A Match Made in the Underworld (Raytheon)

[Cavalry King]

Lord Callidus, the title amused him greatly. It meant ingenious, wise, clever, crafty, sly. It was perhaps a little conspicuous in describing his modus operandi. Being known for being cunning, while it has its uses, is counterproductive to the trait. It did not matter. His title bore relevance and elevated him above the rest. He was one of the first Lords of the new order but kept almost entirely to himself. Secretly working in the shadows. Often times Sith are arrogant, brazen, and direct. They believe that the proper path is do as you please and be as mean as possible. These Sith do not truly understand the Dark Side. As the name entails the proper path of the Dark side is to remain in the shadows. More was accomplished with a drop of Corellian brandy than a river of blood.

Finding others who thought like this was growing tiresome. He needed a Sith apprentice. The way of the dark side required him to pass his extensive knowledge down but more importantly, it became glaringly clear with each passing day that what he needed were Sith in his empire. He needed powerful individuals who could act properly on his behalf. He had instilled sufficient fear into his underlings to ensure loyalty but it crippled their initiative. This was possibly for the best as each of Callidus' moves were calculated perfectly. Regardless, a representative of his will would be vital.

With each passing day more and more "Sith" passed through the doors of the Temple, and more and more proved unworthy of Callidus' time. He had seen initiates kill each other over a chance to interact with him but none proved to be perfect for his type of apprentice. Finally someone interesting came to Callidus' attention. Permenion Talratheon, a fellow Corellian and a man after Callidus' own heart. They had similar tastes, similar interests, and most importantly, thought the same. Callidus knew that a man like himself would be dangerous to keep around but it would be worth it. If Callidus failed to control him then he figured he did not deserve his title.

He sat in the lavish chambers provided for him in the temple. The room had an understated beauty to it, almost a primitive look. The dark stone walls and high vaulted, domed ceiling gave the impression one was entering a cave, isolated and separate from the entire world. Red lights built into the walls illuminated the room. Central to the room was a large meditation chamber sunken into the floor. Large curved pillars surrounded the circle, almost like claws, and emitted a pulsating red light. Various tomes and trophies lined the walls. The furniture was exquisite, brought in from across the galaxy. Behind the meditation chamber was a grand stone desk in front of a tall, sleek black chair.

Julius sat at his desk with his elbows resting on the desk and his fingers intertwined. He sat up straight and waited. Today was an important day. He might receive his apprentice. Now they would begin their journey together. This man had better be as promising as the reports indicated, otherwise he would not long survive under Julius' tutelage. He summoned the initiate to stand before him today. He would test his strength immediately.

[Raytheon]

Haust walked calmly through the halls, dressed in his casual garbs a form fitting dark hued leather jump suit often covered with a purple hued Taffeta under tunic wrapped tight to his frame by his grey hued zeyd-cloth under robe fit snug to him by the use of internal clothing clips and his electrum and leather utility belt. Upon his forearms are electrum plates mostly for the purposes for ornate decorations the right hand decorated ornately with the depiction of a Ysalamiri the left with the depiction of a Krayt Dragon bound to thick black leather and latex interior gloves. With zeyd-cloth slacks tucked into eloquent black leather boots with an all terrain sole for all situations.

He stood out like a sore thumb from the passing initiates and Sith Knights who dressed in basic wool robs of black and grey. And while it did catch the attention of what he would call the more drab Sith, he rather enjoyed the attention it was a testament to his wealth and narcissism. He walked with a gracefulness that was often attributed to feminism however was well balance and made it look as if he glided rather than step.

He was in a mood of particular curiosity to have been summoned by a Sith a welled ranked one to be exact of the rank he wasn't sure but him being labeled as a initiate he wouldn't turn it down. More out of curiosity than fear, since the 'cantina incident' he'd been either avoided by many or summoned by others for similar activities. It was a rather enjoyable reputation that grew quickly on Korriban namely due to his outgoing personality in contrast to the usual reclusive and brooding personalities of the Order.

