The Siege of Subterrel {Sith}

[Rugs]

A few hours ago...

The Sith transport fell out of hyperspace over the world of Subterrel. Visari Netellus stood in the bridge, looking on to the world from above through the transparisteel veiwport of the large vessel. It wasn't an impressive site from the air, with its varying shades of browns, but the wealth of the planet lay below the surface. Subterrel was a mining world, and most of its inhabitants lived in expansive cities that lay hidden in the ground.

But sprawling cities and hidden resources were not why they were there, else there would have been a fleet of warships, rather than a lone transport and its few escorts. Then there would have been an army of Sith soldiers ready to descend upon the world like a silver tide, rather than the motley crew of Sith that had been assembled to go about the day's business. No, today they were not out for conquest, but to stop the incursions of those who had no business on the mining world. Iniquitous, spurred on by a vision, had sent them to Subterrel to prepare for an attack that he believed would be mounted by the Jedi, and mounted soon. And so the team of Sith had been assembled, and had made all due haste to make it to Subterrel in time. But the Order was young, and there numbers were still fewer than many perhaps would have liked. But perhaps that wasn't so important. The assembled force was spread from one end of the power spectrum to the other, and a number of the Order's strongest were there--himself included--and they had something else to help them. Tuk'ata. The Sith Hounds of legend. They were a remainder, left over from a previous Dark Lord, and some believed them to be manifestations of the darkness that consumed the planet. If nothing else, they would provide the leverage that might be needed to fend of the attack.

"Master Netellus, we have started our descent. We will arrive on the surface shortly."

"Good," Visari said as the ship shifted to adjust course to head to one of the underground cities, "send the call out over the intercom to prepare for landing." The Epicanthix businessman's eyes slid closed as the call went out, and he simply thought to himself. Mere months ago, he'd only been a businessman,--a Dark Jedi businessman, but a businessman none the less--the owner a a very wealthy corporation, and now he was going down prepare to fight in a battle in the name of the Sith Order. How the times have changed, he thought quietly to himself as his eyes opened to take in the sight of Subterrel once more.


Presently...

The Sith party made it down to one of the cities of Subterrel. Visari's eyes widened just a bit in wonder as they walked out onto a ledge that overlooked the sprawling expanse of the underground metropolis. But though the Sith team had been on the ground for some time, they'd not yet encountered any of the Tuk'ata. Visari's mind flashed back to the briefing where they'd first been told about the Hounds.

"And where will we find these hounds," he had asked. "Knowing that they are on the world is well and good, but they will not be of any use to us if we do not know where they are."

"Your job is not to concern yourself with finding them, Initiate Netellus," the Sith that was briefing them replied. "Do as you have been instructed." An almost malicious grin split the man's face then. "They will find you. You can be sure of that."

And as he looked out, his eyes passed over another ledge leading into a cave, and were almost immediately drawn back. A pair of glowing red eyes looked back at him, and a smile slipped on to his face. "They will find us indeed," he muttered under his breath. Whatever happened, today would be a day that he'd long remember.

[† Lux Teper †]

Earlier:

Enzio's normal abundance of extroversion was running low. He was tired from the long trip but not tired enough to go to sleep. He was far too anxious for that, after all, he'd finally get to see battle with those abhorrent Jedi...

Nevertheless, being stuck aboard a ship with little to do was, quite frankly, boring. He'd tried flirting with some of the crew only to get ridiculous scowls in return and after what seemed to be dozens of attempts, he conceded defeat.

He couldn't even remember the name of the planet they'd sent him to...
He just knew that if he was to join these "Sith", he was supposed to prove himself and to accomplish this, they sent him to this planet. It was called Sub-... sub... Sub-something-he-couldn't-have-been-bothered-to-remember. Not that it really mattered, he was just told that he'd be fighting off Jedi, there would be some kind of dogs helping, and that if he did a good job then they'd let him in, simple enough.

It just hadn't occurred to him that he'd have to sit around in a transport ship for what seemed to be forever!

---
Now:

Finally they could be free of this forsaken metal box and get to fighting. From the feel of it, the planet already had an extensive connection to the darkside, it felt delicious. Enzio was excited, the dark energy surrounding the planet was so stimulating, the Echani could hardly contain himself.

He grinned to himself as he stepped out onto the stony ground upon which they'd landed. His gaze washed across the various caverns gaping before them, and he thought he'd seen a pair of eyes staring back though dismissed it as his own mind playing tricks.

"Haaaaaah! I can't wait to really stretch these legs!"
He sighed heavily as he proceeded to stretch shamelessly right in front of the ramp.

[Hotel]

Earlier...

