In search of the Sith [Open]

[Leto]

As Raeg exited his ship, the sounds and smells of Korriban engulfed his senses. This planet had a very distinctive way to attack your every sense at once. One that was not forgotten that easily, even after all these years. He felt as if this place had not changed the slightest throughout the decades. It was a dead world. And yet, the dark side was still strong here. Stronger than anyw other place that he had visited thorughout his journeys. It was a cruel, unforgiving world. And also the homeworld of æons of ancient Sith lore. This place was power. That could not be denied.

His hoverchair floated across some strewn rubble from an ancient temple, whuch had probably began being excavated centuries ago. The dust of ages filled his lungs, as he coughed. Some attendants swarmed to him, helping their master. There were perhaps ten of them, all equipped with light armour and weapons. They would, of course, serve as his expendable diversion, should the need arise. For now, they would just do his every bidding.

He searched the ruins, looking for any indication that the Sith from so long ago might still speak to him, let him know their dark secrets. The Sith order was said to have been extinct for several centuries, yet his master had not wished to speak of them so long ago. They were still there, he knew it. They would have some kind of meeting place – a training ground. He found it sooner than he had expected – there was a massive amount of Force energy behind a hill in front of him. Slowly, he made his way across it, the only sound being the engines on the hoverchair and the shuffling feet of his slaves. What he saw could not be denied – a structure, impressive as it was standing there in the sun. He almost let out a gasp. Without the powr of the Force, this temple was almost impossible to find – from above it simply looked like any of the old ruins around here. This was definitely Sith architecture at its peak.

There were several powerful presences in there. The Sith were not to be taken lightly, not like the weak Jedi. Those fools believed in their false ideal, believed that they could maintain peace and order – idiotic of course. Only imbeciles would believe themselves to be able to define such things on their own. Raeg looked down at the temple. Sentinels, of course there were sentinels. He was a fool to think otherwise. The temple was heavily guarded. To just walk into there would mean certain death. He looked at the ones to his sides. Expendable. He entered the Valley of the Dark Lords. Sith sentinels rushed towards him. As they were almost close enough to attack, Raeg loosened his grip of his attendants. As one, they dropped dead instantly.

The sentinels waited, held their ground for a second. What just happened? How did he do that? Raeg had fooled them into thinking that he was capable of simply killing with a thought. He hoped that these were initiates, that they were not wise enough to see through the deception. Raeg moved towards them. He sent them a telepathic message. I yield, I submit to the power of the Sith. One of them moved closer. “Who… Are you?” Raeg looked at the character, and answered. I am Reag Vashin, the dominator of minds. The initiates mumbled among themselves. Undisciplined. Raeg saved the information as he often did, intending on processing it later. I seek out your masters. I have a wish of joining your little organization. A blaster was drawn. Before the weapon could be fired, Raeg grabbed the interceptor telekinetically, breaking his spine instantly. He sent the man sprawling down the length of the valley. Others drew their weapons. Raeg looked around. Stupid. He began addressing them again. I apologise – such things were not my intention. It was merely an instinctive reaction to the threat. I would assume that he was about to shoot? I deeply apologise. The initiates mumbled frantically, then one made a gesture towards Raeg. A Twi’Lek, if he was not very mistaken. Male. “Hey! Come with us, or we’ll all shoot at once. And you ain’t gonna survive that!”. Raeg looked indifferently at the creature. He counted all of them. There were about twenty. Twenty, and that was it? That would hardly be a challenge. Then he sensed them. Snipers. There were hidden killers in the hills above them. Ah, the finesse. Any normal being who attempted to break into the Sith temple without thought would end up dead before even reaching his/her target. Touché.

As Raeg entered the temple, he noticed the two statues at the entrance. What a waste of useful material. One of the Sith weaknesses – overindulgence and a sense of superiority. He noted himself this. Why did the initiates take him so far, the others seemed to think? The answer was simple, of course. In groups such as these, there would be several weak-minded individuals. By gently edging the intentions of most of these people to fit into his own agenda, they would take him further than what was a good idea. An older student stopped them. What were they doing? Escorting the prisoner. Why were they not escorting him to the prison cells? They needed to take him to lord Eurachis. So that was their leader’s name. Raeg knew what he needed, and decided to give the older student an epileptic seizure. As he lay on the floor, flailing randomly, Raeg and his escort simply passed the body. Raeg even flew over the guy in his hoverchair. As they entered another room, Raeg saw two Sith, who were clearly discussing. Their minds well concealed, Raeg decided to merely pass them, and hope that they would not notice the unfamiliar sight that he knew was to most sensing beings…

[Rugs]

Visari had watched the exploits of the visitor from a balcony high up on the front of the Temple. "How interesting..." he muttered to himself as he watched the interloper who was now being led into the Temple. The businessman straightened up and stretched his arms out to either side of him. He was very well dressed, with a fine black shirt under a double-breasted vest that was a smokey grey color. His trousers were the same color as the vest, and he wore Rancor leather boots on his feet. Over all of that was a black coat with that went down to just below his knees. It had gold scrollwork on the ends of its sleeves, and it was thick, though the heat didn't bother Visari. All of his clothes were very well made, and tailor cut to his frame, and spoke of great wealth, which he most assuredly had; he was, after all, the CEO of one of the fastest growing corporations in the galaxy. He also happened to be an initiate in the Sith Order, though that wasn't to say he was weak by any means; at this point, all except Iniquitous and his apprentices were initiates.

