Unpaid internship

[Mid Samekh]

Yavin 4/random forest clearing​

11:59 local time​

theme​

Finally Mid got things rolling. He had been working out the logistics and fine details for months now, and finally the Empire gave him the green light. Of course Korriban was still top priority. It will always be. It was his home, his kind's home. And come hell or high water he would free it of that plague that took it from him and he would mount each being's head on a spike once he won it back. He swore to it.

But he wasn't ready to put that together yet. He had a plan but he didn't have the ships. And he didn't have a staging area big enough to accommodate an entire fleet. So why not do both the Sith Empire a favour as well as himself and build a proper base of operations as well as a discrete fallback position in case something like their current predicament ever happened again. It would also make a really nice lookout point to keep an eye on the empire next door. Thankfully they were keeping to themselves. The last thing the Empire needed now was another invasion from those blasted Mandalorians.

Yavin 4 was a good choice. It was inconspicuous, had a good placement...and most importantly it contained an incredibly powerful force nexus. That was their destination. He (more specifically his pilots) steered the Logos towards a clearing as close to it as he could. The scanners didn't pick it up. Why would it? No, this required a good link to the force to be able to find it. Something he had no shortage of. They reached the small clearing and the ship touched down. He geared up. His armour was in place, his lightsabers and pistols were by his hips, his knife was sheathed behind his back under his black cloak and his Lanvarok was strapped to his right arm as always. He felt a lot better now than he did on Serenno with that party. He also brought Varpa along. He thought that the hound would enjoy this trip. Any dark-sider would enjoy this trip.

The ramp lowered and Mid took a deep breath of the jungle air. "Can you feel it?" he asked both his companions with a small smile. He slid his helmet on and draped the cloak over it. "This place will work nicely." he commented.

@Darasuum @Caught in Strangereal

 

[Amur]

Nerves were flowing with energy along with pain on this trip. Amur whilst remaining imperturbable to any of Mid's crew as they made there approach was internally relishing this moment. She considered Korriban her real home not Coruscant as it had been the place where she was transformed from husk to predator. The planet's downfall had been a sore point for the Sith especially since she wasn't present for the planet's defense. Whilst many reports coming from survivors had made it seem like any contribution she could of provided would have been meaningless. Still she wished she could have done something anything to aid the effort. Whilst establishing a temple and base on the planet may seem on the surface level not related to Korriban she knew it was a precursor for the reconquering of the planet. To know she would be participating in the first steps to taking back Korriban well it felt like both an honor and a source of redemption for the acolyte.

There was another reason she was looking forward to this, she clearly must have made a good impression on Mid to be working alongside him again and also she would be working alongside Darth Valvarus. While she had some minor social encounters with the new Lord this would be the first she would be properly working alongside Valvarus. Make a good impression on her and well maybe she could get in her good graces, that could help her rise amongst the ranks and could even lead to an apprenticeship though that right now would be far fetched. This mission was brimming with opportunity. Sure her body was still continuing it's usual song of pain, all around of varying degrees of severity but it seemed much easier to ignore today.

She double checked all of her equipment, made sure her pistol was well lubricated and cycling, her lightsaber was ready and Amur even did a deep clean of her rifle, a force of habit she developed after it froze up on her on Ojom. A final check of the adhesive grenades at her belt confirming to herself she was ready to rock 'n' roll. The ramp slid down with even the humble forest lighting being slightly blinding compared to the ship. She took her first step onto the planet behind Mid already starting to get a feel for the place. The sensations of the force were always there but as they got nearer and nearer to the landing site it was becoming more evident. The dark side was alive her and she could feel it's cold tentacles starting to wrap around her. It was electrifying and seemed to build up inside her, drawing her even more to the planet. Her anticipation now transforming into a clawing urge that demanded to be satisfied.