Shandari eyed her apprentice across from her. Her voice echoed through the girl's head. "Remember what I have taught you. The Jedi won't leave room for error. Take every lesson I have taught to heart." With that she stepped away from her apprentice and drew her saber, pink beam shooting forth. "Begin." She raised her saber, preparing to put her apprentice through her paces while they traveled.


Present...

Shandari deactivated her saber. "Good." She nodded at her apprentice. "We have arrived." She pulled her hood up and exited their room on the ship and strode towards the ramp.

Upon arriving on the ramp, she saw a white haired man bending over and holding everyone up. Her foot shot out, planting a kick to his rear and sending him sprawling face first into the dust. Not even giving him a second glance, she strode past him. Her eyes glanced around the caverns, and she turned to Visari, her voice echoing through his head. "Where are we facing them?" One hand rested upon the dual hilts of her saber, once more connected into a single weapon.

[Karl the Unfettered]

Teaching never stopped, for master or apprentice. This, Shard knew well, and during the voyage to Subterrel he had taken the time to give Looma more lessons in combat and leadership. This time it was Telekinesis, one of the Twi'lek's strong points, and how one could use it in a fight to distract and demoralize. "This is called Dun Moch," he had explained during the lesson. "Show your opponent you are superior and they are weak; erode their will to fight, prevent them from summoning the strength to withstand you, and you can conquer without ever drawing your blade.

"Sometimes," he went on, "not often but sometimes, it can be better to win without killing your foe. Perhaps death is too good for them, or perhaps they need a more extensive lesson in their inferiority; whatever the reason, you can use this to conquer them and take them prisoner." It tied back to what he had taught her before, about projecting one's will and making oneself heard.

That had been before; now they were landing, and it was time. "You are progressing well, Miss Looma," he said as he checked his equipment; lightsabers, Echani vibrosword, silenced Czerka slugthrower, and his custom half-plate armor. "Now it is time to put your lessons to good use, for if the Lords are correct we face Jedi on this day."

Imperiously, his robes shimmering as only the outrageously expensive could, he walked out and down the ramp, nodding in approval at Shandari's dismissal of Enzio. "This isn't the time for messing about, Mister Lhussuri," he said with a smirk. "Serious business is at hand.

"By the way, did any of you see Wroth on the way over?" he went on, inquiring of everyone in general. "That one has some sort of commune with beasts, he's practically a beast himself." He nodded at the cave which Visari had noted, seeing the form behind the red eyes despite the darkness of the area. "They're here, after all."

[Miri Mojito]

Earlier

Naraaine stood across the room from her master with her eyes closed. She had been working on mentaly preparing herself for her first real battle with the jedi. Her first real test. It had been nothing to crush other padawans that were not well trained, but the jedi, they were different. each ones death was worthy of praise, praise she so desperatly wanted. No doubt the young codru-ji would fight tooth and nail to win the praise of her mistress now. As she stood waiting, her Mistresses voice entered her mind, speaking in a soothing tone that set her at ease. She had been advised to keep the lessons she had learned close, and leave no room for error. No room could be left at all, the jedi would kill her unless she killed them first. that was life, that was the way of the sith.

"Yes Mistress" Naraaines voice was a low growl, that seemed to burn with anticipation, and power. Her masters pink saber had activated and she was supposed to run through her steps. Practice for the coming battle. Without hesitation she charged her master with a single orange pulsing blade, making sure to save the second as a suprise for later.

Present

Naraaine stood now panting heavily, sweat running down her face. Their training had gone for a good hour, and it had all been worth it. As her blades deactivated she took care to clip them to her belt and made a slow walk towards her cloak. This was the final element of her suprise for the jedi, hiding herself till it was right and suprising them with a brutal assault. Still huffing she pulled the cloak tight around her body while she crossed her lower arms in front of her chest the way she had when she first met Mistress Shandari. With the cloak tight around her body the illusion was complete, she looked like nothing more than a little human girl.

Naraaine followed closely behind her mistress as they exited the ship. Along the way Mistress Shandri had made sure to kick the cocky white haired sith that had accompanied them. Naraaine already had a dislike of him, rumor had it he had been trained not by the sith, but by another Dark Jedi. In her young eyes now the dark jedi were inferior to the sith in everyway, and she had no idea the power they actually could hold. She snickered now as she walked past him, still making sure to stay close to her mistress in case he tried anything.

Not long after the pair came across Visari, another high ranking member of the dominion. She stood next to her mistress now, in complete silence waiting for an order or command. She looked back between her mistress and Visari, wondering what each was thinking, wishing she could probe their minds and see.

[Foxfire]

Present:

Cho Wroth was in anticipation of the landing. He had watched the others as they meditated and finished training sparing to ready them for the battles to come, Cho tho readied his mind for the almost forgotten taste of blood and the screams of pain and war.

