Ask Twisted Homecoming

[Darth Tempest]

.

There was no shortage of careful planning that had gone into the expedition, and it was only now - after so many months - that Vahliri decided to pull the trigger. Since Celeste had rejoined the Sith Empire and come under her tutelage, Rattatak had been on the half-Annfyn’s radar. It was a long-term goal, and she had deliberately taken her time - watching as the former Senator’s institutions and government began to unravel - before making her move.

Where Celeste had left a unified government, only a fractured remnant remained. Since her visit with Darth Raze, the Senator of Rattatak had been presumed dead or missing, and no one had risen up to fill the void left behind. No one capable of commanding the same level of respect and loyalty out of the Warlords that commanded considerable sway on the planet.

The Council that had been left by Celeste wasn’t nearly up to the task she assigned. Within weeks, rival tribes and Warlords had begun to take up arms - fighting for territory once again across the surface of the planet. Within days, the Council itself had been drive out of the capital - and Celeste’s own palace had been converted into the Warlord’s personal residence. The announcement that Rattatak was leaving the FWA followed shortly thereafter, returning the planet to its neutral and inter-concerned status quo.

Vahliri timed her arrival deliberately - knowing she wouldn’t have to deal with FWA interference, and Celeste’s own influence on the planet would be far more limited. She wanted her apprentice to work to retake what was lost - and to do so under the Empire’s banner, rather than her own.

The Atropus dipped beneath the dusty clouds of the desert planet - streaking through the air and towards a basecamp established on the surface. Vahliri had ordered her troops to make landfall several hours prior, and the men had already begun to clear the area as their regional command center. Within the shuttle, Vahliri stood with rigid posture - amber eyes fixed onto the strategic map projected across a table. She was adorned in crimson and gold robes, Ur-kittat script sewn across the cuffs and hems of the garment. A pair of lightsabers was clipped to her belt, while her black hair was tied back and braided elaborately.

“I expect you’re excited to go home,” Vahliri broke the silence after a long while, though her amber gaze never left the strategic table. If things went according to plan, the planet would fall with little casualty.

 

[Celeste Stythani]

And so the day had finally come. Celeste was headed for Rattatak, but not to move in the shadows and the wastelands on the other side of the world, but to retake the Capital of Barterus. Whether she'd simply need to show up, stick to conventional diplomatic or persuasive methods or use actual force she didn't know yet, but she was definitely assuming the latter was the case and so they came prepared.

Vahliri had waited for the right moment and right as the FWA was off the table, she made her move and thus Celeste found herself en route to her old home right now. Despite already feeling that satisfaction about re-conquering the planet rising, she was a little conflicted. The Rattataki were spiteful and vengeful and if those warlords that had reclaimed their terriority would be clever, they'd try to harm the Empire in ways they wouldn't fully be able to predict.

Celeste expected that if they'd be extra salty, they'd move to destroy the ship-building and arms factories, not giving a damn about their own loss then, but Celeste had cautioned Vahliri that this could happen, so that preventive measures had been taken beforehand. Also, there was still another possibility Celeste considered, the one possibility she favored above all else: There wouldn't have to be much bloodshed and struggle if the Rattataki would realize how much stronger Celeste had gotten since her last time being there and as the Rattataki valued strength and raw power, they might even be pleased with certain developments.

Under the FWA, Rattatak had thrived as they had traded weapons and soldiers for rare resources and food and through the self-government, the tribes had still been allowed some power. Now without a strict and powerful leadership, chaos had obviously erupted and the conflicts enfolded further, so that she had no idea how much resistance they'd meet. She was ready for a whole bunch of different scenarios and was clad in her black and crimson armor, her lightsaber clipped to her belt just as her blaster.

There was a fierce determination written in her face as she studied the map again, hands folded in front of her back and her gaze directed at the holomap, carefully studying its details again. She was hoping not to cause too many losses on both sides, but the planet would fall today and rise under a different banner thereafter. She didn't avert her gaze as Vahliri gave her little remark about the homecoming, but her lips curled into a smile. "I am indeed. Lantillies kept be busy, but I'm yearning for more. Rattatak will serve us well". They'd gain trained, willing and unrelenting soldiers and obviously so much more. Also, this was still personal for her as well. Rattatak had been her home for years and she had implemented so much change and progress that she wouldn't give up on all of that. All those efforts wouldn't be in vain, she'd ensure that. "I am ready" she added, now glancing over to her Master. The fleet would soon arrive where they needed to be and she was awaiting the woman's orders.

