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Training Honor Bound (Supplemental Training of Apprentice Sharkish’ki)

Grievance Vexx

Dark Lord Krigsbefallaf
Moderator
Dark Council
IC- Lord Grievance Vexx
Vassek III - Fortress, Medical Room

Vexx rolls his eyes at Sharkish'Ki's comments, but chuckles in spite of himself. Though laughing tends to be painful for one in his condition, finding humor in his own degradation has been the way he has learned to live with being so grossly altered. EV-A4-D had been a superb teacher in helping the Kaleesh learn to take quips and smart remarks at his own expense with grace and patience. Though his appearance replicates the late General Grievous, the same cannot be said for the cyborg's temperament.


"Spritely? I prefer deadly, but whatever floats your boat, Apprentice." He continues listening to Sharkish'Ki speak, though he offers no response until A4-D is finished securing his faceplate. After that, he rises slowly, clearly experiencing some level of discomfort as his eyes remain scrunched shut for a few moments before he shakes his head and turns to look at the Death Apprentice, the hint of a knowing smile just barely traceable behind the expressionless ceramiplast visage.

"The General and I have been in many a discussion about your future," he replies, lapsing into calm pacing with clawed hands clasped behind his back, "Our house has roles yet unfilled and it is our duty to equip you. It was tasked to me to find something that would yield knowledge to you. I know a great deal about the Clone Wars era thanks to my own personal journeys into the past through research. I knew of a holocron to be hidden on Kamino; tried myself to seize it a long time ago, but...it was not meant to be knowledge in my hands in that day or this one. It is meant for you. Were it not, you would have failed this mission...as I did."

Unlike many Sith, Vexx sees no point in casting himself in an infallible light. He has many losses scattered among his strings of victories and being transparent about them is something he has conditioned within himself, reliving the humiliations of past failures so he might never grow too proud or think himself truly "unsquishable". Indeed, his own mortality is ever before him. Just as it should be.

He is strongly tempted to tell Sharkish'Ki that getting angry at the holocron will definitely work for no other reason than his own personal amusement. The idea of watching his apprentice glare and growl and shout at an inanimate object certainly has an entertaining appeal to it, but no. This is Sharkish'Ki's future; something the Krigsbefallaf does not, nor will he ever, take lightly.


"Holocrons are most intriguing devices," Vexx continues, gesturing toward the tetrahedron in Sharkish'ki's hand, "You need not emphasize any hatred or fury to get it to yield. You only need your palpable connection to the Dark Side, patience, and some meticulous telekinesis to gain access to its secrets. With the Force, you learn the mechanics of what holds the device together and with telekinesis, you manipulate those mechanics into an unlocked position. Come. My war room will provide a quiet setting where you can focus."

The airlock to the medical room yields with simply a thought from the Krigsbefallaf as he snatches his cloak from a hook on the wall and wraps it about his broad shoulders. He then sets off into the maze that is his fortress. After traversing several corridors that light up as he passes, Vexx leads Sharkish'Ki to his war room, a vast chamber filled with maps and data containment devices as well as--you guessed it--weapons, lining every wall. He gestures to a circular table illuminated internally by soft blue light in the center of the room, inviting his apprentice to place the Sith artifact here where he can circle and study it from every angle and learn what holds it together.

Tag: @Sharkish’Ki, @Reiis Invadator
 

Sharkish’Ki

Legendary Member
IC: Sharkish’Ki
Vassek III - Fortress, War room.


Following his master into the exhibit that was his war room, he couldn’t help but wonder just how long Lord Vexx had seen war. In comparison, Sharkish’Ki was a novice, having seen few battles; perhaps but a brawl for every other item he cast his eyes upon. The half-crimson, half-bare stone walls were bedecked with varying down-lights and spotlights, each highlighting the sharp and the blunt alike. How they were categorised was a mystery to him, as he passed cases and cages, wall-hangings and suspension fields that each housed all manner of spears and daggers, hilts, gauntlets and bracers, and items he couldn’t describe if he wanted to.

Moving to what seemed to be the middle of the great chamber, his master gestured towards the raised table at its epicentre. Sharkish’Ki stepped up to it, not realising he was already grasping the holocron tightly enough to leave the edges impressions across his palm like scars, and upon looking down at the faintly glowing object, he slowly placed it on the table, almost reluctant to release his grasp of it.