He paused a moment to reach into his tunic pock pulling out his datapad and looking at the letter he'd received again for confirmation and directions. 'Lord Callidus', the name stated not Darth thought he was curious if he was indeed nobility it would be rather curious of him to be a Sith perhaps a Sith Aristocrat. The thought fleeted nearly as soon as it came. It was pointless to speculate when one could find out nearly as fast by simply seeing with ones own eyes. Sliding the datapad back into his pocket he continued down the hall where the chamber door stood.

"Knock or enter... polite to knock..pfft this is the Sith.." He though as he simply went for the bold, twisting the doorknob and entering. Immediately the color of red illumination was the focal point of the room, yet his mind immediately calculated the room from it's materials, composition, size, decorative style arrangement and even the domed ceiling it was rather impressive for temple arrangements.

It was the chamber belonging to one of means, perhaps his assumption of this man being of nobility was a correct one. The central was he could see as being a chamber drew attention to the center of the room though in his experience it could also be a defensive point/ Often in his experience the greatest defense is the distraction of one opponent however he was not caught in a stare by the center chamber but instead looked around and walked closing the door behind him.

"Lord Callidus, I presume?" Haust spoke out upon seeing a man seated behind the large stone desk, his tone was casual yet a mixture of assertion and soft, enough to show he was willing to listen but only at his own volition as brave as that was here on Korriban.

[Cavalry King]

At last the initiate arrived. His presence in the force far before his actual physical arrival. Callidus allowed himself to be immersed in the force as he gleaned as much as he could from the man's presence. Very few in the universe had the ability to mask their presence in the force as Callidus could. He constantly regulated his force presence, making it very minimal in comparison to his actual abilities. People underestimated him that way - a deadly mistake. That was how Callidus operated, he feigned and tricked until his opponents misstepped and then struck. Even if he could bring someone down with no plotting at all, Callidus still preferred to attack only when his opponents were at their weakest.

When his physical presence entered the room the automatic doors hissed shut behind him. He immediately sensed the arrogance, self assuredness, and willfulness. He was almost perfect but these particular character traits would have to be culled, if only a little. Under no circumstances if this initiate wished to be his apprentice could he ever question to nature of their relationship. Callidus expected obedience. He would not club someone over the head to get it though, if this was the right man he would have the sense to respect the relationship.

The issue was this man was already quite powerful. He only needed teaching in the way of the Sith. Callidus would begin testing him immediately. In an almost cheery, personable manner Callidus responded, "Correct Initiate Haust. I am glad that I am not totally unknown to you." The sentence carried many implications. It would make Haust reflect on Callidus' superior position, but also immediately demonstrate that he was a different kind of Sith Lord. For this kind of familiarity shown by an initiate to a Sith Lord lesser beings had been killed. Ir insulted Callidus but he would show no sign of emotion.

"Initiate Haust, before we get to the matter at hand would you care for some Corellian Brandy? I keep a special collection, top of the line. I trust it should be up to your tastes." Callidus continued in his highly familiar tone. He was testing to see how Haust would respond. Callidus was being modest when he spoke of the quality of the brandy, it was some of the most expensive in the galaxy. It was actually a part of the Magnus-Solo brand. It was the one connection to home that Callidus never could quite hide.

[Raytheon]

The man appeared rather normal even minuscule compared to other initiates however given the chamber, the exquisite taste of the furniture and even the central meditation chamber this was far from the truth of appearances.

But what stood out is he used Haust's insignificant title, it would be a lie for this title to be nothing more than an annoyance to have gone from Jedi Knight to Sith Initiate was a step down especially for one whom was prideful of himself such as Haust. But it was no matter one usually had to start from the bottom of an organization.

He was confident he would elevate in time and with it the titles and benefits that came with such an appointment. Here he stood before Lord Callidus for no known reason except perhaps he was in trouble or gained unwanted attention, no matter for him he always gained attention somehow.

The question posed for Corellian Brandy, his drink of choice many were familiar with it by now and he'd gone to great length to be sure to always have it in stock on his ship to. He could already tell there was something different of this Sith, he spoke and acted different from the others indifferent he offered a drink rather than speak first. This gesture spoke volumes of him, most Sith spoke with alliances, mutual power however Callidus offered him a drink.

"Of course Lord Callidus, It's actually my preferred brand of choice, thank you."