The ship was near to landing and Cho stretched out his senses into the darkness of the force and almost at once found the Sith hounds. The landing ramp lowered and Cho allowed the others to go first. He was staying back. Not because of cowardliness or the fear of the darkness of the caves, but because he was calling them, a roaring through the force of a kindred spirit. It was not until Cho heard the response did he leave the ship.

Moving past the other Sith, Cho walked slowly toward the red glow of eyes. What none knew was that though one set were a glow many other eyes were watching them from the darkness. Cho slowly released the constraints of his force flooding the cavern with the darkened tendrils. Writhing and wriggling he maneuvered them over to caress the hounds. They were unsure how to take the force groping but calmed soon enough.

Purring to the Sith Hounds Ones come soon to destroy you and yours, we are here to help, Pack mate.

Getting an positive response Cho stated in Noghri.........

Let the blood flow and to the victor the prey.

[Casual]

Previously

It wasn't hard to accept a mission that entailed killing Jedi. It wasn't hard getting on the ship, knowing full well what it entailed. It wasn't hard taking off. What was hard was letting go of Korriban. Unbeknownst to Jarzec, he had become attached to the planet, and not by will or sentimentality, but by its call to him. The hunger that Korriban housed for him and the hunger it placed on Jarzec for things dark and powerful. With the departure from Korriban, these things were lost. The darkness. The power. It was as if tugging two powerful lodestones apart, ripping him away from the planet he's spent two malleable years upon. Two years that altered his mind and brought corruption and hunger to. But no. It would not be fair to grant such acheivements to Korriban alone. Jarzec too, held these beleifs in his mind. His drives and ambitions were merely compounded and bolstered by Korriban. Case in point, as he looked out the viewhole towards the planet he'd just left, he couldn't help but feel as if he'd left something as important as an arm behind.

Currently

Now, however, he stood on a ship that had just recently landed on a planet not quite as dark as the one he'd left, but certainly dark in its own right. Here he could feel such things creeping in the unknown as he had never felt before. He could sense it, but that was all.

His "homesickness" didn't subside. He was still very attached to the place, but at the same time, he felt somewhat free. Free from the whispers that Korriban carried. Free from the darkness that leapt to his heart as often as it could when he was unwary. He had removed chains, but at the same time, he still had the collar. Perhaps this place would relieve him of that. One such thing that brought a smile to his face was that as when the Rilan woman kicked the fruity Sith in his rear as he stretched. Try as he might, he could not help but chuckle. Perhaps today would prove most pleasent after all.

This fanciful notion, however, was cut off when he looked forward into the eyes his Master now looked at, mumbling something indesitnguishable under his breath. Two red, glowing eyes stared back at him from the abyss. He like, all but the strange Noghiri he knew to be Cho Wroth, stared at them, uncertain as to what would happen next...

[Mara]

[...from Unexpected Meetings]



Looma's life had taken yet another abrupt turn in the recent weeks since arriving to Korriban for the first time in her life. But now was the most important of them all, so far. She was on her way to fight the Jedi for the first time since absolving herself from them. For the first time she would be fighting as a Sith. The excitement she had felt from the first time she learned she would be going to Subterrel had not abated, even as she had looked on the planet through the ship's viewscreen. The yellow Twi'lek was looking forward to killing Jedi. Enacting revenge on them for not believing in her potential. They would regret it, Looma would make sure of that.

Some familiar faces were with her, not the least of which was her new master, Shard, and also Shandari and Cho, the Noghri Sith. But Visari and a few others from their mission to Tatooine, along with others sent by Iniquitous on to Subterrel, were aboard the ship. Though she had spent time with most of them on other trips, she still didn't know any of them very well, except for Shard. And Cho Wroth, despite spending more time around him, still made her uneasy. And Shadari, she didn't know what to think yet about the mute female who had a thing for her master.

Part of not making the effort to get to know everyone on board had to do with her missing Caleb and not feeling very sociable. But the main part was due to her spending most of her waking hours with her master, training. En route to Tatooine, en route back to Korriban, en route now to Subterrel. Training in lightsaber combat, training in telekinesis and other aspects of the Force, training in theory and applications. Looma was learning so much in so short a time, absorbing everything her master relayed to her. So hungry she was, being left without any training for years on Bakura.

One such time during the flight to Subterrel, Shard had explained the merits of Dun Moch to her. Looma couldn't quite grasp the entire meaning of it, but was relatively certain she had understood the basics of it. A kind of Force-enhanced taunting, something to tear down her opponents in front of her without needing her weapon. She had to present herself as in charge and never waver. Something that the Twi'lek had to get used to, never having been in charge of anything in her life before. Always being the subservient one, whether on Coruscant or on Bakura. This Dun Moch thing was a completely fresh and new idea for her.

