Ask Felucia To the Ports

[Darth Malicia]

Felucia. Once again. Malicia did not mind this planet. Every area wasn't jam packed with life, which was both relieving and disturbing to her. The port they landed in, however, was teeming with life. She had to quiet the whispers in her head—her hunger—as she stepped foot on the planet again.

Per usual, she was dawned in her Cadre armor. There was no reason not to present Sith here. Today they were going to show their might and usefulness to the Gossam who ran the largest port on the planet, the Port they'd landed in. There were always complications, but this task was at least straightforward. Straightforward enough that it was a good first mission for her apprentice to accompany her on.

As her apprentice didn't have a ship yet, she'd allowed him to tag along on hers. Maybe they could get him a ship on Felucia too, as riding together all the time wouldn't work for her. She didn't always function under the same persona and having him around her all the time wasn't ideal.

One of her two cultists existed the ship, lightsaber on his hip, and pointed north-west towards the tallest building. "There, mother, is Pua Shu's holding." Malicia looked towards where he was pointing. That was rather obvious, though she didn't point that out. "Stay with the ship," she answered simply. She wasn't interested in coming back to an empty dock. The people who stopped here weren't always the most trust worthy.

She began towards the tower, noticing some eyes following them. A small gang of aliens leaned against a building, arms crossed and interested in the pair of Sith. Likely gauging if they had a chance to successfully rob them.

@Lazy Swordsman

OOC: I'm open to fast posters joining. Jedi, rangers, whatever else. DM or PM me.

 

[Kor'ez]

Kor’ez spent the majority of the trip aboard his master’s vessel in quiet meditation. As the Dark side taught he turned his focus inwards searching for answers within his own emotions, his own wishes and his own will. The Twi’lek sought to make sure his power was at its peak should his Master need his service. He was also seeking a greater sense of calm. There was a certain nervousness within him, not at failing but rather at the thought of not living up to his new teacher’s expectations.

‘Also being stuck so close to her for this long isn’t exactly relaxing.’ he thought to himself. Not too long ago Sith Lords were distant superiors, terrifying warriors and sorcerers who knew secrets of the Force that Kor’ez couldn’t even imagine. Now he was sitting a few feet away from one who had recently become his Master.

Finally the shuttle shut down and Kor’ez rose smoothly to his feet and strode after Malicia out of the shuttle. His status as a mere student was pretty apparent in the Twi’lek’s eyes. He had no ship, he had no great set of armour but at least he had two lightsabers now both of which had proper red crystals and not those flawed Jedi ones.

Dressed in his usual simple loose black outfit that had served him well whilst studying at the Temple.

Clasping his hands behind his back Kor’ez glanced at the Cultist who emerged to speak with Darth Malicia. He had worked a little with these odd servants since his elevation to the Darth’s Hand. Shadow Hand had been the term in the old texts although he was uncertain if it still applied but the Twi’lek certainly liked the sound of it.

The task in front of them seemed rather simple. A bit of negotiation with an influential leader amongst the world’s port cities. It was also a rather interesting one. At the Temple he had been trained for simple war but he was quickly coming to realise that Sith were meant for so much more than destroying. It made sense of course. Some of the greatest Empires of the past had been built by the Sith.

Once the Cultist was given the command to remain Kor’ez nodded respectfully to the man before striding after his mistress.

He glanced coldly towards a small group of aliens who seemed to have too much interest in the pair. Part of him relished the idea of a bunch of thugs trying to jump two Sith but he held such violent wishes in check. He was here to please Malicia today. The temporary satisfaction of a slaughter paled in comparison to such a goal.

@Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

The collection of aliens turned to one another again as the two Sith vanished into the distance. Malicia half suspected to see the thugs again at some point. They hadn't followed, but it didn't mean they weren't planning something.

The marketplace was full with life, and Malicia felt her hunger begin to pace in reaction. It was easier to quiet her hunger now, but she choose to allow it to stir for now. Some of the venders looked at the pair of Sith, pausing for a second before shouting for their attentions. The whispers in the Darth's head mostly drowned them out.

