Ask What Doesn't Stay Buried

[Darth Tempest]

.

Since her ascension to Sith Master, Vahliri had been delegated a number of new tasks and responsibilities, and one of those happened to be running Acolytes through a variety of assignments and missions. It felt like an eternity ago that the half-Annfyn had been in their shoes - trekking through the swamps of Zakuul on her first Imperial assignment - and couldn’t help but smile at the memory. It was a good opportunity for field experience, and would serve to weed out the weakest amongst the newer generation of Sith.

Naturally, the mission itself was no training exercise. For weeks, reports had found their way to Vahliri’s desk - all pointing to Ankus and the alleged activity occurring on the neutral world. To her surprise, intel consistently pointed back to former members of the Sith Eternel - men and women who had been believed dead or missing for over a decade. Perhaps it was nothing more than a ghost story. Or perhaps the former loyalists of the Eternal meant to capitalize on the ISC-Imperial war. Either way, Vahliri was taking no chances - and was intent upon eliminating the threat before it evolved into something more.

Due to the remote location of the stronghold, Vahliri and her cohort were forced to land at a lower elevation and hike up the frosted slopes - ensuring they got their exercise in before the mission itself even began. The sun already begun to set over the horizon, casting a multitude of sunset colors across the snowy plains. Less than a mile away and down the ridge, a small base was easily visible with people moving about within.

With her back to the mountains, Vahliri stood at the head of the group - handed folded neatly against the small of her back. The half-Annfyn was adorned in her signature Sith robes and hood, a pair of lightsabers clipped to her belt. Her amber gaze flicked between the group, greeting them all with impassive countenance. While Rhaenys was the only face she was readily familiar with, she didn’t intend upon playing favorites with her own apprentice.

“I am Master Vahliri Kahtal,” She broke the silence, glancing between them. “All of you have already been briefed on this mission - and are thus in possession of all the information we have to go off of.” The half-Annfyn gestured across the ridge. “Below us the stronghold in question, reported to contain loyalists of the false Eternal. This will be our target and objective.”

“As Acolytes, you have all been selected for this mission - to root out a threat to the Sith Order and your Empire. I will say this only once - that despite what you may hear or see within those walls, the men and women inside that fortress are not your fellow Sith or Imperials.” They were traitors to the Empire. Loyalists to the Eternal - and a threat to the stability of the Sith Order. “Hesitation to do your job will get you and your peers killed, and will not be tolerated under my command.”

“Under the cover of nightfall, we will begin our attempt to infiltrate the base. Our objective is simple; collect any information available regarding this group, and destroy their stronghold here on Ankus. We will not be taking prisoners today.” The half-Annfyn paused for a moment, allowing the information to sink in. “We will be splitting into two groups. You will be given the opportunity to pick partners, or you will be assigned.” There was four of them, equally splitting the number of Acolytes. She purposefully didn’t mention which group she would be following.

“Before we begin, introduce yourself to your peers - and bring up any questions you have.” Vahliri glanced back towards the sun setting over the horizon. “You have fifteen minutes.”

@Wit @Xorism @Logan @Arcangel

 

[Amun Seti]

Jeset had of course been briefed on the situation, or at least so far as he "needed" to know. Rogue Sith elements who worshipped the old Eternal yadayadayada. Not much of substance there to begin with and the Acolyte wondered if SIN was making up for a lack of intel by saying that lowly acolytes didn't need to know much about who they would be killing or why.

He also wouldn't put it past them to keep the Acolytes in the dark just because they could.

The trek up the mountainside hadn't been too bad, though intensive enough to prevent much conversation between the hikers. Between his upbringing in the Jedi and the Aadya's intensive training, Jeset was rather physically fit. Not to say it was easy, but it didn't wipe him out either and by the time they reached the summit he was feeling pretty good about himself.

The end of the hike was topped off with a speech by their drillmaster to which Jeset stifled a yawn while feigning rapt attention to the Sith master. Stronghold. False Eternal. Threats to the Empire. No hesitation. Kill or be killed. The details were different but it all panned out to the same thing as always. Kill them so they don't kill you. Got it.

Ah, there it was. Infiltrate. Collect information. And then destroy/kill/slaughter them all. So SIN was making up for their shortcomings by sending a bunch of Acolytes to do their job. Jeset looked around at the assembled acolytes as Master Vahliri gave them their assignment. There were a few familiar faces here along with one not so familiar. Jeset stayed quiet for the moment as silence settled over the group at the conclusion of the Sith master's speech.

@Wit @Altaris @Logan @Xorism

 

[Nevizkas]

Cyutadakyr quickly regretted being so eager to attend the mission once she found out how frigidly cold and miserable it would be. Not even the chance to work under the esteemed Master Kahtal was enough to defrost her displeasure. The fact that they'd have to do a long hard trek in the wintery climate was a further test on her patience, not that she would show anything.

Cyu had gotten so used to the scorching Korriban climate that adjusting to something so starkly different would take some time, but rather than complain she chose to embrace the discomfort. The lightly colored armor she wore was icy and chilled to the touch and her crimson blade was at her side. At last, they were in a position to hear Master Kahtal's plan of action and Cyu listened intently.