Visari tapped the sleek metal cane he carried with him on the ground as he continued to watch the interloper. Someone drew a blaster, and shortly after, a limp body was rolling down the landscape. Then the ones that had gone out to meet the man began to escort him toward the Temple. "Very interesting..." Visari said, watching as one student suddenly collapsed on the ground, his body wracked by convulsions. "Well, then," he said, turning on his heel to go back inside. "I'll have to greet him and see what his business here is." He hid his considerable ability with Force Concealment as he stepped into the turbolift. To the visitor, Visari would seem to be nothing more than a very well dressed man, with no ability to touch the Force.

He stepped out of the lift once it reached the ground floor and went off to intercept the man. The metal cane made soft ringing noises as he walked with it, but the whole of the cane was a ruse. Sixty three years had he lived, but he was an Epicanthix, and due to their longer lifespan, he was much less aged than a human of similar age would be. His face looked like that of a human in his mid to late thirties, though his hair had gone white years ago- a genetic thing, that, and nothing more. The real purpose of the cane was to conceal his lightsaber, and he could walk just fine without the thing. Only he knew the workings of the mechanism to open it, and to all else, it simply looked like a cane.

After some searching, Visari happened upon the visitor, and stood in the doorway leading out of the room he was in. He held his cane on the ground in front of him with both hands resting on top of it and looked the strange man over. His body was grotesque, and seemed to be more head than anything else- a swollen, deformed head. What a miserable existence, Visari thought to himself.

"Well, then," he said, looking to the students that had escorted Raeg in, his rich baritone voice flat. "You may leave us now." The students bowed, and he stepped aside to let them out of the door behind him, and turned his attention to Raeg.

"So, what is your business here?" Visari asked, raising an eyebrow. "And I do hope you have a good reason for breaking that man's back and doing what you did to that other student, or you will find this place most unpleasant." Of course, due to Visari hiding his ability to use the Force, to Raeg, it would appear as if an ordinary man was making subtle threats to him. But the visitor would be very unwise to underestimate Visari.

[Leto]

Raeg looked at the man. Funny. Even with Raeg's considerable ability to sense the Force in beings, this one appeared dead to the Force... Perhaps some near-human species that he did not know of. Given this, he would probably also be resistant to Force powers. Raeg would have to thread carefully. Whatever hidden power this one had, it was enough to make him talk to Raeg in a manner that was completely unafraid of the Falleen. Not the Force, but something else... Poison darts? Hm, this stream of thought might seem supspicious to the stranger... I should probably adress him. Raeg turned his hoverchair to face Visari. I... The creature was significant. The other had bowed to him. What was this? I would consider what my reasons were, if I had time. For now, I must resort to a slightly incomplete answer to your questions. My reasoning would be that these two posed threats to me, with their incapacitation and... Slightly more... Permanent removal of obstruction proved to be a way to remove those threats. Now, obviously, the first one is beyond repair - I will return to that. The other one, however will be ok. He will actually experience a slight increase in intelligence and a few other useful abilities. Right now, he is just living some childhood horror over again.

Raeg moved his hoverchair closer to Visari. I still wonder, though - why did those students bow to someone such as you? You appear dead to me... Perhaps that is your power? A wound in the Force? I have heard tales of suck things, but... Raeg suddenly realized that he was provoking the man in front of him. The man with that terrible, hidden power, which could destroy Raeg, he was sure of that. Raeg felt the elegant handle of his chair beneath his arm. His body was awakening. Blood was streaming through it. Though the quickest escape he could muster would be by distracting the Sith and using his Force powers to levitate, that would probably end up with him being shot down by some kind of orbital defense... He waited.

Of course, I have come here to study the ancient Sith lore... I had not thought that the Sith were still here. I had dreamed, but it seems a well-kept secret. I was looking for some old tomb, in fact. As I have heard it, however, the Sith and I share a common hatred for the Jedi. I highly doubt that the one I eliminated had the skills that I possess. If he had, then you are free to try and strike me down now. I will demonstrate it for the unbeliever. But be not decieved by my weak frame. I can lift boulders and... Well, cruch a spine, as you just saw. I can and will take his place. This, of course, is an offer that you would be quite foolish to refuse.

Raeg looked at the man in front of him. What was the power behind those eyes? WHat was his hidden weapon? Raeg could not help but wonder... Killing me now would be an incredulous waste of resources, would it not? After all, I did just demonstrate my capabilities. I can help you further your goals. I can do your bidding, in return for small pieces of Sith lore. I hunger for knowledge, I crave it. Please do not let me stay unsated. You do not seem a fool to me. Sweat broke forth in Raeg's palm. This was dangerous, very dangerous. But he hoped that the Sith would see logic in the way that he did. He hoped...

[Rugs]

{Kinda meh. Sorta forced the post out :/}

Visari might have laughed were he not so irritated. He listened as the distorted Falleen's voice echoed in his head, and almost scowled. Pathetic, he thought, as Raeg went on and on, asking if Visari was a wound in the Force, of all things. Is he that much of a fool to think that any man that stands to him and not touch the Force is some kind of anomaly, or posses some great power?

His sharp green eyes met with the eyes in Raeg's grossly oversized head, and the feeling of disgust only heightened. He sighed heavily and tapped his cane on the ground thrice, filling the room with a soft, clear ringing noise. He looked up at Raeg once more, and spoke. "So is that it? You come to our Temple, attack two of our men, and kill one... to do nothing more than grovel?" The irritation he felt flashed in his eyes for a moment. "Any fool can lift a boulder, or break a man's spine with the Force, and most fools would have more spine about it after the fact than you have shown."

