Convergence (Inner Sanctum members only)

The temple pulsed, buzzed, teemed with life. Every day their ranks swelled with new members. Some were eager for power, others eager to serve. They all lusted for the living thing that was the Force within these walls. To each it was different. Some found it cold, dark and formidable. Not so for the skeletal woman who moved through the halls. Her fiery red hair seemed to shine with a light of its own as she moved. Her long, thin fingers danced lightly at her sides. To Renata, the presence of the Force within this temple was like a fire. It burned at the skin, stirred her blood to a boil. She bit her lip, relishing the feel of it. With each life that was added to the flame, the intensity increased. Knowingly or not, they were all consumed.

Renata moved, each step sending a soft echo through the halls. She was preceded by her own presence in the Force, and even that was preceded by the wake that Eurachis left behind. It was easy to follow. The tides of malice were like bread crumbs marking his path. Renata smiled. She could feel the fear he’d left behind in the initiates. That fear renewed as she passed. The lower members of the Order were seldom graced by the presence of the Inner Sanctum members, let alone two in such quick succession. Eurachis was the blunt solid mass of power, she the more fluid. They both had their strengths, and their weaknesses. Together with the others of the Inner Sanctum, they created one dynamic entity that moved and worked as one. This is where their predecessors had failed so many times before. Greed for power was a formidable temptation, one that too many had fallen victim to. But it always lead to the same fate. Death was not something Renata sought just yet.

Following Eurachis’ trail made remembering the hidden location of the entrance to the staircase simple enough. Renata opened the passage and closed it behind her. Her descent was quick, and soon she stood within the chamber. Ahead of her sat the physical body of Eurachis himself. Renata smiled at the man as she entered; taking her own place among the four chairs set apart for them. She carried with her no files or data cards. The fruits of her labor were evidenced all over the temple. They filled the living cells, shed blood and sweat in the practice rooms, and gave their Order the breath of life. And besides, Renata was not one to be encumbered by paperwork.

Eurachis. The name flowed from her lips like music. You seem well. She smiled that thin smile and inclined her head toward her companion as she relaxed into her chair. One long, thin leg crossed over the other at the knee, foot tapping idly in the air. It would likely be that she and Eurachis would be the only ones attending their Dark Overlord in this session. Novus and Veratos had their own tasks that required attention elsewhere. With only the two present, the Inner Sanctum felt dreadfully empty.But not for long. She thought to herself. In time, the other seats would fill with the dedicated followers of their Order. I would ask about your campaign, but I believe you’ll be delivering a report? How have you been?

Like flaps of skin, weighed down by tons of steel, the grim eyes of Dark Lord Eurachis slowly shut as the last glimpses of the bleakly lit room vanished from his sight. His head felt heavy, he was tired.. weak perhaps. His hands felt sundered from his body, torn from the matter that was his being, but the pain was replaced instead by the stinging sensation of desire, the urge to do more, to see more, to become...more. The man slumped forward a tad in quiet steadying himself, before ceasing his movement. He could feel it.. the sweet grace and the twisting nether of dark seduction, moving his way. He basked in it, and slowly allowed his eyes to open, watching the door he'd come through a score of minutes earlier.

His hands parted away from his chin, neck straightening as he stiffly locked his dark gaze on the door. The silence was eerie and his throat went dry. A hand dropped to the flimsy pad and file to his right to make sure it was still there. Inhaling slowly he watched the beautiful Dark Lady stride into the sanctum and make her way to the seat across from him. He did not fail to notice her stature, eying how she swung one leg over the other, wagging it about in the air.

"You seem well" she said.

Eurachis smiled to Renata, nodding. " as do you, sister... as do you." He stood slowly and paced about the room, walking towards one of the walls with a dark eclipsing moon inscribed into the stone. He ran his fingers over it, feeling the changes in the texture, admiring its complexity yet subtle nature. He turned quickly on a heal and walked softly, striding pridefully forward with each new step, rounding the room till he finally stopped behind where Renata sat now.

I would ask about your campaign, but I believe you’ll be delivering a report? How have you been? She spoke in such a strong but lovely tune.

He waited in silence as he thought about her second statement. He twisted his body and leaned forwards, hovering over her, slowly placing a tired hand on the table next to her arms. "I've been good..and the campaign... it goes well.... tiresome, though, i feel that such was to be expected with war, especially one such directed at the heart of the republic, the jedi." He tightend his grip and leaned down closer to her ear, allowing his body to brush slightly against her own. "Though, I imagine you've been quite dreadfully bored...I wonder how it is you manage to cope?" He spoke slowly and softly to her, before letting go and pulling back to walk towards a counter on the other side of the room.

If she was going to tease him as normal, he could play the game too... he knew how emotions worked, and knew the powers of seduction. Eurachis could play just as easily as she... when it came to matters of the skin. He stopped at the counter, one conveniently placed in the sanctum with a large array of alcoholic beverage. He grabbed an archaic looking bottle, and poured it's contents into a very wel crafted glass cup, bringing it to his lips, only to sip the contents softly before turning to gaze back at his sister of darkness.

"Care for a glass?"