He took a small step back from the table as he recalled his master’s instructions. Study it, learn its inner mechanics… The symmetrical nature of the object offered little inspiration as to where to start, and yet there was a urge calling to him; to cast his eye over the lines and patterns, before burrowing his gaze into the depths of tempest within.

Sharkish’Ki’s hand hovered tentatively over the glowing surface of the holocron. Tiny sparks of Force arched their way into momentary existence, from the artefact to his fingertips, to the surface of the table, as if searching for information. His senses were closed to all else. His last thoughts of the outside world were of his master’s slightly hunched form encircling him, monitoring his efforts, as he closed his eyes to concentrate.

The dense Force swirled and tumbled, chaotic and deadly, sparking and flaring through shades of crimson, black, and white, like a sandstorm of blood and lightning that tethered itself to the inner edges of it’s confines. It’s own anger and rage held it closed, and yet it’s dominating nature seemed to bend and twist to Sharkish’Ki’s probing thoughts. Each intrusion by his mind altered its structure, solidifying the tempestuous swirling into a solid, almost mechanical engine. Whisps turned into ethereal struts and hinges, as if his mind worked as a key in the holocron’s locked constructs.

The edges of the intricate glasswork began to crease, hinging outwards slightly as if unlatching the four apices. Sharkish’Ki fought with the construct, focusing on the newly forming mechanism to twist open each corner, allowing its contents to slowly spill from its orifices.

What knowledge would follow, Sharkish’Ki did not know. He would just have to focus, and listen.

Tags: @Grievance Vexx @Reiis Invadator
 

Grievance Vexx

Dark Lord Krigsbefallaf
Moderator
Dark Council
IC- Grievance Vexx
Vassek III - Fortress, War Room

Vexx watches with intense interest as Sharkish'Ki works to get the holocron to yield to his will. He has seen this done before, even done it himself a time or two. Holocrons never really draw warm memories from him though. They mostly remind him of his time in the service of Darth Haretisch and how a false holocron had been entrusted to his keep. The only one who knew it was false was Haretisch himself and Vexx having possession of it made him a target for every murderous and greedy Sith in that part of the galaxy.

As the holocron yields to Sharkish'Ki's telekinetic manipulations, the Krigsbefallaf can feel the powers within the mechanism itself stirring to connect with the one meant to learn its secrets. All at once, a blast of crimson light explodes from the device with a telekinetic push of its own, not in resistance, but as a grand entrance, as though the holocron is announcing its surrender in a most powerful way. Vexx shields his eyes from the blast of light with his cloaked arm, his talons scraping across the floor as even he is pushed back a few feet.

"Dark tidings to you, young warrior," the face of the speaker is shrouded by a hooded cloak, but from all of his endless research, Vexx recognizes the male voice immediately.

PhotoRoom-20220113_222230.png


"Darth Tyranus," the Dark Lord Kaleesh speaks the name in barely a whisper, a mixture of awe and hatred radiating from his presence in the Force.

"You are destined for military greatness," the hologram of the Sith Lord of old continues, "Which is why you are my audience now. The Force revealed to me a vision long ago of one who would rise to military greatness and serve the Empire as a remarkable strategist. Even better than the droid general Grievous."

Vexx growls audibly as it feels as though Tyranus knows he is listening. His distaste for this man is palpable, but a growl is all the vocality he will give his hatred. Tyranus is long dead. Throttling him for his deeds is no longer an option.

"The strategist who can teach you is one of the azure-skinned race; the Chiss," Tyranus seems to be peering directly into Sharkish'Ki's soul as he speaks once more, "Discovering his identity is up to you. Uncovering his remarkable work also rests upon your shoulders. From him, you shall learn to command fleets and dismantle any resistance to those whom you serve among the Sith. You have already shown great promise of a brilliant strategic mind, bringing about the beautiful demise of your own master. This undertaking will only advance you further still. May the Dark Side serve you well, young warrior, on your journey toward becoming a steel commander. Return to me after you have completed your task. This is not the end of the gifts I have for you."

And with that, the holocron's projection dissolves back into the mechanism. The Dark Lord Krigsbefallaf knows to whom Darth Tyranus had been referring and he suspects Sharkish'Ki likely has some ideas as well. Time to turn him loose in the history that will show him the way to his future.