Haust spoke now casually as he slowly approached the desk his eyes remained towards Callidus. Perhaps this was a disciplinary meeting though he would have expected lightning by now or some form of overt show of power over him. Since suggested he had practiced sensing more and knew they were alone or in the very least very much sure that they were alone.

"So.. mental recap he's obviously wealthy I'm surprised... generally polite, calm .. collected like a Jedi... oh **** the Jedi.." Huast thought to himself as he finally made him way before the desk holding his hands behind his back in clasped manner.

[Cavalry King]

Callidus smiled, he perpetually shielded his own mind but he was a nearly a peerless master of Telepathic Force abilities. This allowed him to read the mind of almost anyone, or at the very least have an idea of what or how they are thinking. He and this man had similar histories. Callidus, too, had left the Jedi order. Here stood before him a man hungry for power. If this Haust was truly ready to learn, Callidus could educate him on that path of the true Sith.

Callidus rested his elbows on his desk and clasped his hands together in a very pensive tone. When he heard the man too loved Corellian Brandy Callidus realized he had more in common with this man than previously thought. With genuine delight Callidus responded coolly, "Ah, a man of refined tastes. Its is also my particular drink of choice. So difficult to find them on this wasteland of a planet." He pressed a button on his desk and spoke into it, "Xv-9, bring us some of the Magnus-Solo Special Reserve Brandy, thank you."

Callidus turned back to the initiate, looking the initiate over from behind his mask. Callidus waited until the droid came out moments later with a tray, on it was a bottle of some of the finest Corellian Brandy available, and two ancient looking goblets. The droid poured the dark liquid into both cups and handed them to Callidus and Haust. Callidus held up the goblet in the air before he drank from it, "These are from the old Sith Empire. They were recovered from the tomb of a minor Sith Lord. Its amusing actually, most people when recovering artifacts from the tombs look only for items of power - lightsabers, amulets, staves and the like. These are excellent, but I take equal pleasure in the refined aspects of the Old Empire - they had a magnificent aesthetic quality to them. For thousands of years people have ignored these cups, and here we are drinking from them." He savored the idea and then drank from it.

Callidus himself usually carried himself like a Sith Lord of old. He wore the robes of an Inquisitor, he used the trappings of the Old Empire. Callidus' test of the man had already begun and he looked at him in between sips from his goblet. Finally Callidus asked, "What do you think it means to be Sith?"

[Raytheon]

He remarked upon his tastes them being refined, he would be correct but it was rare when the offering of exquisiteness was bestowed upon him rather than being the host. It was a unique experience for him to be the on the receiving end of a degree of cordial generosity. Though he had to wonder if this was done in order to prepare him for some bad news or the beginning to something better.

Better yet he shared his sentiment of this planet, at least it wasn't a lonesome thought he shared with a friend but perhaps something generally agreed upon by many. Haust himself made it something of a point not to be here unnecessarily and with the means to leave he often did finding better places to train and enjoy.

It was when the droid approached with a tray and he took the goblet inspecting it's exterior and nodding with a bit of self approval before looking to Callidus who had exalted his cup but before drinking as courtesy Huast followed the example raising his goblet slightly towards Callidus before slowly sipping the brandy. It was bursting with aged flavor yet smooth going down like warm milk, definitely something he enjoyed displaying his satisfaction with a slight smile.

Callidus went on about the cups, at first Haust paid no mind to them but as he concluded his speech he looked at them with new light remembering some it the initiates talking of found artifacts. Perhaps he himself would need to venture into the old tombs to see what could be found for himself if only a challenge with it's cavernous protectors.

Taking another sip he was about to ask the point of this meeting though the brandy was distraction enough as it was from this plan of action. He was confronted with an alarming question, one he may not have known to answer to truly.

"What do you think it means to be Sith?"

Haust thought a moment before taking a large sip of the wine, and looking to Callidus.

"Well, I think what it means to be a Sith is to be free.. free to use the force as you see fit, free to elevate yourself above the more common rabble to use the full array of your emotions, not to hamper them nor to rely on anger alone but to use the full spectrum of your emotions to become stronger, better, wiser.

In my opinion many initiates here are too focused on power for powers sake, no real aim or course of actions to really focus that power and create something truly glorious.. a legacy. They see whats in front of them rather than the entire board."