She understood how sometimes it was best to capture enemies to learn from them, than to simply kill them all. Though her need for vengeance wanted to decimate any Jedi she would come across, Looma had taken the lesson to heart, realizing that sometimes violence really wasn't always the answer to all situations, even regarding the Jedi.

In her time away from Shard, she had spent it with her new lightsaber, something simple given to her by her master earlier on Tatooine. It was a beautiful sight in her hands, but the thing that made her love it the most was its crystal: the synthetic stone made the blade red. The yellow Twi'lek couldn't imagine a better weapon, the color of the Sith. The Jedi wouldn't made any mistake about her now, about where her allegiance stood.

Now, though, the trip through hyperspace was over, and they had landed on Subterrel. Looma stood near her master, going over her equipment one more time: simple clothing, but this time she had a dark robe to wear over her tunic and leggings. Her lightsaber was clipped at her belt. Lekku twitched as her master complimented her as he checked his own person to make sure he was ready and prepared. She knew it wasn't usually the Sith way, but a surge of happiness briefly entered her presence in the Force at his comment. Looma wanted to make him proud. And she wanted to show the Jedi what she had learned.

At this, her smiled turned a little more feral as she followed Shard down the ramp to join the others for the trek across the landscape. She just caught out of the corner of her eye, the Echani dark Jedi sprawling in front of the ramp, no doubt from Shadari's doing, considering her posture. Looma smiled a little at seeing the man who had tried to hit on her during the trip laying on the ground.

She stood near Shard as they waited for everyone to gather. But Cho was no longer with them, having left the group in favor of the red glowing eyes that a few of the group had mentioned already. Looma wasn't quite sure what to think of them, only that those beasts would be helping them in their quest against the Jedi. In her own personal opinion, though, she wished for Caleb at her side. The young human had a knack for speaking with animals and plants.

For now, though, she stood and waited.

[Cavalry King]

So it begins... The intrigue, the deception, the biding was all over. Now it was beginning. Here was the opening chimes of a great chaos. Julius could only smile. Here he would be able to demonstrate his true form. In preparation for the coming war, Julius had requisitioned one of his military ships from his shipyard and passed it through several of his laundering accounts to make it seem as though the ship had been purchased by some discrete buyer on the fringes oft he galaxy. Just the way he did things, leaving no traces to his true identity.

Those on the ship knew him only a "The General" or "Master/Lord Deceptus" or "General Deceptus." None knew his real name nor his face for he constantly wore a black sensor helmet. It gave him a tactical HUD and protected his identity. As his custom, he wore full black robes. On board with him was a contingent of soldiers from his criminal enterprise along with several bounty hunters, mercenaries, and assassins. His crew and forces were held together by mutual fear for Julius and the credits he was paying them. He also had several of his Vornskrs on board with him. They were his only trusted companions on board and they defended him with their lives.

This motley crew was quickly assembled as it was found that the Jedi would be attempting to take Subterrel. Julius was actually quite excited to unleash his full potential once and for all. He concealed this very well though, he simply rushed his crew forward. For the journey here he would sit in his meditation chamber and allow himself to be enveloped by the dark side, allow himself to be washed over and taken over by his lust for power and hatred for the Jedi. Soon he would have his sweet revenge.

On board he would stretch out his senses to that of all of his crew, touching their minds and listening to their thoughts. This was one of the ways he controlled his underlings, but it also allowed him to read the morale of his crew and to meld their minds closer. He would send subtle hints through the force to his underlings, making them more dark and receptive to his will. He would be in full and total control, just as he liked it.

Finally the cruiser set down at the Sith headquarters. Julius made his way from the bridge to the ship's docking ramp. Behind him were his escorts, several nasty looking Ubese warriors and his Vornskrs. The Ubese shared Julius's hatred for Jedi and would make fierce compatriots in this combat. The crew had assembled outside in parade formation. There were not many of them, but certainly not a few. Julius had trained them in unit tactics and unit cohesiveness through his subtle force suggestions and extensive, brutal training.

After passing by his men, they fell out and began to make their battle preparations. Julius made his way to the headquarters. He made his presence felt in the force for the first time in a while, releasing his finely honed cloaking talent of concealing himself in the force. He searched for what would serve as the command headquarters and announced his presence. "I am the one they call Deceptus. My men and I fight for the Sith. Who is in command here?"