OOC- This is where your training transcends to an OOC level, Apprentice. Your task is to research Grand Admiral Thrawn. Study him. Learn how he came to be a great strategist and fleet commander for the Galactic Empire. This link is a great place to start: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Mitth'raw'nuruodo but do not be afraid to take your research beyond this. Report back when you are satisfied with your findings...and may the Force serve you well. ⚔

Tag: @Sharkish’Ki, @Reiis Invadator
 

Sharkish’Ki

Legendary Member
IC: Sharkish’Ki
Vassek III - Fortress, War room.

Sharkish’Ki stumbled backwards, as the grandiose appearance of the renowned Sith sent his arm careering in an arc above his head, jarring his shoulder. He landed on his rump, coming to a slouch against a nearby display table. He blinked his eyes, as his brain tried in vain to reform the mottled and blotted photons of the objects ahead of him. All the while, the image of Darth Tyranus appeared as clear as it willed, almost bellowing his order, before sublimating, closing the holocron with the subtlest of hiss-clicks.

He sat there for a moment, absorbing the atmosphere of the moment like a youngling on Life Day. He noted the distaste his master had shown the holocron’s creator, wondering why Lord Tyranus caused such a reaction. But rush would be a question for another time. There were more pressing questions for now, that were more important than scratching at old wounds.

A Chiss? His proverbial cogs were turning, striking a blank as to whom the holocron was referring to. He thought back through what he could remember of his life, trying to recall crossing paths with Chiss. All he got was a piercing and dull headache. He wasn’t sure if it was the blast from the holocron, or something else.
The task left to him was a simple one, and yet complex in its requirements, as the path set before him would draw a greater potential for him.

“I understand what I must do.” He said, gathering himself to stand and bracing himself against the table supporting the silent holocron. He stared at it for a moment, as his vision finally reverted to normalcy, replaying the moment in his head to recall details. “If I’m to look to the history of Darth Tyranus and the Clone Wars for clues, perhaps a trip to the Chiss homeworld is a good place to start”.
Letting go of the table, he took a step back before bowing his head toward the Krigsbefallaf.

“I’ll keep you apprised of my progress, master.”

And with swift turn, he was gone.

Tags: @Grievance Vexx @Reiis Invadator
 

Sharkish’Ki

Legendary Member
IC: Sharkish’Ki
House Cruor shuttle in transit…


Sharkish’Ki had left Vassek III and his master with a very cryptic and yet oddly intriguing mission into unknown territory; both figuratively and physically. He’d never heard of a Chiss.
“I’m assuming it’s a race,” he enquired to his pilot as he sat comfortably in the copilot seat, thumbing at dials that cycled through several files containing the term. There were few entries, and many were sealed as classified transcripts and battle reports. The ones that were accessible were heavily redacted, save for a written statement claiming a squad had been assaulted and outmanoeuvred by a single individual, whilst investigating a small settlement.

The document went on to describe the individual as “athletic, azure-skinned male, with dark hair and red eyes,” he read aloud. “Have you heard of them?”
“They’re not common in these parts, that’s for sure.”
She puzzled tone came with a hint of wisdom as she recalled her encounter with another pilot of similar features that kept very much to herself. “Tynara Tso was her name. She graduated into a TIE squadron the same time I did. When she did speak, she mentioned the Unknown Regions, and the Dioya system as her home,” she said, plucking at the switches and pushing levers as the craft entered deep space, away from Vassek III’s gravity well.

“Are you still in contact with this person? I’m trying to get information an a particular Chiss; one that became a formidable Admiral of the Imperial Empire,” he replied, catching her gaze as the name snapped a light switch in her mind.
Perhaps,” she said calmly, “she was quite the Ace, so I imagine she’s still kicking.”
Good, a solid first lead. Where’s your friend posted?”
Firstly, she’s not my friend. She barely spoke. She was always on defence, and rarely let anyone close enough for friendship,” she quipped, as the shuttle blasted into hyperspace.
Well, a database search came up with little else to go on, so you best be as warm and fuzzy with her as you are with me!” He didn’t take his eyes off of the display, and let the comment bug her a little as he kept reading of an Ensign that befriended the Chiss in question, and the exceptional circumstances that led to the individual taking command very quickly.
Secondly,” she paused attempting to make him aware of the glared response she was giving his comment, to no avail. “We’re on our way. She was assigned to her favourite place in the galaxy: Corellia.”
Good. I’ll relay our position to Lord Vexx, and inform him of my progress.