Renata's eyes followed Eurachis as he stood from the table and paced the room. He returned her courtesy with one of his own. Sister. The corner of one side of her lips curled up ever so slightly at the term, or perhaps more at the intonation of his voice as he said it. His wandering led him beyond the corners of her vision. Rather than continuing to watch him, Renata returned her gaze forward, allowing him to slip out of sight. She didn't have to guess what game was about to begin. It was always this way with him. The banter, the deflection... They'd danced this way before.

As he leAned in and confirmed her suspicions as to the progress of the war, his presence washed over her. She drank in his lazy confidence, and could feel his fatigue. When his body brushed against her shoulder, the sensation doubled with the contact. She could feel her own eyelids droop even as her skin shivered. In spite of herself, she smiled at his words, her lips parting to reveal bright white teeth. His breath was warm against the skin of her neck, but she did not move away. That would only amuse him.

Sweet of you to feel so concerned, brother. She said, turning her face ever so slightly toward his. But I'm sure you know that I'm capable of entertaining myself, even when you're not here.

Eurachis withdrew, crossing the room again. This time his aim was the refreshment counter. She watched him retrieve a bottle and pour himself a drink. When he offered her one as well, she slid from her seat and moved toward him. She lifted a glass from the counter and held it out for him to serve her. Once he had, she held it up slightly, crossing her free arm across her front, tucking the hand between her elbow and her side.

What shall we drink to? She asked as she leaned her weight just slightly avaunt the counter.

Heat.

His cheeks had flushed slightly when the dark lady had turned to speak to him.. her eyes, nose, and her lips. Lips so close he could almost feel them. In fact he was still thinking about Renata's cold eyes when he was snapped back to the present as a drip of condensation ran down his fingers from the glass cooling.

Eurachis raised one eyebrow in curious contemplation then stepped smoothly forward closing the gap between them bringing his glass up in front of him pausing close enough to let the condensation run off onto Renata's arm.

Smiling deviously he made a throaty chuckle and moved his head closer. "Well.... hmm. I'd say 'Us' but that'd be too cliche'.." He tilted his head slightly to give her a funny look with glazed eyes. "I guess we could toast in commemoration of the start of a successful campaign and the end of the republic. Though, i think toasting over how long its been since we spent...." He paused lowering his glass. "..anytime alone together."

Black eyes, dark as ebony, gazed heatedly into hers before he swiftly changed his mind. "No...let us toast to something far better...let us toast to my fire, and your ice...the perfect combination of opposing..."

He would lean in then, just slightly, taking another small step into her personal space.

"....natural..." His voice would grow more quiet, becoming almost a growling purr as he made sure to hold those icy blue eyes, flecked with a color like precious gold.

"...Forces." By now his voice was near a whisper, only inches from her face...her lips.

A single, cool, drop of condensation would drip from his glass and down toward her chest as he moved it forward, the glass clinking against hers softly. "Does this toast please you, Renata"

Again, Eurachis closed in, contemplating her question. She watched him, smiling slightly. He was an amusing specimen. There were so few amusing people in the temple. And none quite like Eurachis... He'd be the first to say that. Such lazy swagger, in any other it would have seemed too much. And indeed it almost was in him... Almost. The key was that Eurachis knew just how far to go, and when to stop. Or at least she hoped. But that's what made their games so much fun. There was something to be said for dancing on the edge. If nothing else, Eurachis was a splendid dancer.

When she felt the drip on her arm, she wiped it away absentmindedly as she allowed Eurachis to muse through their toasting options. Her eyes never left his. Just as she wouldn't move when he'd leaned over her moments ago, she could not look away now. No, then he would win, and she wasn't done playing yet.

"No...let us toast to something far better...let us toast to my fire, and your ice...the perfect combination of opposing... natural... forces."

With each word, he inched closer. She could feel the heat between them as he neared. His words were a soft purr and she allowed her head to tilt up slightly as her eyes stayed locked on his. She would not have known the name for what measurement might be used to judge the space between them now, between his lips and hers. The distance was negligeable. She allowed those thin lips to part just slightly, her breath shallow, his smelling of the bittersweet drink she had yet to taste. The second drop of condensation fell, cold as the ice he had named as hers. She took in a breath quickly, and let his name fall from her mouth with the escaping sigh.

Eurachis... she moved her lips. They brushed just slightly against the skin of his cheek until she reached his ear. Her arm uncrossed, the palm of her hand alighting on his arm as she pressed herself closer to him. We've only just started and you're already making a mess. Her hand moved again, this time to catch the drop with one thin finger before it disappeared. That finger raised and touched to Eurachis' lips, leaving the drop behind before her hand returned to his arm. She leaned back then and smiled.

Try to control yourself, brother. Finally, she raised her own glass to her lips and took a drink. It tasted just as it had smelled on Eurachis' breath.

She sauntered away then, with no real direction or aim. So, ice am I? I'd be careful, then. She turned her head toward him, offering a wicked grin. I've heard the cold can have... Adverse effects on a man.