[Rugs]

{Alright, I'm a bit tired at the moment, so A) this is a crappy post and B)I'll just be having Visari move down into the city. From what I can tell, the Jedi are starting to arrive at an outpost that I am going to assume leads down beneath the surface, so I guess some of you can start heading that way if you're up for it. Just have some fun, really }

Visari had fight to keep from rolling his eyes at the antics of the Echani. But he said nothing as he continued to look out over the sprawling subterranean city. "We will face them in the city," he said. "We've some forces already positioned there, and we can use the people as... protection if need be. The Jedi will more than likely have some reservations about killing civilians, and we can use that to our advantage."

Visari shrugged at Shard's question. "The Noghri is around, I'm sure," he said, turning to look at the group as they all came down. Wroth was among them. "There he is, in fact." Visari watched with some interest as Wroth went over to the Tuk'ata to do his work. Interesting... he thought. He's certainly an odd one. But if whatever the Noghri was doing could help them out, then Visari would leave him to it.

"Well, then," he said as he started to walk down a path that would take him to the city, "I will be heading to our headquarters building to get an assessment of the situation. I suspect our Jedi friends will arrive soon. The rest of you are free to come with me, or to find positions to defend from." He stopped, and turned his head back to the group so that he could see them out of the corner of one of his eyes. "Oh, and someone keep an eye on Wroth. It wouldn't do to have him get eaten or anything of the sort. We might need him to control the Hounds when the fighting starts." With that he continued on, not looking to see if anyone followed.

The city was quiet. For now. That probably wouldn't last long.

[† Lux Teper †]

Enzio had found himself falling face-first to the ground as the mute woman with wings planted the sole of her foot firmly against his rear. a slight cry of surprise escaped him as his pale face slammed into the cold, hard stone floor.
He whined a small complaint to himself as he adeptly got to his feet, displaying a beautiful grace present only in those skilled in the arts ofthe Echani. His complaining wasn't for the pain but more for the sheer unkindness shown him...
He'd never gotten used to the pure brutality of darksiders.
He wiped his face gingerly, fingering a small cut that had formed over his pale cheek that was staining his snowy complexion with the deep crimson of fresh blood. Carefully he wiped the thin trickle fromhis face and licked the bloodied finger thoughtfully as he looked about the tunnels.

Then he heard the old man talking, he couldn't havebeen bothered to remember hi name earlier... Visari was it?
Either way, Enzio wanted to see some battle. quit earnestly he announced more to himself than anyon around him that he'd be going to take up the defense in one of the varius tunnel entrances.
If they were going underground, he'd be ready and waiting...

[Karl the Unfettered]

Wroth had come along after all, and even now was pacifying the beasts, showing they meant no harm to them. This was good; Shard didn't fancy having to cow the animals the old-fashioned way, with blade and Force. Looma stood ready behind him, seeming pleased with herself, and the other congregated around. Save for the Echani, Enzio, who mumbled something and started skulking off toward the tunnels.

"Not so fast, Lhussuri," the Miraluka called out warningly. "We need to stick together, at least until we see sign of the Jedi; then, as you please." A pause, then he shrugged. "But if you insist on going ahead, stay close to Wroth. He'll keep the beasts off us."

The Miraluka followed Visari toward their headquarters, and he saw a shuttle touch down. "Hmm?" he said to himself. "Who else was coming, Visari? I was under the impression we were travelling light." His question was answered as Julius stepped down, announcing himself as Deceptus and showing off his power.

"You're in the right place then, Mister S- er, Deceptus," Shard began. "We are the Sith," and he gestured at the others. Julius might not have remembered, but he and Shard had met before; once, some time ago when Shard was still a mere privateer, with Julius in his guise as a reigning Exchange boss, and a second time at the very first meeting on Korriban, Iniquitous' initial dedication of the site for their Temple. The Miraluka had since seen the other man about the Temple, though they hadn't spoken or made any effort to meet each other.

"As for who is nominally in charge... well, I would direct you to Visari here," and he stepped aside, indicating the Epicanthix man with a bow. Beneath his glasses he smirked at Julius, as if he knew something naughty about the other man.

[Foxfire]

The hounds were taking most of his concentration, but not enough to here his name and the new arrival. Cho could see that most of these hounds were young a scout pack. To get the full co-operation of the pack the alphas needed to be convinced. Cho had not planned on leaving so soon from the fight but this was more dire than defending the backs of his fellow Sith.

Visari, I must go to speak with the Alphas, or this temporary truce will be for not. Our lives and every thing else would be forfeited, tho thats not an unpleasant thought. The taking Jedi with. If any would dare come follow now or die trying later.

Cho had no feelings whether anyone would follow or not, but had hoped to have another to talk to on the way.