He had hoped that answered his question, though he continued to admire the brandy it wasn't often he had time to sit and enjoy brandy on Korriban. Well that was the one time in the cantina... he did drink brandy.

[Cavalry King]

(OOC: He is wearing this by the way

Callidus smirked under his mask. The man had much to learn but seemed to be of the right mindset. As the man enjoyed his drink and took several sips from its contents, Callidus reached into his robe and produced an empty tube. He held the tube in one hand and then offered it to the initiate. "Your first lesson as a Sith and it could have been your last. This could easily have contained a poison to which I am immune or had an antidote to. Had I wanted to kill you, you would have been dead on the floor in moments. Released from this world in a most... plebeian manner. A synox laced rim around that cup and you'd have been dead in moments. Never trust anyone but yourself. especially within these walls if you wish to survive..." Callidus spoke with a perfectly rehearsed show of concern. Everything he did was a test, manipulation, or lesson, or perhaps even a combination of all three. This was one of those combination actions. First he tested to see the response of the initiate, who, drawn by his taste for the drink and possibly out of fear to be seen as rude, did not question it. Secondly he was demonstrating to the man how Callidus operated. He wanted to show Haust how difficult it would be to guess what Callidus was doing and how differently he achieves his ends. Many Sith would seek to strike down their enemies, not Callidus. The man before him was no youngling, his status as an initiate was largely out of lack of tenure and education rather than ability. Callidus wanted to show Haust how simply and unflinchingly he could have someone killed. Thirdly, it was truly a lesson. Callidus was perhaps reaching paranoia with his lack of trust for anyone, he felt however he was at the precipice of paranoia, enough to keep him safe but not too much as to cripple him within the organization.

Callidus rose from his desk and moved towards one of the artifacts on display in his chambers - a series of old Sith holodisks. He had poured over their contents time and time again. While he was a formidable duelist, his strength came from the Force. He devoted himself to studies of the dark side. With his back to the initiate Callidus responded in a cool, but serious manner, "Good... That is a better answer than most of the dribble I have heard."

Callidus picked up one of the holodisks, "this disk was created in the first Sith Empire and is one of the first recordings of the Sith Code." In perfectly practiced Sith Language Callidus recited the last two lines of the Sith Code, "Ashajontû kotswinot itsu nuyak. - Wonoksh Qyâsik nun. Through victory, my chains are broken.The Force shall free me."

Finally he turned to face Haust, still clutching the ancient holodisk by his chest, Callidus said, "Youspeak of the Sith as Freedom, which is excellent, and you speak of perceiving the entire game, rather than the piece just in front of you, which is better. But do you understand what these mean? Do you understand what it means to have your chains broken and be set free by the Dark Side? What does it mean to be Free?"

This was another dual test and lesson. This was approaching higher level philosophy that often went ignored in the education of the initiates. Callidus did not actually expect the man to answer "correctly" but rather wished to see where the man was in his understanding.

[Raytheon]

As the masked man spoke he allowed the possibility that poison could have been in the brandy, or on the rim of the goblet and he was correct Haust himself was slightly taken aback by the fact. He would have fallen into a easy ploy of death with no means of real defense. However as the empty tube was produce offered to him he reached to grasp it and hold it for himself before finished the brandy and setting down the goblet. No point in not drinking perfectly good brandy.

The man was intelligent Haust would grant him that, perhaps more intelligent then himself but he would expect possibly nothing less than intelligence and cunning from a Lord. Perhaps this man was correct this was a lesson well learned for Haust, synox he would have to obtain some for personal tasks.

And yet the man could hold a look of incredulous peace when committed to such action, Haust slid the tub into his inner tunic pocket before continuing to following Callidus as he moved about from his desk to a a series of artifacts and gave a generally positive response to his statement, of course Haust could have known that without him saying a word. With the general knowledge of who he knew here in the Temple most answers dumbstruck even him. Short sighted with no long term goal to aim towards, they were pawns to be used and in a way he too was a pawn.

As Callidus lifted a holodisk and spoke of the code in what could have been in Sith considering it's age and origin. But ultimately made Haust aware his intimate knowledge of it. Haust mildly went over the conversation he and Naraka shared before quickly dismissing the thought and looking to Callidus as he requested of him another question, this time of the code. Haust was silent for a moment considering the code, he only needed read it once to memorize it and rephrased it in his head.