A sweeping tide of annoyance filtered into the room as Eurachis came, finally, upon the realization that his stubborn sister of the sith would not yield. His right hand, free and dangling, crumpled tightly into a fist. She intended to win this game... this race to the finish line of sexual tension. Unforgivable, yet, enjoyable and amusing all the same. quietly he watched as she inched closer, whispering his name in such a low tune. His eyes closed quietly at the thought of having her, of controlling her, and causing her to writhe in pain and joy all pulsatin--- he snapped back to the present to hear her make an unrelenting quip.

That killed his joy, to say the least. she was getting sharp with these comments, he feared soon she might actually penetrate that huge ego of his.

His smirk however, returned. She had quietly pricked a drop of condensation out of the air with her finger, and left its cold touch on his lips. The thought of biting her crossed his mind, but sooner would he bite her lips then her finger... and he forced himself to remember that the dark lady still had Sabers in close range. Getting rid of those might make for a.............equal playing field.

She took a sip from her glass, and he watched the liquid be moved by her neck, fluid dripping down the back of her throat. Smiling, he narrowed his gaze as she made another quip about ice and its tendency to make things, smaller then they ought to be.

At that notion Darth Eurachis rushed forwards, making quick work of the distance between them and shot a hand out to grab her shoulder. He'd watched her legs and behind as she'd coyly slipped away, and had timed his movement to the rhythm of Renata's steps. His hand landed on her shoulder, tugging softly, but with enough force and pressure to wheel her about.

--Crash!-- The glass had hit the floor, and some ice and what was left in the container spread like wild fire on the surface. He'd dropped it as he had moved into action. "I was done with the drink, however..."

Turning the woman, Eurachis bore his intentions into her eyes, in an attempt to scare her, or perhaps...get what he wanted, a positive reaction. "I think we're just getting started.."

He swooped in dropping both arms to her waist, fondling for her sabers. Upon finding them he made to unclip them and drop them to the floor, to where he could easily push them away with a tiny notion in the force. "Doubt you'll be needing these...." he paused for a second before whispering back her name in a low to tone, as she had done his. "...Renata"

from within, he was a beacon of amusement. He'd either bask in the glory of having her here and now, or he'd claim victory over her as she yeilded to his unrelenting cause to win at any goal or mission he set out to complete. Especially ones in which he merely needed to be the last one standing!

She smiled, her tongue grazing her lips at the feeling of frustration that suddenly filled the room. Had she gotten to him so easily? It was hard to tell. He returned so quickly to his usual smug facade that it was almost as if that moment hadn't happened. But it had, she was sure of that much. Another smile. Oh what a fun game this was.

CRASH!

If Eurachis' hand on her shoulder hadn't done the trick to spin her around, the sound of the cup falling to the ground would have. But Renata had mo time to contemplate why Eurachis had dropped his drink. He'd flexed the distance between them, and now stood as close to her as he had moments before, breathing his response to her quip down onto her, along with a stare that might have drawn a weaker woman to tears. She could feel the intensity of his gaze on her, and it caught her breath in her throat. She was speechless before him for a moment, but it had been a vital moment.

It was then that Eurachis snaked his hands to her waist, groping until he found her lightsabers and pulled them away.

"Doubt you'll be needing these... Renata"

Anger. It flared within her like an explosion of oxygen, hot and fast. As quick as it came, it was gone, and her hands were on his as he tried to pull the weapons away. Then slowly, her hands moved up past his wrists, then slid from his arms to his own waist. Did he think there was any part of this game she would not play? Did he think she was no match for him without her sabers? Did he think at all? Her hand clasped around the hilt of his lightsaber.

Doubt I will. Shall I remove your... Her eyes quickly glanced downward before locking with his once again. ...weapons as well?

"Seems I was wrong about you..."

Eurachis slid forwards to push Renata up against the table, stretching both hands behind her to grip her tight just above her bottom. A chill ran up his back as Renata's cool fingertips jostled with his waist and weapon. His eyes widened in apprehension as he looked down and understood her tone of voice. Removing his weapon, however, was not an option.

A quick but fluid motion his hands tugged hard at her right side, as one hand jerked back between them to grasp hers both at the wrists. Spinning her about roughly he pulled her back in to his chest, holding her arms crossed against her hips. Effectively trying to disable her he'd brought both arms around her and was holding her tight reducing her ability to move.

dark eyes searched the room, uncertain if he should back down. He didn't want to yield his position to her, but he knew when a game was over. The question, however, was whether or not 'this' game was over. Prodding the force Eurachis searched for iniquitous.... Arrival of the overlord would no doubt complicate matters if he pursued this..

His weight shifted backwards away from her. He took one shallow breath and said..

"I always thought Novus was the aggressive one. But truly, you are by far more entertaining. " He Squeezed her a little tighter as he slowly inched his neck forward and brushed his lips against her ear. Making a soft whisper, he made sure that every bend and fold of the lips in his speech caused them to rub back and forth against her earlobe. "How fortuitous that leaving the temple more often is in your future.."

Their slow dance, their game, changed suddenly. The dancers had overstepped onto toes and where moments ago there had been sly smiles and teasing quips, there was now suddenly a different, and far more dangerous tension. The game was over before either had realized it, their own instincts kicking in.