"It's practically caking the air." Amur replied to Mid who seemed to sharing the same excitement, and sensation of power that flowed throughout this place. It would indeed work nicely but at that point she was reminded it wouldn't be a walk in the woods. There was the Massassi to contend with. "Just need to deal with the locals. Think they'll respond to a show of strength? Maybe we could challenge the chief and strike them down in front of everyone?" She asked Valvarus and Mid intending to get the ball rolling and everyone on the same page. They still needed to figure out how to approach this problem after all.

@KinkyPrawn @Darasuum

 

[Darth Valravus]

___________________

❅ THEME ❅​

The male among them looked ready to fight. Moreso than look it, Darth Valravus could sense his readiness for combat. She wanted him to inudlge it. The way she could tell was not even through the force. It was a warrior's sense of subtle observation, small ticks, posture, even the very sweat that evaporated from a person told a person's subconcious how they were feeling in the back of their mind even if their conciousness could not pinpoint its source. The Sith Lord knew it and she felt the same way.

Walking forward with her head held high, she had not worn her heavy loth-wolf pelt cloak. This environment was much too hot for such clothing. Instead her personal armor and frame was uncovered. On her back, her new sith sword was secured with the handle poking over her right shoulder. Around her waist were her numerous weapons. Each of her hands were balled gently into a fist, swinging with each step of her long stride.

"Indeed. A good choice Crusader Samekh." A slight smile creased her lips as she imagined the opportunities ahead thanks in part to the Pureblood's decision to lead this project. Unlike her two subordinates, Valravus did not have any type of face covering. "Let's see how well this pans out." She added to indicate that Mid would be scrutinized by the Sith Lord for the duration of this mission and so would Amur. Every conflict was an opportunity for them to prove themselves. The same as it had been for her when she was coming. Now holding a title of leadership she needed to make sure that those under her command would have the chance to better themselves. But if they don't...well...not everyone can be satisfactory. Her finger twitched slightly. For some reason the taste of blood returned to her mouth. These days she never bit anybody's jugular out.

@KinkyPrawn @Caught in Strangereal

 

[Mid Samekh]

Mid listened to Amur's input, slowly shaking his head. "Not even sure what locals we're dealing with. Imperial records can't make up their minds over it. Only reliable source I have is some scriptures over Sith migration from Korriban. A bunch of Purebloods along with unevolved ancient Sith took a ship and landed here apparently. If that's the case, we might have some very territorial beings on our hands...also I hope you two can speak Sith. We might need it. But if we are dealing with Sith, a show of strength might work like a charm." he explained to her over his shoulder, walking down the ramp. "Under normal circumstances I have no issue killing other Sith, but in this situation I'd prefer keeping casualties to a minimum. We might also need them to build the temple for us. It will save a lot of trouble compared to buying slaves or hiring contractors." he continued, stopping for a second to look the area over.

Closing his eyes, his force vision took over, painting a different picture. An enormously powerful presence appeared, like a bonfire as big as a mountain in the distance. The nexus was not too far at all. "Come on, let's move." he said and led the way to the nexus. His hands rested on his lightsabers in case he needed to react in an instant. His senses were also on high alert, scanning their surroundings.

The heat and humidity really wasn't pleasant. The heat really wasn't an issue, it was quite nice actually. The humidity was what got Mid down the most. If it weren't for the breeze blowing every now and then he would have gone back to the ship and bulldozed his way to the nexus. His senses were also messing around. He could sense there was something close by watching them, but the power of the nexus was overwhelming to him. As they ventured deeper into the jungle, they passed ancient stone structures that have been reclaimed by the jungle. There was even an old broken path that winded along their way. "Clearly the inhabitants have a decent level of intellect." he said to his companions. They passed an old ruined house, where Mid stopped to look the structure over. He looked it over and ran a hand along the stone doorframe. "Well that confirms it. This is Sith architecture. Different stone than that on Korriban, but the architecture is the same." he commented, almost absentmindedly.