A sweet smile caressed her lips as Vahliri reached the part about taking no prisoners. It was a shame that they wouldn't get to play with their food at least a little, but on the other hand, it also made the mission significantly easier as they wouldn't have to protect any hostages they might have taken.

She glanced at the trio of acolytes that she'd be working with on the mission. Great, she thought. One looked like an emo snowman who'd spend more time looking in a mirror than ahead of him. Another looked like a prissy princess of noble blood and would happily remind everyone of this, her only claim to fame. At least the third companion seemed more Cyu's speed, although it remained to be seen how she might also disappoint.

With a feigned smile, the Sith introduced herself to the others as instructed. "My name is Cyutadakyr of Korriban. Only child by choice." When the opportunity arose to ask questions about the mission, she posed one to Master Kahtal. "Must we kill them quickly, or may we have a little fun first?"

@Wit @Altaris @Logan @Arcangel

 

[Renata K'Sahn]

Renata remained quiet as Master Kahtal said her piece, locking away what information seemed important and letting everything else go into one ear and tumble out of the other. In her experience, Sith tended to talk a lot more than they needed to. Usually onanistic nonsense, but to Ren's surprise Master Kahtal did say some stuff that actually mattered.

Renata. She said simply to Cyutadakyr, Renata's tone as cool as the air that swirled around them. She'd never met a Pureblood before and she had to say, the undeserved air of superiority wasn't particularly becoming. In fact, Renata's nose crinkled just a little bit as she addressed Cyuta before her gaze drifted over to Jeset.

Jeset and I will pair. Renata said with a shrug before walking over towards the white-haired acolyte. Better to deal with the devil you knew than the devil you didn't, she figured. She also knew he wasn't much of a talker so he probably wouldn't protest, and his skills were sufficient enough to not make him a liability.

Renata couldn't say the same for Cyuta or the other acolyte. Only time would tell.

Do we have ordinance to take out the stronghold or will eradicating the denizens like the sewer rats they are suffice? Renata had no real experience with blowing shit up, but figured the learning curve wouldn't be too steep to climb should it come down to that.

Still, a few details would be nice. Pulling the hood of her robes tighter in a futile attempt to keep the chill at bay, Renata would wait and see what Master Kahtal's next instruction would be.

@Wit @Altaris @Arcangel @Xorism

 

[Rhaenys Drast]

Like the others, and as Master Kahtal explained, she had received a dossier on the mission before they had set out, and so she had come prepared, but in her own way. She had her lightsaber, a blaster with a fancy ascension mod (though she had never used it and hoped she wouldn't have to lest she break something, but better to be prepared than sorry), and had dressed for the job, wearing a camouflage outfit with a fur lined cloak to keep away the cold, she was making sure that if she failed today it was not for a lack of preparation. But the key to that was pocket full of datasticks and encryption keys which should be able to unlock most basic Imperial security systems. That last bit had taken the most time and resources to acquire, and was key to her own goals.

And Rhaenys had goals of her own today, goals that had her buzzing with excitement. Despite the prospect of being in the field on her own, she was genuinely excited. Rogue elements loyal to the Eternal, that meant they would follow old practices, ways that had been outlawed for decades. They must have learned that from somewhere, someone, and there was a chance that their source waited below. Sure, the archives would have all that info, and more, and once she was a champion herself she would have free access to all that was hidden from acolytes. But she was greedy, impatient, and above all else, she was Sith. She wanted it all, and she wanted it now. She would find what they knew, and then she would know it as well. Yes, she was definitely excited.

"Rhaenys." She nodded and introduced herself to the Sith pureblood, ignoring Renata and Jeset. She knew the latter, knew he was capable, and would likely make it out of whatever waited them, but could not saw the same for Renata, or her own partner. But that didn't matter, if neither made it, that was alright. Just two fewer files she would have to maintain.

She didn't really have any questions, she had considered asking if she could keep a copy of any information she might find below, but thought better of it on the chance that Vahliri said no. Better to feign ignorance later, than appear insubordinate. So she waited as Renata and Cyutadakyr asked their questions, instead stepping closer to Jeset to share a whispered word with him.

"Race you down? Donuts on the loser?"

@Altaris @Arcangel @Logan @Xorism

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri kept her arms folded against the small of her back - amber eyes flicking between the assembled Acolytes. She watched as a few of them introduced themselves and others remained quiet, whispering amongst themselves. The last bit of their free time burned away - culminating with the sun that dipped below the horizon. With the few questions tossed her way, Vahliri was quick to come up with an answer.

“The men and women inside the base are trained combatants. You will find no easy slaughter today,” She said towards Cyu. The half-Annfyn wasn’t going to discourage ruthlessness and vicious tactics from her students, but it was a word of warning all the same. “Do not jeopordize yourself or your team for personal pleasures.” Methodology was left to the Pureblood’s discretion, so long as the results didn’t change. Vahliri’s attention then flicked to Renata - taking a moment to consider the twinge of a similar accent and complexion as her own, hinting at Induparan descent.