Eurachis was fast, much faster than she'd anticipated. This error in judgement proved disastrous for the red headed woman, as she suddenly found herself held tight against the man, her arms and torso unable to move under his arms.

Renata's heart jumped, seemed to stop entirely, and then exploded into a rapid cadance. This sensation, this loss of control touched a deep insecurity in the woman. It took all her will to keep the fear from surfacing to a detectable level. Renata, of course, was not fully conscious of the roots this fear came from; the years of her youth spent entirely in service to the Jedi, to her former master. Within her a hatred for being controlled had grown. Renata knew that she dispized those who would seek to bend her to their will against her own. But she had limited knowledge of why such an act as Eurachis had just done could send her into such a fearful state. She merely knew she could not abide it.

Deep within, she could feel the urge to lash out, as violently as possible. She even felt that same, strange pulse within her rib cage that she had felt before releasing her rage when she dueled Blackwing and nearly ended her own life as well as his. But she locked down that sensation before it could have a chance to escape her control. Her breath came deep and measured as Eurachis spoke, his lips dancing acros her skin, causing it to rise and prickle in response. But when those lips brushed along her ear, she could not stand it any longer. She had to be free of his arms or she was sure she would try to rip them from their sockets.

She gathered the force into herself as he spoke, then released it in a push that shot out from her body and into his. It would be enough to knock him back a step and cause his arms to release her, but nothing more.

Once free of his grip she quickly put two paces between them. Her hands stretching out to draw her sabers with a quick force pull. In the blink of an eye they were in her hands then clipped at her side again. She turned back toward Eurachis then, her face a study of composure even as her internal landscape was wrought with anger and subsiding fear. She could not let him so close again. Their game had gone too far. She'd lowered her guard to much.

And how is it that you've come to know my future, dear brother? her voice gave no cause to suspect any change in her affect, as if nothing had happened at all.

Tension mounted like an avalanche.. snowballing into something so much more. The room had run cold, any and all heat that was within the chamber of the Sanctum was all but a fleeting notion of insecurity now. Heart beats grew rapidly quicker, pumping more and more blood into the situation. A pair of fists tightened at the result of insecurity moments before. The boiling point had been reached, and now.... things were getting overcooked.

Eurachis's mouth ran dry, and his tongue grew heavy as he contemplated what to say in silent confusion and annoyance. His eyes had been staring at the floor for the past few seconds. His fists unfurled, and then squeezing together again as his eyes traced the floor in quick zigzagging patterns as he thought of what to do.

He inhaled heavily, and retained the air, refusing to let it out for a second or so..Raising his gaze slowly to look at her. A flash of memory struck him... her hand on his cheek..was it her hand or someone else's? Eyes closed and then blinked back into existence staring now at Renata with a much colder tone then before. He thought he'd shaken the last bit of existence Rhissai had offered him from his head... but he couldn't be sure. Was the fleeting touch of the woman in front of him the same as the one he'd just remembered?

He stared at her... seconds had passed and yet he was still watching her. She had shoved him away from her. Broken free from his grasp and violently with the force had pushed him away. Her fear of him did lack validity, however, he'd never harmed her and didn't intend to unless she pulled something like this. Eurachis exhaled heavily and then conflicted and angrily, he feigned minor amusement.

"heh....so be it.." He suddenly had the urge to drink, and so he moved quickly to the beverage counter, pouring only himself a glass this time, and kicking the debris from his dropped cup earlier away from the tables. Firmly and as unpleasantly as possible he thrashed out with his words.

"Seeing as the temple is now self sufficient...both economically and secularly speaking, I'd have thought the notion that you could possibly escape that dreadful desk job would stir some excitement from you.......but clearly.." He raised the glass to his lips. "You would rather suck the enjoyment out of this room with your flawed view of security and foolish self-serving bravado...that's fine. Have it your way then Dark Lady Renata, back to business..."

He turned back to the counter, chugging the liquid and grimacing as it burned his throat on the way down. He slammed the glass hard onto the counter, but careful not to break it. Striding quickly back to the other side of the room where he'd originally been seated, he picked up his datapad and file folder. All the while he purposely avoided her eyes.

He opened the folder and began tracing with his forefinger the propositions he had ready for iniquitous as he read them quietly to himself.

If she wanted to be adults then he would oblige her.

Whilst the construct of the Sith Temple was a centre of strength and learning for the newly announced Sith Order, there was more that went on behind the elaborate architectural masterpiece. For Darth Iniquitous it was his own personal experiment facility where he could attempt to explore hidden ways of the Sith. It was not his house of knowledge, that was the Great Library upon Ossus, thought destroyed by all but a few. The temple was also a labyrinth of hidden passages that only the highest echelon of the Order knew about. These routes were Iniquitous’ preferred way to get around the temple. It saved him bumping into members of the Order when he did not wish to speak to them.

As he headed through the maze towards the Inner Sanctum he still had questions within his mind. His research provided a never ending stream of them to think upon. However, he would need to cast thoughts of his research aside for the time being. The resurrection he had planned may very well fail. In which case he would require more practice before any true worth from his work could affect this war in a beneficial and concrete way.