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri kept her eyes fixed to the strategic table - hands folded neatly against the small of her back. Her gaze flicked across the different landmarks and notable locations, from the capital of Barterus to the multitude of Warlord strongholds that dotted the countryside. For all the work and unification that Celeste had put into the planet, her absence had allowed the old guard to effectively resume their ancient way of living. In Vahliri’s mind, it made little difference. The Rattataki valued strength in leadership, and she had the means to force each of their warring tribes into permanent submission.

Though she didn’t turn to face her apprentice quite yet, Vahliri couldn’t help but linger on the woman’s words. After a moment, her head tilted ever-so-slightly in that direction. “And you believe Rattatak will be yours to take on?” She asked with mild interest and amusement to her tone. Whatever notions that Celeste had entertained up to this point, Vahliri clearly had plans of her own.

Without giving that topic much more thought, Vahliri gestured to the map before her. “Warlords have taken root outside the capital at these locations, with their armies and tribal warriors.” She pointed to a few different points across the map. “Seizing the capital first is possible - but they’ll likely capitalize on the chaos. We will be better served by ensuring their allegiance or annihilation beforehand.” The half-Annfyn was prepared to wipe them off the face of the planet or force them to kneel, if only to remove them as a player on the board.

She pondered the path forward, silent for a moment or two. “You,” She glanced back towards Celeste. “Are familiar with these Warlords, are you not?” The woman had once been the Senator of Rattatak, and Vahliri assumed that she was acutely familiar with the tribal leaders and opposition.

“Who would you target first? Who amongst them do you believe you can invoke loyalty within?”

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

She had been absent for quite some time, yet Arla and her had recently dropped down to extract the Saber Wolf pups. It hadn't been the same though. They had been in the middle of the wastelands and Celeste hadn't considered it a homecoming. She had paid no attention to what was going on on the planet as their visit had served a different purpose. Now this was different though. This was about regaining control and shifting power. While the planet had once been unified, it was now all shattered and just like with herself, the pieces would need to be put together at first and this would take not only time, but plenty of effort and force. She expected that while a few would probably stare at her with their eyes wide open, they'd bent the knee at the first occasion, simply intimidated by her reappearance, but others would be feistier.

Her stream of thoughts was interrupted by Vahliri's slightly scornful comment, and Celeste's gaze immediately flicked over to the slightly shorter woman. It was obvious that Vahliri was not here to reward her. She'd have to put much effort in this endeavor and she'd constantly have to prove her loyalty. But then what? Celeste had all the knowledge of the people, the culture, the territory, the factories...it was a logical choice, but it was also obviously that she wouldn't make anything easy for her. She probably had to deserve this all first. She didn't answer her question as it sounded more like a rhetorical one, the subtly golden flecks in her eyes lightening up ever so slightly. So be it. She'd figure out what Vahliri had in mind sooner or later. Obviously, it wasn't hers to take anyway though, as she didn't reclaim it in her name, but in the Empire's...and they'd soon figure out how willingly the Rattataki would accept it.

She returned her attention to the map as Vahliri spoke, listening to her accounts. Nothing surpised her actually. She recognized the locations, she knew their names. When she adressed her she was already nodding as she knew them damn well. "I do know them well. I can tell you exactly who'd willingly join us, who'd be terrifying and thus kneel and who'd fight until the last man would stand". They would know what was about to come. They would crush them if they wouldn't obey, yet she knew well how the Rattataki weren't good at giving up. They were fierce warriors and some would resist for as long as they could. She took a few steps forward and reached for the hologram, zooming in on a location in the West of the capital. "Tribal leader Wrahis has a large army and he's holding a good reputation and much respect in that area. He's influential and one of those who fears the Force, especially the dark side. He calls it 'space sorcery' and I was formerly known as the Dark Sorceress. He'd be delighted to see me again". Vahliri called it 'invoke loyalty', and this would be achieved. He didn't dare to mess with her back then and Celeste wasn't happy that he was still obviously one of the first to revolt in her absence. "He and his tribe will be convinced easily. We can build up on that".