Visari snorted. "Amazing. Truly. You just waltz in, and then, this is what you present? What do you have that could possibly be of any use to the Sith Order? Because all I see before me is the distorted head of a Falleen with a broken body attatched." Visari took a few steps back and spread his arms wide in a grand gesture. "So prove your worth then. Prove that you posses something of value to give to the Order." As his hands fell to his side, he grinned wickedly, and let the curtain hiding his Force ability up just a bit, only enough to allow a small peek. It would be as if he were a normal man that was Force sensitive, but had no control over his powers. But he was, of course, much more than that.

[Leto]

Raeg regarded the creature before him. He now sensed a being, not too powerful, but not dead to the Force. A Force-sensitive. Ah, this one had concealed his powers. There was no telling what he was capable of. He seemed to try and anger Raeg. Hm. Such things did not make him lose his temper. Few things did, actually. Feelings were unnecessary and energy-consuming. Raeg thought about what he could do without having to resolve to violence. His foe could be a Dark Lord of the Sith. Of course, he could also just be bluffing… A low acolyte, playing him like an instrument. This, in turn, did anger him. Who would dare turn his own weapon against him? He was the schemer. He was the intelligent one. Who dared test him? He calmed himself down before continuing. Remember one thing, human. You are not the most experienced one here. I highly doubt that you have seen as much as I have. I am over one century old. Do not think that you can just play games with me.

He sneered, looking at the man before him with disgust. What an abomination. So young, yet so arrogant. Raeg decided that a blatant display of his abilities would be in place here. But what to do? He might just be ridiculing himself right now. But what to do… Who was this, anyway? Raeg wanted to test the man’s self-control. Test his abilities. He looked at Visari, clearly displaying his disgust. Would this trick whoever this was? It was worth a try. You are a fool, an imbecile, to think that I do nothing more than grovel. By doing that, I bought myself time, the most valuable of commodities. Any advantage that you might have had, had it come to battle, due to my exhaustion is gone. I have rested.

He took a moment so that the information might sink through the thick skull of this one. Then, he thought for another. You want a display of my prowess? Fine. I shall provide that. Show me your true self, and I shall do so. You would not be so cocky, overconfident, if you did not believe yourself to be able to best me in some way or another. Show me what you have. You annoy me greatly, I must admit. That impresses me. But do not think me a fool for one second. You bear the robes of a wealthy man. You must have influence in some way. But I do not care. Stop playing these ridiculous games with me. I merely want access to the Sith archives. If that means I have to join the bastards, then so be it. But do not waste my time. As I stated, it is the most valuable commodity of all. Always remember that.

[Rugs]

Visari laughed openly at Raeg's threats, his baritone voice carrying across the room. When he looked at Raeg again, there was an amused smirk on his face, but it did not touch his eyes. No, those held a dangerous glint to them, and indicated that he was not a man to be trifled with. But still, there he stood, both hands resting on his cane in front of him, and still blocking the door to go deeper into the Temple. "Before we begin, I am an Epicanthix, not a Human. You would do well to learn the difference." He tapped his cane on the ground once more, filling the room with the ringing noise again. "Secondly, I would think that all of your years would have granted you wisdom... but it would seem they have not. If you think that age means anything with matters of the Force then you a greatly mistaken. Our Dark Overlord is less than twenty-five years old, yet he stands the greatest among us, and none in his Inner Sanctum are over forty." Visari snorted and spat on the ground in front of him. "If you think your years give you an advantage over me, then it is you who are mistaken, my friend."


The Epicanthix only sneered as Raeg went on and on, claiming that the time spent talking to Visari had allowed him to rest and regain his strength. A soft laugh came from his throat at the growing ire of the Falleen. "I'm sorry, are you getting cranky," he asked sarcastically, raising an eyebrow as he did. "And are you really so weak that killing a man and making another convulse tired you out? Or perhaps moving that head of your around in that chair is more exhausting than I thought..." His smirk grew, as he was growing to be rather amused. "And really, friend, who is the real imbecile here, hmm? You were the one that came to this Temple. You were the one that acted out against one of our guards and a student. You should realize how lucky you are that I'm not one of the more hotheaded people here..." Visari shook his head sadly, "else you'd be nothing more than a streak on the ground."


Visari laughed again at Raeg's demands for him to show his true self. "My trues self?" He spread his arms out to either side before lowering them back to rest on the head of his cane in front of him. "Here I am, sir! What? Do you think me to be wearing a mask, or a costume?" He laughed again. "And do you think me your servant, to do as you command because you command it? Nay, I think I shall stay as I am, thank you." Those sharp green eyes looked into Raeg's once again, and Visari awaited whatever would come next from the deformed Falleen.

[Leto]

Raeg merely regarded the Epicanthrix. What did he expect? A Kowakian monkey-lizard dance? Bah. Raeg could not help but be disgusted by this creature. What a waster of resources. Are you completely mindless? Any small advantage is worth considering. Even a second of rest can be the difference between life and death. No, I was not about to collapse. But any exhaustion of resources must be refilled. Understand this. The sooner, the better. No. The Force and age are not the same. The Force is mostly talent. Yet, the more time you have to develop and hone your skills, the greater your potential will be. Had I trained though every small bit of my life, you would not be able to best me whatsoever. As is, however...