"To have your chains broken is to be unbound from the bounds of society, laws but also chains built of your own mind such as doubt, fear, anger or .. pride. To never be bound? But yet through the force we gain the ability to do this, we aren't hampered like the ungifted even being bound by one stronger we must strive for a sense of perfection to be free. I think it is a code of being the strongest.

It maintains that we are always strong and always fit against that which would bind us, or else we die as we deserve."

While that is what he interpreted from it, he didn't exactly feel this way, though a part of him did since there were signs he was being bound, signs he was losing touch with reality. From his position failure to sense one nearby and 'plausibly' being poisoned was enough for him to realize such, but the thought that was good brandy.

[Cavalry King]

Callidus nodded in agreement. "You have touched upon several key aspects of the meaning behind the code. Every being in this galaxy is bounded by some limitation, be it self-imposed or by circumstance. Some believe that breaking their chains simply means allowing themselves to act on whim or emotionally. The result has been a long history of petty, reckless and unstable warriors who tap into the great power that is the Dark Side but do not understand it. They become slaves to the Dark Side rather than its master."

Callidus turned back and replaced the holodisk carefully. He turned to face the man once more. "Sith understand that emotion is the key to power. They allow their emotions, particularly anger and hate, to run unchecked and consume them. This can have unimaginable short term power but can be crippling. A true Sith is a master of his emotion and not a slave to them."

He stared at the man for a moment, gauging his understanding before continuing, "I use this same phrasing - A Master rather than a Slave - twice precisely because that is what the code is referring to. The Dark Side is the ultimate test of survival, it takes the truths of the universe and pushes them to their absolutes - survival or death, victory or defeat... mastery or slavery. There are no middle grounds. The Sith system is designed to bring this out, simply look at the master and apprentice dichotomy. One master, the other subservient. The apprentice tolerates his station because he knows he must learn in order to advance. In your path as a Sith you will either become a master, having broken yourself of your limitations and achieved true freedom, you will be a master of the Dark Side rather than its pawn, you will be the master of your emotions, the key to your power, rather than its slave; or you will fall by the wayside, another blindly corrupted Sith with no sense of plot. They see only the act or the scene they might be an actor of but cannot perceive the play as a whole and thus make themselves minor characters of the play that is history rather than protagonists."

He was speaking almost passionately now, the conviction of his beliefs coming through his words. He composed himself, although he had hardly veered from his normal demeanor. He spoke frankly now, "Initiate Haust, I did not bring you here to lecture you on philosophy. I have brought you here because you have demonstrated that you have the ability, but more importantly, the mind to be molded as a true Sith. I understand what it takes to truly become free. I would like for you to be my apprentice, but you must still prove yourself. Are you willing to devote yourself to me, heed my instructions, and follow my commands? Are you willing to become my representative in the galaxy? Are you willing to do what it takes to become free?"

[Raytheon]

Haust stood there only listening however int he same moment wondering the point to learning of the Sith. He studied the code and attempted to understand it's doctrines however to him they were only doctrines, however perhaps this man was coming unto him. However he talking of many of the Sith following blindly to power short term power and remained as pawns or 'minor characters' rather than protagonists. That was a notion he could understand perhaps it was understanding philosophy or utter narcissism either way he knew what it meant to the the center point and hold a main role.

It was an aspect that appealed to him greatly, perhaps in time he would attain such however this thoughts ended and he only listened as the offer was pressed forward an opportunity to become an apprentice. He'd proven himself capably intelligent Haust had turned down a few Sith would wanted to be his master and even defended himself from one being force to disarm him, literally.

But now he would have the opportunity to be a true apprentice and step a very short and meager step higher up the echelon of the Sith. Saying no would offend the Sith Lord and likely result in a fight however this wasn't a situation that was completely undesired. He could only speak of an answer,

To devote himself to another master, to heed instructions, follow commands these he understood but representative not so much perhaps there was more to this than a simple apprenticeship and that alone was enough to intrigue him so he answered as pride defied but curiosity and craving for knowledge overruled.