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

Naturally, Vahliri didn’t miss the subtle spikes of emotion that radiated off of Celeste - palpable through the Force. The half-Annfyn knew that her apprentice expected to reclaim her planet outside, to assume her position of power, and had desired it for weeks now. Denying the former Senator such gratification would only breed resentment and anger - drive her to work harder and more desperately towards her goals - and that suited the half-Annfyn just fine. If Celeste believed anything along this process would be easy, she would be in for a rude awakening.

She kept her hands folded against the small of her back, listening to every detail that Celeste provided. The half-Annfyn didn’t miss the way that Celeste used herself as the catalyst for their submission, but didn’t comment on it. More than sheer conquest, the Empire needed to subdue the warring tribes and unite them behind the Imperial banner - through both loyalty and sheer determination. Some of them would bend the knee, and others would be wiped from the face of the planet - a warning to the rest of what the Empire was capable of.

“Very well,” She said after a long moment. Her hand lifted, zooming out from the stronghold of Clan Wrahis. Instead, she pointed a slender finger towards a different location.

“Clan.. Orros, yes? Traditionally rivals to Wrahis and his people.” She’d done enough research on the planet to understand some of the inter-tribal conflicts and rivalries, enough to accomplish their goals. Regardless of whether they’d been loyal or against Celeste or not, it didn’t change what Vahliri had in mind.

“You will take a contingent of our fleet towards their stronghold. Announce yourself to the people of Rattatak,” She turned to glance at Celeste. “And wipe them off the face of the planet. Every member of their clan, every structure, every trace of their existence reduced to glass and ashes." It would be nothing short of slaughter - and they had more than enough firepower to do it. “Once they are dead, we will make outreaches to Clan Wrahis. I imagine the destruction of their rivals will win us a margin of their loyalty.”

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

A few scenarios kept running through her mind as she went through the list of names of clan leaders, warlords and tribes in the surroundings. The thing that nagged on her the most was that she hadn't received mane news about her own court at Rattatak. Everett, her once so loyal bodyguard and good friend of her had probably remained in Barterus, together with the Council. The same probably replied to her aides, secretaries and guards, but the question was whether they had been killed, captured - which wasn't likely, as they didn't often take prisoners - fled, or even sworn their loyalty to the one who had claimed the capital. The thoughts enraged her, but she'd find out soon enough.

Celeste was surprised as Vahliri mentioned the name of the tribe, not having expected she'd find such information as the Rattataki usually kept tribal belongings on the surface and it was no information early accessible everywhere. Then again though, she reminded herself of the ISB and how they would have easily gathered everything they needed. "Yes. They've been sworn rivals for sheer eternities" she confirmed, her voice still neutral, but the way she introduced the other clan, she was obviously hinting at something else. She immediately wondered what she had been scheming in the background, knowing well that this wouldn't be a walk in the park.

Clan Orros had never welcomed her here and they had been one of those tribes that always had to be watched. She had already executed one of their Chiefs back then as he had tried to incite an uprising, but that had been before she had been elected even. Vahliri outlined her plans, their gazes meeting, and while Celeste wasn't too happy about causing such extreme casualties, she nodded. "Very well. It will be done, my Lady" she replied flatly, respectfully bowing her head before she looked back up at her. It was unwise to argue and she wouldn't contradict her. The effects entailed by that would be that the Empire didn't came as the savior - as Rattatak didn't need one right now - but that it would shatter them all if they wouldn't budge. Clan Orros would be the first warning and the reminder of what the Empire was capable of and it would also feel like the first piece of retribution for their doings. They had been one of the first to revolt, they would be the first to go down. The empathy within her was gone, for quite some time and she would do nothing but determinantly execute Vahliri's orders.

Another detail kept echoing through her mind though. 'Announce yourself'. So the great revelation was upon them, upon the galaxy even. There was no turning back then, but she had no doubts. News wouldn't spread quick, especially of they'd slaughter the whole clan. They wouldn't be witness to her homecoming, but she'd collect the relevant footage to be preapred for those who still needed convincing. It would be a dark day for Rattatak as soon as they'd see the fleet approach, but a necessary one, allowing her to prove her loyalty and well, she was already aware of how much this would all change her. "It definitely will. I shall report back to as soon clan Orros has been dealt with". She added, knowing that such a scale of destruction would indeed even intimate the proud Rattataki warriors and they had no idea what was about to hit them.