He looked at Visari. As is, I believe you might. You seem young and slender. I... I have a weak, frail body. I did not ask for this. But this has only strengthened my resolve. I wish to exterminate the Jedi plague, whatever the cost. Otherwise, I cannot fulfill my plan. Now, a duel between us. What would that achieve? One of our deaths... Nothing would come from that. A waste of precious resources. Stupid, so very stupid. I have a grand plan for this galaxy. If it involves my death, so be it. My vision wíll live on. I myself will fall into the abyss. No consience, no worries.

He regarded Visari with a spiteful gleam in his yellow eyes. You think you have me now. You think that this is it. I have given up my weakness - some grand design to follow, a showing of emotions or what not. Whether you noticed this or not, I do not care. It will all be revealed in due time... But as for now, my plans require that I gain access to the Sith archives. To do that, I must join them. How would I achieve that? Tell me if you know, for my scheme will benefit all... Everything. But to achieve it, the Jedi must die, and I must join the Sith. For this, I believe I would need your help? Will you grant me that, and if you will, what do you want in return?

[Rugs]

Visari stared into the Raeg's eyes after he finished speaking. What do I want in return? Visari sneered at the gross mutation of a man before him. "What is there of value that you could possibly offe-"

He was cut off when the door behind him slid open and one of the younger initiates, a woman in her low twenties stepped into the room. "Visari," she said, her voice soft and smooth,"the Dark Lady Novus has heard of the interloper and wishes to see him herself."

Visari turned back to stare at Raeg for a moment, regarding his twisted form. He grunted and around to fully face him. "Well then, it would seem that the powers that be have heard of our... confrontation. I will take you to see the Dark Lady, so follow me." Visari turned on his heel, but he didn't move toward the door. Not yet. He let his Force Concealment fade away, and revealed his rather considerable power. As it often was with those that were powerful in the Force, the environment in the room seemed to change-it seemed to get a little bit colder-though in reality, it was just the feeling of Visari's power, and a reflection of the coldness that lurked within him. "But know this," Visari said, his back still turned to Raeg, not even attempting to hide a very dangerous tone from his voice, "if you try anything that you should not while we are inside the Temple, I will kill you. And a death from me would be a mercy compared to what others might do."


With that, he started off into the depths of the Temple, and knew Raeg would follow. They went through many corridors, passing groups of Initiates, young and old. Visari did not speak to anyone; in fact, the only noise that came from his person was the steady ring of his cane on the stone floors of the new Temple. After some time spent going through a number of different corridors and a turbolift, they arrived at a door that led into the room where Novus would meet them. "Here we are," Visari said. He turned his head slightly to look at Raeg out of the corner of one of his eyes; that dangerous glint was still there. "You would do well to mind your manners. She's one of Iniquitous' own, and not one to upset." He stepped forward, and the door slid open, and the two moved into the room.

[Neology]

Novus set at her console - a grand thing set into a base of dark, smoky glass, and tapping her irritation against its polished surface with her claws. She scanned over the terse reports again, feathered brows raised in indignation. One guard confirmed dead, another – a student! - down. That this being had reportedly made it as far as some of the outer rooms, with an escort no less, stirred a cold rage in the generally reserved Arkanian. More then anything, it rankled that something hostile had managed to gain entrance to the temple, without even the questionable aid of nightfall to smooth the way.

The door to her office hissed open, and the Dark Lady glanced up to take stock of the two who entered, folding her hands in her lap. Her pale gaze passed over Visari with a slight nod of the head, settling on the Falleen, brows rising in inquiry. Mutant? Cripple? And yet, he'd managed to get this far, never mind the latest message about a string of other deaths attributed to him, none affiliated with their Order, else she have had his throat, hell to the privileges of rank.

”Thank you – its Visari, right?” She made a vague gesture with her hand, indicating the man was dismissed. Quickly, she changed her mind, steppling her fingers on the desk and leaning forward a bit. ”On second thought, would you take a seat, please?” She had heard of the man, just common gossip, really, but that added to what she could sense of his aura intrigued her. Besides, if there was punishment to dispense, by right the honor should go to him, as first to address the problem.

The Dark Lady of the Sith inclined her head toward the Falleen, her pale lips twisting into a cold smile that did not at all melt the ice in her gaze. She opened her hands to him in a mocking gesture of welcome. ”Yes? You've found the Sith, if that was your wish.” Her voice flowed with a silky cadence, yet there was the edge of something sharp and deadly in her words. ”Now, you will explain yourself, why you are here, and why exactly I shouldn't gut you like a gooberfish.”

((OOC: Oops, its a bit short. : x Also, don't worry too much Leto, she'll mellow out as it moves on. Sorry for making you have to reexplain.))

[Leto]

(No worries, I had problems stretching this post... Need a response first. )

Raeg looked at the Arkanian Sith. Clearly, this one was the superior of the two. She was unable to conceal the feelings in her voice. Anger. A weakness that Raeg noted himself. It could prove useful when decoding her intentions. He began addressing her telepathically. You are the leader here, I presume. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Raeg Vashin. As you might have noticed, I have certain talents where the Force is concerned. I have come here to hone those talents. I wish to gain access to the Sith archives, where you store the holocrons of those ancient, powerful beings that once lived among us. Since the Sith are not as dead as they want the galaxy to believe, I do not doubt that a search of the tombs would be futile. However, joining your enclave, I would also be replacing the man that I killed. I have a hard time believing that his skill would surpass mine. I have an extensive amount of experience with the Force, including the dark side.