Despite his desire to stay distant from members of the Order when he could, Iniquitous still kept close tabs, his vision allowed him to do so naturally. One could say that there was nothing that went on within the temple that Iniquitous didn’t know about. However, few could conceive that his ability stretched to such lengths, and a little farther. The students as they practiced, studied and disputed. There was a lot of hatred throughout the halls. Then again, Iniquitous would have been naive to assume that if anything was to change it would happen within an instance. No, there would be hatred and anger for eternity within these lost souls. It was simply his job to make them turn it towards the Republic and the Jedi, for his sake and their own. But perhaps there were some that could learn the ability to trust, though they would no doubt be few.

He witnessed events below in the Inner Sanctum. He wondered how things would fair if Veritas had witnessed the spectacle. That could have possibly ended in blood. But he was absent for now, still searching for questions regarding the vision they had shared. The Dark Overlord still believed that there would be great power awaiting the Order at the end of that search. And Novus was currently handling a deal with the gossam upon Felucia, something Iniquitous would have to speak to Eurachis about once their meeting was over.

As he neared the Inner Sanctum chambers, Iniquitous decided against commenting on what he had witnessed. So long as they did impede his progress then he could truly care less. The hidden entrance to the chambers opened and Iniquitous walked in the hall. It was somewhat unused at the moment, apart from meetings such as this. The Sanctum itself was low on members as there had not been many ways for the Masters to prove themselves to the extent Iniquitous would have liked. There were some who were on their way to earning the title of ‘Darth’ but it was a sacred gift and Iniquitous would have to be very careful to whom he bestowed it.

“Eurachis, Renata, a pleasure as always.” He said briefly before making his way to his seat where he sat. He still wore his helmet. These two had seen his face but now it was customary for him to wear it, even when he was in private he would often keep it on. He wanted to remain faceless, just as the Republic would not be able to put a single face to the Sith Order, the Jedi would not be able to do the same to him. He would continue to elude them for as long as he could. The more time and power he could accumulate the better.

Now it seemed as though they were ready to begin the meeting. “Lord Eurachis, congratulations upon your victory at the temple upon Rhen Var, it seemed to have the desired effect. Now, I believe you hold the information with which we are to begin this meeting. I look forward to hearing your report.” Iniquitous knew the general ways in which events had played out, though the specifics as to the battle of Rhen Var still escaped him. But that was why they were here after all.

Her question had hung in the air, unanswered for a painful few moments. Renata found herself staring at his feet. Her eyes had dropped down to them as she felt the change in the room, the coldness that had suddenly grown between them, and now she couldn't bring herself to look into his face just yet. When Eurachis broke the silence, Renata released the breath she didn't notice she'd been holding.

She turned away has he did, moving back to her chair as he moved for the drinks. She was standing behind her chair when his words suddenly cut across the room. Her hands gripped the sides of the back rest as she listened. Part of her was amused at the tone of his voice. Had she wounded him? Not physically, to be sure, but perhaps she'd hurt his pride. She might have smiled, but the part of her that was amused was a small part. The rest of her was far too occupied by the danger that also lurked in his tone of voice.

She tried to force a sly smile, but the clamor of his cup hitting the counter gave the Dark Lady a start. Her arms stiffened, her jaw clenched. Instantly, her own anger flared up inside of her, coursing through her veins and filling her within a heart beat. He had no right. He was the one that had overstepped the bounds. He was the one that turned their dance, their game, sour. He had no right to blame her for that.

Don't presume to think you-Iniquitous' presence flooded the room an instant before the door opened and his physical form was seen. Renata, caught off guard, cut off her statement and turned toward their master, eyes wide for a moment before she composed herself.

My Lord. She said, returning his greeting and moving to sit down once he had done so. She swallowed her anger and crossed one leg over the other, her hands settled in her lap and her elbows resting lightly on the arms of the chair. Her back was straight, barely resting against the back rest, and her eye were fixed on the table. When Iniquitous asked for Eurachis to begin their meeting with a debriefing of the events on Rhen Var, Renata raised her eyes to him to listen, though she did not so much look at him as the file in front of him.

Eurachis's annoyance flared like his nostril at the entirety of the situation. She had indeed dug a little into his pride, but that was not what mattered right now. He would deal with her later when they had the privacy to pick this little game of verbal jousting up for a continuation. Hands clasped around the data pad and file folder tightened as Eurachis's back stiffened. The dark lord had walked in just as quietly as ever, and while the Dark lord was used to the Overlords many quirks, the moving quietly and unperturbed was sometimes unnerving.

"Of course My lord. Many thanks on the success at Rhen Var, your appreciation shows merit for my drive to succeed wherever I can in the name of our order." His glance drifted back to Renata for a short second, licking his lips before a hand moved across the folder, prying open its contents.