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

For a few moments, Vahliri was deathly silent. The half-Annfyn couldn’t help but wonder if Celeste was up to the task, or would be willing to execute the very same people that had once sworn her obeisance. Time would tell, she supposed.

“Mm,” She hummed her approval, offering Celeste a curt nod of her head. “See that you don’t fail, Acolyte.” The words were frigid and smooth, the underlying warning unmistakable. “See to it, then.”

The half-Annfyn kept her gaze fixed onto the map - hands knitted together and poised against the small of her back. She waited for the Acolyte to leave, opting to say nothing else on the matter until the deed was done.

---

In the hours that passed, Celeste was granted temporary control of a few Imperiap vessels - delegated from the half-Annfyn to see the job done. Dozens of TIE and Impetus-Class Starfighters flew in tight formation, alongside a pair of Malleus-Class Gunships. They sailed across the horizon of Rattatak, closing in on the stronghold visible just up ahead. Turrets and soldiers manned the walls visible through the viewports, while the sight of civilians moving into secure bunkers and structures would flash across HoloScreens. There were just as many innocents as there were soldiers.

“Ma’am,” One of the Imperial officers stepped forward. “We are being hailed by Chieftain Orros.”

 

[Celeste Stythani]

"Of course not" a curt reply followed before she turned to leave. She would never fail the Empire or the dark side again. After their little exchange, Celeste swapped over into the Gunship and the vessels were getting assigned. The two women split for now and Celeste immediately made them set course for the territory of Clan Orros. The horizon was as clear as ever with not a single cloud shading the merciless Rattataki sun as they made their way across the rocky desert.

It felt good to be in charge in charge again, even if it was temporary for now. She overviewed the situation attentively, ensuring that she remained in control over everything that was happening on the ships and obviously on the surface as well, but so far it seemed like the tribe was just readying themselves for whatever was coming. Well, if truth be told, they couldn't have had any idea.

As the Officer stepped forward, her gaze immediately flicked over to him. She stood with her back straight and her expressions more chilling than usual, but there was a determinant fire in her eyes. Now this was not the easiest situation, but there was not a single doubt inside her. She didn't question Vahliri's orders and she wouldn't hesitate to execute them.

"Hailed?" she still repeated, raising an eyebrow in an almost amused manner. Now that was an interesting twist, but unfortunately it didn't change a thing. They had to pay for what they had done and Celeste was done with handing out second chances. She had received an order from Vahliri, so she'd carry it out without hesitation.

"Open a channel. We've got a transmission for them, she instructed him calmly, stating her command rather flatly before adding, "A call would be even better". She expected them to accept since they were hailing already, obviously not forseeing why they had arrived with a little fleet. Clan Orros had never been in possession of ships, so their defenses would be crushed within minutes from above, so this would even be fun.

Once they'd establish a connection, Celeste waited for the leader to be the one appearing on the screen, assuming he'd be absolutely surprised to spot the face of the previous senator after her long time away. "This is Celeste Stythani speaking" she briefly informed him, her expressions not betraying any emotions while she coldly stared at him. "You might recognize me". She was expecting the man to turn pale as probably not a single song on this planet was expecting her to turn up ever again.

"Resitance is futile. Clan Orros will be the first to experience the changes first-handedly. Rattatak will bend the knee to the Empire". She stepped a little closer, eying the warlord. "Chieftain Orros, would you do me the favor to broadcast my transmission?". Regardless of whether he did it or not, it would spread. She was certain of it. "Commander, fire at will". With that, she slightly turned her head to the side, eying the Imperial Commander.

Just like Vahliri had said, there wouldn't be a single soul alive or a single stone up on the other where it once had been. This territory would be wiped from the landscape and be nothing more than history. All the while Celeste did not even flinch. She stood and watched, knowing that she'd see the people burn who had once elected her. Vahliri had already taught her well and the last months had changed her. There had probably been another way to win over clan Orros, but they wouldn't get the chance to choose. They had betrayed her the moment she had vanished and were not to be trusted anyway. There would be more casualties than necessary, but she was staying true to her word and not fail Vahliri.

@Altaris

 

[The Storyteller]

To say that Chieftain Orros was surprised was a gross understatement.

There was a comical look of surprise that was plastered across the Rattataki leader’s face, and it was clear from the hologram that his gaze was flicking between Celeste and the fleet that moved at her command. The words didn’t seem to manifest past his lips - but whatever color proceeded to drain from his expression when Celeste gave her order.