He waited for a second. He needed for the Sith woman to believe in his sincerity. Something that he would not just tell anybody. Look at my body, for example. You think this is a mutation. It is, but not a natural one. I was not born like this. This is the influence of the dark side, an uncontrolled one. I want the knowledge to reverse this as well. My reasons for joining the Sith are many. I hate the Jedi as you do. I admire you. He looked at the Arkanian. The last remark would surely prove well-placed. The more he grovelled, the more they would both despise and like him. They would despise his apparent weakness, yet like the flattery. Almost everyone enjoyed flattery. He despised it. Flattery was never well-meant. Silent admiration was the only true form of loyalty.

Raeg realized that he had been silent for almost two seconds. Her continued. I am sure that you wish to know what kind of use I would be able to provide for you. I have always enjoyed a more subtle approach to things, though violence is needed at times, either as self-defence or to attract the right kind of attention. Like outside, for example. The man was pointing a blaster at me. With my body, I can take no chances in such a situation. But notice the subtle influence that I have already provided. You would not kill me by now. It would be a waste of resources, and you are not stupid. The other man I subjected to a rare technique known commonly as Torture by Chagrin. I could teach you that – but not if I died. They must already be whispering of what happened in the corners. Muttering that I killed five guards without blinking. That is power. I killed three of my own men and one of your guards. I gave a student a seizure. But my tale will grow. Already now, you would have to execute me publically, a sign of weakness for the Sith – did you really need to go through all that to get one crippled Falleen? No, you would not want that. Or would you? What do you want, milady?

[Rugs]

Visari nodded when Novus asked his name, and started to turn to leave when she waved him away. But the Arkanian changed her mind and asked him to stay, so he sat down in a seat by the door and waited to see what Raeg would say.

To say that he was miffed with Raeg's words would be an understatement. He was already more than a little irritated with the Falleen, but he felt his grip tightening on his cane as Raeg went on and on, and looked down to see that his knuckles had gone white. He makes claims about how great he is and this is what he comes to us with? Visari had not believed that he could like the Falleen less than he already did, but his opinion of Raeg continued to plummet as Raeg made his plea to Novus. Open anger started to flare up in him by the end of Raeg's little speech, which was quite an accomplishment on the Falleen's part-Visari was not a man to grow angry easily.

Visari snorted loudly when Raeg finished speaking. "Or perhaps I could bury my lightsaber in that overly large head of yours, Falleen." He stared at Raeg, and for the first time, his disgust was there, plain and open on his face. "Incredible. You claim to be so great, and this is what you say? You greatly overestimate your own worth, fool."

Visari turned to face Novus. "My Lady, this one is not worthy of joining us. One of our guards is dead, and a student has been incapacitated, thanks to his recklessness in trying to get in to the Temple. Then, he grovels to avoid punishment, and even tries to woo with flattery." He shook his head slowly, in irritation. "What's more, I do not believe this one can be trusted. You heard it yourself: he wishes to join us to gain access to the some of our oldest secrets. What will he do once that goal is met, I wonder?" Visari's green eyes turned to Raed for a moment, contempt quite visible in them. "Will he betray us? His method of entrance into the Temple doesn't leave much reason to trust him, in my mind, nor does the way he casually claimed that he would be ample replacement for the man he was so quick to kill." Visari paused for a moment. "Speaking of which, regardless of what happens in this room, he is still due for some sort of punishment for the killing of that man. That much he should not be allowed to get away with."

Visari leaned back in his chair, and waited to see what Novus would say, now that he had made his case against Raeg. He didn't know what the Dark Lady would do, but one thing was certain: the more time he spent around Raeg, the more he was growing to hate the mutated little Falleen.

[Neology]

The Dark Lady leaned back in her chair, regarding the alien with a neutral expression as he spoke directly into her mind, a practice the woman found irritating at best. Even so, she remained attentive, restless habits such as tapping her fingers or checking the incoming report on the injured student suppressed in the interest of appearing wholly professional. After all, the matter deserved a certain amount of gravity – the Falleen's life was very much at stake.

”Presuming is dangerous, but yes, I am 'leader' enough to deal with this sorry business Raeg Vashin.” She spoke name slowly, as if trying to taste it. The slight and momentary wrinkling of her nose seemed to imply she didn't much care for it. ”All of us possess 'certain talents'. Most of us have enough good sense to get by on words in situations such as this. Unless, perhaps, that mutation of yours has left more then just your body shriveled and impotent?”

As the alien continued his mental speech; odd, to her thoughts, for surely mental transmission would be swifter then traditional means? the Dark Lady's formal mien began to drop, replaced with something approaching open irritation. ”I think one such as you would have more luck with the surgeon's knife then ancient tomes and the vaulted 'secrets' of the Sith.” The words came out with an uncharacteristic snarl, the Arkanian's thick claws leaving indents in her chair's armrests. ”And you will stop this sniveling. You do not more admire me then I might something stuck to the bottom of my boot.”

The woman had to stop herself from admitting an audible scoff as the Falleen presumed to tell her what she could and could not do with his malformed carcass. She made a dismissive gesture with one hand, turning her attention to Visari, mildly surprised at the extent of his anger. At first glance, he'd seemed a remarkably reserved individual, at least as far as such things went among those drawn to this particular Order. She nodded slightly in acknowledgement of his words, a small frown creasing her delicate features in momentary displeasure.