One deep breath later and the man in dreary garbs moved to the long tables on the other side of the room to lay the Folder flat. Looking down into the statements and briefings, the dark lord turned, tapping two fingers to the pad, sliding them across the screen and then pressing a thumb firmly to the middle of the pad. Across from him a chunk of the Sanctum wall slid downwards to reveal a vidscreen, as wide as the temple's entry doors. This soon came to life in a vibrant display of blue and gold hues and other illustrious backdrops. Seconds later the color drained and a gray and red pulsating screen lit up display some of the main statistics and information on a hour-by-hour basis of the entire battle, scrolling down to the bottom where the battle finally ended in the jedi's full retreat.

One more tap and a slide of the index finger from the top of the pod to the bottom, accompanied by a prying gaze back at Renata for yet another brief second, the image created a Pop out window of the fleet before and after the battle. This seemed like a good place to start.

pacing across the room from one side of the vidscreen to the other, Eurachis switched his view back to Iniquitous and cleared his throat.

"The battle ultimately was a success however, there were some serious losses. Not in numbers-- We completely crushed the jedi in that area-- our losses on the ground were minimal, but some of the archives were heavily damaged, and unfortunately the Prototype Interdictor-Class cruiser was destroyed. I will not bore you with the details, but essentially one of our trump card is now no longer playable on the field, somewhat crippling our navy and the tactic's previously engineered by the deck commanders. Furthermore, It has come to my attention that the same individual responsible for the rescue of the jedi, the one who coordinated the recovery and escape of those living, hours into the fight, was the same person responsible for the destruction of the Venadon."

The dark lord clicked something on the datapad and a series of numbers ran past the screen before the picture slowly altered itself to show an image of the late jedi master landing on Rhen Var. A second picture appeared to the right of this battle pose of the jedi showing a more calm collected version of the one depicted before, standing on coruscant speaking to delegates of another Republic Core world.

"After some interrogation of the living we captured, our scouts were able to acquire some pictures of this jedi, .... the one called Took. Vreem Took, as it were, apparently has quite the following, and if I do say so myself, is by no means to be underestimated in combat. Not many do I feel the jedi order can produce that present a challenge to this brotherhood, however this individual, must be removed from the picture."

Sensing disinterest from iniquitous Eurachis continued. "I shall deal with him on my own, don't concern yourself with the jedi master took, however, i brought him into this because we need to be aware of the challenges like this that we may face. I need to research the matter further, but information suggests a possible collection of jedi similar to this one who are going against the council and specifically trying to derail our operations. If this is true, and the so called 'blades' really are acting different and without the blessing of the council we may have to deal with them quickly."

"Moving on though, I'm pleased to say I was able to rid the galaxy of one of their High Council members, and her disappearance will no doubt strike a crippling blow to their already fleeting morale. From a fleet logistic standpoint we are still acquiring patrol patterns and jump coordinates of the republics fleet from the prisoners we've taken. I expect to see results very soon, and our technicians are hard at work cracking some of the encryption on the temple's computers. Perhaps we can gain some knowledge as to the locations of other Startup enclaves like this one, and extinguish their ownership just the same. "

"I will forward this report to all the Sanctum members, as well as my report should any of you require further information. However at this time i'd like to switch gears and talk about what we are going to do now. Our next course of action needs to be soon, we must strike while the iron is hot, or we will lose the shock and awe we have generated."

Eurachis began the meeting by delivering his report and views on some of the issues which were beginning to surface after the battles had taken place. Concerns and factors which may affect their future progress were indeed matters of great importance. So, as always, Iniquitous listened.

For the most part Rhen Var had been a complete success for the Sith and their ‘revival’. An example such as this showed the Jedi that they were strong and deadly and at the same time it gave the Sith something to focus on and unite against. Bringing them to face a common enemy was the best way to slowly remove all of the dishonesty and uncertainty within their ranks. Brothers in arms often found it more difficult to turn against one another.

But this Jedi Eurachis made note of, he must have had some semblance of skill to avoid death at the Dark Lord’s hands. Vreem Took, the name sounded familiar to the Dark Overlord. Then as soon as there was a mention of the ‘Blades’, Iniquitous instantly recalled hearing the two from some previous reports about a media-labelled group of Jedi who had acted out against the council’s wishes. Iniquitous decided he should address this matter with Eurachis to some degree. “This Jedi,” he began as steadily as always, “Vreem Took, perhaps he fancies himself as something of a modern Revan. I had thought the lessons of Revan and Malak’s fall and betrayal would steady the hand of anyone who might have considered disobeying the council’s orders. But perhaps I gave the Jedi too much credit to believe they might attempt to learn from the past.” It was becoming apparent now that the formation of this splinter group seemed to amuse Iniquitous in some way.

“But nonetheless, this group and their leader need to be dealt with swiftly, I will leave it in your hands Darth Eurachis. If you can turn him to the Dark Side then do so, he would most likely be an extremely valuable asset to us. But if he cannot be turned, eliminate him.” The coldness of his words seemed to almost freeze his breath, even upon the sweltering sands of Korriban. Whilst now finished in his discussion of that particular Jedi, Iniquitous felt it was prudent to address another issue regarding the Jedi. “I am glad to hear of your success in regards to the now former member of the Jedi High Council. However, it is a seat of power that I have no doubt will quickly be filled.”