A twi'lek and an armoured covered alien stepped in front of the Darth before she went into the bases doorway. "We'll need to search you for weapons," the twi'lek said, tossing away a deathstick filter. Plumes of smoke existed the sides of his mouth. Malicia waved her hand through the smoke, quickly hissing, "You will not search us" at the two.

Both of the men's eyes went blank and they stepped aside obediently. A servant droid was waiting inside to guide the two Sith to Pua Shu. It stuttered a surprised, "D-Darth Malicia, it's a pleasure. I'll be your guide." Malicia looked at the droid but said nothing. It made a coughing noise, turned and began to bring the two Sith through the halls towards a meeting room.

@Lazy Swordsman

 

[Kor'ez]

Kor’ez stalked after his master keeping mindful of the gang of aliens nearby but none of them made an ill conceived move against the Sith. That was not to say they wouldn’t be waiting for their return, or try something against the cultists on Malicia’s ship, but that was a worry for later.

As they strode through the marketplace Kor’ez glanced around with some interest. Although he had gotten off-world for the odd assignment as an Acolyte he had spent the majority of his time trapped in the dreary place of learning upon Sullust. This was a nice change, truth be told.

He also noted that they received more than a few looks. In truth attention was something Kor’ez was used to, his size combined with his apparently aesthetically pleasing features often drew the focus of those around him although it wasn’t something that pleased him. It made moving covertly difficult. He’d also never liked the compliments that came with it, they made him feel too much like an object. He’d had enough of that in the past.

When they arrived Kor’ez smirked slightly as Malicia easily used her power to move aside the guards. However that amused expression vanished when the droid addressed only his Master. It reminded him too much of when he’d been Tarsus’ servant, present but unacknowledged. Feeling slighted he strode after the droid and the Darth with a dark expression across his features.

@Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Malicia felt Kor'ez's anger but ignored it for the most part. Both Sith were lead to the upper floors, then onto a deck with a large table and chairs. Though, there were only four chairs on each side.

The droid brought Malicia and Kor'ez to one side of the table. After Malicia took a seat, the droid scratched its head curiously. It grabbed the chair beside Malicia and started to pull it away.

A hissing filled the room when the door leading onto the deck opened again. Pua Shu stepped into the sun, pulling a cigarra out of his mouth. A plume of smoke poured into the air around him while he spoke to his one servant droid, "You, where are the drinks and glitter?".

"So the Sith have returned to this part of space, have they?" Pua Shu said, leaning back and allowing himself to get comfortable in his seat.

Because most of her expressions were hidden beneath her mask, Malicia simply stared at the man until he took a seat. "A fact that can benefit you," she answered.

The Gossa smiled. "And I'm sure you can regal me in the 'hows'" he answered with amusement, his eyes trailing up to a droid filling up his cup. "Guests first!" he said, swatting away the droid. The droid stumbled away, filling up a cup on the Sith's side of the table. After, it ripped open a small packet and poured the powder from it into the cup.

@Lazy Swordsman

 

[Kor'ez]

Kor’ez followed, still fuming, it was an entire art within the teachings of the Sith to fuel one’s anger, although he managed to keep his exterior calm. A small slice of useful training from his days as a slave except now he deployed it as his own discretion and not for that man.

As Malicia took a seat the Twi’lek made no move to take another even as the droid pulled out the one next to his Master. Instead the seven foot tall being of pure muscle with his broad shoulders and chest stood behind his seated master with his arms crossed.

As Pau Shu arrived the Twi’lek kept quiet but his sickly yellow eyes were bright with unnatural light. His expression was not one of open fury but it clearly was showing a darkness beneath the surface.

“I think it is more than clear how the Sith can be a powerful ally.” Kor’ez said calmly, his deep voice carrying easily throughout the room. “It may be more efficient for you to tell us what you would like from a friendship with our Order.”

Kor’ez was not used to diplomacy, and he certainly wasn’t trained to work as a diplomat, so his words were open and plain. He did however know a thing or two about intimidation, or rather acting as a tool of intimidation for someone more important, so he kept his arms crossed.

His eyes darted momentarily over to the cups and a look of barely concealed disgust. “No thank you. I do not… drink.”