”Thank you, Visari, but please. I'll take over the threat-making now if you don't mind.” The Dark Lady took to her feet, fixing the Falleen with a serious expression that owed more to the duties of rank then her personal opinions. ”Yes, I am familiar with the art of Memorywalking. My previous master, Overlord Paxis, studied extensively with the various force sensitive sects, including the Sorcerers of Tund. I somehow doubt that you can teach me more then he. Please, spare me any further offers of temptation, for you are ill-equipped for such things.” She paused a moment, fixing her gaze to a point in space somewhat higher then the Falleen's head before dropping to eye level. ”I will be frank with you, now. There are no 'archives'. If any holocrons survive, they escape my knowledge. So you see, we do not, in fact, have what you're looking for. Now, there is a question of punishment.” The woman ran a hand through her thick hair, spending a moment in thought. ”Visari here, surely understands one's need for good help, and could explain why the random and needless deaths of guards is a detriment. And yet, someone needs to guard the doors...”

Novus trailed off, glancing again toward the door. 'Ah...more trouble?' She shook her head slightly, then shrugged and regarded Raeg with her icy gaze, entirely the Dark Lady once more. ”I offer you a choice, Raeg Vashin. If you still wish to join the Sith Order, then I offer you this: you swear fealty unto me, with Visari Netellus here as witness. As recompense for the death of that soldier, you will take over his shift at the door for the duration of his contract, the rest of your time may be devoted to study and training, as you see fit. Three months I believe. Your other choice is a swift execution in the main courtyard.” Novus took her seat and waited for the Falleen's answer, alert for any sudden attempts at resistence.

[Karl the Unfettered]

((OOC: At Rugs' demand and with Neo's permission, I give you the one and only Shard!))

As Novus finished speaking, there came a discrete knock at the door; whoever it was didn't wait for an answer before cracking it open, and a blond-haired head in heavily tinted glasses peered inside. "Someone mention executions?" the head asked, as the rest of him slid in to reveal a well-dressed and well-armed fellow; two lightsabers, a silenced slugthrower pistol, and an Echani rapier. Currently there was no overt sign of the Force in him, though judging by the weapons this was clearly an illusion.

"Oh, do forgive me, I haven't even introduced myself." He stepped farther in, shutting the door behind him as he did so. For the moment he ignored Raeg, giving a brief nod to Visari before standing before Novus. "I have not yet had the pleasure of your acquaintance, my lady," he began with a bow. "I am Charlill Sylvorr, better known as Shard; doubtless you've heard of me." This wasn't a statement of ego, as one would expect; the Miraluka was a very public figure, and had not made it a habit of skulking around.

"But anyway," and he turned to Raeg at last, one eyebrow arching up behind his glasses. "I came around because I sensed a disturbance earlier... a rather prominent disturbance. Would I be correct in assuming this is the cause?" He leaned his head back, as if examining the mutant Falleen down the bridge of his nose; an affected gesture, mostly, as the Miraluka really didn't need to turn his head at all to observe things.

In Shard's vision, Raeg was an anomaly. A hideous excuse for a living creature, stunted in more ways than one, the Miraluka saw through Raeg to the cold, inhuman logic that dictated his every action. With an inner smirk he wondered what the Falleen would make of Shard's own presense, were he sensitive to such; chaos and bloodlust personified, easily restrained yet always hungry to feed, spread, expand. He toyed with the idea of letting his own power show, but put it aside; the good Lady Novus wouldn't appreciate it, after all.

"I daresay it was," he said after a moment, sniffing disdainfully. "Such... arrogant wastefulness." He had no doubt Raeg had been chewed out already, but he could plainly see it had no effect on the oblivious freak. "You could have just asked, you know, instead of showing off and shedding the blood of your betters." Nevertheless, the fellow did have some power...

"Lady Novus," he went on, wheeling to face her again, "if you change your mind and have the brat executed after all, might I have a go at him first? He is not without skill, and I daresay I could put it to better use than he ever could." What that could mean, to those who weren't aware of his skill with Drain Knowledge, was anyone's guess; Visari knew, so he was in on the joke, but the other two would certainly be in the dark.

[Leto]

Raeg looked at Novus without changing his expression the slightest. He regarded the Arkanian, as the creature spoke of her "talents". He awakened, when the Sith began talking of using words in this situation. Yes, surely, in the manner of the peace-loving Sith. Oh, I apologize, but I fail to see the logic in your statement. If your trooper had not been so imbeciel as to brandish his toy before me, I would have let the sod live. He was a weak excuse for a soldier, showing his fear when the need was not there. What a fool he was. I can provide you with several soldiers that will obey any order without question in return, if you wish for that.

He still regarded the Arkanian, yet became slightly bored now. Bravo, bravo. I would applaud you if I could. You have passed my own little "test" - silent admiration should always be preferred. Anyone who admires you openly either wants your position or your head on the stake. I, of course, wish to be in your seat. Now, as for your estimation of my chances, I would consider myself an optimist at that point.


The other Sith then burst out in anger. Raeg looked at him with mild contempt. I thought the fine lady here was in charge and not you. I would not break the chain of command around here. It does not seem to be very smart... The Arkanian was telling her how he was not fit to teach her telepathy. Oh please. My skills with telepathy are with 90 % per cent certainty greater than his ever was or will be. I could demonstrate, but that would probably draw your rightful anger even more than it has so far.

The Arkanian said that there were no Sith archives. What? Well, now there really was no way back. Then I will prove myself before the other one, and say that I wish to join your order, archives or not. If he still distrust me, so be it. I cannot say that I fully trust him either...

Raeg looked indifferently at the Arkanian, who now made him an offer. Should he take it? It would certainly offer him time to think and plan, which was exactly what he needed by now. I swear fealty before you and this... Visari individual. I can guard your valley for some time, if that is your wish. Anything else that I should... He felt someone at the door. Company?