Stretching out in the force Cho roared once more mocking the Sith hounds howl of gathering. If the Jedi were attuned with nature they would here just the howl and not the meaning. Waiting the returned Cho opened him self to the unique force flow of the planet soaking in the darkness and copying the feel with the colors there of until he was as close as one with the planet.

The Howl that returned to him was even more haunting than those on Koriban. They had sadness with a loneliness that Cho had felt so many times in the five year on Koriban before meeting with the others like him. Cho sent a tendril of what he learned of what his master had for him. A love of a kindred spirit.

Slowly he started off to the deeper and darker force drenched tunnels of Subterrel. A few of the hounds started to take the led. Quickly Cho growled and snapped at them, baring his teeth and hissing. Cho new that if he was seen as a lower rank he would not last long in front of the Alphas. Those few cowled down and returned to follow Cho. Still in the bestial state Cho hissed at the others of the Sith. How close Cho was becoming a Sith hound him self. It was a needed risk if they were to defend the tunnels of Subterrel.

[Casual]

((OOC: One of my most BLEH posts EVAR, but it accomplished what plot progression I was after, so... yay?))

Jarzec was lost in his thoughts. The dark pools stared back at him from beyond, the darkness of the planet and the aura around the beasts made a strong impression on him. He resumed his thoughts of Korriban, wondering all the while why he was so attached to the planet. He was so lost in his thoughts that it was only Visari's voice that snapped him out of his trance.

Well, then, I will be heading to our headquarters building to get an assessment of the situation. I suspect our Jedi friends will arrive soon. The rest of you are free to come with me, or to find positions to defend from.

Jarzec watched as Visari stopped and turned his head back to the group, looking at them out of the corner of his eyes.

Oh, and someone keep an eye on Wroth. It wouldn't do to have him get eaten or anything of the sort. We might need him to control the Hounds when the fighting starts.

In his previous experience with the Noghiri, Jarzec had found him to be a primal and odd, albeit powerful Sith. There was much uncertainty about the strange primal and wild man, and it didn't surprise Jarzec in the slightest when he began communicating to the Sith hounds with howls and surges of darkness and emotions that reverberated through the Force. The sense of it dimmed, however, as he drew further away from Cho and after Visari, his new Master. He had been told that they were here for part of his instruction in constructing a lightsaber, though it was merely their ulterior motive, a side-mission. He had been told nothing more, however, and, in order to keep his mind off of the taint of Korriban and the disconcerting darkness of Subterrel, he elected to inquire to Visari about the lightsaber, and why this place contained what they were after.

Master Visari, why is this place connected with constructing a lightsaber? What have we to aquire here for such a goal?

[Mara]

(((No longer need a posting order -- post whenever. ))


Standing silently by her master, Looma kept her eyes open, taking in everything around her. Studying her surroundings, the caves and stones, rocky outcrops, some trees and jungle past that. Studying the other Sith in the group, some she knew already, some of them new to her. The Noghri had left her mind as he had left her vision to go speak to the creatures that were to help them.

Visari then spoke of his plans to go to the headquarters, leaving the rest of them to do what they were wont. Her own personal decision would be to stay behind to ambush any Jedi from the cover of leafy growth or rocky caves, but she knew she had to stay with her Master. With a slight movement, she turned her head up to look at him, waiting for their next move.

Seeing the Enchani whom Shandari had ungracefully pushed down the ship's ramp leaving towards the caves, the Twi'lek took an unconscious step forward, hoping that she and Shard would also be going the same way. But that hope was quickly dashed as she heard her master calling the young Sith back, telling him if he wished to go off alone, to stay near Cho. Her lekku twitched a bit at that, and she was a little grateful that Shard led her down the path after Visari. For once, she was satisfied to take her master's lead now, not wanting to spend any more time with the strange Nogrhi than necessary.

Looma followed along quietly, her hand falling down to her belt to her lightsaber, her mind on Caleb. She wondered what he was doing now. Whether still on Korriban or off on a mission with his new master, Novus. He couldn't be here on Subterrel; all those going with the Sith were on the ship with her. The yellow Twi'lek hoped for his safety that he was somewhere quiet with his master. As much as she wanted the blood of Jedi on her hands, she knew that this kind of battle was not something the young human was suited to. She feared what might happen to him if he was engaged in something similar.

A low humming broke into her thoughts then, and she looked up to see a ship coming in to land a dozen meters or so nearby them, at the headquarters Visari had led them to. A bunch of Ubese soldiers filed out along with vornskyrs, stepping to either side of the ramp. Moments later a figure came down it, and with his appearance was a rush of power within the Force that almost knocked Looma off her feet. Not that it was any more powerful than most of the Sith she had been around. No, it had just surprised her, and she took an involuntary step closer to Shard.