The Imperials didn’t hesitate to execute on the orders. Within moments, a squadron of bombers began to unleash their payload onto the stronghold below - rocking each structure and facility with artillery fire. Flashes of plasma streaked through the air as they found purchase, blowing through duracrete and sending thick plumes of dust and smoke into the air. Whatever little resistance the clan was capable of putting up, they simply didn’t have the means to defend against an organized, superior navy.

“Senator Stythani, wait! WAIT! cease your bombardment! We surrender!” The Chieftain stammered the words, immediately dropping to his knees before the Acolyte. “We surrender to you..” For all the ways that the Chieftain had once opposed Celeste, the Acolyte would feel both the fear and submission in his eyes. With a single word, she could choose to spare them - to halt the bombardment and keep the clan under her thumb.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Through the viewport, Celeste watched the first bombers unleash their explosives and not only rocking, but destroying the first solid structures like if they were nothing. In the background of the hologram she could hear the panicking shrieks and how quickly the expressions of the warlord changed.

The politician inside her as well as the diplomat was obviously tempted to consider this genuine offer of total surrender. The Sith, however, wasn't, and it was not just that it was the dominant force within her, but also the fact that she was executed orders right now - not her own orders. Additionally, it wasn't just this raw feeling of power, but also the fear that thrilled her.

They had committed treason by having chosen to revolt at the very first occasion. His submission now meant nothing and neither did his weak tries that were nothing but a result from pure panic and desperation. It felt good to know that she had this power over them. She could end their suffering and literally have him bend his knee and swear his loyalty, but after all, what was it worth? It were nothing but empty words. She had been fooled by words too often herself, knowing that what truly mattered were actions as well as power and raw strength.

She watched them all burn, watched them suffer and their whole stronghold getting bombed to the ground without a single doubt in her mind. The darkness within her was only amplified by their screams, the destruction and the treacherous blood that was getting spilled. The bombardment would mercilessly continue until the last life was snuffed out and the last structure destroyed. Only then she would return to Vahliri to report that everything had gone according to plan while the news spread all over Rattatak.

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

There was no disputing the devastation that the Sith Fleet unleashed. The combined firepower of multiple gunships and bombed squads tore through what little defenses the Clan could elicit - ripping apart homes, military complexes, government buildings and everything else. The cries and pleas for mercy rang over communication systems unanswered, while stragglers attempted - in vain - to flee from the outpost on foot or ground vehicle.

None of it mattered.

The smoke wouldn’t even come close to settling before a transmission was received on the bridge - Vahliri’s slender frame appearing in blue, holographic image. “We have begun to receive proclamations of submission from across nearby Clan territory. Rebels within the capital have begun to hunker down.” She said curtly. Footage of Celeste’s actions was already beginning to spread, and it didn’t take long for neighboring clans to see the writing on the wall.

“We move to accelerate our plans.” Developments elsewhere in the Empire meant they didn’t have time to conduct a slow and methodical takeover, “Rendezvous over the capital to begin bombardment, while the rest of our fleet will strike at other key strongholds.”

“The survivors will not resist us.”

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste watched the planet's surface burn right over where Clan Orros was located. Or rather had been located. There were no survivors, no prisoners, no mercy. It was nothing but a display of the Empire's sheer power. The Imperial Fleet wasn't even solidly rocked as they hadn't been prepared for such an attack and so it was nothing but successful slaughter of the people she had once sworn go protect. Things had changed. The warlord deserved no matter and the rest were casualties that happen during phases war.

As Vahliri's transmission faded in, her gaze flicked over to the blue hologram. Good...so Rattatak was falling and being forcefully brought under the Imperial banner, but from now on, resistance would be twindling. She was literally expecting that many of those who received cheered at the announcement, as there had been discontent about the FWA's weakness before. The Empire was everything but that, and they were learning that right now.

"Excellent. So everything goes according to plan" she replied, her lips curling into a faint smile as she turned to the Commander. "There seems to be nothing left of them. We can join the fleet again". With that, they'd indeed headed back to Barterus where the bombardment of the capital had begun. The Rattataki were tough warriors didn't even know the word 'surrender', yet they seemed completely shocked about what was just hitting them.

@Altaris