He regarded Shard indifferently, as the thing began talking. Suddenly, it turned to him and remarked upon his minor confrontation outside the temple. Raeg looked at him. This was... An uncontrolled individual. What a waste of genetic material. Chaos was death in Raeg's mind. So you wanted me to ask? What a splendid idea. I am sure that the guard who decided to pose a threat to me was really one for asking. You consider him my better? Well, did he really prove himself to be that? A weak fool. Besides, he did not bleed much.

He looked at the newcomer, as it remarked upon his skill level. Put it to better... Ah. He had some way of absorbing Raeg's power. Absorb Knowledge or something like it. Raeg doubted that the thing would be able to use it on him, but he might distract him in some way or another...

[Rugs]

Visari nodded at Novus' ultimatum to Raeg. Perhaps it was not as harsh as he would have liked, but it would do just nicely. As long as this one is kept under guard, he thought as he regarded Raeg out of the corner of one of his eyes. A very close guard.

His face remained placid at the Falleen's response to Novus' offer, but he seethed inside, and had to resist the urge to stand and wrap his hands around the Falleen's mutated little neck and strangle the life out of him. "You, of all people want to tell me what would be smart," he asked flatly as he turned his head to face Raeg once more. His face became a mask of bemusement. "You, who forced your way into a place where you have no business? You, who continues to be arrogant and even in the presence of one who is trying to give you a way to avoid an execution?" Visari snorted again, and narrowed his eyes at the Falleen. "No, Falleen, I think you should tread more carefully. Your arrogance will only be tolerated so far." The Epicanthix cut off before he uttered another threat, letting it run through his own head unspoken. And do not think that your oath will save you from my blade if you try to betray us. A frown clouded his face as Raeg made his oath of fealty to the Lady Novus. How can one in a position such as the one he is in be so arrogant? It truly baffled Visari's mind, and left much doubt as to whether the twisted Falleen could be trusted.

He turned to look at the door at the sound of a knock, and his eyebrows went up a bit in pleasant surprise when the head of none other than Shard poked in through the doorway. Visari had not seen the Miraluka in some time; not since their original meeting on Balmorra a while back. A light chuckle came from his mouth at Shard's little quip at the end- he did indeed know of the man's ability to drain knowledge from the minds of others, and the thought of it happening to Raeg was very amusing. "Now, now, Shard," he said lightly, "you might want to be careful there. I rather doubt you'd want to end up with our friend's exceeding amounts of tact, now would you? Besides, if you get the first go at him, you'd have to leave something for me. I was the one to first confront him, after all."

Even so, Visari's mind returned to more serious matters, and he regarded the Miraluka out of the corner of his eye after Raeg's response, which was tactful, as always. At this point, all Visari could really do was to shake his head in disdain. The mutated Falleen's skull seemed to be as thick as it was wide, and nothing they said appeared to be getting through to him. Visari reached out in the Force to Shard's mind and spoke telepathically, so that Shard and only Shard could hear him. "As you may have heard through the door, he has sworn fealt to Novus, but I do not think he can be trusted," he said, letting a bit of his irritation at Raeg show. "He plans to betray, us; that much I am fairly certain of... What do you think should be done with this one?"

[Neology]

Without hardly a pause for breath, the intrusion she'd anticipated made itself known in the form of a pale man with light hair and dark glasses. Novus frowned at the intruder, crossing her arms and perching on the corner of her desk, nodding only slightly in acknowledgment of his introduction. Clearly, the man felt himself familiar enough with her already. ”I have some passing awareness of you, yes, but I'll spare you my opinions. The 'disturbance' is being dealt with, as you can see.” She arched an eyebrow at the Miraluka on the last word, yet allowed him his moment to berate the Falleen. Her neutral expression changed subtly, shadowed by curiosity as he voiced his request.

”That would have been up to Visari, but, as a vassal, Raeg's punishment, for present or future mistakes, falls solely unto me. It is one of the many burdens a liege-lord must take up.” Her tone was slightly sarcastic, her gray eyes narrowed as she watched the Miraluka, her manner suddenly reminiscent of a predatory feline.

The Falleen's offhanded comment about Paxis recaptured the Dark Lady's attention, though she let him finish 'speaking'. With a rictus grin and a sudden fury, she rounded on the shriveled alien with a powerful telekinetic burst, aimed to knock the fool's forcechair over and back. Standing now, Novus crossed the newly vacated floor space to regard the alien with open contempt. ”Perhaps the concept of vassalage is to difficult for you to grasp? It means that I take you upon my honor, with all your flaws and mistakes. By insulting my master, you insult me. For that, I am within my rights to punish you as I see fit. I will not tolerate such a blunder of etiquette a second time.”

She turned to Visari, idly smoothing her robes as a bird might groom ruffled feathers, settling every detail of her appearance back to its proper state. ”Raeg here challenges you, I believe, for the right of joining our esteemed Order. As his liege lord, I acknowledge his request, should you be agreeable to these terms, Initiate Visari. I propose a duel, to take place in one hours time, under the supervision of myself and Mr. Sylvorr.”

[Karl the Unfettered]

"Of course he was your better, he was doing his job," Shard replied to Raeg. "Unlike you, whom I doubt has ever done an honest day's work at all before." He shook his head with a smirk, seeming unaware of Novus' sudden display of what seemed hostility to him; this was her office, after all, if she wanted to act territorial she was quite within her rights.