 

[Darth Malicia]

Malicia remained quiet since Koreze decided to talk. Her eyes remained forward, ignoring the drink.

Pua Shu laughed, smoke pouring through both his nose and mouth. He was amused her body guard spoke but continued the conversation anyway, "If you can get rid of the new port nearby, or convince them to up and move, I'll consider a deal."

"We'll remove your competition and we'll be back," Malicia said plainly, standing. "I'll look forward to it," Pua Shu said, but his expression seemed unconvinced that they could do something like that, or that he'd see them anytime soon. He'd been at war with this new port for almost a year now and had no luck chasing off the new owner and his men.

But Malicia stood, flicking her wrist to push back her chair before turning and starting to leave.

@Lazy Swordsman

 

[Wiley Winnz]

Getting out of the starfighter casually, his BA-10 knew to immediatly go to sentry mode. Its photoreceptors turned to a warning red color and the manipulators with its defensive tools opened up as it also moved to check maintenance on the ship. The Marauder had watched the Darth Malicia and Kor'ez travel into the markets from a distance. They didn't need all of their troupe going to the meeting it would seem. Instead Wiley walked onto the flattened front of the starfighter and sat down before leaning into a one armed reclined position. Propping one arm up on his knee his masked helmet didn't focus on anyone in particular.

Wiley was fine with taking overwatch. The starblade he had piloted as escort was parked within view of the transport Darth Malicia had come in. The man wasn't the Sith Lord's personal chauffer. But unliked her apprentice he wasn't as bothered by her presence. Emboldened was a better term perhaps.

The flattened palm that touched the starfighter's durasteel plating was a focal point for him to feel the area around him. Curiosity about the new arrivals and the mysterious dark siders was present along with fear. There was greed too, some anger, each spiking sensation made the man smile. None of it was enough to give Wiley the idea he or any of his cohorts were in danger. Where he imagined a Jedi would try to harmonize, a Sith did things differently. It was more like a forced projection outwards and then forcefully observing the Force.

Wiley's technique was the result was his presence being clear in the Force though menacing. The focused violent nature resulted in sometimes those immediatly around him becoming uneasy. It was a work in progress, if only to try and better himself a little. But a part of him liked the subtle fear others began to feel as a result to his sheer presence alone. On the flip side, in a party setting the mirth and smiles were just as infectious. Good thing I've found my dream job.

Until Darth Malicia returned, he would continue to keep watch over the area. Others that approached would feel the danger that resided ontop of the starfighter and the risks they ran. Wiley, in his own way simply said with every fibre of his being, Walk into my den and you'll feel my fangs. And despite that, the Marauder looked utterly relaxed. If there were other dangers or alerts from his astromech would bring them to his attention. Otherwise there was also the cultists guarding Darth Malicia's ship as well.

"What a beautiful day."


@Lazy Swordsman @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Malicia left the tower after ordering her apprentice on another task. She saw no reason to have him on the same job when they could split up. If he failed, well... he wouldn't fail. She walked through the crowd, stopping at a taxi transport and inviting herself in. The droid turned its head and asked where she wanted to go, Malicia answered and the vehicle was off.

Though by the time she'd gotten to the new port, she noticed armed men lining the entrance. "Stop," Malicia ordered. The droids head turned to ask a question, but the Darth's hand shot out and crushed its head with the Force. It slumped over and the ride stopped. Malicia got out and vanished into a thick part of the forest.

Pulling out her comm, she thumbed a button and it came to life. "Wiley, come to these coordinates," she said, pausing as a hologram of the owner of the new port, Krax Dal, popped up on Wiley's comm."And find him. Some locals are hostile, do as you please with them but bring me Krax alive." Once it was over she continued through the forest towards the port. She was less interested in killing. Not just because it was unnecessary but because Renfry was fond of this planet and its life belonged to her.

@Darasuum

 

[Wiley Winnz]

Wiley heard a chirp from his comm. Answering it promptly, the Marauder heard and nodded at hearing the order. Examining the coordinates it seemed like it would be a short travel to the port. They were close enough together to definitely affect one another's business. "Understood, Lady Malicia"

After the conversation ended Wiley gave a sharp and loud whistle. The BA-10 astromech at his beck and call came back into view. "We're going hunting. Load up." Standing up and stretching a little, Wiley walked back across the nose of the Starblade as the cockpit opened back up.

