @Altaris

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

“Well that certainly makes one of us,” He smirked, allowing a few faint giggles to roll up his throat. “I’d love some.” It wasn’t much of a secret to anyone that knew Jaikus, that the Axxilan was entirely inept in the kitchen.Up until incredibly recently, the most basic cooking skills were entirely lost on him - his abilities ending roughly where the take-out numbers stopped. Nevertheless, his relationship with Emryc had finally prompted Jaikus to take an interest and begin to learn.

It was trial and error. And there was a lot of error.. But he had actually started to become decent at a handful of dishes.

Jaikus didn’t miss the way that Malou’s body stiffened at the mention of her deceased Master’s name. He couldn’t help the frown that tugged at his lips just then - the silent reaction all the indication that the Axxilan needed to know that the entire situation still pained the Miraluka deeply. Whatever his own dislike of the man, that didn’t subtract from the sensations of sympathy for Malou that tugged at the Axxilan’s heart.

“Perhaps in finding it,” He began somewhat quietly, brushing a thumb across the stone in his hands. “We will be able to finish one thing left undone.”

Malou would only have a few more minutes to finish and plate the eggs when a high-pitched beeping from the cockpit began to resound through the ship. Jaikus grimaced slightly. “Looks like we’ll be eating those from the cockpit.”

@lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

"Maybe..."

Just as Malou got the eggs onto two plates, a beeping sound began from up in the cockpit. Jaikus grimaced, and she sighed. "What now?" She brought the eggs with her, handing one off to Jaikus, and ate as she made her way up to the cockpit.

Luckily for them, it was just an alert to refuel. Malou sighed in relief, as she'd expected something a lot more problematic to have occurred. "No problem, we'll just stop at Namadii to refuel." It was a Sith planet and home to the former seat of Avillion. She set her plate down and then took the pilot's chair, dropping them out of hyperspace just as they arrived at Namadii's coordinates.

"Once we refuel, we'll make the jump to Exegol. So... if you were wanting anything, best get it now." It would only take them an hour or so to refuel, then they'd be off into the Unknown Regions.

tag: @Altaris