"Of course he intends to betray us," he replied to Visari, being equally private. "I saw into him; he cares neither for the Jedi or the Sith, only conquest. You can't even call him sentient anymore, he has more in kind with a machine." Unlike the other two, he did not appear angry at Raeg's antics, merely amused. "Do look on the bright side, though... if he keeps up like that we will doubtless have the pleasure of giving him the painful death he deserves. In the mean time, look on the funny side." What that funny side was, though, he left it to Visari to discover.

Raeg then made the mistake of insulting Novus' master, and Shard hid a smirk as she fixed her glare on him. "Actually, observe... the funny side should appear right about..."

Then she lashed out at the little freak. "...now." He couldn't hide the smirk as Novus delivered her tongue-lashing; by the time she was done it had blossomed into full gales of manic laughter. "See where your arrogance gets you!" he couldn't help but crow, before he got control of himself again. "Ahh... ahh, forgive me, my lady..." he went on, slightly out of breath. "Of course I shall be honored to oversee this fight. Hopefully it will prove worth it."

Visari, Shard knew, was one of the best defensive duelists around, specializing in protective Force powers and defensive lightsaber styles; in a fight he was nigh untouchable, something Shard wanted one day to test for himself. He didn't know first hand what Raeg could do, but judging from observation the little freak was a distance fighter, using his mind and various Telekinetic tricks to attack from far off; obviously, one only had to get in close range and it would all be over, the Falleen's pathetic body no match for even a paltry physical offense.

Interesting, indeed...

[Leto]

Raeg regarded Visari indifferently as he raged against the ugly, little Falleen. Did I offend you? That was not my intention... Now, at least. You seem to be quite upset. Relax. You are using your energy, which might be needed for later. He proceeded to adressing Visari privately. Out of all the people in this room, I did consider you the most sensible... Or was my judgment wrong? It certainly seems so. Please refrain from that mindless assault at my life that you are currently planning. It would be rather messy and this is a very fine establishment.

Suddenly, he was knocked out of his chair. Or that is, he saw that he was. A second later, it happened. With whatever tiny shred of grace that his crippled boody could muster, he pushed his chair away using the Force, and turned himself over, ending up hanging a few inches above the ground, floating. What were they doing? That could have killed him! This was... Unexpected. The Sith female seemed to have been angered by his logic assessment of her "master"'s skillset. How tiring these outbursts of emotion had become. He used the Force to pull his chair back into position, then slowly moved himself back into it. He suddenly realized that she was looking at him. Of course master. Such a thing will not repeat itself. I apologize.

He waited for the others to continue talking. The female spoke of a duel between him and the Epicanthix. Why that? Why now? Oh, well... If that is your wish, milady. However, I must insist that this duel be performed without the use of lightsabers, due to my... Special condition. In an hour? I shall be there. Of course, I do not doubt that you will make sure I will be there.

The Newcomer was just talking uselessly. Nothing worth noticing there. And then he started laughing. What an idiot. He was not worth the air that he was breathing greedily at this very moment. He talked about where Raeg's arrogance got him. Raeg looked at him. I am sure that my arrogance will end up just the same as your appearant incompetence and lack of intellect. Forgive me, but you are squandering your resources and you clearly lack the little shred of decency that seperates the two of us. You storm into this office - like I did. You lack the slightest clue of the embarrasment that I have felt. And you insult your betters... Like I did. Tell me, how are we so different again?

[Rugs]

Visari grunted at Shard's words, and nodded; the little creature did seem more cocerned with his own goals of conquest than the ones that he'd have to follow under the Sith. "The funny side?" he asked Shard back, pondering what it was the Miraluka meant.

Visari could only shake his head in frustration at the Falleen's comments to him, and threw his hands up, giving in to the fact that nothing would penetrate Raeg's insurmountable arrogance, and he had had enough trying to make the twisted creature see reason. Even so, he growled under his breath when Raeg's voice sound off within his head. "You are hardly in a position to tell anyone about sensibility, Falleen. You'd best learn your place, if you wish to stop making enemies," he retorted, speaking privately to Raeg through the Force as he had to Shard.

And then Raeg made his offhanded comment about Paxis, and Visari sighed loudly, trying to indicate to the Falleen that he was treading on ground he ought not to be. But it was too late. The now miffed Dark Lady turned on Raeg, and sent him sprawling back out of his chair with a mighty blast of the Force. Visari chuckled lightly, but he could not help but burst into laughter at Shard's outburst; the Miraluka was such an amusing fellow sometimes."And now you see what I meant, Falleen. I told you that your arrogance would only be suffered so far, yet you continued in your ways, and this is the result." Visari shook his head, and sneered at Raeg. "I really would have thought that one as old as you would have gained some wisdom through the years, but I was apparently mistaken."

Visari turned to face Novus when she addressed him, and the edge of his mouth moved up in the barest hint of a smirk. "Ferdasa," he said in Epicant, the tongue of his species. In Basic, it translated roughly to "so be it," though unless someone else in the room had spent a lot of time on Panatha or knew another Epicanthix, it was quite doubtful that they'd understand what it was he said.

"As you say, Lady Novus," he said as he stood, straining the bottom of his coat, "I will meet this... interloper in battle, to test his mettle and to see if he is worthy of joining us, before you and Shard." the smirk that had just been hinted at now bloomed out for all to see. "And I will agree to his terms-no lightsabers shall be used. But I would like to add one more... condition, if I may." The Epicanthix tapped his cane on the ground, and a light ringing resonated throug the office. "I ask that, in addition to the oversight from Shard and yourself, the duel be viewable by all who wish to see it."