TAG: @Grievance Vexx
 
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Sharkish’Ki

Legendary Member
IC: Apprentice Sharkish’Ki
Location: Orbit above Corellia

Sharkish’Ki’s Nune-class shuttle breached into normal space on the dark side of Corellia, the speckled and criss-crossed surface greeting them like a jewel bedecked in jewels. It twinkled and flickered as ships of all makes and models darted in and out of hyperspace in its bustling orbit.
Sharkish’Ki, we’ve arrived,” the pilot commented over the intercom, calling the apprentice to the cockpit.
Excellent, Dralia,” he spoke, appearing at the entrance to the cabin. “Were you able to track down Tso?
I’ve narrowed it down to a command post on the outskirts of Coronet City. Your clearance didn’t give me access to her exact whereabouts. We’ll have to ask around.”
The shuttle flew into the sprawling mass of shipping lanes and civilian flight paths, like a bird joining a mass migration of metallic meteors. Engine lights blurred and dazzled around them as Dralia Zorn put the shuttle into a controlled dive, leaving the regimented lines of traffic on a preassigned trajectory. Imperial Star Destroyers and freight corvettes meandered overhead, tailed by TIE escorts and patrols. Tynara Tso could be in any one of them, as Sharkish’Ki closed his eyes, feeling out with the Force in a vain attempt to discern her location; a power he would need to practice as all that came through was a churning static of Force energy. Below them, choppy, black waters met the vast, city-sized industrial complexes that produced some of the galaxy’s finest craft.

Smoke from the factory’s shipyard complexes mingled with the weather, feeding the murky night sky. The Cruor shuttle came to a gentle stop upon a designated platform, as Dralia disengaged flight systems. The embarkment ramp descended as Sharkish’Ki swung his cape across his shoulders in a flurry of vermillion that shielded him from yet more rain. It seemed to follow him like some spirit entity that was intent on dampening his efforts.
A small squad of stormtroopers had come on to the platform to meet them, led by an officer that greeted them both accordingly.
I’m Lieutenant Hytt,” the bland human gave a brief but formal bow, and a nod to Dralia, “I received your message from Captain Zorn here, and I have attempted to arrange a meeting with the person you seek.” There was fear in his words, even as he strained his voice over the sounds of vehicle engines and wet wheels.
Attempted, Lieutenant?” Sharkish’Ki didn’t break his stride, following the officer into the dry and calm space of a nearby hangar. The brightness of the bay did nothing to quell the officer’s nerves, as if the bright lights and formal setting would somehow protect him from any form of retribution.
Commander Tso is currently on mission. A local pirate gang, calling themselves The Jen-Suri, have been disrupting tourism and trade in the city of Kor Vella.
I see. And there’s no one else to apprehend these pests?” Sharkish’Ki said dryly, eyeing the troopers that marched about the hangar with no clear purpose that he could see. “Zorn, how far to Kor Vella from here?
She’d followed closely to Sharkish’Ki, only just noticing how they’d been corralled like tauntauns by the surrounding retinue of white-armoured troopers. “I’d say an hour, give or take…
Good. Lieutenant, give me a squad of troopers, and I’ll pay the Commander a visit. I trust you have her current whereabouts to hand?” Sharkish’Ki’s golden gaze was now firmly set on the officer, who stood a clear head-height shorter than he, further demoralising the already nervous man.
That’s highly irregular! I’ll have to clear it with the base command…” The officer paused as Sharkish’Ki took a small step towards him. “…I’ll make the arrangements.
This squad will do fine, Lieutenant. Zorn and I will apprise you of our situation when the need arises.” He turned on his heel, and marched between the shoulders of the bewildered storm troopers, and with a reluctant nod from the officer, began following him to his shuttle.