“The Jedi Council presents an issue. Whilst currently they may not be the most significant threat to our Order and our mission, eventually I believe they will become the main obstacle to our success. It is said that the Council is filled with the twelve strongest and wisest of the Order. If this is true then it is imperative we uncover information about its members as soon as possible. If we can find out their weaknesses before direct confrontation arises with the Order as a whole then it will put us in a promising position when the time comes for us to exploit those weaknesses. I do not presume that all relevant information about them will be easy to find, but it could become a significant factor.” With that now said it meant the majority of the issues brought about by the conflict upon Rhen Var had now been dealt with.

Eurachis had moved the topic of discussion forward onto what the future plans were for the Sith. And a few moments of thought, the Dark Overlord began to share a rather general overview of what was part of the Empire’s expansion plan. “As is abundantly clear, we have yet to progress further than the Outer Rim. Whilst it is crucial we develop a sturdy foothold against future retaliation we also need to expand into the Mid Rim as soon as possible. The Republic, whilst it may be struggling to properly support itself, is still a large and powerful creature. At the moment our greatest advantage is its slow and cumbersome nature. Between the Empire’s current territory and the Mid Rim stands a particular planet of note, Taris. Acquiring this world shall be essential to establishing positive link between the Outer and Mid Rims. However, reports indicate that despite the construction still taking place planet-side, this is main base of operations for the Republic military in the Outer Rim. It seems they have anticipated its significance to our expansion and I doubt a victory there will be easy to come by. But currently, this is our primary aim, the conquest of Taris.”

Sliding his hand over the controls he had nearby, the screen before them shifted to a territorial view of the galaxy, which then zoomed in to show all of the current territories for the Empire, the main bulk and the few territories dotted around elsewhere. “We have, more or less, a direct line of attack open to us. However, the assault would be much easier if we could occupy the planets of Vinsoth and Dathomir to use as staging posts for the assault. This is not essential but could prove beneficial. At the same time, we need to progress our expansion within the Outer Rim. Between our current territories and Taris there’s a Republic-occupied world called Agamar, it’s an agri-world, not viewed to have much political importance. However, with the strain of these past few years, this planet has become the chief producer for agriculture in this region of the Outer Rim. I doubt it is too well defended, but if we can capture this planet and the supplies it produces then I suspect we can... convince a number of planets this side of the Outer Rim to simply defect.”

“Furthermore, Darth Novus is currently negotiating the introduction of a production facility upon Felucia. Hopefully after its initial success we can get more out of the Gossam there. After this meeting is adjourned Lord Eurachis, I will need you to go to Felucia in order to provide a feeling of security against the savage natives who have apparently started becoming aggressively territorial. Lady Novus was going to lead the security team herself but it seems as though negations are becoming somewhat more complex.” He managed to stem back some of the irritation he felt towards the Gossam for their seemingly intense desire to push for a better and better offer. If they didn’t settle down relatively soon then he’d be rather inclined to simply remove their presence from the planet completely. He had little time for the greed which settled into the hearts of many of the galaxy’s citizens. Nevertheless, Iniquitous moved to round off his divulging of plans, “And there are also plans in motion to develop Jabiim into a supply and military base so that we can consider building up a second front in that sector of the Galaxy. Other than physical development and growth of the Empire I intend to be reaching out to the Mandalorians. So far they’ve done quite well in their own expansion efforts. Hopefully I can discern their plans for the future so that we might be able to come to some sort of agreement with them.”

Iniquitous settled in his chair, having now told the present members of the Sanctum what their immediate goals and objectives would revolve around. There were many more plans that could be presented and discussed, but right now these were the most pressing missions they would have to deal with.

As Eurachis began his presentation detailing the events on Rhen Var, Renata settled back into her chair. She allowed her back to touch rest against the back of the chair, and relaxed her shoulders, allowing her hands to fall loosely in her lap. She did her best to stop the twitch of a smile from appearing on her lips each time Eurachis glanced at her. Their game was not finished, it seemed. With the immediate threat of his actions now gone, it was more amusing than frightening.

But such thoughts had no place here. Not now that the topic was fleets and statistics. While she understood the importance of such briefings, she couldn't help but find the information rather boring. Even the bit about a Jedi coming in to destroy one of the Sith ships and allow the Jedi to retreat gained little more from her than a slight pang of irritation. These things were done and over, Renata was more interested in what lie ahead.

That was until the image of the Jedi that lead the retreat came up on the screen and Eurachis gave his name. Vreem Took. Renata sat up a little straighter when she recognized the man. She'd always known him as Master Took, a teacher, and then recently before her departure from the Order, a member of the High Council. When Eurachis provided further information about the man, that he was leading a group of Jedi that had been dubbed the "Blades" she smiled.

Iniquitous spoke, and his thoughts had been similar to his own. A modern Revan. History did have a way of repeating itself it seemed. But she remained cautiously optimistic at the prospect. Though she was sure they'd be able to turn many Jedi to the dark side in the course of future encounters, she doubted they'd completely forgotten the lessons of Revan and Malak.

Took is new to the Jedi Council. She chimmed in when there was a pause. He was not a member when I left the Jedi. Perhaps that is something to take into account. I've no doubt your judgements of his combat prowess are accurate, brother. She gave Eurachis the slightest of smiles. But he will have less experience as a Council Member, and likely as a leader of such magnitude as some of the other members. This might be something we can twist to our advantage.