His curiosity was burning. He really wanted to explore these ruins, actually forcing himself to stop before he explored the building further. Of course there was the question of why there is no longer inhabitants in this building. He could also feel eyes on them from deep in the jungle. He unclipped a lightsaber and held it tightly, but didn't ignite it. "We're being watched." he commented coldly.

@Caught in Strangereal @Darasuum

 

[Amur]

"Nu valia sari kia sainti ragale ra zudyti, kad nie stukali" Amur replied back in Sith tongue to confirm to Mid that she had a decent understanding of the language. Though for Amur there was something else starting to dig into the back of her mind. It wasn't the lack of intel on the local population or stratagems to employ, it was pressure. Darth Valvarus' comment while short had meaning especially with the way that the words she said seemed to linger in the air putrid with suggestion and implication. It was something that she would say to an underling to lightly imply what failure could mean, but also success. Amur could definite respect someone who could draw from a similar playbook. Also it gave an extra bit of meaning and purpose to her actions now wanting to impress the Darth even more.

The sickly jungle planet was dripping with atmosphere... literally. Amur's skin was sweating under her armor but alas it was a small price to pay, no different than having to deal with the extreme conditions of any planet though that didn't stop her from wishing she could do somewhere that was more of the brutally cold and dry variety like Ojom. As she followed Mid the nexus seemed to draw the scorched acolyte even as it the ground itself was talking to her and whispering into her thoughts. Her mind naturally being drawn to the image of fire the licking destruction it could cause, especially to an organic. Though unlike her outburst on Serenno this was controlled and purposeful as long as she didn't think about before the fire. She tried to let the world speak to her communicate with her and aid her movements as the ground seemed like a springboard for every step. The sight of buildings and ruinous paths leading them ever closer to the nexus though now a paranoia was creeping in. The paranoia when you feel when someone's eyes were by shot like daggers at you. Mid's comment all but confirmed it.

Amur's mind started to fill with idea for how to best handle this. No point in running they would just take that as a sign of weakness and attack. Then again an idea floated into her head. While that peculiar Cathar may have done it just to show off her knowledge and stroke her ego, it may have been something worth learning from. After all if they're Sith than they were predators and animals of strength. That is what is respected, when facing a bear you don't turn tail, you stare it in the eye get a little closer and make yourself as big as possible to intimidate it and know you are one to be respected. With the nexus she felt like she could inject the embodiment of fear into their hearts.

Amur without feeling the need to draw her weapons, merely shut her eyes and focused the force letting it swelter into her vocal chords imagining a enhanced voice riddled with hints of dominance, strength and command.

"Parod tu'saen ir j'us valia buti anhoai su tave saarai iv re arzyutnaor. Ar j'us odacon kais zo ztamotiaona na j'us sekleti mrias vi wo." It wasn't a scream or even a yell though it did have the volume of a minor yell. It was delivered slow, clear and deliberate. Clearly meant to convey that she and her group were in control and didn't fear them, heck they could probably sense their eagerness to shed blood.

A simple command to be obeyed and one to give the Massassi a chance to do the smart thing, talk so they can be lulled and seduced by the power they could promise even if they wouldn't realize they were shackling themselves. If they decided to attack well... Amur was channeling the force getting ready to defend herself, plus she and her group could then get a lovely chance to Indulge and feast upon the energy this nexus was conjuring.

@Darasuum @KinkyPrawn

 

[Mid Samekh]

Mid eyed Amur as she screamed at the beings watching them. At least she could speak Sith...and speak it properly. "I doubt they understand the meaning of 'incursion', Amur." Mid explained with a chuckle. "These are Massassi. They're an inferior race. Little more than cannon fodder for my people." he continued with a scoff, voicing his thoughts on the ancient race quite clearly.

Though it did seem her comment struck a nerve. A bunch of small saw blades hissed through the air as they came for the two Sith. Mid recognised the projectiles: Lanvarok blades. His lightsaber ignited and he blocked the projectiles in time. He gave a quick look over the broken discs on the floor. "Poisoned discs. Those scratch you, you're dead!" he warned Amur, standing his ground. "Eaekr unsenr j'us stai?" a deep voice called out to them in the woods.