The figure spoke, and Shard answered him, seeming to know him. Looma didn't recognize him, but there did appear to be something familiar about the man standing there. Obviously, though, the man was Sith, and he was here to help them. At least, that was what he was portraying with his presence and his soldiers. Looma looked over to Visari, curious about what he might say, still troubled by this new Sith coming to Subterrel.

Somehow she found herself thinking of when she had first come to Korriban, the first time she had become a Sith. Something about the arrival of this figure had sparked the memory. Reaching with the Force, she searched her memories, prodding the brief revelation and digging for it to bring it up closer to her awareness. And then she had it. This man was one of the ones who had challenged the Dark Lord while they were listening to his speech. The one who had fought Iniquitous.

From Visari she turned her gaze to this newcomer, a small look of respect on her yellow features. His power would be a welcome addition against the Jedi. She smiled then and released her guard a little bit. So near her master and other Sith, she would be safe, in the remote chance this strange turned on them. For now, though, she stood in silence, still and steady.

[Cavalry King]

Julius looked over at the one who spoke to him, it seemed that now there was somewhat of a crowd. The presence of the dark side was quite strong here. It felt marvelous. He let it sink in for a moment before giving his attention to the one who spoke. "Excellent," was his simple cultured response. Something was off-putting about this man though. His smile was intriguing, it reminded him that he could not truly trust anyone here. Although they were supposed to be a single force, with any group of people who openly practice the dark side you will have deception, intrigue, and betrayals. Such was the nature of things, exactly how Julius liked them.

He turned his focus to the one who was in charge. "Master Visari, I am Deceptus and these are my men. We are here to aid with the forthcoming battle. Where shall I position my men and I?" It was simple but to the point. He could dispose of some of the pleasantries here.

[Sorry, didn't realize it was my turn then my laptop fried.]

[Foxfire]

(OCC-theme- 'Bringing Home Darkness')

The tunnels of sub-terrel were all but darkened to most. the glowing moss was their only light. The darkness seem to swallow every thing even the sound of foot steps of who ever followed Cho. He had to much to worry about to look back to see if he was alone or not. Younlings Cho was trying to put that thought out of his head. The Pack of Sith hounds was indeed a young group with no alpha of the bunch.

This will not do. I will not be in the back of a pack of younglings no matter if they are hounds and know the tunnels.

With that Cho stepped past the last hound, a 4' hound. The hound snapped at Cho. Cho slammed the hound on the nose like a simple house pet getting out of line. The reaction of the other sith hounds was to turn on Cho, each testing the strength of this Sith. Each one was treated the same until the final hound of 5' stood before Cho. They both stood off nose to nose and snarled at each other. Cho was not about to stand down to a young one no matter how large the beast was. Until a deeper growl of tone and power seemed to fill the force. The growl was also accompanied by a language the Cho did not know, but had heard from some of the older holo-crons of the first Sith lords.

The hounds back down leaving Cho alone to follow the very strong presence in the force. The tunnel twisted and turned going deeper nearing the central area of Sub-terrel. The heat grew and the air grew thick with the force. The tunnel opened into a grand cavern with a stone garden. The statues were all prostrating them selves toward and even greater edifice. The home of the Lord of the past. Carved neither by hand nor tool but by the will of the force alone. The hollow windows were like the void of the eyes that Cho had seen many times on the faces of those that he killed. The pillars of beings strapped together all in agony and pain. The scene of it would unnerve all but the hard core of the Sith.

The hounds stopped short but Cho moved further on to the steps of the grand house and near the twin doors that lead in side. A rumble through the force told Cho to stop where he was. The sound of scrapping of stone could be heard. Dust from inside was pushed forward by the exhalation of the mighty presence. A Sith hound of 12' came out into the dim light.

A nightmare of any being who lived to this day all Cho could do was look in aw of the massive beast.

Now this is an Alpha.

The alpha laid down between the grand pillars and seemed to wait for Cho to get on with the matter. Cho could sense that this hound knew of the Jedi by the many disturbances going on above. Cho moved two steps more and knelled to show respect and asked once again for a mutual benefit to rid this place of the Jedi. The response was a Sith hound of 6' leaping over the Alpha and charging Cho. The hound had seen many battles and was scared for it. A long scar went from it's right ear to it's left jaw. Cho saw this and knew what this was. If he was going to lead he must become an Alpha him self.

[Rugs]

"It is simple, Jarzec," Visari said to his student as he looked at him out of the corner of his eyes. "The Jedi will be coming here this day. Defeat one, and claim their lightsaber, and from there you can take the parts or the crystal and begin to construct one that that you can call your own."