When Eurachis was done, Iniquitous began his own sort of presentation. He did not take long in laying out the objectives he hoped to see achieved in the near future. They needed to gain more information of the leadership of the Jedi, of their Council. there were also planets to be won, Taris being the main prize. Othe planets presented prospects of their own. One in particular, Dathomir, piqued her interest. But she said nothing on the matter just yet. Instead, when Iniquitous was finished, she returned to the topic of the Jedi Council.

Spies and informants will only be able to tell us so much about this Jedi Council. If we're to truly learn anything about them, I believe our best tactic would be to draw them out. Their most crippling weaknesses will be hard to discover while they remain behind their temple doors. But if we lure them out, we could learn so much more. Of course... She paused, leaning forward slightly as her brow furrowed in thought. ...the bait required for such a catch would have to be quite enticing. Otherwise, they will send their lower members to investigate, leaving us with a meager catch.

Nodding in turn, the dark lord swept across the room to disengage the vid screen, and turn the lighting back up. "I understand, Iniquitous, and I will see to it that our strength is directed towards Taris. Furthermore, the acquisition of Agamar surely will go long in the ways of furthering our war effort. Regarding Lady Novus and the gossam, I will oversee the security at Felucia while Novus wraps up her negotiations, before I move on to take Taris"

legs swept back and forth as the Eurachis strode back to his seat, looking over at Renata as he lowered himself into the chair. His brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed in an ill suspecting manner. What possibly could she be concocting now.


His nostrils flared briefly as he inhaled roughly, belaying his disinterest in touch-an-go tactics Renata was known for weaving together. He was much more of a 'hit it hard, and hit it fast' kind of guy. "You speak of Vreem and his..... abilities.... as if they are trivial. I'm quite aware of your intimate knowledge of the jedi, i will be the first to admit that it surpasses mine own. However, you should know that an enemy with strength and conviction can easily become your downfall. I will not allow there to be a second tidal force in this war."

Eurachis blinked slowly at the dark lady for a second before loosely grabbing his glass from before and taking a swig. "If you believe the jedi require coaxing to the rile them from their shell, then I will trust your judgment sister." His dry grin curled into a smug smile as he listened to Renata finish about bait.. and catching things using an enticing appeal.

"What exactly are you insinuating? Surely you have something in mind."

The Dark lord turned his attention back ton iniquitous waiting to see his take on the idea. If the best way to get at the jedi was to lure them out, then so be it... but he couldn't possibly fathom what might be so intoxicating that it drives the jedi from their temple and out into the open.

Iniquitous witnessed the looks and brief grins between the two Sith in his presence but continually chose to ignore them. There were plans to devise. Eurachis seemed quite quick to exclaim how this Vreem Took was not to be underestimated, it was perhaps the wisest course of action, to fail because of an underestimation was a great sign of idiocy.

Eurachis mentioned the planet of Agamar, Iniquitous had already made plans for that planet. “Agamar is but one of the Republic’s agri-worlds and our informants revealed that there is only a small militia stationed on the planet. The Republic’s economic crisis has also hit the system quite hard, leaving a lot of the planet’s citizens feeling quite dissatisfied with the Republic. I’ve already started orchestrating some movement within the Empire to try and take the planet through political means. If there are any issues that arise then we may have to dispatch some members of the Order to make sure things go smoothly but I don’t foresee any major resistance from the Republic, they are becoming much more concerned with what they view as ‘important’ planets upon the Outer Rim. Those systems that don’t fall under this category are much more likely to join our cause without the need for much bloodshed.”

There was certainly an issue to consider here. To simply try and rely upon natural contacts to discover what they could about the Jedi, or to take an active role and set up a trap? Taking a more active role would certainly bring about more risk for them, every movement they made had to be careful, especially where the Inner Sanctum was concerned. The Jedi and the Republic needed to remain uncertain as to who was running the Order. He would rather only use Renata and Eurachis as few times as he could, but he could not trust such a trap to anyone other than them.

He considered for a few moments longer before settling his mind upon their course of action. “We need to cover as much ground as we can before the Jedi and the Republic have the opportunity to properly set up a defensive line. Information on the Jedi may be essentially in the battles that are to come. Renata, as it was your idea, I shall leave the details to you, you may choose who you take with you upon this venture. But I will not simply send you off on your own. There is something that will certainly draw those Jedi out into the open, most likely members of their war effort. The location of the Empire’s capital has been a well-kept secret amongst only a very select number of people. Whilst Muunilinst has acted as capital to the Republic for the past few decades, there has long been suspicion cast upon the importance of its role to the Empire. If you can fool the Jedi into believing information about the capital is contained somewhere, then I believe you will be able to lure them out quite well.”

He would wait to hear from Eurachis and Renata one last time before he would mention his own brief mission he would likely be going on soon. “Does that information seem like adequate bait, Renata?” he asked. There were always other potential ideas, but this was the one most likely to really draw the attention of someone who would have information they could use.