Mid gave Amur a look before replying. "Mes geida kia byloti su tu'iea xapa!" he called back with a booming voice. "Let's see if your plan works." he muttered to Amur, extinguishing his lightsaber. After a minute or so a small group of enormous Massassi warriors stepped out of the treeline, all carrying Lanvaroks and Sith swords. "Mes valia vykti j'us kia jis." one said roughly, then proceeded to lead the way. The rest stood with their weapons ready, gesturing for Mid and Amur to follow.

@Caught in Strangereal

 

[Darth Valravus]

___________________

So they were going to tryy to take on these locals without killing any of them. She had hunted prey before and fought against numerous enemies. Usually the stakes were to take down the targets by whatever means necessary. However she was a bit curious about her own prowess to see if she could capture and incapacitate a large number of Sith.

As they continued to walk Darth Valravus remained silent. She thought about what on her person was non lethal. She pulled her lullaby heavy blaster pistol from its holster and switched its setting premptivly over to its stun function. Other than that she just had her concussion, emp and adhesive grenades along with her shock boxing gloves. Her neck joints cracked as she rolled her neck.

The other two Sith advanced, watching the local flora for signs of the Massassi. The Sith Lord was not sure what his plan in but so far it seemed to be a hike. A bit behind the duo they were attacked by a hail of Lanvarok discs. However they managed to avoid getting injured. Both of the Deucalian's hands were clenched into fists, the force building up in either of them for a moment. The attackers revealed themselves though and from the shadows the woman relaxed a little, returning her power back to its more calmed and natural state.
@KinkyPrawn @Caught in Strangereal

 

[Amur]

Amur didn't get a chance to snark back at Mid, when the storm of blades came bearing for them. Conjuring a force barrier around her that deflected the blades that came for her. It was surprisingly effortless. Oh the nexus' power was so tantalizing as she then dropped the barrier. looking over the Lanvarok blades the now lay jutted into the ground. hearing to Mid's explanation.

"If they're that deadly then I may need to get myself a set." Amur remarked and well she wasn't lying if she could somehow rope herself into getting one as a trophy... well, let's not get to ahead of ourselves. Then finally the old ones answered demanding why they were here. Good they wanted to talk. Mid then replied back going with Amur's suggestion of seeing the Chief. It was funny how sometimes a light mention gets formulated into a plan on the spot but hey what else did they have and it would allow them to hopefully minimize the amount of 'unnecessary' casualties.

Seeing the group of Massassi warriors come out of the woodwork it's was startling just how different they had developed compared to Mid. They seemed to barely be within the same subspecies. Well now she could see why Mid would have so much disdain. Maybe they could 'civilize' them, ha who was she kidding? The empire would not bother to waste such efforts on that kind of trite besides the Massassi would resist, so the iron boot would need to be used.

She would follow them as the massassi held their steely swords probably entertaining what what they would look like skewered on a stick. She just kept a calm neutral demeanor though. Her hand resting nearby her Lightsaber ready to draw and let loose at the drop of a pin. She was now thinking ahead on how to best approach the Chief. Maybe feed him so bollocks about how they were incapable of exploiting the full power of the Nexus. They were too weak to do so and that they could restore their tribe to greatness. As for what a challenge would look like... How about demanding the chief to take himself and his two strongest warriors and fight them in a death match. No weapons just you body and the force... Now that sounded like fun. The Scorched Acolyte pondered all of this as the hunger from the darkside kept getting stronger and stronger with each step towards the Chief and by extension the Nexus.

@Darasuum @KinkyPrawn

 

[Mid Samekh]

They were escorted through the jungle by the hulking brutes. Though their weapons weren't confiscated, the blades that were held uncomfortably close did a good job of keeping the trio in check. Not that Mid was fazed by this display. He did try to speak, but feeling a blade pressing harder against his neck. In silence he walked in line with his other companions.