Dropping down into the seat he began powering the starfighter back up. The ship would be a much faster route over to the new port than walking or getting another vehicle. When he began heading in the direction of the port Wiley kept an eye out for luxury craft. Port structure had its similarities regardless of design. There was the traffic control, the main arrival and departures, terrestrial approaches and various connecting terminals and structures. The trick was finding which one the owner of the port would be in.

"Droid, scan incoming ships. I'll want to review IFF tags later." A readout on the ships display came into view +Acknowledged+ it said simply as the ship auto-translated droidspeak. Wiley wanted to know what kind of audience he was dealing with. But it definitely seemed like Pua Shu had a reason to be concerned based off of the amount of traffic the starblade's sensors were detecting. Wiley would eventually signal to the traffic control, requesting permission to land though it would take a minute before he would be granted access.

@Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Malicia was still unsure why Wiley referred to her as "Lady" but it didn't bother her. It wasn't wrong. She'd never done a test on her blood to see if she was actually related to nobility. She'd assumed the title, but it was a real title she earned, just like she assumed the title of Darth.

The small Darth continued forward, cutting down the few people that got in her way while she took the backroads. A large part of her wanted to simply feed. Nothing was physically stopping her, but she took it as a challenge of self-control and not simply because her mind was made up because of a woman.

She stopped for a moment when she spotted someone out smoking. Bringing up a finger, she coiled the Force around the man and brought him to her. He screamed as she dug into his mind, finding the general location of this port owners base of operations. It was very possible the man wasn't there and that Wiley might find him first. Still, it was worth checking his home.

It took some time weaving through the back streets before she found herself outside the building, once again taking a more covered path. She emerged out of the thicket, at the back of the tower and looked upwards to see if there was a deck or something for her to jump on.

@Darasuum

 

[Wiley Winnz]

The man didn't detect any likely dangers to him, through the force or the instruments at his disposal. There were however a few specific ship types he noticed. The first was a total lack of combat specific ships. The ones that were armed were some light freighters and retrofitted shuttles but this was still a new port. The other type of ship he picked out as he got made his approach was a lantillian transport. It was parked separate from the rest and looked to have a any approach on foot requiring confrontation with some local security. Then that's the plan.

The cockpit to the starblade began opening before the landing gear touched down. Wiley's robes fluttered as he stepped out of the cockpit and off the side of the starfighter barely after it settled. "You know the drill." The starblade wound down and just as before, the BA-10 astromech took up its sentry protocols.

Wiley's senses were searching, looking for the scent that might catch. The dark side reached out and pulled at the fear and worry. The sound of garbled communications came from ahead as security guards were getting updated. What are you up to my Lady?

The Marauder wouldn't be surprised if there was going to be some commotion cause by himself or Darth Malicia. They didn't need to be subtle if they struck fast and cut off escapes. The emotionless mask in front of Wiley's face didn't indicate any sort of enjoyment. But he was smirking underneath the blank surface and it twisted more into a cold blooded grin with each step.

Two guards with armor stood between him and the private hangar area the lantillian transport. "This Krax Dral's ship?" Wiley didn't seem the least bit intimidated by the armed men. One of them held up a hand. Wiley would pull with the force on his fusion cutter and saber hilt with either hand. "Halt. You can't-" The snap hiss of the red lightsaber and the sling-spark of the fusion cutter cutting through both of the guard's throats would interrupt one. "Yes I can." He would answer the dead men without breaking stride.

Wiley shook the blood off the combat fusion cutter with a flick and returned it to his utility belt. The crimson blade of energy returned to the hilt and Wiley to temporary shadows as Wiley approached the transport. "Darth Malicia, where shall I meet you? I have a feeling Dal is coming to me."
The crew inside would be easy enough deal with. A minute more and Wiley would know where in the port the owner was. Their staff would have some answers and there were more than one way to skin a nexu.

@Dread