The group, joined by Shard and Looma, continued on, and Visari's eyes followed a shuttle as it made its way down to land. "As was I," he responded to Shard's statement, "but it appears we have a guest." A few moments later, the man was out of his shuttle, accompanied by some men of his own. Deceptus, he called himself, though Visari didn't recognize the man off the top of his head, though he did recognize the sudden rush of power that was indicative of one who'd been hiding themselves through Concealment; after all, he was very well acquainted with that ability. So was the man someone with something to hid? Perhaps, if that helmet were for the purpose of hiding is face. But who could say?

"So I am," he said with a slight tilt of his head to Deceptus after Shard indicated that he was the leader of the group of Sith. "It is a pleasure to meet you... Deceptus." What an odd moniker. It obviously wasn't his real name, or at least Visari certainly hoped it wasn't; he'd hate to imagine what kind of abuses the parents who came up with that would put a child through. But as to the man's question... "There's a tunnel that leads down here from the surface. The Jedi will more than likely come through there, so it would be a good place to set an ambush. Or..." he said, pausing to look at the area around them, "you could position some here in the city. Draw the Jedi in there. There are still civilians there, and the Jedi will be wary of causing any civilian casualties." A wicked smirk touched the edge of his mouth. "But for our purposes, they are expendable." He looked to the other two, first to Shard, and then to Deceptus, indicating that if they had any feedback or input, now would the time to put it forward.

[† Lux Teper †]

"Not so fast, Lhussuri," the Miraluka called out warningly. "We need to stick together, at least until we see sign of the Jedi; then, as you please." A pause, then he shrugged. "But if you insist on going ahead, stay close to Wroth. He'll keep the beasts off us."

Enzio stopped midstep and turned to face Shard...
Then looked toward the scaley thing the other's called Wroth and shuddered, he didn't like the idea of accompanying that into the tunnels.
Furthermore Shard was the man who'd welcomed him from the Kolto Tank. His aura of command was unmistakable and the madness he proliferated was far too addicting to deny. He'd concede to this man, if only for his indulgence his sheer presence, which Enzio had found to be supremely stimulating...

"Very well Shard."
The Echani nodded and followed the two sith lords down to the Headquarters where he would soon be confronted with yet another dark presence in the force. The rush that greeted Lhussuri was thrilling and he could hardly contain his ecstasy as the man who introduced himself with what the Echani could only think of as a poor pseudonym released the cloak on his presence.
There was no doubt, Enzio was glad he came.

Content to bask in the bliss of these inebriating auras, he merely stood quietly as his breathing became subtly heavier in his excitement and a rosey flush worked its way into his snowy cheeks.

[Foxfire]

Cho lowered his head and drew in the darkness then gathered himself for the challenge. The hound gave Cho little time. Cho tho saw all this as if it was in slow motion. Old noghri skills mixed with the newer Sith habits. Cho could hear the 'heart of the prey' an meditative trick to focus a noghri's mind. The second thing was the 'taste of the blood' visualizing the kill. Cho let that move through him to be made manifest in the force. The grand chamber seemed to shrink the visible light turned red and a noghri growl arose from Cho throat.

Whipping the dual blade saber from his belt Cho ignited the blades and then opened his eyes. The Sith hound was but just a few feet front of him in mid air. With a force enhanced speed Cho dive rolled under the hound. In a blur of blood red crimson light Cho slashed at the under side of the hound. Blood and gore of the cuts rained down on Cho in a bloody shower, but the hound landed and turned ready for more.

This time Cho charged with rage and hunger for the kill. Cho released his darkness in tendrils to bind the wounded hound. The hound tho wounded badly still had the strength to move even with Cho holding on to it. The hound rose to pull free and get the height for a front leg swipe at Cho's head. Cho using both the tendrils and a force jump went for the throat of the hound. Cho's blade swung in for the kill, but the hound batted the blade away. Unfazed Cho grabbed the hound throat with his clawed hand and sank his teeth into the open neck.

With tooth and claw enhanced by the force Cho held. The hound found this unnerving to have some thing so small attacking him so. In the Force Cho also found the main artery in the neck and started to crush it. Slowly the wounds and the cutting of blood to the brain started to have it's affect upon the hound. Dropping to the ground, the hound slowly gave up it's life. When it's heart stopped beating Cho finally released it and stood and roared. The roar echoed through the tunnels and the force.

With being fully open to the force Cho saw ones headed down into the tunnels. Turning Cho snorted and waited for the alpha's response. The alpha rose and headed into the tunnels with the rest breaking off into various tunnels in search of prey. Cho took a breath and head down a tunnel that only a few went toward. For Cho saw the force of three strong light side wills coming down that way.