As they walked, they passed through a piece of road that were littered with heads on spikes stuck into the ground. Interestingly, aside from mostly other Sith, there were non-sith too. Humans, Duros, Even a Rodian. Mid could only guess that these poor fools were spacers unfortunate enough to land here in search of something but instead found the Sith. At least the three of them were made of sterner stuff than random spacers. For now they just needed to roll with it. A grunt and a shove from his side brought him back to the moment, making him focus.

It didn't take long before they arrived in a small village made of stone structures like what they saw earlier. Only this time it seemed to be maintained to some degree...still, that doesn't mean they now qualify as 'civilized'. Pretty soon they stood in front of a Massassi littered with scars, showing off years of battles that he had lived through. Golden jewelry also adorned him around his neck, chest, arms and waist. Clearly this was their chief. The trio was lined up in front of him, and a bunch of warriors surrounded them. One of the warriors approached the chief and whispered something to him, but whatever it was didn't see, good as the chief's already foul-tempered face sank even more. "Nesti nun ane ginklas!" he shouted with a booming voice and suddenly they were all restrained and shoved around while the warriors stripped them of their gear.

Mid tried to fight back, giving one of the MAssassi a solid blow to the face, but barely a second later he was knocked to the ground as a pommel hit the back of his skull. A similar fate would befall his companions if they tried to resist. "Vykti savimi salini!" the chief ordered again and they were dragged off, eventually thrown into cells and locked in. Probably most surprisingly was the fact that the cells were made of metal...force-imbued metal.

@Darasuum @Caught in Strangereal

 

[Darth Valravus]

___________________

If it had been Darth Valravus who had been attacked she would have probably went straight into offense and attacked the Massassi. Anybody that raised a weapon against her tended to end up on the receiving end of her own. They were eventually brought in front of a warrior who clearly was the more seasoned of any of the Massassi. Zan's sith was a little rusty but she could gather what he said.

Theme change​

When a hand reached for her sith sword on her back Darth Valravus reacted instinctual. Her body turned abruptly to face the warrior that had touched her weapons. With a short range force pull his neck came straight towards her own and she opened her mouth. Promptly biting down a gush of blood spattered her mouth and neck as gravity did its work.

Keeping hold of the warrior for a moment she pulled the warrior with her as he tried to stem the bleeding that would lead to his inevitable death. A hail of lanvarok discs hit the dying warrior in the back in friendly fire as they tried to disable her. After they stopped firing she let loose a force push, sending the disc-cushion massassi into the body of another warrior who was trying to take Amur into custody.

Springing to life in her hand were her two lightsabers. The two magenta blades held on the defensive, ready to slice up anything the Massassi threw at her. Darth Valravus did not become anybody's prisoner and these tribal beings would learn that soon enough. Both of her eyes had gone black leaving only the irises showing. Her mouth covered in still warm and dripping blood. Hawking up some of the tissue she had violently torn out the Deucalian sith spat it onto the ground between her and the seasoned chief of the tribe.

The Sith Lord did not tell the warriors to drop their weapons, she did not try to reason with them. If they had the power to take her alive then they could try. If they did not then they should know better or not expect anything other than complete slaughter for attempting it.

@KinkyPrawn @Caught in Strangereal

 

[Amur]

Amur just felt one thing over again. Disappointment. Why was it that when you give people a chance to do things the easy way they always have to resist. Pride, arrogance who knows still to see the chief foolishly condemn his people by thinking he could simply imprison the three Sith without a fight well... they were going to be in for a bad time. The scorched acolyte uttered a simple phrase in basic upon hearing the chief's orders.

"Shame" Delivered almost in a regretful sigh.