“You do,” She said simply in response. “We will collect whatever intelligence is available, and leave ashes in our wake.” Blowing up the facility would, in theory, finish off whatever denizens survived their initial assault.

With that, Vahliri finally stepped towards the group of Acolytes - gesturing for their attention. “You all have been pre-programmed to shared comms channels. Keep your partners informed of your whereabouts and of any bullshit you encounter. I don’t want any surprises.” The half-Annfyn jutted her chin. “Renata and Jeset will enter the stronghold from the North. Myself, Rhaenys and Cyu will across the frozen lake to the South.”

"Investigate and then we will rendevous inside."

“Come with me,” At that, Vahliri began to make her way down the snowy, slipped ridge - sliding down towards the frozen lake and the stronghold beyond.

---

Herself, Rhaenys and Cyu would find their approach largely unmolested, save for the occasional spotlight that shone and tracked across the icy horizon in no particular pattern. There was a side entrance that led into the stronghold, with a pair of armed guards posted atop watchtowers. A few meters south, the trio would be able to see an armored vehicle approaching the stronghold - likely hauling raw materials from their mountainous terrain. Vahliri made no indication of direction quite yet, allowing the pair of Acolytes to choose between scaling the walls or gunning for the armored truck.

To the north, Renata and Jeset would find their path moving across the ridge instead of climbing down immediately - allowing the pair to move unseen and maintain and aerial view the entire way. Sentries were posted along various points on the walls and within towers that flanked the main gates, making it difficult to simply walk in without intervention.

Closer to the ridge, the pair would be able to spot a taller building that rose above the walls - square-shaped and providing some break in line of sight. Jumping from the ridge to the building wouldn’t be a difficult feat for either Acolyte - though neither would have any indication of what they were walking into. The choice between the building, or a more conventional approach, was left to their discretion.

@Wit @Logan @Xorism @Arcangel

 

[Amun Seti]

Was Jeset surprised that Renata had spoken up, claiming him as partner for this operation without his consent. Not particularly. Was he annoyed at it, marginally, but not enough to speak up. He knew his fellow acolyte was more than capable, had spent plenty of field "training" exercises in her company under their shared master. He hadn't particularly wanted to pair with the sadistic pureblood anyways. Bloody excess wasn't his thing.

Renata's question was one that had been on his mind as well. He had figured that if the information wasn't provided, they would just find the arms they needed in the base below. Or improvise. He glanced at Rhaenys as she inched closer to him, whispering a challenge to him. He stared at her blankly for a moment as he thought about things. He wasn't sure if she was playing him, trying to manipulate a friendship for her own benefit... or if she was really just that innocent.

"You're on, operations." He sneered light heartedly after a moment had passed, a sly grin on his face. "A dozen." He said, upping the ante before turning his attention back to the sith master who was leading the mission. Or rather chaperoning the acolytes on the mission, he had no doubt they were expected to carry the majority of the weight here.

The sith master finished her orders, taking the other pair with her and leaving Jeset and Renata to their own devices. The cold wind swirled around them for a moment as Jeset eyed the ridge they were to traverse in silence.

"Kinda like that exercise on Altrax." Jeset said to Renata, calling back to a mission Aadya had sent them on once upon a time during their training. With that he started the hike over the ridge, leading the way, fairly confident that she wouldn't put a saber in his back. That was more of his thing anyways.

It took some time but they made their way to the spot where a tall building stood within leaping distance of the ridge. Jeset settled down on the ridge to peer below, trying to make out what kind of defenses lay before them. The building didn't give any indication of what might lay ahead. "You tired of hiking yet?" He asked Renata, the tower offering an easy shortcut into the base.

@Logan @Altaris @Wit @Xorism

 

[Nevizkas]

Having Master Kahtal tag along with them was a bit of a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it gave them a better opportunity to impress her with their contribution than the other out-of-sight team. But this also came at the cost that they'd also more easily be seen failing if such a situation arose. Cyu was determined to ensure that the latter never came to pass but like all good plans, the enemy never seemed to want to play along.

Winking at Rhaenys, Cyu followed just behind Vahl, eagerly plotting what devious deeds she might be able to accomplish by the end of the day. Judging by what had been said earlier, she'd potentially have little time to have any real fun but she was determined to not leave empty-handed.

The trek itself as promised was relatively easy and straightforward, with only minimal security this far out. Vahl was judgingly silent giving Cyu the cue she needed to...break the ice.

"We could hijack it but we're too pretty to be armored car drivers, they'd never buy it. Unless perhaps we try to sneak aboard before it gets seen and sneak in that way, but if they check it we'd have to fight our way out and we'd blow the cover. The best option is clearly scaling the walls, throwing the guards to their death optionally."

Of course, if Rhaenys had a better plan, Cyu was all ears. She'd never admit the other girl had the better plan, but she'd naturally opt for the plan that seemed to have a better chance of success.

@Altaris @Wit @Arcangel @Logan