*****
Kor Vella was just another city hallmarked with tradition and ancient history, and one that didn’t grasp Sharkish’Ki’s intrigue in the slightest. Built upon desert bluffs in an almost mountainous region of the planet, the bustling city that once housed precious historical artefacts and bore an air of ceremony, was now little more than a holiday destination for travellers. Not far from the Gold Beaches, Kor Vella Starport took charge of the Curor shuttle as its occupants filtered into the surrounding city, en route to the nearby barracks that hosted the Imperial TIE detachment. After several conversations involving disgruntled officers, for various reasons, Sharkish’Ki had been directed to a set of coordinates outside of the city walls.
Burnt sands and wafts of smoke assaulted their senses, as the crackles and sparks of a very recent skirmish put the squad into action. They fanned out, as Sharkish’Ki instructed them to climb the rocky outcrops of the shallow valley that stretched before them. The wreckage was unfamiliar to him, mirroring Dralia’s puzzled visage, as she cautiously pressed forward, pistol at the ready. Radios could be heard ahead. As the faint static grew louder shapes began to make sense to them. Body parts were strewn indiscriminately about them, clearly the results of several devastating explosions. A tattooed hand caught Sharkish’Ki’s attention. A maser pistol was entrapped in its death-grip, pumping its charges into the ground as the battery continued to supply the deadly weapon in its ceaseless destruction, slowly transforming the sands to blackened glass. He changed his course, leaving the weapon to its fate, so as to not attract attention, concentrating his focus on what may be beyond the thickening smoke. A slight presence in the Force lie ahead, faint signals that mingled with strong ones. All he could do was press on, as the billowing carbon obscured their vision.
Life signs ahead, Sir,” came the familiar tones of a stormtrooper over the comms. “Commander Tso’s TIE beacon is registering as just up ahead, also.
Sharkish’Ki felt uneasy. The battlefield would reveal itself, as the smoke concealed the true nature of the moment.
A single crimson blaster bolt sizzled through the air, narrowly missing Dralia as she instinctively flinched away from its path. Another followed it, clipping some nearby wreckage in a flash of sparks, as she sought refuge, ducking behind a large, jagged shard of scrap. The smoke drifted about him as he moved through it, creating no wake on his path forward.
Men lay strewn around him, burnt and blistered. Whatever craft it was, it bore a crew, and the possibility of survivors. He could feel the Force of whomever was ahead of him, but a short distance away now. Sharkish’Ki hastened his pace, as several more shots discharged from behind cover, aimed at the stormtroopers now taking cover behind what they could. Another presence ahead of him was mirroring his pace, closing in on the same spot. Sharkish’Ki drew his lightsaber, his grip firm as it slipped from his belt, and his finger light over the ignition. The Force grew sharp, as if warning him, and with a quick snap-hiss he instinctively raised his blade, deflecting an incoming blaster shot that swirled the smoke ahead of him like blood in water.
He quickened his pace, bolting forward with a powerful sprint aimed at the origin of the shot, his arm high to his chin and his sabre illuminating the side of his face and shoulder, ready to bring the plasma down upon whomever or whatever made the shot. More blaster shots ahead drove him forward. The smoke cleared as he vaulted over the remains of a shattered hull in time to see the familiar form of a TIE pilot uniform with pistol drawn and pointed at whatever scarred remains slumped before them.
She quickly holstered the pistol, as he brought the lightsaber down upon the neck of their victim.
Sharkish’Ki, I presume?” She spoke, as if unimpressed with his delayed and pointless attack.
Brave, aren’t you? Addressing a Sith in such a way?” He stood tall, further lowering his blade as the head tumbled to the floor by his feet like falling fruit.
Perhaps. But as I understand, I have information you want…
Dralia had followed a few paces behind him, making use of him as cover, squaring up behind him, eyeing the pilot ahead that was in the process of taking off their helmet.
Zorn.”
Tso,” Dralia retorted. There was palpable tension between them, as Sharkish’Ki retracted the blade.
You’re right, you do. But there’s no reason to be unreasonable. Of course if you want to play coy over the topic, I can force your hand in any number of ways.” He flexed his grip on his saber, and mirrored the motion with his talons, watching Tso’s gaze catch the glinting durasteel.
Yes, Zorn informed me of your standing alongside your request, but the way I see it is thus,” she paused just long enough to take measure of their motions. “I am in need of assistance. These thugs and pirates are getting out of hand here, and despite the level of Imperial presence,” she rolled her eyes at the troops that scuffled behind him, “they seem intent on disrupting the local order for the sake of a quick credit. You help me resolve the issue, and I’ll give you the breadcrumbs you’re looking for.
I am not your wolf to direct as you please, Commander,” he snapped, lowering his shoulders and taking a step forward, raising the hilt of his blade toward her chin, only to be stopped by her quickening heart rate. Her fear was well masked by her demeanor, and was betrayed only by her presence in the Force. Perhaps she was indeed brave, and brave allies were few and far between.
They aren’t far from here, and requisitioning more reinforcements will give them time to retreat, if they haven’t already,” she continued to work her angle as Sharkish’Ki considered her request.
Very well. Though you best not be wasting my time. My master may not be as patient as I am.

TAG: @Grievance Vexx @Reiis Invadator
 
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