Several Massassi were beginning to encircle her when Valravus sprung into action causing a bloody tumult. The warriors around her quickly had turned to face Valravus raising their Lanvaroks to attack the lord. Amur quickly reached and yanked a sith sword out of the scabbard of the warrior directly in front of her. The Massassi turned to face Amur but not before she could reel back and perform a forward stab into his side skewering his rib cage. A final expression of rage on the feral creature before Amur would kick him off from her new blade.

Amur then would notice a Massassi to her left about to fire his Lavnarok and a warrior to her right about to strike. The Sith narrowly moving her head just enough to get out of the blade's pathway as she felt air whoosh by her nose. The disc would instead hit the warrior straight and true into his chest. The warrior who inadvertently killed his brother in arms would however deliver a heavy punch of fueled by rage and the nexus knocking Amur to the ground. It caused her helmet to crack and flake off pieces of Duraplast exposing Amur's burnt eye that now stared back at the Warrior. Blood red it seemed determined to bore a whole straight into the Massassi's soul. The Massassi was going to subdue to rebeling Sith when Amur noticed the flying body of the warrior Valravus thrown that now impacted with Amur's attacker. When the bodies collided various Lavnarok discs would embed themselves into the still living inbred Sith, adhering the two and sending whatever poison left into him.

Amur would now rise from the ground, dropping the blade and igniting her Lightsaber. The blade erratically crackling and raging. The Sith Acolyte now edging a few steps closer to Lord Valravus in order to gurantee that they could cover each other in a melee should the rest of the tribe descend upon the 3. Her eye briefly fixated on the Chief pulsating in intensity of red. Amur would briefly then glance towards Mid and then back to the Chief giving one simple command.

"Tegu jis zuti" Amur commanded. Maybe with a demonstration of strength he would respect them, or maybe more of his warriors would have to die. Amur didn't care. What she did know for sure though was that the chief was going to die. The only variable being the level of suffering he would endure before he did.

@KinkyPrawn @Darasuum

 

[Mid Samekh]

As Mid went to the ground chaos erupted around him. Though in his state he was quite oblivious to everything going on around him. While his compatriots were tearing warrior after warrior apart, he slowly rose to sit on his knees. It was only then that he noticed his helmet was off...and the chief was standing over him, staring down the two other Sith.

The chief laughed at Amur's command as the battle moved into a pause. The hulking brute eyed the two women, his rows of razor sharp teeth all on display as he smiled sickly at them. "Kait lig nie." he said coldly and raised his blade to impale the Sith before him. But before he had a chance to make a move, Mid's knife flew from his robes and stabbed right up into the chief's groin under his loincloth. Something between a gurgle and a yelp escaped him as he bent over. Mid pulled his knife out and buried it into the chief's chest, rolling out of the way as the beast came crashing down.

Mid was furious. His head was throbbing with pain and he was royally ticked off by the savages. Growling he got onto his feet and stood over the dying chief that was still trying to cling to life with all he had. He knelt down and grabbed hold of the chief's chin, burying his nails into his throat. He then started to yank back with all his might, and after a few yanks the pained howls of the chief were silences as Mid tore his head from his shoulders. He rose to his feet and held the severed head above him to show the other warriors who now started to back off. He hurled it towards the crowd and force-pulled his lightsaber back to his waiting hand. With a deep, droning hum his lightsaber ignited as he pointed it towards the group surrounding his companions. "Atsikla." he said flatly. At first nothing happened, but then one after the other they knelt in front of them. Mid couldn't help but spot the similarity between now and when the Exiles first arrived on Korriban. Rather poetic in a sense.

He raised his wrist to his mouth and activated his commlink. "Logos. Contact the crews. Tell them to round up the workers." he ordered his ship who immediately jumped into action. The warriors stayed put, now too afraid to move against the ones that seemed invincible to them. It didn't take long for more ships to arrive with troops carrying equipment to detain the savages.

After all that was said and done they could finally return to the ship...where the three looked rather out of place with the blood splatters caking their armour.

/End Thread

@Darasuum @Caught in Strangereal