"I am willing to devote my self to you, heed your instructions, follow your commands be your representative and willing to do what it takes to be free."

He would venture down the path to see where it led, if anything he would only gain or lose it all a pleasant gamble if anything.

[Cavalry King]

Callidus stood silent for a moment to allow the gravity of the situation to settle in. This man hardly knew what he was getting into but boldly stepped forward at the chance to gain power and freedom. He clasped his hands behind his back and slowly walked towards a holoprojector in the center of the room. He pressed a button and a holoscreen appeared, he typed in a few things and finally a picture of a rather average looking man appeared. Callidus turned to the prospective apprentice. "You must first prove yourself Haust before I make this final. I need someone... silenced. There is a journalist on Corellia that is attempting to foil some of my plans. At this point you needn't know what those are nor why he is opposing them at this point in time." He spoke casually about killing this man, almost as if it were a mundane task.

He motioned for his droid to provide him more brandy and gestured to see if Haust wished for some as well. He sipped, savoring the flavor. After a few sipped he swirled the goblet and looked into it, "Simply exquisite. It is good to enjoy the finer things in life" he said more thinking aloud than anything. "Back to the task at hand. A dossier has been prepared for you and is waiting for you in one of my starships. Take this to Corellia and silence him. Do whatever you must to accomplish this task. Discretion is of the utmost. He will likely be under surveillance and protection. You must find a way to kill him without creating a scene, his death must appear accidental. If he appears to have been assassinated it would draw.... undue attention."

He swirled his cup one more before drawing deeply from its contents. He laughed and then said in a genuinely cheerful manner, "Do this and I can assure you a life of luxury, opulence, and power. I am different from many. I come from a... privileged background. I enjoy life's pleasures. You seem to also be of refined tastes. I can see us now, two Sith hobknobbing around the galaxy..." He paused, amused with himself, "How interesting..."

[Raytheon]

Silence was the response to his willingness it was a bit unnerving until he finally moved to the holoprojector and spoke. Someone to be silenced, it's been awhile since Haust got his own hands dirty he'd avoided it on Zeltros due to his public recognition however this was on Corellia he hadn't been there since he was a boy. A journalist needed to die, he could do it a variety of ways in fact painful, agonizing ways

So many options coursed through his mind he could hire a professional, do it himself and through himself split a web of options observe, follow, enact but the difficulty is he would be surveyed and protected it wouldn't be close quarters. In a way this was fun like a game challenging the intellect and the ability to carry it out then came the bigger challenge.

You must find a way to kill him without creating a scene, his death must appear accidental.

Well isn't that quite the downer but on the plus side he would given use of a dossier and a ship, quite the luxury of materials for a job of bereavement, though in all fairness he didn't need to die by an accident it merely needed "look" like an accident though now Haust was sure his options would become more apparent in the dossier awaiting him.

Then came the bait, the lure luxury, opulence and power... to a degree these were things that Haust already possessed, while rich he lived a life of luxury however a wealth man can never be too wealthy and an abundance of credits can never be too flowing.

The last line actually made Haust chuckle softly, "Hobknobbing.. not a word heard often, however as for this task I'll leave immediately I'm sure this journalist is wanted silenced quickly." His tone was casual, calm as if they were discussing the sell of produce, He remained still however awaiting to be dismissed or given allowance of leave.

[Cavalry King]

Callidus expected the man to have no reaction to the thought of killing an enemy. Callidus finished his drink and nodded and said, "Right to the point. Excellent. Ah, before you go take this," Callidus produced a small holodisk from his robe, "It is a secure channel in the event you need to contact me. You are dismissed. Complete this task and your training shall begin."

With that Callidus walked over to his meditation chamber in the middle of the room. He devoted his life to the study of the Dark Side. He meditated on it daily. It was here that his machinations were plotted and considered. Perhaps today another cog would spin in his master plan for power. It remained to be seen.

Haust seemed competent, refined, and hungry for power. He could be a powerful weapon to be wielded. Callidus did not underestimate the man though, wielding him could be a double edged sword. Even if Haust proved to be totally loyal Callidus likely would not feel he could truly trust him. The edge of paranoia and caution - like sitting on the edge of a cliff. You have the best view in the world but are endanger of falling into an abyss.